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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers (WGA):
Roald Dahl (book)
Nicholas Kazan (screenplay) ...
more
Release Date:
2 August 1996 (USA) more
Tagline:
A little magic goes a long way. more
Plot:
Story of a wonderful little girl, who happens to be a genius, and her wonderful teacher vs. the worst parents ever and the worst school principal imaginable. full summary | full synopsis
Awards:
3 wins & 4 nominations more
NewsDesk:
(6 articles)
Review: Did you ever see… Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
(From HeyUGuys. 11 November 2009, 4:01 PM, PST)
Discussion: 2009 Oscar Predictions
(From newsinfilm. 21 February 2009, 2:32 PM, PST)
User Comments:
A Quirky and Wonderful Slice of Magic & Youth more (129 total)
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Mara Wilson | ... | Matilda Wormwood | |
| Danny DeVito | ... | Harry Wormwood / Narrator | |
| Rhea Perlman | ... | Zinnia Wormwood | |
| Embeth Davidtz | ... | Miss Jennifer 'Jenny' Honey | |
| Pam Ferris | ... | Agatha Trunchbull | |
| Paul Reubens | ... | FBI Agent Bob | |
| Tracey Walter | ... | FBI Agent Bill | |
| Brian Levinson | ... | Michael 'Mikey' Wormwood | |
| Jean Speegle Howard | ... | Miss Phelps | |
| Sara Magdalin | ... | Matilda at 4 Years | |
| R.D. Robb | ... | Roy | |
| Gregory R. Goliath | ... | Luther (as Goliath Gregory) | |
| Fred Parnes | ... | Waiter | |
| Kiami Davael | ... | Lavender | |
| Leor Livneh Hackel | ... | Julius Rottwinkle |
Additional Details
Also Known As:
Roald Dahl's Matilda
more
MPAA:
Rated PG for elements of exaggerated meanness and ridicule, and for some mild language.
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
98 min | USA:102 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Color (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.33 : 1 more
Certification:
Iceland:L | South Korea:All | Argentina:Atp | Australia:PG | Belgium:KT | Chile:TE | Finland:K-8 | Norway:11 | Peru:PT | Portugal:M/6 | Spain:7 | Sweden:11 | UK:PG | USA:PG | Singapore:PG | Germany:6 | Italy:T | Netherlands:MG6 | Brazil:Livre
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
The car Harry sells to the Trunchbull is a 1970 Buick Electra 225 sedan. more
Goofs:
Revealing mistakes: When Miss Trunchbull throws the newt onto a ceiling light, the close-up of it clearly shows it to be made of rubber. But when it falls into a pupil's hands, it's a real newt again. more
Quotes:
[first lines]
Narrator:
Everyone is born, but not everyone is born the same. Some will grow to be butchers, or bakers, or candlestick makers. Some will only be really good at making Jell-O salad. One way or another, though, every human being is unique, for better or for worse.
[Harry takes his first look at Matilda, grunts, and leaves]
Narrator:
Most parents believe their children are the most beautiful creatures ever to grace the planet. Others take a less emotional approach:
Harry Wormwood:
What a waste of time!
Zinnia Wormwood:
And painful!
Harry Wormwood:
And expensive... $9.25 for a bar of soap?
[...]
more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in "Midsomer Murders: Blood Will Out (#2.4)" (1999) more
Soundtrack:
Little Bitty Pretty One more
FAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (129 total)
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Matilda (1996) moreRecommendations
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Hi hi!
Danny DeVito touches on the viewpoint of children - and their imaginations - in this fantasy come to life: MATILDA.
Who of us as children didn't see the world in the powerful images of youthful, innocent eyes? The horrific Agatha Trunchbull, the kindly librarian, Mrs. Phelps? The annoying big brother 'Mikey', or the wondrous, perfect teacher, Miss Honey? Who of us as children didn't see that some things in life were wrong and wanted to put them right - if only we had magic powers!
Life as a child is fantastic and happy and exciting and scary. And in MATILDA we see all elements of childhood shine through by the intentionally ridiculous, over-the-top performances of Danny DeVito (Matilda's Dad), Rhea Perlman (Mom), and Pam Ferris (Ms. Trunchbull, the principal).
And yes, there is a scary element to the movie: The chase in Ms. Trunchbull's house; the "Chokey"; the spooky scene of Matilda taking back "Lizzie Doll" from Ms. Trunchbull while "haunting" her house. But this is the scariness of youth; shown from a safe distance for even the young audience. And despite the scariness - which kids KNOW exists - Matilda and Miss Honey and all their friends are victorious. Danny DeVito has demonstrated a lesson well-learned from the Disney animated films of yesteryear: The more evil the villain, the more noble and victorious the heroine.
To miss seeing MATILDA is to miss a heart-warming, hand-clapping, magical trip back to your childhood fantasies and ideals.