Customer Reviews

Molly (Spanish) [VHS]

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This is a touching, bittersweet and wonderful film about an autistic woman who gains full use of her cognitive reasoning through an experimental procedure. Molly (Elisabeth Shue) is a 28 year old autistic who has been institutionalized much of her life. When the institution closes, she is left in the care of her self absorbed brother Buck (Aaron Eckhart). She is recommended for a new experimental procedure which transforms her into a normal young woman. As the story unfolds we see her grow from a child into a woman with many sweet and funny moments resulting from Molly's view of the world through childlike eyes. As her relationship with her brother grows, his transformation is as dramatic as hers.

The film was charmingly done with a coming of age quality about it. There were numerous comical and heart warming moments resulting from Molly's misperception of a world she is trying to make sense of.

The only thing working against this film is the fact that this ground has been retraced in so many ways that it suffers from the tendency to compare it to other films. It has elements of `Flowers for Algernon', `Rainman', `At First Sight' and `Awakenings'. It is difficult for a film to be fully appreciated when the viewer is mentally comparing it to all these other stories. That is a pity in this case because this really is a lovable story in its own right.

Elisabeth Shue gives us marvelous performance as Molly. Her portrayal of autism is realistic and endearing. She is so childlike that you really sense that she has the mind of a 3 year old. Later, as she transitions to the mind of an adult, she retains that childlike naiveté that gives the character a purity and wisdom that is fresh and free from cynicism. It was a wonderful performance that regrettably will not be seen by many since this film lives in obscurity as a single facing on the rental shelves.

I rated Molly an 8/10. On an emotional level, I really enjoyed it more than that, but I felt compelled to subtract a couple of points for lack of originality. However, if you enjoy human interest stories this one will certainly touch your heart.

I have a family member with autism. We see more and more of these people in film because sadly their numbers are increasing. I found Elizabeth Shue's performance fairly convincing although I must note there is a hollywood or fairy tale quality to the film. However I found the growing understanding of Molly about her own life, her own world and the world which her brother, Buck and other normal and typical folks inhabit thought provoking and real. I liked how the director depicted Molly's problems with sensory intergration issues trying to show the audience how difficult it is for folks with autism to function in the world and filter out the noise. I would have liked to have seen more time spent on how her brother dealt with his sister's disability prior to her surgury and after her retreat back from the normal typical world

My wife and I recently rented this movie on DVD and we both liked it very much. I've read many negative reviews of this movie and I sorely disagree as I do with many professional reviewers of many other movies. To me a movies does not have to be perfect in every detail to be entertaining and informative, as Molly was. Many reviewers are locked up in their own elitist ivory towers and think they can recommend, or not, movies for the rest of us. Having been a counselor in the past and knowing several autistic persons, I believe Elizabeth Shue did an incredible job in portraying Molly. Aaron Eckhart, Thomas Jane, and Jill Henessy all did credible performances in support. This text refers to the DVD edition.

Molly is a great movie. The more times I watch it, the better it gets. This is a movie which deals with a disabled person (Shue), and ,as a disabled survivor myself (traumatic brain injury from an auto accident), I can fully attest to the fact that so many of the points dealt with in this movie are 100% accurate. I know this only a movie, but I always get so emotional watching this video (and I hardly ever get emotional otherwise). So, to sum up, this is a fabulous movie that needs to be viewed, if at all possible!

"Molly" is one of those rare film treats that I happened to watch and ask myself, "Where was I when this movie was released in the theatres? Why haven`t I seen it before?" "Molly" is a sweet, romantic comedy that will make you laugh and cry.

Elizabeth Shue ("The Saint" and "Cocktail") stars as Molly McKay, a beautiful, young woman with autism. Her learning comprehension seems to be that of a five year old. When her care facility closes, Molly is forced to live with her workaholic brother, Buck (Aaron Eckhart of "The Dark Knight" and "No Reservations"), who has only visited her at Christmas. He has always been ashamed of her.

Revolutionary brain surgery gives Molly a chance at living a normal life. After the operation, she begins learning rapidly until she begins speaking and acting like a normal person. Unfortunately, like the potion in a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde film, the procedure begins reversing itself. Molly is heartbroken. She is fearful of losing the strong bonds she has developed between her friend Sam (Thomas Jane of "The Mist" and "The Punisher") and her brother Buck.

Elizabeth Shue delivers a believable performance as an autistic person. We watch her transform from an unpredictable, out-of-control child to an emotionally stable, mature adult. Unfortunately, we experience her pain as we watch her reverse back to her original state. The other cast members deliver great performances as well.

"Molly" is a must see for fans of romantic comedies. A gorgeous cast, beautiful sets, a touching storyline, and a great musical score all combine to give us an enchanting experience. You won't want to miss Molly McKay. You'll want to embrace her, hold her close to your heart, and never let her go. I am so glad I found this film.

Lets cut to the chase: in this movie, Elisabeth Shue appears naked.

Five stars.

There are very few movies dealing with extremely painful issues. It seems these issues are at times hidden in doctor's offices and schools and unless you have a relative or friend with this disorder it might remain a mystery to you.

Since recent studies are suggesting that as many as 1 in 150 children age 10 or younger may be affected by autism or a related disorder, this film is relevant and brings awareness to the disorder.

Some say it is a result of giving babies their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) shot and doctors claim it is primarily a genetic disorder. Many parents say the shot caused their child to throw tantrums, lose language skills and tune out. The theory is that some autism stems from a severe immune reaction to the vaccine.

There are many treatments which can make a difference in the life of an autistic person. Speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral therapy, medication and special diets are of benefit.

I first found out about autism while working for a family in the Seattle, WA area and I was amazed at the sheer patience the parents exhibited. If you think your life is at all difficult, spend one day with an autistic child. It takes a great amount of patience, love and commitment.

Not only is life difficult for the caretakers, daily life is also difficult for autistic people. "Molly" shows both sides of the story.

Elisabeth Shue plays Molly and completely captures the extremely short attention spans, indifference to those around her, tantrums and screaming, obsessive interests, preoccupations with various objects, love for identical routines, acute hearing and love of saying "no" to every question.

Her 32-year-old brother Buck (Aaron Eckhart) suddenly becomes responsible for her when the home she is staying in closes. She turns his world upside down and when he loses his job, he finds other work he can do at home so they can survive.

When they discover a way Molly may be significantly helped, she undergoes a brain operation. There is a constant threat that the person who has emerged from Molly's body will again sink into the depths of autism. She starts to make everyone aware of what an autistic person goes through and can express herself in an intelligent manner. In fact people with autism can be extremely intelligent. They are really just locked inside a body which will not let them interact with others in a way society expects.

Molly has moments which are so delightfully funny because in any other situation besides a movie, they would probably be embarrassing to a person caring for the person. Molly has a child-like joy and one of the best moments in the movie is when she runs through a water fountain with pure joy and fascination. She can be rather mischievous at times. There are also some rather surreal moments you just have to accept for what they are.

She even considers marriage and reaches a level of independence which was impossible before the operation.

Throughout the movie, they promote an awareness that we are all valuable human beings no matter what our disorders and that love and patience is sorely needed in our society. Instead of accepting societies tendency to hide individuals with mental conditions, they encourage us to learn more about mental illness and to treat these individuals with the respect all human beings deserve.

This is a beautiful story of how a brother takes on the responsibility of looking after his sister and goes beyond the call of duty to make her life peaceful and comforting.

Get out the tissues! Throughout the movie, the beauty of the innocence of a child can at times be a bit overwhelming. Especially if you know someone who has this condition.

You will cry, laugh and cry some more. I found this to be a roller coaster of emotions and while the ending is not what you expect, it is a mingling of beauty and sadness.

~The Rebecca Review

Elisabeth Shue gives a fantastic performance in this film!
It is a touching film about autism and it's effects on members of the family!!
This movie has humor in it, as well as keeping a serious tone about it!!
I truly enjoyed the performances from all involved in this film!! See it at all cost!!

This movie repeats the themes that were much better dealt with in Awakenings and Rain Man. Nevertheless, the performances of Elisabeth Shue and Aaron Eckhart are very moving and worth seing. Thus, the film, although certainly not a masterpiece, is, in my opinion, among the best movies recently released on video.

This was a very good movie. I have watched it with my family several times and everyone that has borrowed it from me has really enjoyed it. Life isn't always easy and this movie is a good example. It isn't that you don't care for the people you love it can be very trying sometimes. Elizabeth Shue played her part very well. And there were some teary moments in this one, it was heartfelt.