Matilda

Director Danny DeVito revels in the black comedy of this typically dark Roald Dahl story, in which monstrous adults consider children as inconvenient accessories as they devote themselves to their own pleasures. DeVito - who also stars as Matilda's boorish dad - cleverly emphasises the point by shooting much of the film from a child's-eye view, making people and buildings alike look forbidding and cold. Miracle on 34th Street's Mara Wilson is excellent in the lead, while Embeth Davidtz prevents beloved teacher Miss Honey from being too sickly sweet. Stealing the acting honours, however, is Pam Ferris, who brings vicious headmistress Miss Trunchbull to terrifying life. The result is classic entertainment for children.