Synopsis:

For three weeks, 14-year-old Hayley Stark (Ellen Page) has been chatting on-line with 'Lensmaster319', a 32-year old fashion photographer, named Jeff (Patrick Wilson). The two agree to meet at a coffee shop. They hit it off, despite the massive age difference. Flirting ensues by both parties and Jeff generally restrains himself, even admitting that he must wait 4-years until he can be with her. But his reservations are apparently not enough to decline when Hayley all but invites herself over to his house. Once at the house, manipulation becomes the name of the game, only who is manipulating who quickly becomes the question.

The Freak's Rating: B+ : Are you among the millions who think that Juno was Ellen Page's coming out party?  Don't feel bad, you're not alone.  Back when she was simply known as a 19 year old up and comer from Nova Scotia, Ellen Page arose critical praise for her work in Hard Candy.  It no doubt was the main contribution to her being chosen for the role in Juno, thrusting her into the spotlight.  Many thought she didn't deserve the nomination for Juno, but this girl has acting chops.  This performance in Hard Candy puts the one in Juno to shame if you ask me.  She is downright terrifying here.  The Academy Awards often fail to recognize a film because it doesn't make the leap to mainstream acceptance and they missed recognizing performances in this one.  Hard Candy received a standing ovation at Sundance and was given Best Picture via the Audience awards in 2004, yet never had a chance to make the leap.  With its raw subject matter, it was immediately shoved under the carpet until critical praise made it a hit on DVD.

Watching the trailer, I imagine there are many who utter the words "eww" and "gross", but judge not the book by its cover ladies and gentlemen.  Seeing a 32 year old pickup a 14 year old and take her home with him may not seem like a movie you'd be interested in, but this one has a unique twist and is well worth the price of admission. 

Not opening anywhere near me, I was as anxious as could be about seeing Hard Candy, hearing all the critical buzz and adding it to my Netflix queue nearly a year before it finally arrived at my door.  To me there is nothing quite like when a DVD arrives that I've been waiting to see.  I get so anxious to see it that I typically go into work early that day just so I can get home to watch it earlier in the evening.  Hard Candy did not disappoint. 

Patrick Wilson has gone on to do one of my favorite films of the decade, Little Children, and he is as solid as can be in the role of Jeff.  He is, however, overshadowed by the brilliance of Ellen Page's Hayley.  Hayley has an innocence and devilish nature that only Page could give her.  This is a tough one to recommend because of the subject matter.  It certainly isn't for everyone.  For those who read the synopsis and want to take a chance on what I still call "the hardest movie I've ever had to watch", you will not be disappointed.  Just be prepared to be disturbed.  I was instantly creeped out in this one, from the opening credits to the ending scene.  I was terrified, squirming in my chair, sickened to the point of possibly shutting it off and I enjoyed every minute of it! 

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