Matilda (1996)
10KMatilda: Directed by Danny DeVito. With Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Embeth Davidtz. This film adaptation of a Roald Dahl work tells the story of Matilda Wormwood, a gifted girl forced to put up with a crude, distant father and mother.
“Hi hi!u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eDanny DeVito touches on the viewpoint of children – and their imaginations – in this fantasy come to life: MATILDA.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWho of us as children didnu0026#39;t see the world in the powerful images of youthful, innocent eyes? The horrific Agatha Trunchbull, the kindly librarian, Mrs. Phelps? The annoying big brother u0026#39;Mikeyu0026#39;, or the wondrous, perfect teacher, Miss Honey? Who of us as children didnu0026#39;t see that some things in life were wrong and wanted to put them right – if only we had magic powers!u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eLife as a child is fantastic and happy and exciting and scary. And in MATILDA we see all elements of childhood shine through by the intentionally ridiculous, over-the-top performances of Danny DeVito (Matildau0026#39;s Dad), Rhea Perlman (Mom), and Pam Ferris (Ms. Trunchbull, the principal).u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAnd yes, there is a scary element to the movie: The chase in Ms. Trunchbullu0026#39;s house; the u0026quot;Chokeyu0026quot;; the spooky scene of Matilda taking back u0026quot;Lizzie Dollu0026quot; from Ms. Trunchbull while u0026quot;hauntingu0026quot; her house. But this is the scariness of youth; shown from a safe distance for even the young audience. And despite the scariness – which kids KNOW exists – Matilda and Miss Honey and all their friends are victorious. Danny DeVito has demonstrated a lesson well-learned from the Disney animated films of yesteryear: The more evil the villain, the more noble and victorious the heroine.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eTo miss seeing MATILDA is to miss a heart-warming, hand-clapping, magical trip back to your childhood fantasies and ideals.”
