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.
