I am 33 years old while I am writing these words, and I must admit I am fully enjoyed watching this movie despite this movie was made for kids and despite my age as I referred in the beginning. every thing was perfect . the simple wonderful story , the great acting specially from MARA , that was amazing , that's a kind of movies we are missing these days . my advice to all go watch this , you will not regret.

7/10

I enjoyed the movie MATILDA but was also a bit horrified by parts of the story. This isn't all that surprising, as many of Roald Dahl's books are pretty gory and horrific. Now for older kids (perhaps 7 or older--depending on the child),this isn't a problem--they know that this isn't real. But with younger kids, the film is probably too brutal and it's best they wait a few years to watch it. Such nasty things as the Trunchbull putting kids into the "chokie" (like a nastier version of an iron maiden) and throwing kids by their hair are amazingly scary and surprised me when I saw the film. I personally wish they had made the violence more cartoony--more obviously fake so that the film could be enjoyed by all ages. This is especially so because without a few vicious scenes, the film would have been fine for all ages. As it is, it's a very flawed but entertaining film that parents and older kids can enjoy. The acting is good (particularly of young Mara Wilson) and the film has a strange other-worldliness that is quite satisfying.

I absolutely love this movie. It is dark, funny, charming and brooding, and captures the essence of the book perfectly. By the way, I love the book as well, and consider Roald Dahl one of the finest authors of children's books, look at the BFG for evidence. The whole film is beautifully photographed, looking lush and crisp. Mara Wilson gives a very spirited performance as Matilda. Sure she's not the same as Quentin Blake's illustrations, but I preferred the changes. Danny Devito and Rhea Perlman were great as the parents. As for Miss Honey, I have never seen Embeth Davidtz look so lovely, and that's the truth. Indisputetably, the acting honours go to Pam Ferris as the tyrannical Miss Trunchball. I have never seen that side of Pam Ferris, and in real life, she is not as ugly as they made her. The Bruce Bogtrotter scene was enough to make you feel sick for a week, and you don't feel that in the book. The added scenes like in Magnus's house was a nice touch, and I also loved how dark Devito made it, mixing a bit of humour too. And the music score is superb. Check it out! 10/10. Bethany Cox