Molly Moon and the Incredible Book of Hypnotism

I claim no familiarity with Georgia Byng's children's book, but I don't think it's unreasonable to say that unless one is specifically enamored of it, then the strongest reason to watch 'Molly Moon and the incredible book of hypnotism' is probably the cast. There are some very recognizable names and faces here, including Lesley Manville, Emily Watson, Dominic Monaghan, and Raffey Cassidy, and the chief joy of the picture is in watching them indulge in the silliness. This is especially true since, for any details that might make the story what it is, by and large the plot carries very familiar strains. We have the downtrodden yet plucky kids (orphans), troubled by mean adults and aided by kind ones. One of those plucky kids becomes our protagonist, with some special skill that sets them apart, and they'll be antagonized by one specific bad person. These are plot threads that we've seen before in family fare and will again, but that doesn't mean another iteration can't be worthwhile on its own merits. This title strikes me as particularly kitschy, but you know what? Sure, why not.

Even for a kids' movie there's no getting around the fact that 'Molly Moon' goes extra hard in all the ways that make the genre either endearing for those that enjoy it most, or excruciating for those who have difficulty abiding it. We have a persistent theme song that's as plainspoken in its themes as Randy Newman - and still more kid-friendly ideas that are baseline admirable, however obvious - and pre-teen kids engaging their imaginations and talents in ways that are direly gauche. The plot and scene writing are both completely, outrageously over the top and hugely oversimplified; plot development routinely takes inelegant shortcuts to advance from A to C, or D, or even further, in one curt leap. The storytelling, this is to say, unquestionably tests our suspension of disbelief. While one has to appreciate the cast going all in on the ridiculousness, there are some points where it's even more notably overbearing. Take for example the second half of the feature, in which Cassidy - who has more then demonstrated her capability in the years since - is directed to overact and emphatically be awful at it. There's a lot going on here.

If you can look past the indelicacies, however, there's still a modestly enjoying film here. 'Molly Moon' only wants to have a good time with an abject bit of tomfoolery, and on at least some level it surely succeeds. Maybe my bias is showing, but I think it's a minor delight to see Cassidy here simply in light of the roles she's taken on since; this picture is a far cry from 'The other lamb' (2019) or 'The killing of a sacred deer' (2017), both instances where she has absolutely excelled. The rest of the cast give strong performances such as they are. The production design and art direction are splendid; I rather adore the costume design and hair and makeup work; the effects are plainly evident, but look good. Even at its most outrageous and/or shortchanged, the narrative is well-written such as it is. And in all other ways, though the picture fits squarely into that niche genre that's best suggested for younger viewers, it's well made such as it is, at least average in that capacity if not slightly above average.

The film relies tremendously on Movie Magic and the peculiar logic of fantasy storytelling, but so long as one can get on board with the style, it's a fair bit of fun. I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a good time as I watched, even at its most arduous. Such a title will absolutely not appeal to everyone, but so long as you're open to the possibilities, this is capably entertaining. For better and for worse 'Molly Moon and the incredible book of hypnotism' is A Lot, yet when all is said and done it's a solid, satisfying family-friendly romp, and that's all it needs to be.

It was based on the children's novel of the same name. Purely a children's film. That's why I find it average. The concept was too silly. Particularly, there are a few scenes that do not make sense to the grownups. Even for hypnotism concept they used in the story. So don't accuse it if you did not enjoy it. Other than that, the direction, actors, settings, musics were nice.

This is the story of orphan kids. In the rural England, no one has adopted them yet. Like orphanage kids from other films, this tale was too built with their struggles against the odds. Their caretakers are not so nice to them, especially the chief in charge. The kids too have divided and one of the gang decides to participate in a talent show. When that fails, drastically everything changes since then. In meantime a mystery book lands in one of their hands. With the help of it, an undreamt adventure begins.

It should have been a television film. Not because the production quality is poor or something, but the story, how it was narrated fits perfectly for small screen. Otherwise, a series would have been a nice idea. A fictional story, and took place at the corner of the Christmas, as well as released on the same season a couple of year ago. I don't think the second film would make it. But possible as a television feature. Not worth, but watching it with kids could do justice.

5/10

I had high hopes as I have read the books to all my children and they absolutely love them. The movie was so so, cheaply done and disappointing. Someone should give the series a proper treatment and invest in adapting it right. Could be the next Harry Potter if done correctly.

It's funny how this movie escaped my radar. Back a few years I was actually an AVID reader of the Molly Moon books. And this movie being made 2 years ago when I found out stunned how I had no idea of it before. And after watching it, I can see why. It was a very poor adaptation, and it seemed either the budget was low (I mean, the studios were MINUSCULE compared to the big names) or the screenwriter wasn't caring that much. It had a bit of a clunky pace and it struggled to stay on tracks. While some scenes seemed word by word from the book, with even some funny nods (like a flip of a page in Molly's notebook shows a sketch of the book's cover) while some scenes were jumbled out of place. And I really don't see why, when the movie was barely 1 hour and a half, when 2 hours could've covered the book page by page.

However, the movie material was actually good. Raffey Cassidy was DELIGHTFUL. Her acting felt very natural and she was really pulling out how I imagined Molly. The other children were really natural at their scenes, when we know how hard is for children to act, the younger, the hardest. As a stand-alone movie, it felt harmless, but fun and enjoyable. As an adaptation, I felt SO MUCH disregard by the screenwriter I feel really sorry for the book and I sure wish the writer felt disapppointed, her series was marvelous and could've done much better as a cartoon.

Before watching this movie, I didn't really have high expectations. I didn't know anything about it, and from the rating on IMDb (as of now: 5.4/10, with 738 votes), I was just expecting some B-movie. Well, I was very surprised in a GREAT way. I was really moved by this movie, even to tears, and moved my heart to think of my life and priorities. It truly was a great movie. And now I'm listening to the song at the end credits.... <3 A great, touching, moving end. Thank you producers, actors, and support roles in all capacity of this movie. It will most likely remain in my heart for a lifetime, when I think back on movies that touched my heart/inner being.