![]() ![]()
MPAA Rating: PG Running Time: 96 minutes
NEXT WEEK: See Robin Williams grow as Jack.
| Matilda![]() For the moment, Roald Dahl's Matilda ranks as my 8-year-old daughter's favorite book. She liked it so much she's now going through the shelf of Dahl's children's books at the library, one by one--which is pretty much what the smart people in Hollywood are doing, too. Let's hope they all get it as right as Danny DeVito does. DeVito directed and stars in this adaptation, which is fully as weird, dark, extreme, fantastic, and wonderful as Dahl's books--or a child's imagination. For those who haven't had the pleasure of Matilda, a brief synopsis: Matilda (played by Mara Wilson of Mrs. Doubtfire) is a very smart, very sensitive, very charming girl who was born into a very wrong family. Her silly, vulgar parents, Harry and Zinnia Wormwood (DeVito and Rhea Perlman), are so wrapped up in their bingo games and used-car scams they don't even know how old she is. When Matilda teaches herself to read, they can't imagine why she wants books when the TV is right in front of her. They finally agree to send her to school when they discover Miss Trunchbull (Pam Ferris), the meanest, scariest principal ever. In Dahl's modern fairy tale world, the Trunchbull is the giant, stomping and snarling and throwing children through windows like javelins. Matilda's only solace is Miss Honey (Embeth Davidtz), her sweet, but desperately unhappy, teacher. When Matilda discovers she possesses unusual powers, she uses them to save Miss Honey, the cowering children, and herself. The Fidget Factor: Teachers introduce Dahl books in second and third grade, which is a good gauge for the age to introduce his movies (which include James and the Giant Peach, The Witches, and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.) Younger children will enjoy it, too, with preparation. The Parent Trap: By far the best, most inventive, most enjoyable family/children's movie of the summer. Perlman and DeVito play the silly parents to the hilt. Untoward Behavior: Matilda's parents drink beer and engage in mildly criminal activities. Miss Trunchbull is a fairy tale monster, which may frighten sensitive children: She throws kids through the air, yells at them, and sends them to a frightening closet full of nails and knives. Post-Show Topics: What do you think helps Matilda the most: her special powers, her brains, or her love for Miss Honey?
|
![]()
|