Filmmaker Sean Byrne’s 2015 horror picture does have some good things going for it. Namely, the 80 minute run time.
The two stars bring back fond memories for me. Ethan Embry and Shiri Appleby are nearly unrecognizable here. Appleby was a staple of late 90s WB programming. Embry stars in one of my Top 100 faves – “Can’t Hardly Wait.” While the film isn’t good, it was fun to watch these two together on screen.
Jesse Hellman (Embry) is a struggling artist and family man. Together with wife Astrid (Appleby) and teen daughter Zooey (Kiara Glasco) they move into a new house, the price discounted because of deaths occurring on the property. “It’s not like Charlie Manson lived here.” Jesse tells Astrid. News flash – Bad idea.
The haunted house motif is an October staple. I did like the inclusion of garbled voices Jesse hears. And the color scheme of the film matches with the artist background of the character.
The plot is a bit of a mess. Satanic voices. A seemingly possessed former owner of the house. Stalking. The characters last name is Hellman. Come on. The movie is loud and by the end, abrasive.
“The Devil’s Candy” came up on a list of scariest movies you may have missed. Trust me. You won’t be scared. Save yourself the time and find something else to snack on.
