Molly Moon And The Incredible Book Of Hypnotism

Molly Moon And The Incredible Book Of Hypnotism is a whimsical adventure film directed by Christopher N. Rowley, based on the first book of the six-part children's series "Molly Moon" written by Georgia Byng. The star-studded cast includes Raffey Cassidy (Tomorrowland) as the eponymous Molly Moon, alongside renowned actors such as Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) and Joan Collins (Dynasty). This 2015 film stays true to the fantastical premise of the book and offers viewers a journey filled with adventure, magic, and personal discovery.

The story revolves around young Molly Moon, an ordinary and unremarkable orphan living in the small rural town of Briersville, England. She lives a life of tedious routine, stuck at the dismal Hardwick House orphanage under the strict rule of the unkind Miss Adderstone, portrayed to perfection by Manville. Molly has just one fellow friend, a boy named Rocky, who shares the dreariness of life in the orphanage. That is until she stumbles upon an ancient, enchanting book in the local library.

The book is no ordinary text; it's an ancient guide to the art of hypnotism. As Molly masters the ancient craft, her life transforms from ordinary to extraordinary in the blink of an eye. Using her newfound abilities, she can make people around her act against their will, bend reality, and even alter her life's direction. Enclosing a universe of mind-altering adventures, this compelling journey becomes an exploration of power, its allure, misuse, and the ethical quandaries that come with it.

Once Molly becomes influential through her hypnotic prowess, she transforms her life in the orphanage, turning the tables on the domineering Miss Adderstone and other pesky characters. But not content with small town life, Molly seeks bigger, grander adventures and sets off to London. Pop icon Joan Collins provides humour and glamour to the film by effectively portraying Nockman's flamboyant mother.

Meanwhile, Molly's compatriot Rocky gets adopted, leaving Hardwick House. In her loneliness, the capital city's allure tempts Molly. Following her ambitions of stardom, she hypnotizes her way into the leading role of a musical production, set on becoming a high-profile celebrity. But the big city isn't all tinsel town, and Molly learns that having the power to control others might not be as exciting as she initially thought.

Every character in the movie is beautifully crafted and contributes significantly to the narrative. Young Raffey Cassidy delivers a remarkable performance, perfectly encapsulating Molly Moon's spirit — an ordinary girl possessing a blend of resilience, charm, and an innocent hunger for life's wonders. On the other hand, Emily Watson adds depth to her character, Miss Trinklebury, creating an endearing and steady presence in Molly's chaotic world.

The film beautifully balances the comedic turns provided by hypnotism and the more profound themes of envy, loneliness, ambition, and the ethics of manipulating others. The plot twists and turns in unexpected ways, resulting in an engaging tale that captivates the audience from start to finish. Although the film is primarily audience towards younger viewers, its engaging and fast-paced nature can be enjoyed by movie lovers of all ages.

Molly Moon And The Incredible Book Of Hypnotism is delightful, offering an engrossing narrative that combines magical realism with the boundless landscapes of childhood adventures. It explores the ramifications of unchecked power and manipulation, doing so under the falsehood of a light-hearted children's movie. But at the same time, it carries an impactful message about staying true to oneself and the importance of friendship.

Overall, the film is a delightful adaptation of Georgia Byng's first Molly Moon book, keeping the original series' magic and charm alive while offering an adventure visually stunning and filled with emotional resonance. It's a tale that seems to come straight out of a child's imagination, making it a must-watch for anyone who enjoys stories of magic, adventure, and the boundless landscapes of childhood.