THE CANDY SHOP (Short Film Review)

Directed by: Brandon McCormick

Written by: Charlie Wetzel

Running Time: 30 minutes

Watch It!: click here

The art of the short horror film is much like the art of the short horror story. It requires real talent, skill, and a strong story to get you invested in the story that will leave an impact on you long after the tale has come to it's conclusion (that's what the top-notch stories do). It brings out the best or the worst of the creative talents involved in the making of such a horror tale. THE CANDY SHOP is bar-none the greatest horror short I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing.
It's a fairy tale shot with amazing skill and dark atmosphere lurking throughout it's 30 minute running-time. It contains superior acting from everyone involved (especially Doug Jones, who plays the story's villian). The story is a gothic fairy tale (that feels like The Brothers Grimm met up with Tim Burton and hatched a plan for a beautiful, touching story that tackles the touchy subject of the sex trafficking of children).
The story itself is about a paperboy who discovers something odd is going on at the Candy Shop across the street. Creepy men go in, so do little girls, but the men come out, while the young girls never reappear. The CandyMan (Doug Jones) attempts to recruit the paperboy, and reveals the dark secrets of the Candy Shop to him. This makes for a disturbing, dark, touching story that could have easily filled a feature-length runtime.
Grade: A+: This is one of the absolute best short horror films that I have ever witnessed. It's just astonishing how fantastic this is. It's a dark fairy tale that is actually suitable for teens (or maybe even younger) who won't pick up on the deeper meaning behind this story, but there is nothing really bad content wise at all...just a disturbing atmosphere. Remarkable short film! It's avaliable to watch for free if you click on the link above!