It is always a special experience to see Roald Dahl’s legacy thriving and flourishing on screen. His stories are forever young and timeless, it makes me happy to know children still want to watch his movies and Hollywood still wants to make them. In saying that, I am biased and I tried my hardest whilst watching this film not to compare to the classic 1996 adaption of Matilda but alas, I couldn’t help myself. Although this film uses songs and original story moments from the stage show and there is no faulting the talent and charisma which oozes out of the cast but for me, the film was lacking in character development and lacking in pure emotion. Roald Dahl is known for his character building, his connection with the audience and his childlike understand of human interactions. This film glossed over everything which makes Matilda, Matilda. As a musical, it was grand and punchy, with endless musical numbers and scene stealing songs but as a piece of cinema… Matilda is sadly not a film I will be returning to. Dahl’s books are subjectively for children but can form a nostalgic attachment for adults, this film was simply for children and nothing more. I think it should stay on the stage.
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