Hard Candy (2006)

Vulcan Productions
Theatrical Release Date: April 14, 2006 (USA)
Director: James Slade
Rated R

Review by James Harper

Hard Candy is a riveting movie. This is a movie that will keep you leaning forward in your chair almost the whole way through. This is not a movie for the kids. It is an adult movie. The plot deals with a teenage girl turning the tables on a pedophile. Ellen Page, who plays the 14 year old Hayley, is completely believable in this role. Ellen is actually 19. Patrick Wilson plays the pedophile, Jeff, who is stalking Hayley (boy he is going to wish he had taken the time to see this movie before he started messing with this 14 year old girl). The movie moves at a quick even pace, no messing about here. Let me give you a warning though, this movie will not be for everyone and will not be to everyone's taste. The plot is a little gimmicky towards the end but do not let that dissuade you from seeing it if you are interested. The dialogue is never less than interesting and often grabs your attention.

The plot feels like a very good rewrite of Audition and has a lot in common with that movie. And I have some of the same issues with both movies. That is I tend not too like it when a movie goes from telling a story and instead spends its time treating a character in a movie in a very sadistic manner. Are we getting pleasure from a plot point or from seeing a person tortured? Hard Candy comes very close to crossing this line so be forewarned. If you are squeamish then this movie may not be for you. That said Ellen Page is great in this movie and it is worth going to see this movie based on her performance alone. The movie was written by Brian Nelson who has done mostly TV work before this. The film was directed by David Slade. He wisely did not let anything get in the way of telling of the story. You could not really edit this film or cut anything out without effecting the overall story. The ending felt a little gimmicky to me, but it was not a major flaw. The film works quite well, and it is worth tracking down. I hope Hard Candy is showing in a cinema near you.