Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical Movie Review
Review By Jo Parkinson
Matilda the Musical’s catchy tunes and clever lyrics will inspire imaginations, capture hearts and remind us that bravery is the biggest superpower of all.
Matilda The Musical has been an incredible success on Broadway and all over the world and it has now been tuned into a movie thanks to Netflix. Based on the much loved novel by Roald Dahl, it features many of our favourite elements from the original 1996 movie but has some added storylines as well.
Music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. Book adapted by Dennis Kelly. Directed by Matthew Warchus.
Story
The story of Matilda follows remarkably smart Matilda as she deals with her cruel school principal and parents. It starts off with a brightly coloured hospital scene, where it becomes clear that unwanted newborn Matilda Wormwood is going to have a very different start to life than most other babies. As she grows, Matilda finds company in books and has a natural gift for learning. Unfortunately, her parents are too busy with their own lives to notice Matilda’s extraordinary talent and imagination.
After authorities investigate Matilda’s absence from school, she eagerly begins for the first time. But she soon learns from the other children that Crunchem Hall is no ordinary school. It’s more like a prison. This is due to the rigid rules of horrible, hammer-throwing Principal, Miss Trunchbull. Even though the students are treated unfairly, there is a unity amongst them, and Matilda soon makes friends.
Her kind teacher Miss Honey, takes Matilda under her wing. She gives her the attention and encouragement she has neglected to receive at home. In return, Matilda realises she can help Miss Honey in her own magical way. Together, they stand up for themselves and lead the school into a revolt against Miss Trunchbull.
The movie is not quite as bright and light-hearted as the original. There is more of a focus on the school, and the struggles Matilda has in her home life.
However, it has a positive message that teaches children to stand up to bullies and to do what they feel is right.
Cast & Songs
The children cast in the movie are full of talent, and the song and dance sequences are very entertaining. Emma Thompson does not disappoint as Miss Trunchbull and Lashana Lynch plays a gentle and likeable Miss Honey.
The songs are cleverly written and have catchy tunes. The standouts being ‘Naughty’, ‘School Song’ and ‘When I Grow Up’, with the biggest highlight being the final high-energy song, ‘Revolting Children’.
Being a musical, the movie is predominantly made up of songs. Keep this in mind if you are taking children who may be expecting to see a more traditional type of movie.
Matilda the Musical is rated PG and is in cinemas from 8 December 2022 and will be premiering on Netflix from 25 December 2022.
Watch the trailer below:
FIND OUR LIST OF CHRISTMAS MOVIES HERE
For more information and all enquiries visit the Netflix Family Facebook.
What: Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical Movie
When: Released December 2022
Where: Cinemas (check your local guide) and Netflix
Who: Rated PG
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: Netflix Family Facebook page
SUBSCRIBE
Want to get all the latest events and activities straight to your inbox?
Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter below to keep up to date with our latest posts and find out all the best events & activities for Adelaide families. Newsletters are only sent once a week, and you may sometimes get a special offer exclusively for our subscribers only!
