Dare to say his name five times in the mirror? Bernard Rose's 1992 horror classic Candyman continues to haunt our nightmares with its perfect blend of urban legend, racial commentary, and genuine terror.

We journey through the decaying hallways of Chicago's notorious Cabrini-Green housing project alongside Virginia Madsen's Helen, a graduate student whose research into urban legends leads her to the horrifying truth behind the hook-handed killer. As we dissect this influential film that scored 79% on Rotten Tomatoes, we explore how the tragic origin story of Daniel Robitaille transforms what could have been a standard slasher into a haunting meditation on America's racial history and the power of belief.

From the unforgettable performance of Tony Todd (who earned $1,000 for each of his 23 bee stings during filming!) to Philip Glass's ethereal score and those disturbingly realistic practical effects, we examine why Candyman remains so effective three decades later. The infamous bathroom scene still makes our skin crawl, while the film's social commentary feels more relevant than ever.

Whether you're a longtime fan who can't look in mirrors without anxiety or a curious newcomer wondering if this classic holds up against modern horror, our deep dive reveals why Candyman transcended its slasher roots to become a genuine horror milestone. The hook-handed killer's legacy extends far beyond its three sequels, influencing everything from Jordan Peele's 2021 sequel to how we understand the intersection of horror and social issues.

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When criminal psychologist Bill Chrushank loses his arm in a devastating car crash, a groundbreaking transplant procedure gives him a second chance. There's just one catch - his new arm once belonged to a vicious serial killer. As Bill begins to recover, the appendage seems to develop a will of its own, acting with increasing violence against his family and others.

What starts as a medical miracle rapidly descends into a nightmare as Bill struggles to maintain control while questioning the very nature of evil itself. Could malevolence truly reside within flesh and bone, transferable from one person to another? Or is he simply losing his grip on sanity? When Bill discovers he's not the only recipient of the killer's body parts, a terrifying conspiracy begins to unfold.

Body Parts (1991) represents a curious moment in horror cinema, attempting to blend philosophical questions with visceral body horror but never fully committing to either approach. Jeff Fahey delivers an earnest performance as a man literally at war with himself, while Brad Dourif shines as a fellow transplant recipient whose artistic talents have taken a disturbing turn. The practical effects and makeup work remain impressive decades later, showcasing the craftsmanship of pre-digital filmmaking.

Released amid unfortunate timing with the capture of Jeffrey Dahmer, this film has developed a small cult following despite its flaws. Featuring impressive stunt work (including a car crash scene where a stunt performer was accidentally ejected 50 feet without a harness), Body Parts serves as both a time capsule of early 90s horror and a fascinating "what could have been" had it fully embraced its inherently campy premise.

Curious about where evil truly resides? Subscribe to Screams and Streams for our full breakdown of this overlooked horror film and many others spanning five decades of terror.

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Take two aspirin and prepare for a lethal dose of 90s medical horror as we dissect "Dr. Giggles," the 1992 cult slasher that transforms everyday medical tools into weapons of destruction. Larry Drake delivers a maniacal performance as the titular villain whose high-pitched laugh and cringe-worthy puns accompany each of his uniquely gruesome kills.

With an impressive body count of 17 victims, Dr. Giggles dispatches his patients using oversized tongue depressors, thermometers through eye sockets, and even a giant band-aid for suffocation. Despite scoring a meager 23% on Rotten Tomatoes, this film has developed a devoted following among fans who appreciate its practical gore effects and unintentionally humorous moments. We explore how the original concept for a serious serial killer story was transformed into the campy horror comedy we see today, much to director Manny Cotto's dismay.

Behind-the-scenes trivia reveals fascinating production choices, like the custom-built house that was constructed solely to be blown up in the finale and the oversized props created for unique POV shots. We also uncover casting what-ifs, including Jennifer Aniston and Ashley Judd's auditions for the female lead and Ted Danson being considered for Dr. Giggles himself.

Whether you view this film as a guilty pleasure or an eye-rolling exercise in 90s horror excess depends on your tolerance for medical puns and absurd plot holes. But one thing's certain – you'll never look at a routine check-up the same way again. The doctor is in... sane!

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