Reviews: Bad Candy (2020) Movie Review
Genres: Horror, Thriller
Subgenres: Comedy, Holiday, Supernatural, Survival, Halloween, Halloween - Slasher, Suburbs, Teens, Thrill Kill
HellHorror’s review of Bad Candy (2020) breaks down the plot, scares, cast performances, and its lasting impact on the horror genre.
Bad Candy (2020) is a Halloween-themed horror anthology that weaves together multiple sinister tales set in the small town of New Salem. The stories, each connected by a late-night radio show, depict supernatural entities, twisted morality tales, and slasher-inspired carnage. Directed by Scott B. Hansen and Desiree Connell, the film follows the classic anthology structure, attempting to blend Creepshow and Trick ‘r Treat with a low-budget, indie-horror aesthetic.
Bad Candy (2020) – Halloween Horror Anthology Review
Director and Main Cast
The film boasts a recognizable horror icon, alongside a mix of up-and-coming actors:
- Zach Galligan (Gremlins) as Paul, the radio host guiding us through the anthology.
- Corey Taylor (Slipknot, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City) as Chilly Billy, his co-host.
- Derek Russo, Bill Pacer, and a variety of lesser-known actors filling out the cast.
Galligan and Taylor offer solid performances, but they don’t get much screen time, making them feel more like horror cameos rather than central figures.
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
Like most horror anthologies, Bad Candy features several short stories, all tied together by a common thread—the town of New Salem, where things tend to go horribly wrong on Halloween night.
The themes revolve around:
- Halloween myths and urban legends – The film explores classic horror folklore, including creepy clowns, possessed dolls, and haunted houses.
- Karmic retribution – Many of the segments follow the Tales from the Crypt formula, where bad people meet gruesome fates.
- The unpredictability of evil – Some characters suffer random, senseless violence, while others barely escape the supernatural chaos.
Unfortunately, the character development is minimal. Most of the segments lack depth, serving as excuses for stylized gore rather than meaningful storytelling.
Acting and Cinematography
The film’s visuals are its strongest element, with:
- Bold Halloween aesthetics – A vibrant use of orange, purples, and eerie neon lighting creates a festive-yet-ominous atmosphere.
- Creative practical effects – Some segments include impressive makeup work, even if others rely too heavily on cheap CGI blood splatter.
- Chaotic editing – The film jumps between stories erratically, making it hard to follow at times.
In terms of acting, the performances are hit-or-miss.
- Zach Galligan brings a calm, charismatic presence as the radio DJ.
- Corey Taylor, despite his horror pedigree, feels underutilized.
- Many of the other actors struggle with unnatural dialogue and forced delivery, making some scenes unintentionally funny.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Directors Scott B. Hansen and Desiree Connell aim to create a love letter to Halloween horror, but their execution is inconsistent.
Strengths:
- Great Halloween atmosphere – The decorations, costumes, and color palette scream Halloween.
- Some fun, gory moments – A few segments deliver solid practical effects and brutal kills.
- Anthology variety – Different horror subgenres are explored, from creature horror to psychological terror.
Weaknesses:
- Weak storytelling – Most segments lack tension, originality, or strong payoffs.
- Choppy pacing – The film cuts between stories abruptly, making it feel disjointed rather than seamlessly connected.
- Over-reliance on clichés – Many segments rehash common horror tropes without adding fresh twists.
- Flat characters – There’s little reason to care about the victims, making the kills feel empty rather than impactful.
Final Verdict & Score: 4/10
In Conclusion – Is Bad Candy Worth Watching?
If you’re looking for a Halloween-themed horror anthology, Bad Candy offers festive visuals and some gory fun, but fails to deliver engaging stories or memorable scares. While die-hard horror anthology fans might find a few enjoyable moments, most viewers will be frustrated by its inconsistent pacing, weak acting, and repetitive tropes.
For those seeking better Halloween anthologies, Trick ‘r Treat (2007), Tales of Halloween (2015), or Creepshow are far stronger choices. Bad Candy tries to capture that spirit but ends up feeling like a forgettable entry in the genre.
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- Bad Candy Rating Scores
- Our Score: 4/10
- Overall Score: 4.26/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 4.4/10
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