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Matilda
Danny DeVito
(1996)
94min
PG Certificate
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Review
Our Score
by
David Parkinson
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.
Summary
A gifted youngster is packed off by her selfish parents to the prison-like Crunchem Hall School. Once there, she befriends a sweet-natured teacher who convinces her that not all grown-ups are bad - and urges her to use her special powers to turn the tables on the nasty headmistress. Fantasy comedy, adapted from the children's book by Roald Dahl, with Mara Wilson, Pam Ferris, Embeth Davidtz, Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito, who also directed.
Cast & Crew
Matilda
Mara Wilson
Harry Wormwood
Danny DeVito
Zinnia Wormwood
Rhea Perlman
Miss Honey
Embeth Davidtz
Agatha Trunchbull
Pam Ferris
FBI agent
Paul Reubens
FBI agent
Tracey Walter
Michael
Brian Levinson
Director
Danny DeVito
see more
Other Information
Language:
English
Colour
Available on:
video, DVD and Blu-ray
Comedy
Drama
Children's
Full Episode Guide
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