Step right up, folks, because we're cracking open a tape that holds a special kind of magic – one tinged with a delicious darkness rarely seen in 90s family fare. Forget saccharine sweetness; we're diving into the delightfully subversive world of 1996’s Matilda. This wasn't just another kids' movie night rental; it felt like stumbling upon a secret, a story that understood that childhood wasn't always bright sunshine and that sometimes, just sometimes, a little telekinetic justice was exactly what the doctor ordered. Directed with mischievous glee by Danny DeVito, who also pulled triple duty as the narrator and the gloriously grotesque Harry Wormwood, Matilda brought Roald Dahl’s beloved book to life with a spark that still resonates.
### More Than Just Books and Brainpower
Adapting Roald Dahl is tricky business. His stories often walk a tightrope between childlike wonder and genuinely unsettling darkness. Nicholas Kazan and Robin Swicord’s screenplay, under DeVito's guidance (a director already known for blending comedy with darker edges in films like The War of the Roses (1989)), nails this delicate balance. They transplanted the story from the UK to suburban America, but crucially kept the core spirit intact: the celebration of intelligence, the critique of vulgar ignorance, and the righteous fury against cruelty. The film introduces us to Matilda Wormwood, played with astonishing precocity and charm by Mara Wilson (already familiar to audiences from Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)). Matilda is a genius born into a family who considers television the pinnacle of human achievement and books something vaguely suspicious. Her parents, Harry and Zinnia Wormwood, are masterpieces of cartoonish awfulness, brought to life with relish by DeVito and his real-life partner Rhea Perlman. Their garish home, their obsession with shady car deals and bingo, their sheer, unadulterated neglect of their brilliant daughter – it's played for laughs, yes, but there’s a biting satire underneath that feels quintessentially Dahl. I remember watching their scenes as a kid, simultaneously laughing and feeling a pang of outrage for poor Matilda.
### Welcome to Crunchem Hall
Things escalate when Matilda finally gets to go to school, only to find it lorded over by one of cinema’s greatest villains: Miss Agatha Trunchbull. Played with terrifying conviction and physical comedy brilliance by Pam Ferris, the Trunchbull isn't just mean; she's a force of nature, an Olympic-hammer-throwing tyrant who believes children are maggots. Ferris reportedly stayed in character quite often on set, enhancing the genuine reactions of fear from the child actors – a bit of method acting that certainly paid off on screen! Who could forget the infamous Bruce Bogtrotter chocolate cake scene? A moment of pure, stomach-churning tension followed by triumphant rebellion, apparently achieved with heaps of actual chocolate cake. Or the harrowing sight of Amanda Thripp being swung around by her pigtails? These scenes are burned into the memory banks of anyone who saw this film young. They were scary, yes, but also thrilling. The practical effects used for Trunchbull's feats of strength and, later, Matilda's burgeoning telekinesis – like the magically writing chalk or the floating objects – had that tangible quality that defined so many 90s fantasy films, blending practical ingenuity with nascent CGI for a truly enchanting effect.
### Finding Kindness in a Cruel World
Amidst the grotesque adults stands Miss Honey, the embodiment of gentle kindness and quiet strength. Embeth Davidtz brings a warmth and vulnerability to the role that provides the film's essential emotional anchor. Her cottage feels like a sanctuary, a stark contrast to the Wormwoods' loud, tacky house and Crunchem Hall's oppressive atmosphere. The relationship between Matilda and Miss Honey is the heart of the film, a touching portrait of finding kindred spirits in the most unlikely circumstances. It’s their bond, built on mutual respect and understanding, that gives Matilda the courage to fully embrace her powers and fight back.
### From Box Office Blip to VHS Royalty
Here’s a slice of retro reality: Matilda wasn't exactly a box office smash upon release in the summer of '96. It earned around $33.5 million domestically against a reported $36 million budget. But oh, how the tides turned on home video! This film became a massive hit on VHS and cable, finding its true audience curled up on living room floors, rewinding the magic bits over and over. It’s a classic example of a movie achieving beloved cult status long after its theatrical run – a true gem discovered in the aisles of Blockbuster or Hollywood Video. Adding a layer of poignancy, Mara Wilson’s mother, Suzie, was battling cancer during filming. Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman were incredibly supportive, often taking Mara into their own family activities. DeVito even showed Suzie a near-final cut of the film shortly before she passed away, dedicating the finished movie to her memory. Knowing this adds another dimension to the film's themes of finding chosen family and resilience.
### The Magic Endures
Matilda holds up remarkably well. Its message about the power of knowledge, the importance of kindness, and the courage to stand up to bullies (even gigantic, Olympic-level ones) is timeless. It's a film that trusts kids to handle darker themes while simultaneously empowering them. The performances are uniformly excellent, particularly Wilson’s captivating lead, Ferris's unforgettable villainy, and DeVito and Perlman's comedic chemistry. It's funny, thrilling, scary, and ultimately deeply heartwarming. It’s a film that celebrates being different, being smart, and finding your own kind of magic in the world. We all secretly wished for Matilda's powers after watching this, didn't we? The ability to pour your own cereal from across the room, or maybe deal with a particularly nasty authority figure... the possibilities felt endless.
Rating: 9/10
This score reflects the film's masterful blend of Roald Dahl's signature dark whimsy, stellar performances (especially from Wilson and Ferris), Danny DeVito's assured direction, and its undeniable heart. It navigated tricky tonal shifts brilliantly and created truly iconic characters and scenes. While perhaps not a massive initial hit, its enduring legacy as a beloved family classic, particularly thriving in the VHS era, is undeniable. It’s a near-perfect adaptation that captures the spirit of the book while being a fantastic film in its own right.
Matilda remains that cherished tape on the shelf – a reminder that even when the world seems full of Wormwoods and Trunchbulls, a little bit of brainpower (and maybe some telekinesis) can go a very long way. Pure 90s magic.