‘Matilda’ is a popular book from renowned author Roald Dahl and a 1996 family film that gained popularity over the years. One thing that’s surprising about this family film is that it didn’t perform that well in theaters.
And, since the film is still popular with families and haven’t seen it until just recently, I decided to add ‘Matilda’ to my ongoing Family Movie Night Series!
This film adaptation of the Roald Dahl book tells the story of Matilda Wormwood, a gifted girl forced to put up with a crude, distant father and mother. Worse, Agatha Trunchbull, the evil principal at her school, is a terrifying strict bully.
However, when Matilda realizes she has the power of telekinesis, she begins to defend her friends from Trunchbull’s wrath and fight back against her unkind parents.
For quite some time, I have been hearing people say that they absolutely enjoyed the 1996 movie. I have always wanted to see the movie at some point and once I finally saw it, I finally gave it a chance - and I’m glad I did!
‘Matilda’ is a simple story of an unusually smart little girl who’s completely different than the rest of her family. While she enjoys reading and learning, her family is the complete opposite.
This 1996 family film delivers some very memorable moments, a few over the top characters and a very mean headmistress. ‘Matilda’ also has several scenes that will give the whole family a good laugh and can also be heart-warming at times.
Mara Wilson, who played Matilda, did a great job as the titular character and will probably always be known for this role. I mainly remember her as being the youngest daughter from ‘Mrs. Doubtfire.’ Wilson ended up being a good choice for the main role and brought her wit and kindness to life very well.
Once ‘Matilda’ discovers her newfound telekinetic powers, that’s where some of the laughs really start up. The little girl pulls some hilarious pranks with her family, such as putting some strong super glue on her father’s hat and messing with Miss Trunchbull at her home.
The scenes between Matilda and her teacher, Miss Honey, are the most touching and heart-warming since Miss Honey is the only character in the film (besides a few of Matilda’s friends) who truly cares about her.
After finally seeing this for the first time, I can see why quite a few people enjoy it! There are plenty of laughs, heart-warming scenes, and can make you be in the mood for chocolate cake after a popular scene that involves cake!
Cast: Mara Wilson (Matilda); Danny DeVito (Mr. Wormwood/Narrator); Rhea Perlman (Mrs. Wormwood); Embeth Davitz (Miss Honey); Jean Speegle Howard (Mrs. Phelps); Kiami Davael (Lavender) and Pam Ferris (Agatha Trunchbull).
Writer/director: Nicholas Kazan (Bicentennial Man) (writer); Robin Swicord (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button; Memoirs of a Geisha) (writer); Danny DeVito (director).
Trivia: Mara Wilson’s mother died of breast cancer while the movie was being filmed. She honored her mother by bravely finishing the movie, which was dedicated to her mother’s memory. In stark contrast to their characters, DeVito and Perlman became very close to Mara Wilson during filming. The picture of Miss Honey’s father is actually a portrait of Roald Dahl.
Rated PG for elements of exaggerated meanness and ridicule, and for some mild language (98 minutes.
Where to find it? ‘Matilda’ is currently streaming on Netflix and can be rented on PVOD through Amazon Prime and Fandango.
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