The Haunting of Molly Hartley: Movie Review

Director: Mickey Liddell.

Writer(s): John Travis, and Rebecca Sonnenshine.

"The Haunting of Molly Hartley," is a tale about the supernatural, religion and the difficulties of adolescence. The story begins with a brutal, adrenalin filled action sequence that results in the death of two characters and then transitions ahead fifteen years later. Molly Hartley (Haley Bennett), who resembles the previous girl in the beginning of the film, slowly over time, reveals that her schizophrenic mother is delusional and believes that Molly is the devil incarnate. Already having survived one scissor attack, from her mother Molly has moved on with her life with Jane Hartley (Marin Hinkle) imprisoned in an insane asylum. Attempting to let go of the past Molly begins to experience schizophrenic symptoms, as well while her friends and family ask her to turn to God in order to stop the voices. However, God seems unable to relieve Molly's symptoms and the story takes a bizarre turn at this point, which is hard to describe. Let us say that the town, which Molly lives in supports witchcraft and the arcane while the youth would rather play with ouijia boards and chant at satanic rituals instead of playing football or partying.

The first two-thirds of "The Haunting of Molly Hartley," are actually well shot with an interesting story from first time director Mickey Liddell. The first action sequence in the film actually shifts in tone from calm to excitement and back again, until one gigantic car crash explodes on screen. Also, the pacing within the film seems to be slowly building towards an interesting climax, although somewhat slowly. Character interactions between Molly and Chace Crawford (Joseph Young) seem genuine while Joseph, as an actor seems a little too old to be playing a skirt chasing teen. And the film adds enough jump scares in the form of demonic witches, quick character introductions, and angry birds to keep things interesting. While the first two-thirds of the film get high marks for directing, storytelling, and acting the final third of the film, especially the climax and denouement, are like a literal kick in the teeth.

At the sixty minute mark "The Haunting of Molly Hartley," seems to force an ending; possibly, from studio pressure or financial constraints, this feature takes a nose dive into the bizarre and unforeseen. The character Molly, who is a religious doubter throughout most of the film begs for forgiveness and salvation after another scissor confrontation with her mother. Totally out of character Molly begins to act irrationally and inconsistently as she turns on her father, kills her mother, and seeks solace in a man she hardly knows. After a final confrontation, or character reveal Dr. Emerson (Nina Siemaszko), a minor character during most of the film takes center stage and reveals some very obtuse plans for Molly's characters. In what is the poorest closure for any film across genres the final scene changes tone, music, and story to insult anyone who was enjoying the film with a quick tack on ending. "The Haunting of Molly Hartley," seems to have changed directors or writers near the end of the film since nothing story-wise is explained.

Subtle plot lines including a jealous girlfriend, love interest for Molly and a religious nut, of a friend add enough complexity and realism to keep things interesting during most of the movie. Alexis (Shanna Collins) attempts to befriend Molly with a bible-thumping technique that would leave most people with a sour taste in their mouths. However, Alexis shows what a true friend is by attempting to drown Molly after a baptism. Also, Suzie (AnnaLynne McCord) makes life miserable for Molly by verbally harassing and then assaulting this mostly congenial, young girl. In a bitter test of wills, and during one of the few conflicting character interactions Molly breaks Suzie's arm in what could have been a longer, more intense fighting sequence. Joseph Young's character, Chace comes on pretty strong and presses Molly for a date, or hook-up while this seemingly innocent girl falls for his bravado and charm. Crawford seems comfortable in his position as the lady-killer; yet, the lack of lines and character development do not allow this actor room to show an evilness of personality, which could have given the ending some more breadth.

Finally, the music with this feature is often difficult to enjoy as some of the musical selections sound like claws on a chalkboard. Purposely, creating for an uncomfortable aural experience composer James T. Sale creates a musical soundtrack that is proper for a horror film. Often using up-beat rock ballads, that suit the atmosphere of a high school gathering or after hours party the music in the film fits in even as "The Haunting of Molly Hartley," falls flat on its face in the final act.

What can be said of "The Haunting of Molly Hartley?" Appearing to be a simple question this is in fact difficult to answer. If the film was cut at the sixty minute mark then this viewer/reviewer would feel less angry despite an inconclusive ending. Nonetheless, Mickey Liddell or some studio big-wig thought that ending the film with a scene, literally cut from another movie would pay off in a sequel while insulting viewers. The majority of this film gets high marks, possibly a six out of ten, but the final act of the film barely deserves a two out of ten. Using a little math this film averages out to roughly four and three quarters out of ten; yet the final ten minutes of the film is so bad that a four out of ten is the best this film will get from this reviewer. Watch this one on a quiet day and keep a pillow nearby, to punch as film studious laugh in your face for watching "The Haunting of Molly Hartley," from beginning to end.

4 Glaring Skulls out of 10.

For a full theatrical trailer visit here:

"The Haunting of Molly Hartley," trailer.

Sources:

Molly at IMDB

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