Molly: An American Girl on the Home Front

As World War II turns her idyllic Illinois small-town life upside down, third-grader Molly (the charming Maya Ritter) is determined to earn the role of "Miss Victory" in her school's Christmas extravaganza. Sensitively directed by Joyce Chopra, this made-for-TV film based on the American Girl book series does an admirable job of depicting the hardships of life during wartime and the efforts made by families and communities on behalf of the war effort. After Molly's doctor father is sent overseas to care for the wounded, her mother (Molly Ringwald) goes to work in the factory, and the family takes in a young British girl named Emily, whom Molly initially dislikes (she assumes that Emily comes from a privileged background, but the pair become friends after Emily's tragic past is revealed). Even with the Andrews Sisters on the soundtrack and clips from vintage newsreels, Molly is not entirely a sentimental journey, with age-appropriate scenes that successfully convey the sorrow of war (young viewers will share the anxiety Molly's family feels every time the doorbell rings, suggesting the arrival of a telegram that could bring terrible news about Molly's father). As with previous American Girl-based films, this one features natural performances, commendable role models, and a sense of history enabling viewers to imagine what it was like to grow up in another era. Recommended. [Note: DVD extras include a behind-the-scenes featurette. Bottom line: a small extras package for a sure-to-be-popular children's title.] (D. Liebenson)