I liked the movie in general, but something was missing. I think the teacher and the girl were perfect couple honestly. It was love, not just attraction, but the end of the movie was really bad and left me uncompleted. After the middle of the movie passed by, I had the feeling something was missing. Even know it was kinda forbidden love, I wanted to see this love COMPLETELY shown...the end was horrible and kinda ruined the whole movie... I liked the actors a lot and they did a good job, but I needed to see more. I know love like this is forbidden, but come one guys...in movies we want to see something different and more interesting than the reality. So I had high hopes for the movie but I just feel unsatisfied somehow.. It is like I wanted to see that more, but I did not get it at the end. And this sad, open ending it was not good for the whole movie.
9 Reviews
What starts off as the type of film you wish was a series, becomes another movie about a love affair you know can't work out.
Amari-Sali26 May 2014
Warning: Spoilers
As you could probably tell based off the films and shows I watch, I have quite a fondness for media about people on the cusp of adulthood. The issues of figuring yourself out, trying to find and understand love, all the while navigating through the ton of responsibilities expected of you. And in many ways, Molly Maxwell has all these issues and gives a slightly alternative way of going about things. For while the movie mostly takes place in a high school for the eccentrics, and has an almost TV pilot appeal, at its heart it is about a young girl trying to discover her passion and explore it with someone.
Characters & Story
Molly Maxwell (Lola Tash) is of the many students going to Phoenix Progressive School which seemingly is an alternative school, or simply art school, which seems like the ideal place for any high school eccentric to go. There are no desk, just chairs and couches; the principal seems a bit off his rocker; classes include art therapy, in which you create something and burn it; and you can even make an independent study course. But, with all these options Molly seems a bit lost in the possibilities. That is until she fully sets her sights on English teacher Ben Carter (Charlie Carrick), someone she plan to do an independent study with/ on.
Thus beginning a movie in which Molly seems to abandon her friends for the sake of being under her teacher and discovering the mysteries of being with an older guy. One with his own place, who is creative, and seemingly doesn't see her as a child. All the while, he tries to walk the tight rope and allow his mentee to become close, but then she finds a place to wiggle into his heart which leads to the pin being pulled on their hand grenade relationship.
Praise
At the beginning of the movie, I felt like this was some MTV, or even a lighter ABC Family, type show featuring a bunch of unknowns as they navigate through life. You have Molly who seemingly is the only one in her family who hasn't found her niche yet; her odd friends, one being Caitlin (Brooke Palsson), who sort of reminded me of Elizabeth Gilles in Victorious; and Gala (A.K. Shand) who reminded me of Naomi in Skins, post coming out; and with them and the adult cast members you get this really appealing ensemble you can picture spending a few seasons with.
Alas, this is but a movie, but as you watch you really do come to find yourself really wanting to see the adventure continue. And while I wasn't the most fond of the whole teen girl and teacher storyline, in the end it didn't make this a bad film. Though I wish an alternative story was chosen.
Criticism
For, after watching Pretty Little Liars and witnessing the Aria and Fitz relationship, I am pretty much done with seeing a teen and teacher relationship. Especially because the film doesn't add any new type of spin to the old trope, nor try to make it past it being lustful. And honestly, when the story was obviously going into that direction, it killed a lot of my enthusiasm for it took away my interest in the movie for, well basically it stunts Molly as a character. No longer is she this sort of lost girl trying to find herself amongst this sea of eccentrics. This guy introduces her to photography and in an effort to get more time with him, and keep from being kicked out of school, she gets an independent study. And to me, considering how overbearing her mom seemingly is, and how her dad is available, though often on the phone, it would have been nice if they did anything, anything, besides create an unsustainable romance. But, even with that said, it isn't as horrible as it could have been, though I feel the ending to their relationship was a bit rushed and could have been handled better.
Overall: TV Viewing
When I first started watching this, I felt like this would be a movie to label Worth Seeing, but I must admit that teacher and student relationship really tainted the story for me. Be it because I would like to see a young adult movie in which the complications of love isn't the focus, or just because the aspect of watching a weakly crafted romance between a child and adult just doesn't appeal to me, I cannot say for sure. Either way, I will definitely say this movie is enjoyable, but cannot say it is worth rushing to go find. It starts off with immense potential, but the teacher-student storyline creates a story which lacks passion between the lovers, anything new to bring to the forbidden love affair stories you have surely seen before, and if it wasn't for the writer/ director being a woman, I'd argue the story was created to be used for vicarious living. Which admittedly is odd to say since Molly and Ben don't really do much more than make out.
Characters & Story
Molly Maxwell (Lola Tash) is of the many students going to Phoenix Progressive School which seemingly is an alternative school, or simply art school, which seems like the ideal place for any high school eccentric to go. There are no desk, just chairs and couches; the principal seems a bit off his rocker; classes include art therapy, in which you create something and burn it; and you can even make an independent study course. But, with all these options Molly seems a bit lost in the possibilities. That is until she fully sets her sights on English teacher Ben Carter (Charlie Carrick), someone she plan to do an independent study with/ on.
Thus beginning a movie in which Molly seems to abandon her friends for the sake of being under her teacher and discovering the mysteries of being with an older guy. One with his own place, who is creative, and seemingly doesn't see her as a child. All the while, he tries to walk the tight rope and allow his mentee to become close, but then she finds a place to wiggle into his heart which leads to the pin being pulled on their hand grenade relationship.
Praise
At the beginning of the movie, I felt like this was some MTV, or even a lighter ABC Family, type show featuring a bunch of unknowns as they navigate through life. You have Molly who seemingly is the only one in her family who hasn't found her niche yet; her odd friends, one being Caitlin (Brooke Palsson), who sort of reminded me of Elizabeth Gilles in Victorious; and Gala (A.K. Shand) who reminded me of Naomi in Skins, post coming out; and with them and the adult cast members you get this really appealing ensemble you can picture spending a few seasons with.
Alas, this is but a movie, but as you watch you really do come to find yourself really wanting to see the adventure continue. And while I wasn't the most fond of the whole teen girl and teacher storyline, in the end it didn't make this a bad film. Though I wish an alternative story was chosen.
Criticism
For, after watching Pretty Little Liars and witnessing the Aria and Fitz relationship, I am pretty much done with seeing a teen and teacher relationship. Especially because the film doesn't add any new type of spin to the old trope, nor try to make it past it being lustful. And honestly, when the story was obviously going into that direction, it killed a lot of my enthusiasm for it took away my interest in the movie for, well basically it stunts Molly as a character. No longer is she this sort of lost girl trying to find herself amongst this sea of eccentrics. This guy introduces her to photography and in an effort to get more time with him, and keep from being kicked out of school, she gets an independent study. And to me, considering how overbearing her mom seemingly is, and how her dad is available, though often on the phone, it would have been nice if they did anything, anything, besides create an unsustainable romance. But, even with that said, it isn't as horrible as it could have been, though I feel the ending to their relationship was a bit rushed and could have been handled better.
Overall: TV Viewing
When I first started watching this, I felt like this would be a movie to label Worth Seeing, but I must admit that teacher and student relationship really tainted the story for me. Be it because I would like to see a young adult movie in which the complications of love isn't the focus, or just because the aspect of watching a weakly crafted romance between a child and adult just doesn't appeal to me, I cannot say for sure. Either way, I will definitely say this movie is enjoyable, but cannot say it is worth rushing to go find. It starts off with immense potential, but the teacher-student storyline creates a story which lacks passion between the lovers, anything new to bring to the forbidden love affair stories you have surely seen before, and if it wasn't for the writer/ director being a woman, I'd argue the story was created to be used for vicarious living. Which admittedly is odd to say since Molly and Ben don't really do much more than make out.
It's the same all teenagers love and sexual curiosity.
Reno-Rangan24 December 2016
It's a little surprise film. The theme was a bit inappropriate, but there's nothing seriously offensive in the narration in the name of art and everything was explained loud and clear. Especially the way it ended seems the best one from any angle. If you are a parent, that too for a teenager, you will get it. So this is the story of the 16 year old girl Molly, who attends a progressive school. Her new undertaking is the photography which is guided by her English teacher whom she develops a crush. Since teacher-student should not involve in any kind of close relationship, their's attraction to each other will be tested. But how it will be dealt was focused on the remains.
I really kind of liked it. Though this is not the first time in a film to focus on an affair between a teacher and his student. But, how nicely and properly portrayed that issue was the highlight in this. There are no familiar faces, maybe because it is a Canadian film. It was a simple story, so no extraordinary performances, but I liked the girl in the title role. The first feature film for the director and he also wrote the screenplay. Overall a decent film, but a great indie. You should check it out if you are convinced with what I said so far. So I say go for it.
6.5/10
I really kind of liked it. Though this is not the first time in a film to focus on an affair between a teacher and his student. But, how nicely and properly portrayed that issue was the highlight in this. There are no familiar faces, maybe because it is a Canadian film. It was a simple story, so no extraordinary performances, but I liked the girl in the title role. The first feature film for the director and he also wrote the screenplay. Overall a decent film, but a great indie. You should check it out if you are convinced with what I said so far. So I say go for it.
6.5/10
The usual with some nice touches
rjp-409012 May 2020
16 year old Molly Maxwell becomes infatuated with one of her "alternative school" teachers. Same old thing, but the backdrop of the alternative school, ultra-liberal parents trying too hard, the ferry boat trip to the Toronto Islands, and a nice performance by Lola Tash redeem this.
Molly Maxwell is a new feature film about a girl, her teacher and being extraordinary.
luc-p-stodelmeyer1 March 2013
A great Indie film that tells a very real story in a touching and unique way. This film deals with student/teacher relationships and everything about growing up and falling in love. Molly Maxwell is just your average precocious teenage girl... sort of. Her world opens up when she becomes just a little too close to a favorite new teacher at the alternative high school that she attends. In order to complete her requirements at school, Molly is forced to pick an extra-curricular elective, she chooses photography and arranges for her adviser to be the young and attractive English teacher. An innocent relationship quickly becomes an uncomfortable and forbidden romance. Actors, Lola Tash and Charlie Carrick, give excellent performances, showing a real chemistry on the screen. Dealing with growing pains of young love, forbidden fruit and awkward side of parenting, Molly takes us on a sexy, loopy, sometimes awkward and often amusing, ride.
Surprisingly engaging
MongoLloyd8 November 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I have to admit I almost bailed on this film in the first 10 minutes or so due to a distaste of teenage shenanigans, but it turned out to be a nice little film with a great lead who I've never seen before. Lola Tash owned the role and it's refreshing to see characters and events depicted in a contemporary film story of this kind that aren't rendered as sitcom cartoon characters. I doubt this film will set any box office records any time soon (in part due to a lack of "names" in acting roles) but it's very well made and has the all important great ending that makes nice moves better. If anyone is wondering where to get a hold of it, rest assured - it's out there if you look. Watch it with someone :-)
A sweet indie film with surprisingly fine craftsmanship. Charlie Carrick will be rising for sure!
qz119 April 2013
What a surprising treat! I had a spontaneous moment today and went to watch this movie at Carlton. Having no idea what the movie is about walking in, I may have been a bit of an outsider to the sold-out screening where people were fighting for a seat and adding chairs all along the aisle. I knew then that I was going to get my money's worth. And sure I did. I was literally stunned by its artistic interpretation of adolescent, alienation, and pure innocent love. The Q&A session was hilarious, and my gosh, Charlie Carrick is gorgeous! A rising star indeed. Go buy the ticket, and I promise you that you won't be disappointed.
Upsettingly Beautiful
rowancooper-4048430 September 2020
This movie made me realise why my own relationship wouldn't work (he was older and we were a secret) it's a beautifully told love story between a teacher and his student, with great messaging. A little disappointed with the ending but the type of disappointment that didn't let me down it just wasn't what I would have choose. The story is still told amazingly and there is nothing wrong with the ending just not my preference. The actors really made the movie shine and made it not creepy to watch but actually interesting and made me infatuated. If like me you enjoy a movie you can vibe with like mid 90's, I think you'll enjoy this movie! It is a complete vibe and I love how it was written especially how the characters were written :))
Would be just another Lolita if not for the fantastic cast, and amazing lead.
face-819-9337269 May 2014
Warning: Spoilers
The other good little Canadian movie. I am really tired of every other movie having to be a Lolita story, but this one is told quite well, and almost avoids becoming creepy, and wrong. There is a point very early in this movie that you see the who, and you see the what, it is just such a shame that a movie starting out in such a unique way had to just go that route. I was really impressed with the development of Molly, and in a few short months Lola Tash playing Molly truly shows a lot of growth, and demonstrates a real understanding for the character that she is playing. The relationship though wrong, is easily believable, and all of the acting in this movie really is strong. There was nothing other than the creepy scenes that no person of responsibility for another in this day and age should ever let themselves end up in that I did not Enjoy, and I really do recommend this movie all day. My only warning is that parents really might want to decide when this movie is OK for kids to see as there are strong views about sex that should not be up to the movies to teach them. Otherwise for anyone past the point of saving then this movie is a really good, well acted piece that resolves nicely, and does not feel the need to punish everyone.
See also
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