Our most enduring urban legends are wrapped in fear and terror, but speak more presciently to social ills and political inequity. That’s the thesis for a grad student (Virginia Madsen) who decides to explore the depths of the “Candyman” legend that circulates in the Black-dominated Cabrini-Green housing projects in Chicago; but her search may come up with more than she bargained for. Adapted loosely from a Clive Barker short story, Candyman drips with horror, suspense, and eroticism, a complicated and contradictory examination of the racialized, politicized nature of storytelling itself, why urban legends live or die, and who gets to tell those stories. Featuring a masterful performance from Tony Todd as the eponymous ghost; just don’t say his name five times in the mirror.

Directed by acclaimed director Ridley Scott and starring the incredibly talented Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington, the 2007 film ‘American Gangster’ is sure not to disappoint. Based on a true story, ‘American Gangster’ tells the twisting story of Frank Lucas, who after the death of his mentor becomes a prominent drug king pin in the Harlem district of Manhattan. Entangled in the story of Frank Lucas is Richie Roberts, the policeman who is tasked with bringing down Frank and his entire empire. ‘American Gangster’ is full of twists and turns that will capture your attention until the last minute of the movie. Expertly acted by Hollywood heavyweights and skilfully created, ‘American Gangster’ is a clever and well balanced movie that will be a favourite for any lover of the gritty crime genre.

The 1995 film, ‘The Usual Suspects’ is one that will keep you guessing the whole way through. When five criminals meet in a seemingly random police line up, they decide to commit a crime. As the lives of the men become entangled with a mysterious crime boss named Keyser Soze, they all learn that at some point they have wronged Soze and now payback is due. This movie will take you on a whole lot of twists and turns as you try to uncover the answer to the ultimate question, just who is Keyser Soze? An amazingly clever movie, ‘The Usual Suspects’ will capture your attention until the end and is a mind bending movie that is well worth a watch.