'Hard Candy' Causes Quite a Controversy

When we're kids, our parents teach us not to talk to strangers, especially not on the Internet, but as we grow older we seem to forget these oh-so-important rules. When the 32 year old Jeff meets the 14 year old Hayley in a chat room, they plan to meet after three weeks of very flirtatious chatting. The suave, rich, photographer is thoroughly impressed by the seemingly shy, young, innocent Hayley and invites her back to his studio home. What Jeff doesn't know, is that Hayley is on a mission, and will soon prove that appearances can't be trusted.

After a tour of his home, a couple screwdrivers, and an impromptu photo shoot gone wrong, the sweetheart Hayley makes a complete 180 and transforms into a sadistic, strong young woman who 4 out of 5 doctors agree is insane, proving herself to be a handful. She has a plan for him, and nothing will change her mind, but first she wants answers. Hayley questions Jeff about the teenage girls he's photographed, slings pedophilia and murder accusations, and goes on a frantic search for evidence- although she really doesn't need it. Jeff becomes a prisoner in his own home, is tied up constantly and is abused emotionally and physically. Will Hayley give Jeff what he deserves? Is Hayley really insane, and Jeff is really innocent as he claims? If so, will he make it out unharmed?

Hard Candy is a thrilling film. The twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat, and the controversial topics will make you think. It's actually so controversial, it's been banned in China and Malaysia. The only downside to Hard Candy that I have, is that it left me with a lot of questions. It never really answered the question as to what really happened in Jeff's past, or if Hayley was really in the wrong.

Overall, it's a good dramatic flick.