The Internet.  The seemingly never ending space where a myriad of data passes from computer to computer to computer. Amongst that data are the "We have a meeting tomrorrow", and "If you act now" messages, being passed around by people who have names like "sexyykittn37", "BikrJon1961", "Thonggrrrl14", "Lensman319".  These are ordinary people like you and me... Or so they seem.  Enter HARD CANDY.  NOTE:  This movie is NOT for the weak of heart.

Today is the day that Jeff (online handle: Lensman319) finally gets to meet Hayley (Thonggrrrl14) after chattting online.  They share a lot of flirty chats, witty and sarcastic banter back and forth over the 'net, and things have peaked to point of  "put up or shut up" so to speak.  Jeff, not one to back down so easily when recieving the loaded questions that Hayley so expertly hurls at him from her keyboard manages to get her to agree to meet.

Once the two meet, she does what many women do – play coy.  But that doesn't last long.  Jeff looks like an art student complete with glasses, while Hayley looks like a mall-rat with a high IQ. She tells Jeff that she's glad they decided to meet. The two finally admit that they were both more than they expected.  When Jeff alludes about him being a photographer, Hayley plays at having Jeff take her photo.  Once at Jeff's house – which doubles as his studio – Hayley begins to bloom. Jeff gets his camera to capture the moment... but Jeff passes out.  When he wakes up, he realizes his situation has changed.

I have to say, the trailer for this film had me from the beginning – stylish, a true teaser.  When the movie came on DVD, I immediately got one.  The trailer was just a glimpse into the full-on mind-bender that HARD CANDY really is.  It will make you think about what you do, what you say, and who you talk to not only online, but anywhere else as well.  One of my co-workers had gotten this one before me, and would ask me everyday if I got it.  Once I did he we had a really good discussion on it's subject matter and the underlying situation that this movie presents.  One conclusion we came across was the fact that this could actually happen and/or DOES happen in some shape or form.  Sometimes it's on the news, sometimes you never hear about it.  I must warn though, there are things that happen in this film that may be a bit strong for some.  Yes, it's THAT powerful.  This film also teaches that "Little Red Riding Hood" may not also be heading to Grandma's house when you do come across her.

– Brian K. James