Matilda (1996) Review in 2025
A young girl with telekinetic powers attends a cruel boarding school, befriends a kind teacher, and uses her abilities to defend herself and her friends.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for family viewing, but some scenes may be too intense for younger children.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for families and fans of fantasy and comedy. It's a timeless classic that will leave you smiling.
Spoiler Alert!
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Matilda, a gifted child, discovers her telekinetic powers and uses them to defend herself against the cruel headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, and her evil principal, Mr. Wormwood, while befriending her kind teacher, Miss Honey.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging, with a clear narrative and well-developed characters. The plot is predictable, but the execution is excellent.
acting9.50/10
The acting is excellent, with Mara Wilson delivering a standout performance. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Danny DeVito delivering a memorable performance.
characters9.50/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, with Matilda being a standout. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Danny DeVito delivering a memorable performance.
direction9.00/10
The direction is excellent, with a clear vision and a good balance of humor and drama. The pacing is well-handled, and the tone is consistent.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is good, but not outstanding. The production design is excellent, with a clear attention to detail.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie has a strong narrative, well-developed characters, and excellent direction. The cinematography and acting are also noteworthy.
Cons
The pacing can be a bit slow in some parts, and the plot is predictable. However, these are minor complaints in an otherwise excellent movie.
Notable Quotes
"I am not a dishrag!"
"I'm not a bad kid, I'm just a misunderstood kid!"
