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Hard Candy
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Metascore
58 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 30 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.6 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 209 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Starring: Ellen Page, Patrick Wilson
  • Summary: A cat-and-mouse psychotic thriller as incisive as it is stylish, Hard Candy delivers a provocative take on the revenge drama while jangling nerves at every turn. The film plunges us into an unstable universe where we cannot readily identify the "good guy" in the tense confrontation between a 14-year-old girl and the 32-year-old man she suspects of pedophilia and murder. (Lionsgate)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 30
  3. Negative: 6 out of 30
  1. Film Threat
    Reviewed by: Eric Campos
    100
    A tough sit, but it attracts more than repels you. It commands your attention. Once it lands its hooks in you, there's no tearing away.
  2. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Scott Foundas
    60
    The more things drag on, the more monotonous they become and, by the end, Hard Candy has devolved into a rather transparent game of one-upmanship in which Hayley and Jeff come across in almost equally repellent measure, their behaviors driven less by organic impulses than by their need to satisfy the script's elaborate series of reversals and counter-reversals.
  3. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Michael Phillips
    38
    High-minded sleaze, the film deceives you with its first 10 minutes, which are interestingly creepy.

See all 30 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 60
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 60
  3. Negative: 12 out of 60
  1. SeanC
    10
    The movie draws you in with Hayley's innocence, and soon turns. It surely isn't a movies everyone will like, the intensity is hard to sit though. I undeniably enjoyed it, but it took a while to get over the entirety of, in fact, it took me a week to decide weather or not I even liked the movie. I came to the conclusion that it was my undeniable favorite, if not just for the fact that it took me that long to decide. The only problem about it is, that although it is my favorite, I doubt I will ever watch it again, it's simply too intense. It is a true "Must See".… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. MarkJ.
    5
    Hard Candy does not surprise in its ability to leave an audience shell shocked whilst failing to achieve critical acclaim. A brave narrative which revolves around the dialogue between an unbelievably psychotic teenager and a middle aged man seeking sex with minors never goes further than cliched one-upmanship which becomes as irritating as it is pointless. If your up for a shock thriller which ultimately leaves you knowing nothing more of the characters than you do after 20 minutes, then this will probably be an entertaing 90 minutes, otherwise avoid this at all costs, you'll only be left feeling cheated that you attempted to invest any emotion in what are two poorly structured and equally un-appealing characters.… Expand
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  3. MatthewW
    2
    Terrible. I truly cannot understand how everyone else gave this film such a high rating. While the acting was certianly something to be applauded the movie fails in what it sets out to do: show how sick pedophiles are and teach them a lesson. Throughout the entire movie, nothing at all happens to make the audience feel justified in enjoying or at least repecting what Hayley is doing to Jeff. It is implied, yes, but within the context of the movie it is far to weak, especially considering what happens to Jeff. I almost cound not finish watching the picture and found myself cheering whenever Jeff actually managed to escape. Of course, if you like watching people get tortured for no reason, (at least this is how it seems), then defintely check this one out. Otherwise, take my advice and go watch something more entertaining such as 300. At least there's some explanation for all that bloodshed.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 60 User Reviews

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