A One Mann’s Movies review of “Matilda The Musical” (2022).
Whilst I’m sure I’ve seen the 1996 version of “Matilda”, featuring Mara Wilson and Danny DeVito, I don’t readily recall it. And it was long, long ago that I read the Roald Dahl book and I’ve never seen the Tim Minchin musical. So I’m a bit of a Matilda virgin. But my daughter Jenn raves about the stage musical, so I was keen to see this one.
Bob the Movie Man Rating(s):
Plot Summary:
Matilda Wormwood (Alisha Weir) is a child genius with a love of books and story-writing. But she thrives despite her horribly unappreciative parents (Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough). She is forced to attend Crunchum Hall, ruled over with a rod of iron by the terrifying Agatha Trunchbull (Emma Thompson). Her only protector there is the lovely teacher Miss Honey (Lashana Lynch), who herself has a dark secret.
Certification:
UK: PG; US: PG. (From the BBFC: “Mild threat, comic violence”).
Talent:
Starring: Alisha Weir, Lashana Lynch, Emma Thompson, Stephen Graham, Andrea Riseborough, Sindhu Vee.
Directed by: Matthew Warchus.
Written by: Dennis Kelly, based on the book by Roald Dahl and the stage musical by Tim Minchin.
Twitter Handle: #MatildaMusical, #MatildaMovie.
“Matilda The Musical” Review:
Positives:
- It’s a terrifying transformation, but Emma Thompson makes the film come alive with her Trunchbull. For me, she stayed just the right side of horror territory, while fully reflecting Roald Dahl’s macabre sense of humour. But I can see that this would be a terrifying prospect for sensitive younger children, so “parents beware”!
- Lashana Lynch makes for an inspirational casting choice as Miss Honey. She delivers a tremendously emotional performance, and my-oh-my, the lady can sing too! Andrea Riseborough and Stephen Graham have panto-style fun in the roles of the Wormwoods: a big change of pace from the sort of roles they usually fill.
- I’m sure many of the young cast are well rehearsed through being a part of the stage musical ensemble. But even so, the kids’ dance numbers are just beautifully choreographed and performed to PERFECTION. In particular, the dance moves of Meesha Garbett as Hortensia and Charlie Hodson-Prior as Bruce Bogtrotter, particularly in the finale song “Revolting Children”, I found absolutely fantastic. (Stuck on) hats off to them!
- It’s obviously not specific to the film, but some of Tim Minchin’s lyrics are superbly funny.
Negatives
- While I enjoyed the “story within the story” of the Escapologist and the Acrobat (which I understand also features in the stage musical), it does extend the running time significantly. And at a tad short of 2 hours, it might have benefited from a bit of trimming to reduce the run-time by 10 minutes or so. Kids may well get itchy feet.
Suitable for Kids?
Although the BBFC described it as having “comic violence”, many of the Trunchbull’s actions are extreme and frightening. Certainly one of my grandson’s (who loves the stage musical) “hated it” (in the words of my daughter). (It was) “too intense for him”.
Summary Thoughts on “Matilda The Musical”
I enjoyed this one a lot. I thought the fantasy elements were well done and the musical numbers extremely catchy and well-danced. It’s good and proper that it is an adjunct to, rather than a replacement of, the stage musical. But it succeeded in making me want to plan a trip up to London to see the show.
Trailer for “Matilda The Musical”:
The trailer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lroAhsDr2vI .
