Matilda The Musical Movie Review (2022)
A colorful musical about a gifted young girl pushing back against a harsh school and difficult adults, Matilda The Musical is a fun film, with great songs, spectacular choreography, and an endearing story.
The first time I truly heard about Matilda The Musical on Broadway was during the 2013 Tony Awards. Since then, it has become a bit of a joke in my house. I record the Tonys every year, but for some reason that year, it didn’t record. When I realized, I started it up as soon as possible. As it turned out, it began recording right in the middle of the Matilda song, “Revolting Children,” as one of the children is yelling, “We will become a screaming horde!” Ever since, in my family, we will randomly begin singing those words for a laugh.
Matilda The Musical is about elementary-school-aged Matilda, a precocious girl who lives with parents who ignore her, has never attended school, and spends her days reading and dreaming up stories. Her parents are visited by school officials to enroll Matilda, and she attends with an intimidating principal, Miss Trunchbull, and a gentle teacher, Miss Honey. Matilda, who has cleverly glued a hat to her father’s head and turned his hair green, becomes a role model for the children at school and makes friends, while she also begins telling her friend and librarian, Mrs. Phelps, the story of an acrobat and an escapologist.
This gorgeous film is based on the story Matilda by Roald Dahl, which was adapted into the Broadway musical by Tim Minchin and Dennis Kelly. (As a complete aside, Tim Minchin plays Judas in my favorite modern version of Jesus Christ Superstar. If you haven’t watched it, it’s fantastic, and he is a standout.) I cannot imagine a movie version of Matilda that could be better. They used every tool at their disposal and produced this magic.
It’s tough to say how old Matilda is: in the book, she is around 5 or 6, but in the show, she seems closer to 8. It ultimately doesn’t matter, it has no real impact on the story. Since it’s a topic that does come up, though, I thought I’d address it.
The film’s tone is set from the very first song. As little babies lay in their individual bassinets, surrounded by sunshine, they each sing about how special their parents say they are, as their parents hover above them, smiling or holding cameras, taking pictures. I could watch this song over and over, and my kids like to say it’s because I’m a mom and I’m mushy, but I think it’s because it actually is that wonderful.
As the story continues and you watch Matilda (played by the wonderful Alisha Weir) with her self-absorbed, idiotic parents, you become immersed in her storytelling and her strength, just as the other characters in the film do. She is clever and imaginative, making the most of her difficult circumstances as she connects with her sweet and quiet teacher.
But while the story and the actors are excellent, the songs and choreography are show-stopping. There are several incredible sequences in the film, but they all build up to the dazzling “Revolting” number. With hundreds of students on the property, in the classrooms, and in the hallway, each moment erupts into coordinated chaos of dancing and singing children everywhere. Dancing on tables, hanging from balconies and light fixtures, running down stairs – it’s a celebration. And if you look closely at my favorite part of the song, there is a 20 second sequence in the hallway that never cuts. They choreographed an entire section in which various kids perform, moving in and out of frame as the camera pulls back, repositions, and students continue moving forward. It’s phenomenal.
Matilda The Musical has everything you would want from a children’s story, but it’s not just for kids. Adults will enjoy it just as much from an entirely different perspective. It is vibrant and touching with a flair for the whimsical. It’s one of the best movies made from a Broadway show out there.
Runtime: 91 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: PG
Languages Spoken In The Film: English
Should You Watch It? Yes
Did I Cry? Yep, every time I watch it
My Rating: 4.75/5 Stars
Available: Free on Netflix
