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Molly: An American Girl on the Home Front
- Review Date: November 23, 2006
- NR
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2006
Common Sense Media says
American Girl learns about sacrifice during WWII.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that family members and friends enlist to fight in World War II in this movie, and not all of them come back home. One character has been evacuated from London during the Blitz, and her mother was killed in the bombing. Molly's family is extremely close, and they provide support to one another during a family member's absence. They also help neighbors and friends during this difficult time.
What's the story?
AMERICAN GIRL ON THE HOME FRONT takes place in Jefferson, Ill., in 1943, and Molly McIntyre (Maya Ritter) and her other friends in the third grade are obsessed with movie stars and their lovely teacher, Miss Campbell (Sarah Manninen). Molly's world changes when her doctor father (David Aaron Baker) enlists and her mother Helen (Molly Ringwald) takes a job in a machinery plant. Emily (Tory Green), a young English evacuee, comes to live with the family to escape the London bombing and brings with her personal stories of the war. Molly gets a first-hand understanding of the need to sacrifice in support of the war effort, deferring her own needs and feelings to help the greater good. She learns to empathize with her strict neighbor and the initially reserved Emily, and family support takes center-stage. And, Molly is determination to be crowned "Miss Victory," the lead dancer in a school tap dance show, despite her lack of obvious talents.
Is it any good?
Molly: An American Girl on the Home Front is a heartfelt and entertaining movie. Molly learns about sacrifice, compassion, and self-confidence as she and her family cope with the direct and indirect impacts of World War II. The movie moves along at a good clip, interspersing newsreel footage and radio broadcasts in a manner that educates kids about life on the home front during WWII without them even realizing it. Period costumes, music, and sets make the story sparkle. Ritter is earnest and enthusiastic in her role, and more natural than some of the adult actors in the movie.
As a nice touch, the DVD includes a captivating interview with a woman who tap-danced for USO shows during WWII, with dance instruction so viewers can replicate the Miss Victory tap dance.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the types of sacrifices that Molly's family made in support of the war effort: her father, her mother, and Molly herself. They recognized when something needed to be done and didn't wait for others to do it. Are there ways that you can help others around you right now, perhaps focusing on families who have soldiers fighting in the Middle East? What did you learn about life during WWII? How realistic do you think this depiction of the WWII era is?
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AGE
Best AG Books and Movie!
I remember reading these books when I was in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades. When they started making the AG movies, I couldn't wait until this movie came out. I'm so happy they fianlly made it! They adapted the books very well. Some of the stuff wasn't correct, but they did a good job. The main actress, Maya Ritter, was a very good Molly. Tory Green was an excellent Emily. I don't think she's British in real life, so she did an excellent job with the accent. This movie was great! Get the DVD as soon as you can!
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Kid, 12 years old
October 7, 2009
AGE
very good,A.G fans will love it!
good tale and even though there is talk of death and war molly and emily's story is a good one.
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AGE
Good method for bringing U.S. History to life.
The American Girl Historical Fiction books and movies make excellent family movie & reading night choices allowing for good conversation opportunities to discuss changing and often challenging times in U.S. History.
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AGE
Old fashioned quality tv
I sat and watched this with my daughters ages 10 & 11. I found it a little boring, but they both enjoyed it and I know they learned a little history. I think the best age group would be 7-12, however, I would let a 5 year old watch it with me.
There is no violence, but it does deal with death and of course war. It would be a good way to introduce the subject of war to a child.
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AGE
This movie is soooooooo sweet and cute. Teaches lessons about friendship and commentment
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AGE
Better than I thought...
I think this movie really explains what its like to be in world war. Girls really fall into the movie and feel emotions. Personally, it was better than I thought it would be.
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AGE
Fun but informative!
I am homeschooled and we often watch movies about certain eras to make history more fun. This movie is very informative about World War II, but it is also interesting and fun. It doesn't feel like a documentary at all! FIVE STARS!
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| Studio: | Warner Home Video |
| Director: | Joyce Chopra |
| Cast: | David Aaron Baker, Maya Ritter, Molly Ringwald |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 85 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | November 28, 2006 |
| DVD release date: | November 28, 2006 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
| MPAA explanation: | not rated |
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