MATILDA: THE MUSICAL REVIEW

 *MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Published in 1988, Matilda represents one of Roald Dahl’s most popular books. In 1996, Danny DeVito adapted it into a family friendly comedy with Mara Wilson impressing with her performance as the titular young protagonist. It was successful with critics who praised DeVito’s take on Dahl’s novel. In 2010, a stage musical was created with Australian comedian, Tim Minchin, writing the songs. It received widespread critical acclaim and box-office popularity, winning seven Olivier Awards in 2012, including Best New Musical. Because of this, it’s not surprising that a feature film adaptation has been made of Matilda: The Musical.

Matilda Wormwood (Alisha Weir) is a little girl with big curiosity, a sharp mind and a vivid imagination — and the worst parents in the world. While her parents (Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough) content themselves with trashy TV and dodgy money-making schemes, she loves to lose herself in the pages of her beloved books. Where they are loud, selfish and unkind she is a quiet observer, thinking up small and cheeky acts of rebellion and revenge. On meeting her inspirational teacher, Miss Honey (Lashana Lynch), Matilda is encouraged and begins conjuring her own fantastical tales. Excited to attend Crunchem Hall, Matilda is surprised to find the school is an ominous and oppressive place led by the towering and villainous Miss Trunchbull (Emma Thompson). As well as kind Miss Honey, the bright lights among the meanness are story-loving librarian, Mrs. Phelps (Sindhu Vee), and Matilda’s newfound school friends. Filled with an overwhelming sense of justice, Matilda dares to take a stand for what is right and teach Trunchbull a lesson she won’t forget.

Matilda: The Musical will, most likely, appeal to fans of Dahl’s book and those who have seen the original musical on stage. It’s directed by Matthew Warchus who succeeds at adapting musical into a fun, family friendly film. Unsurprisingly, the film is at its most entertaining during the energetic musical numbers, with Naughty, When I Grow Up and Revolting Children standing out as the most memorable. I can imagine fans of the original stage musical struggling not to sing along.

An issue with a lot of family friendly films is that they appeal more to children and are filled with silly and immature jokes. Fortunately, that’s not the case with Matilda: The Musical which can be enjoyed by viewers of any age. Children will have fun watching the students of Crunchem Hall rebelling against the evil Miss Trunchbull and the many musical numbers, however, older viewers will appreciate the film’s thoughtful message of standing up for what’s right. Despite being neglected by her parents, Matilda is kind and isn’t afraid to stand up to Miss Trunchbull. That’s what makes her an inspiring character and someone children can look up to. Matilda also has a creative imagination and, throughout most of the film, tells the librarian Mrs. Phelps a story about an escapologist and his acrobatic wife. Although these scene could have distracted from the main narrative, they actually detailed the tragic background of one of the characters.

The most impressive aspect of Matilda: The Musical is the lively and amusing performances delivered by its talented cast. Unsurprisingly, Thompson delivers the most memorable performance and is almost unrecognisable as the villainous headteacher Miss Trunchbull who enjoys seeing the students of her school suffer. Graham and Riseborough are perfectly wacky and over the top as Matilda’s mean spirited parents. Lynch is best known for her more serious and fierce roles alongside Daniel Craig’s James Bond in No Time To Die and in the action packed thriller, The Woman King. However, as Matilda’s kind hearted teacher, Miss Honey, Lynch delivers a heartfelt performance. Out of the cast, it’s Weir who stands out with her shining performance as Matilda, an ordinary little girl with extraordinary powers and vivid imagination.

Since its premiere at the London Film Festival earlier this year, Matilda: The Musical has been praised by critics with most of them saying that it “brings the classic story back to the screen”. It’s scheduled to be released on Netflix in the summer, however, it’s currently being shown in cinemas across the UK and, in my opinion, I think that Matilda: The Musical is worth experiencing on the big screen. 

Filled with catchy musical numbers and fun performances by its talented cast, Matilda: The Musical is a thoroughly entertaining adaptation of Dahl’s beloved book with hardly a dull moment to be found in its 117 minute runtime. 

7/10