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

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:

$8,209,000, 4 August 1996, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$33,084,249, 1 December 1996

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

Did You Know?

Trivia

Winona Ryder was considered for the role of Miss Honey after Danny DeVito had worked with her on Reality Bites (1994) (which he produced). But she turned it down due to scheduling conflicts with The Crucible (1996).

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Goofs

The "X" Matilda writes on the blackboard in chalk with her powers soon changes to a straight line.

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Quotes

Agatha Trunchbull: I cannot for the life of me understand why small children take so long to grow up. I think they do it deliberately, just to annoy me.

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Crazy Credits

Newts:

• Mr. Speaker
• Sir Isaac
• Wayne

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Connections

References Zero for Conduct (1933)

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Soundtracks

Little Bitty Pretty One
Written by Bobby Day (as Robert Byrd)
Performed by Thurston Harris
Courtesy of EMI Records
Under license from EMI-Capitol Music Special Markets

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