Matilda (1996)

Plot: Matilda (Mara Wilson) is an extremely gifted child. But her gifts are unappreciated by her family, especially her parents, Harry and Zinnia (Danny DeVito and Rhea Pearlman). After her father refuses to buy her a book, she walks to the library. After two years, she reads every book and becomes knowledgeable in various subjects. After begging, Matilda is eventually sent to school, where she meets a kind and caring teacher, Miss Honey (Embeth Davidtz), who recognizes Matilda's exceptional gifts. The school is run by a cruel principal, Miss Trunchbull (Pam Ferris), who has a connection to Miss Honey. Terrorized and unappreciated by everyone in her life, Matilda develops telekinetic abilities as a result of her unused brain ability. As Matilda learns of Miss Honey and Miss Trunchbull's connection, she tries to give back Miss Honey important treasures of her life. She successfully does so, but when she's possibly caught, what will come of her? And will Matilda get her happy ending?

Review: This is a very good movie. This is based from the book by Roald Dahl, who is considered to be one of the greatest writers of children's literature. Roald Dahl was from Europe. This adaptation is a modernized and Americanized version of the British writer's work. I've read the book and there are several details that are either removed or added for this film version. But it doesn't make the film cost.

This film is dark. Darker than you would expect for a children's film. There are only a handful of characters that you sympathize with. The great majority of these characters are unlikable. In fact, you might even question their morality. But this is one aspect that I appreciated from the film. The fact that not everyone in this world is likable. And it's also sad to say that there are some parents that may act like this towards their children. It's exaggerated I'll admit, but it's still true that children aren't always appreciated and that there are some people that don't deserve to be parents. This is made obvious that Matilda's parents don't deserve to be parents.

The acting is fantastic. Danny DeVito, who also directed this, is great, as is his real-life wife, Rhea Pearlman, who plays his on-screen wife. Pam Ferris is very good as Principal Trunchbull. She does a good job of portraying a mad and quite frankly, insane character. Embeth Davidtz is also very good as the compassionate and loving Miss Honey. You root for her. But the real star is Mara Wilson, who was probably one of the better known child stars of the 90s. She carried this film on her shoulders and she deserves to be praised for that. Her ability to portray Matilda's intelligence and vulnerability at times is just fun to watch. I also read that Mara Wilson's mother had sadly passed away during filming, but she remained strong and continued to film. The film was dedicated in honor of Mara's mother. I appreciate that the film crew realized Mara's dedication and honoring her mother's memory is just so touching.

Some kids might find this movie a little scary, especially with scenes with Miss Trunchbull. I do think it's aimed at a certain age group, like 9 and older. There are certainly some kids that can handle it and I know some that won't be able to at a certain age.

This is simply a great and entertaining movie that never gets old.

Rating: 4.5/5