Matilda (1996)

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.

Director:

Danny DeVito

Writers:

Roald Dahl (book), Nicholas Kazan (screenplay)

Stars:

Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Mara Wilson

3 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Mara Wilson	...	Matilda
Danny DeVito	...	Mr. Wormwood / Narrator
Rhea Perlman	...	Mrs. Wormwood
Embeth Davidtz	...	Miss Honey
Pam Ferris	...	Trunchbull
Paul Reubens	...	FBI Agent
Tracey Walter	...	FBI Agent
Brian Levinson	...	Michael
Jean Speegle Howard	...	Miss Phelps
Sara Magdalin	...	Matilda, 4 Years
R.D. Robb	...	Roy
Gregory R. Goliath	...	Luther (as Goliath Gregory)
Fred Parnes	...	Waiter
Kiami Davael	...	Lavender
Leor Livneh Hackel	...	Julius Rottwinkle

Storyline

Matilda Wormwood is an exquisite and intelligent little girl. Unfortunately, Matilda is misunderstood by her family because she is very different from their ways of life. As time passes, Matilda finally starts school that has a kindly teacher, loyal friends and a sadistic principal. As she gets fed up with the constant cruelty, Matilda begins to realize that she has a gift of telekinetic powers. After some days of practice, Matilda suddenly turns the tables to stand up to her parents and outwit the principal.

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Plot Keywords:

villainess | library | anger | watching tv | woman wears eyeglasses | 

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Taglines:

A little magic goes a long way.

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Genres:

Comedy | Family | Fantasy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for elements of exaggeRated meanness and ridicule, and for some mild language

Did You Know?

Trivia

The picture of Miss Honey's father, Magnus, is actually a portrait of Roald Dahl, the author of the book "Matilda," upon which the film is based.

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Goofs

After the attack of the chalk dusters Miss Trunchbull lies on the classroom floor. The position of her left arm changes between shots.

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Quotes

[Miss Trunchbull has accused Matilda of going into her house]
Jenny: Miss Trunchbull, I was the one who was at your house last night, and I think...
Agatha Trunchbull: [grabbing and clenching Miss Honey's wrist very tightly in her fist] I broke your arm once before; I can do it again, Jenny.
Jenny: [suddenly mad, she briskly releases her arm from Miss Trunchbull's grip with her free hand] I am *not* seven years old anymore, Aunt Trunchbull!
[the class gasps]
Agatha Trunchbull: Shut your mouths!

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Crazy Credits

The opening and closing credits are displayed over various colored backgrounds.

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Connections

Referenced in Big Star's Bigger Star: Episode #1.4 (2018)

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Soundtracks

Send Me On My Way
Written by Michael Glabicki, Liz Berlin, John Buynak, Jim DiSpirito (as James Dispirito, James DiSpirito), Jim Donovan (as James Donovan), Patrick Norman, and Jenn Wertz
Performed by Rusted Root
Courtesy of Mercury Records
By Arrangement with PolyGram Film & TV Licensing

User Reviews

a great family movie we are missing these days ?

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

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 August 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

Roald Dahl's Matilda

Filming Locations:

2186 East Crary Street, Altadena, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$36,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$8,208,609, 4 August 1996

Gross USA:

$33,459,416

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$33,459,416

Company Credits

Production Co:

TriStar Pictures, Jersey Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SDDS (8 channels) Dolby Digital

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1