BootDigest
Such a frustrating disappointment
Titreenp
SERIOUSLY. This is what the crap Hollywood still puts out?
Voxitype
Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.
Gurlyndrobb
While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.
Horst in Translation (filmreviews@web.de)
"The Candy Shop" is an American half-hour live action film from 6 years ago that is mostly about the problem of child traficking in the Atlanta area. This is pretty worrying topic as it shows that even in big rich countries there are still problems like these. The director is Brandon McCormick and the writer is Charlie Wetzel. Cast also includes a couple known names, especially Doug Jones. Unfortunately, the script loses itself completely at times in the candy shop metaphor and the connection towards the subject feels lost. The written information at the end of the film cannot make up for this lack of focus. I agree that it is an important subject, but the way it was executed here it does not raise half the awareness that it should, which is probably also why his little movie is not too well-known. The acting, which is good, sure is not the reason. It must be the weak script. I do not recommend "The Candy Shop".
johnstonjames
first of all i have to state that yes, i believe that there is sex traffic of children and young adults of both sexes, not just girls. boys just probably are more capable in that situation. i had to state that because some people who might happen to read my review may find it callous or insensitive.i completely accept the facts here except for the omission that many males are kidnapped and are sex trafficked too. the problem one may have with my opinion is that i'm kind of apathetic toward that and every other cause. i'm not really into "causes". the world is full of misery and i've just kind of grown to accept it and just live with it. i also don't really like messages that are too alarmist. i also thought this film was too entertaining and sort of for kids to be too effective in conveying any kind of message. this message is too important and should probably be left up to a straight out documentary approach.this film should appeal to kids though. it appealed to me. and Heaven knows i'm pretty immature for my age. i watch horror movies and cult movies and cartoons. i thought it had a cool look to it. it was dark and scary. it owed a lot of it's look to the films of Tim Burton and David lynch. i thought it's satirical send up of movies like 'Willy Wonka' and 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' were hilarious and disturbing.this film is also a good example of independent filmmaking and distribution on a polished and successful level. it is a example of good marketing of a independent short film on the internet. i love short independent filmmaking. it is a great way for many independent filmmaker to get their start and get their voices heard. not everyone should have to rely on big studios and their greedy corporate executives to gain approval all the time.bravo and kudos to this little film on so many levels. not just for exposing a important topic, but for paving the way for a whole new era in filmmaking in general and in how we approach and view it. and if kids are going to get on the internet to enjoy movies and entertainment for God's sake, let's first and foremost keep them truly safe. Amen to that one.
Jonathan Pate
Alone the trailer for The Candy Shop left me sitting with my mouth open and shivers down my spine. A very touchy subject and a very brave and aware director with the name of Brandon McCormick just bursting to expose to a wide audience what is going on in HIS doorstep - I hoped it would pay off.Doug Jones (Pan's Labyrinth, Hellboy, Legion) takes the role of the Candy Shop owner and makes the character so deliciously believably evil. Something is telling you STOP! But you just can't not enter the shop with him.Only when the inquisitive Jimmy, played by Mattie Liptak, who watches the day to day goings on from his vantage point across the street gets involved does help seem to be at hand. Adults don't have time to get involved - it's not their business anyway.A dark ending, yes, but so true to life.This film needs the highest exposure, a masterpiece
mail-jphilip
Very well written and produced. Great dialect and metaphors. I've been following WSMP since the great story of the Tin Man from Wizard of OZ "Heartless" (you will have to google that one); and they never fall short from their niche - which is to tell a great story!My expectations were set really high on this film due to the trend that has been set with their previous films. I must say, although The Candy Shop is a bit controversial, the message is clear and the quality of the film is again, outstanding.I give it another "bag of kudos" for WhiteStone. I look forward to more from this Georgia Based film company.J. Philip - HIFI Communications