ON the surface, Hard Candy seems to be a Hollywood reflection of the reasonable fears people have about the Internet and child safety.

However, though this movie has a lot of potential by dealing with a fairly new and controversial subject, it does not take it far enough.

This is because while the first half of the film is an accomplished and creepy exploration of two unusual characters, the second part becomes your regular cat-and-mouse affair.

Jeff is a 32-year-old photographer who likes to meet girls on the 'net, and the vulnerable 14-year-old Hayley seems to be the latest caught in his web.

The confident and charismatic Jeff meets Hayley in a coffee shop and shortly after, the pair head off for Jeff's secluded house in the hills.

To say what happens in the house would ruin the experience but the movie becomes a roller coaster ride while you try to work out who is the real victim and who is telling the truth.

Nevertheless, it is worth pointing out there is a gruesome scene in the movie that will have every male in the audience cringing, so don't go if you're too squeamish.

The highlight of the film, though, is the outstanding performance by newcomer, Ellen Page as Hayley.

To conclude, this movie is a curious combination of a potential real-life situation blended with Hollywood horror - and credit also goes to director David Slade for leaving the film so open to interpretation.

7/10 - Caught in the net