Movie #2156 "Roald Dahl's Matilda the musical" (Netflix) We had heard about this being made, but it totally surprised us when we were searching for something on netflix and it popped up! We had seen the musical and enjoyed it so much --- the kids were so memorable with their angular precision dancing throughout the whole show, and it was just so different for a musical --- full of dark humor, much like the humor in another Dahl book-turned-into-a-musical/movie 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." However, this is not a show for everyone --- I think adults might like it because of how it so successfully opens up the brilliant mind of the little girl Matilda who gets made fun of because she enjoys reading books more than watching the beloved" tele" that her folks push her to do. We watch how awful her parents are and laugh when Matilda gets back at them in her little "naughty" ways (she has an adorable song "naughty" that is memorable from the show). This movie removed both of her parents' very funny songs from the musical, so it can focus more on the school and Emma Thompson as the mean principal (who doesn't think twice about hammer- throwing kids if she thinks they wronged her). And that's where kids, esp. little ones, might be scared watching this abuse of kids. One boy is forced to eat a huge cake until he almost explodes. This is hyperbole to the nth degree --- something kids might not get. The ending is very heartwarming and poignant dealing with a caring teacher who helps Matilda get out from her abusive family, and if kids get that far, it is well worth the journey, but still not sure it wouldn't scare many of them. So who is the demographic group this film was made for? And maybe, just maybe, that's why I think they sent it to streaming with very little showings in a theatre (if any? I don't remember seeing it here, but maybe in the UK?). Let me know if you get to see it and what you think. Of the book, movie, musical and now movie- musical, this one rates last with me. I'd give it 3.5 out of 5. But if you get a chance to see the musical live, I would recommend that!
"ROALD DAHL'S MATILDA THE MUSICAL" 1 hr, 57mins PG (really?) 2022
An adaptation of the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical. Matilda tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a sharp mind and a vivid imagination, dates to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results. (this is a very good summation of the musical)
Director: Matthew Warchus
Writers: Dennis Kelly, Tim Minchin, Roald Dahl
Actors: Alisha Weir, Emma Thompson, Lashana Lynch
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