Hard Candy DVD

director: David Slade
writer: Brian Nelson

You may know her as Kitty Pryde in X-Men: The Last Stand, but behind Ellen Page's sweet exterior lies Hard Candy.

Visually, the film looks like candy: bright, vivid colors in the background and stark color contrasts change with the mood and tone and accentuate the angelic face of the young protagonist.

Many will think the word protagonist should be used loosely, even though older, male action hero counterparts who masquerade around in the night and slay "bad" men are considered heroes.

Whether you sympathize with the 14-year-old vigilante and condone her "extreme" actions or not, this is a fascinating look into the psychology of two disturbed people. Controversial to the candy core, the sheer audacity and balls of this film should draw viewers.

Special features include crew and cast commentary, extensive behind-the-scenes featurettes, and extended scenes.

rating: ****/***** (a definite-see)

recommendations: American Psycho, Leon (The Professional), Brick, Sin City