Hard Candy

Staring off in an Internet chat room, you find an overly flirtatious young girl talk with an overly eager man talking about a place to meet up for the first time. Sure your first impression is "eh... who cares." But when we first see Hayley Stark (Ellen Page) and Jeff Kohlver (Patrick Wilson) we see the beginning of a rather interesting plot line.

Hayley and Jeff meet at a road side restaurant. They knew the other person instantly the moment they entered the door. A little flirting happens, Hayley teases Jeff a bit, and she hitches a ride to his house where they have a few drinks - a ever so appropriate screw driver - and Hayley finds that Jeff is a photographer - Jeff finds that she's a High Honor Roll Student - and wants to do a photo shoot. Jeff agrees. Once in the living room, Hayley starts to remove her clothing, and Jeff suddenly isn't feeling well. Falling to the floor, the screen goes black and reappears with Jeff sitting in a chair tied up and can't escape.

As it turns out, Hayley Stark is on a mission. Her friend is missing and she knows Jeff had something to do with it. Going through his house she taunts him by ruining his pictures, threatening to hang him, and even threatening to remove his precious balls. It's all very entertaining, especially since this is a thirteen year old going against an adult and winning.

In the end though, it's just a simple game of cat and lion. Hayley attacks Jeff, Jeff gets back at Hayley. Hayley tries to kill Jeff - and could have succeeded - she makes a mistake - nice move Honer Roll Student - and Jeff gets out and kind of attempts to kill Hayley. It goes back and forth through out the entire movie, each character getting an even chance. Jeff is mostly confused and wonders how Hayley is like this, to which she replies "I already told you. Nine out of ten doctors all agree that I'm insane."

Although the movie is repetitive, and the plot is bleh, the actors themselves make the movie worth while. Patrick Wilson took the roll of a pedophile to the next level and takes almost loosing his package surprisingly well. Ellen Page is great as Hayley, she's cute - kind of little girl next doorish - and is incredibly witty. You'll mainly enjoy the way she manages to get Jeff into the traps, and her witty taunts that literally drive him over the edge.

In my personal opinion the movie gets a 3 1/2 out of 5. The movie would be good for anyone who love watching people hurt each other - and themselves - for anyone who's a fan of Ellen Page, and for anyone who just likes it when kids kick adults asses. Its a not so great plot but a great film. Hope you enjoy.