Rather than focus on all the positive things the internet can be used for (downloading illegal music, multiplayer gaming mayhem, driving directions, porn… probably some other stuff), Lionsgate’s thriller Hard Candy instead concentrates on a disturbing and increasingly real trend.
The movie follows a lecherous thirtysomething photographer with reprehensible intentions who uses the internet to pick up underage girls, which I personally would never ever do, ever (my parole officer reads the site). But when a particularly piquant slice of veal lands on his plate, he gets more than he bargained for as the predator becomes the proverbial prey.
Aside from giving me potential tips for future use (whoops – damn probation), the movie is notable for a couple of reasons: 1) it’s the first major feature role for Ellen Page, who’ll be playing fresh young mutant Kitty Pryde in X-Men 3, and 2) director David Slade was handpicked to helm the hyped vampire flick 30 Days of Night for Sam Raimi’s Ghost House company.