I Want Candy

I Want Candy is a British sex comedy film that connects ambition, passion, and humor in a unique and satisfying manner. Director Stephen Surjik brings to life a screenplay penned by the brilliant trio of Phil Hughes, Jamie Minoprio, and Jonathan Stern. The film is named after a classic hit song from the 1960s, performed by the Strangeloves.

The plot revolves around the ambitious dreams of two young men, Joe Clarke (Tom Riley) and John 'Bagsy' Bagley (Tom Burke). Both are film students with a burning desire to break into the fantastic world of filmmaking. Joe, a talented, creative, and visionary filmmaker, dreams of making a cinematic masterpiece, while Bagsy, his best friend and producer, sees this as an opportunity to leave his mark in the film industry.

The friends are confident in their abilities to create a groundbreaking film, but there's just one little issue – they lack the necessary funding. Their university fails to fund their project, leading them to explore different avenues. In the search of making their dream come true, they've got to convince their families, pull strings, and even persuade a saucy adult movie star into their cinematic venture. It’s a rollercoaster ride of comedy, drama, and determination.

The boys unexpectedly end up with an opportunity to make an adult film. Despite the content, Joe and Bagsy are determined to bring their cinematic cut above the traditional adult films and create something distinctive and artistic. After a couple of failed attempts to secure high-profile leading ladies, they're forced to make do with Candy Fiveways (Carmen Electra), a notorious yet popular adult film star. Candy's involvement gives their project an added layer of comedy and complexity.

The journey sees the duo tackling numerous obstacles and hilarious incidents to keep their dream alive. They rough it out at every stage of the film production, from writing the script, casting, shooting, post-production, and finally, the grand premiere of their movie. Their unflinching determination, dedication, and, importantly, their friendship pushes them through as they go about making their unconventional movie.

The cast of I Want Candy executes the script with an ideal blend of natural humor and dramatic tension. Tom Riley and Tom Burke share an outstanding on-screen camaraderie, and their bright and energetic performances, with bursts of British humor, are the heart of the film.

Carmen Electra's role as Candy Fiveways adds color and a dash of glamour to the film. Her character is funny, challenging, and bound to keep audiences hooked. The well-rounded cast also includes well-known faces Michelle Ryan and Philip Jackson, who add depth to the film with their performances. The strength of the cast and their acting prowess is one of the key highlights in this laugh-out-loud movie.

With its underlying theme of youthful passion, I Want Candy is not merely a comedy movie. It's about the relationship between dreams and reality, demonstrating how perseverance can potentially lead to success. The film is filled with absurdities and misunderstandings that keep the laughs coming, all set against a background of vibrant, creative energy. The various elements of filmmaking shown here, albeit in a comedic setting, give audiences an interesting view into the process of creating a film.

The film’s soundtrack, composed by various artists and music by Steve Isles plays a pivotal role in bringing the story to life. From its title track to a series of punchy British pop tracks, the soundtrack is a treat to the movie's mood and narrative.

A balance of wacky comedy and earnest sentiment, I Want Candy offers a unique take on the pursuit of dreams in the harsh realities of adulthood. While it revolves around the creation of an adult film, the movie remains light-hearted, focusing more on the camaraderie of two friends navigating the consequences of their passion.

The film’s light-hearted humor, combined with a unique storyline, engaging performances, and a brilliant soundtrack, makes I Want Candy a must-watch for fans of British comedy, film-making narratives, and those looking for an evening full of smiles and entertainment. It's a cinematic joyride that encapsulates the power of dreams and the lengths individuals would go to achieve them.