Molly

Elisabeth Shue swings for the Oscar fences, but comes up considerably short, in this story of a 28-year-old autistic woman "whose refreshing and childlike spirit transforms the lives of everyone around her." Confined to a psychiatric institute since the death of her parents, Molly is suddenly thrust into the life of her reluctant brother Buck (Aaron Eckhart) when the institute's financial footings fail. Fortunately, just when Molly's unpredictable flights of mental fancy become too much for her ad man brother to cope with, Molly's doctor (Jill Hennessy) enters stage right with an experimental operation that has the miraculous result of turning her into a 'normal adult'. Well, almost. Soon, Molly and Buck learn what we--or anyone who's ever seen Charly--already know: that ignorance is often bliss; particularly after the two discover that the operation's effect may only be temporary. Clearly a vanity project of Ms. Shue's, Molly is sunk by the simple fact that there isn't a moment in the film when the actress gives a credible performance as an autistic person. Not recommended. (S. C. Sickles)