Matilda

Starring: Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Mara Wilson, Embeth Davidtz, Pam Ferris, Paul Reubens, Tracey Walter, Kiami Davael, Jon Lovitz (uncredited)
Directed by: Danny DeVito
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
1996

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A genius girl (Mara Wilson) lives with her awful family. Her fortunes change when she starts school, avoiding the abusive Ms. Trunchbull (Pam Ferris) and seeking solace with Ms. Honey (Embeth Davidtz).

Review:

Tim: Roald Dahl's books have always been a bit hit-or-miss for me. However, I absolutely loved Matilda. It's a fantastic book, filled with larger-than-life characters, unexpected twists and turns, and a precocious, wonderful titular character. I read it with my 9 year-old son and 5 year-old daughter, and we all just loved the book. So, we were quite excited to see the film adaptation. I have to admit, I'm surprised by how much I loved this film. I believe Danny DeVito perfectly captures the heart and soul of the book, while adding a few innovations here and there. The script is fantastic and I'd consider this one of the great children's book adaptations.

The chief reason this movie works so well is the casting is (mostly) perfect. Mara Wilson is absolutely ideal as Matilda. She has a wisdom beyond her years quality to her, yet she comes across as innocent, precocious- the perfect Matilda. She is a talented child actress and makes you feel something emotional for this character. Her performance was excellent. Danny DeVito makes the ideal Mr. Wormwood. He's a buffoon, a loser, a terrible father and a criminal. DeVito hits every note correctly, making his diminutive character feel larger-than-life. He seems to revel in the badness of his character and everything he does on screen is memorable. I get casting his real-life wife as Mrs. Wormwood, but I think Rhea Perlman might not have been the best choice. She's fine, but unremarkable. To see how Wilson and DeVito make the movie theirs, Perlman's performance feels lacking. Pam Ferris, on the other hand, makes the perfect Ms. Trunchbull. She's a ridiculous, over-the-top character and Ferris captures her perfectly on screen. Your eye follows her, wondering what her absurd character will do next. Contrast this with Embeth Davidtz, who makes for a decent but unremarkable Ms. Honey. Davidtz can't quite show the warmth and love that this character needed to truly differentiate herself. Her performance is solid, but I think she was miscast. It was fun to see Paul Reubens in a small role here, too. As a whole, though, you have to give immense credit to Wilson, DeVito, and Ferris for doing such tremendous jobs with their characters.

DeVito keeps the momentum building throughout his film. The movie hits all the high points from the film and expands the book in small but excellent ways. I thought the scene with Mr. Wormwood and his children in the car shop was tremendous- him discussing his broken worldview for his kids is a shocking reminder of how parents influence their kids- either to make them like them, or to repel them in a different direction. The film is funny, entertaining, and there's big visual moments- like the throwing of a child, or the depiction of the Chokey, that stand out in our minds. DeVito directs an entertaining movie for audiences of all ages. I had as much fun watching as my 9 and 5 year olds did (and my wife liked it, too).

It's interesting- growing up, I never got into Matilda. I remember wanting to watch this movie, but I never got around to it. So, when I say that this is a great film, there's no sense of nostalgia cloaking my vision. This is an excellently made film, a wonderful adaptation of a memorable book, and a movie I'd watch with my kids again and again (if I have the time). I really did love this movie.
Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, The Witches, Fantastic Mr. Fox