MATILDA

My Take: 8/10

Parental Rating: Younger Teens and Families

If you want a movie night that balances whimsical fantasy with a deliciously dark comic edge, the 1996 adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Matilda is an absolute triumph. Directed by Danny DeVito, this movie avoids the usual sugary traps of kids' cinema, opting instead for a visually bold, slightly surreal world. It treats its young protagonist with immense respect, showing that intelligence and kindness are the ultimate superpowers when dealing with a chaotic, unfair world.

The plot centers on Matilda Wormwood, an extraordinarily brilliant young girl stuck with a family that completely misunderstands and ignores her. Her father Harry is a crooked used-car salesman, her mother Zinnia is obsessed with bingo, and neither can comprehend why Matilda prefers reading classic literature over staring at a television screen. When they finally send her to Crunchem Hall Elementary School, she finds a kindred spirit in her sweet teacher, Miss Honey. However, the school is run by the tyrannical, child-hating headmistress Miss Trunchbull. Under immense pressure, Matilda discovers she possesses telekinetic powers, the ability to move objects with her mind, and she decides to use her gifts to stand up to the bullies in her life.

Danny DeVito’s directing choices are what give the movie its timeless, quirky energy. He uses extreme camera angles and distorted close-ups to make the adult antagonists look like larger-than-life cartoon villains, perfectly capturing how terrifying and ridiculous bad authority figures can look through a younger person's eyes. The narrative moves forward with a sharp, whimsical momentum, effortlessly jumping from the absurd comedy of the Wormwood household to the genuine tension of sneaking into the Trunchbull’s gothic house.

The cast is phenomenal, bringing a perfect level of commitment to this stylized world. Mara Wilson gives an incredibly grounded, thoughtful performance as Matilda, capturing both her quiet loneliness and her fierce determination. Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman are hilarious as the loud, gaudy Wormwoods, leaning completely into the comedy of their characters' ignorance. Meanwhile, Pam Ferris is unforgettable as Miss Trunchbull, playing her with a terrifying, physical intensity that makes her a legendary screen villain, while Embeth Davidtz provides the perfect, warm emotional anchor as Miss Honey.

The Parental Lens

Revisiting this classic with older teenagers is a fantastic exercise in analyzing cinematic style and visual storytelling. DeVito uses specific color palettes, bright, tacky neons for the Wormwoods, dark, imposing greys for the school, and warm, soft pastels for Miss Honey's cottage, to establish character identity instantly. It's a great setup to ask your teens: how do filmmakers use set design, costume choices, and camera tricks to make us feel a certain way about a character before they even speak a word of dialogue?

The core relationship between Matilda and Miss Honey also highlights the profound impact of chosen family and mentorship. Both characters have experienced isolation and emotional neglect, yet they find a sense of belonging and healing by supporting one another. It opens up a beautiful, non-preachy conversation about resilience: how can finding just one person who truly sees, values, and validates your talents completely change the trajectory of your life?

Finally, the narrative serves as a bold exploration of standing up against systemic bullying and injustice. Matilda doesn't use her power to cause harm; she uses it strategically to level the playing field and protect people who cannot defend themselves. For teens navigating complex social environments or high school power dynamics, it's a great reminder that true strength isn't about physical dominance or loud shouting, it comes from a sharp mind, an unbreakable moral compass, and the courage to do what is right.

My Final Take

Matilda holds up beautifully because it pairs its magical elements with a sharp, rebellious spirit and a massive amount of heart. It honors the darker, twisted humor of Roald Dahl's writing while delivering a deeply comforting message about the power of literacy and independent thought.

Sharing this with your big kids makes for a wonderful, nostalgic evening that will leave you appreciate the craft behind 90s filmmaking. It is a clever, visually spectacular crowd-pleaser that proves no matter how small you feel, a brilliant mind can completely reshape your universe.

This is my personal view. Please always check local ratings. Poster used for review purposes only.