I dunno. There's that whole nature versus nurture question, isn't it? Was I born a cute, vindictive, little b***h or... did society make me that way?

Hello I am the movie encyclopedia and if no one else will see it, I will.

Pedophiles and pedophelia is a very touchy subject in today's world. It has been the butt of many jokes


as well as some hard hitting journalism

but either way it is a pretty delicate subject to handle WELL. But Brian Nelson, a famous playwrite who has done a few TV episodes and one other movie, along with Dave Higgins, a famous producer who worked under Tony and Ridley Scott, came up with an idea for a movie that dealt with this very subject...but done in a unique way. What comes out of it is Hard Candy, a low budget film that showcases a very controversial story and the acting abilities of Patrick Wilson and Ellen Page as well as first time director David Slade.

Hard Candy is the story of Hayley (Page in her first major motion picture), a 14 year old girl who has struck up a conversation with 32 year old photographer Jeff (Wilson) online. Jeff and Hayley agree to meet for coffee and from there Jeff takes Hayley back to his house to have a few screwballs (a drink) and take some photos. Just when this sounds like the makings of a pedophile taking advantage of a young girl, the tables turn when Hayley drugs Jeff and tortures him.

Its a very intensely told story that walks the fine line between brilliant and Saw material. If Ellen Page would have been TOO smart or TOO crafty then she would look like a would be serial killer and if Patrick Wilson looked TOO much like a dirty pervert or looked TOO nice then his character would be judged immediatley. Instead what you get is a back and forth struggle for power between the two that leads to very interesting scenes and intriguing dialogue pieces.

Page is phenominal in this movie wearing practically no makeup and no revealing clothes but instead relying on her sheer talent as an actress to win over the audience. Page was only 18 when the movie was made and two years before her breakout role in Juno. Although young, she shows major acting chops in this movie doing and saying things actors her age wouldnt think of.

Wilson is brilliant as well. I personally think that he is extremly underrated as an actor because he is great in every role he does. He always gets deep into his roles and in some movies is practically unrecognizable. He shows a lot of dedication in this movie even going so far as to actually pass out during one of the scenes while he was shooting it. If that isnt devotion to craft I dont know what is.

Its dark, its controversial and its disturbing...but its a brilliant movie done with a very small cast (6 people altogether with one not actually credited) and is a joy to watch. A movie that makes you think.

MY VERDICT: OWN IT