The Candy Shop

Whitestone Motion Pictures does it again, creating a 30 minute film packed with as much emotion and power as a feature-length film. The Candy Shop is an allegorical tale about child sex trafficking, and director Brandon McCormick handles the difficult subject matter with grace. The film is not preachy or overbearing, but rather makes its point candidly and simply.

Doug Jones is incredibly creepy as the shop owner, especially in the film's climax scene. Mattie Liptak does well as Jimmy, the protagonist. His friend Nancy is played by Abigail Monet, who does an incredible job portraying a street urchin.

The film is bolstered by Nick Kirk's score, and the beautiful darkness of the cinematography lends itself to presenting the subject matter somberly.

A truly brave outing into a dark subject matter. Moments of excellence and enough jumps and tears to make this, in my mind, a classic. Doug Jones shines as always. If you're a fan of Neil Gaiman then this ones for you as it ticks all the boxes. I support the National Society for the Prottection of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) and this film covers the horrific reality of child trafficking without turning into a peace of study matter (although it should be studied closely). The director has taken a massive gamble with a taboo subject and pulled it off with flying colours. I hope this film reaches a wider audience and opens societies eyes to the reality of child abuse. I hope this review hasn't scared you off as I would recommend this film to everyone.

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

I completely support what this group of inspiring filmmakers are up to. This film is so beautiful to watch - the production design, the costumes, the colours, the make up - each element works so well in telling the story. Each element has a defined purpose, and that's one of the many things that make this film so special.

You can just see the passion that went in to making this film. It's in the dialogue, the characters, and the overall metaphor. All executed so artistically. Doug Jones is sufficiently creepy, and Mattie Liptak as young Jimmy makes a role that could have been very cheesy, very heroic and believable. The production itself is outstanding, I think we could all learn a lot from these guys.

I can't sing the praises of Whitestone enough. I am a young filmmaker in Australia and I follow all their work and spread the word throughout my community here about them. Keep going guys, you're already making a huge difference in the world of film-making. Next stop, Oscars.

What a BRILLIANT way to make a PSA. Such a creative approach to show awareness of this horrible and haunting reality in the Atlanta Community.

I loved the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Theme...It really drew me in instantly!! This story touched me and brought me to tears.

I have known about this horrible victimizing problem in our Atlanta community for some time now and I am so pleased to see such a talented and bright production team bring light and attention to this horror.

I don't think anyone could of done it in a more captivating way. I loved the picture, script, talented actors,,,etc etc!!! Great job guys, GREAT JOB!