Summary
The 1996 movieMatildajust hit Netflix, and it’s certainly worth the rewatch, especially because it will inspire audiences to watch its modern counterpart.Matildais one of many movies adapted from the writings of author, Roald Dahl. While the 1996 movie follows a young girl with telekinesis, his other stories have an equally strange bend. Some of the most popularRoald Dahl movie adaptationsincludeCharlie and the Chocolate Factory, The BFG,andThe Witches.DespiteMatildabeing brought to life on-screen in 1996, Dahl’s stories have a way of being adapted repeatedly in new and exciting ways.
Dahl’s books are not only highly adaptable, but are often successful as well.Matildawas a box office flop, earning only $47 million on a budget of $36 million, yet audiences loved the film. It has a 92% critics' score and a 73% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. In many ways,Matildais a childhood classic. Seeing a young protagonist with incredible power is satisfying to watch, both as a child and an adult. Even so many years past its release date,Matildacontinues to be a story that’s dear to many hearts, no matter what form it comes in.
Matilda’s Powers Explained & Where They Came From
Matilda is vague on the details of the titular character’s psychic powers, but the different versions of the work contain enlightening details.
The OG Matilda Hitting Netflix Is A Reminder To Watch Matilda The Musical
Matilda Is Also Great In Musical Form
Now thatMatildais on Netflix, it is not only a great watch, but it will also spur audiences to go watch the newer adaptation of the Roald Dahl story, 2022’sMatilda the Musical.After the 1996 movie,Matildasaw two more adaptations: a Broadway musical in 2010 and a movie version of the Broadway musical in 2022.Matilda the Musicalpremiered to great success and has since become another great way to enjoy Dahl’s story. Though the originalMatildais a classic, it doesn’t hurt to see how the musical puts a delightful spin on the familiar tale.
Some viewers may be wary of a musical movie, but the talent of the children’s cast makes it all worth it.
Matilda the Musicalhas been very well-received. In fact, its Rotten Tomatoes scores are almost identical to those of the 1996 movie.Matilda the Musicalhas a 93% critics' score and a 72% audience score. Furthermore,Matilda the Musicalbecame the fourth-highest-grossing family film in the UKduring the year of its release. In many ways,MatildaandMatilda the Musicalare similar. They both have strong casts, engaging visuals, and the same magical story. Some viewers may be wary of a musical movie, but the talent of the children’s cast makes it all worth it.
Both Are Good For Different Reasons
Roald Dahl’sMatildabook was released in 1988.
Whether audiences prefer the originalMatildaor theMatilda the Musicalis a matter of personal opinion.Both movies are amazing, depending on what the viewer is looking for. For those seeking out a smaller, nostalgic film, 1996’sMatildais certainly the way to go. However, those who enjoy the more flashy spectacle of a film will definitely preferMatilda the Musical.Regardless, both films tell the sameMatildastory, and therefore, it is entertaining no matter what way it is watched.
Matilda
Cast
Matilda is the 1996 live-action movie adaptation of Roald Dahl’s 1988 novel of the same name. It tells the story of Matilda Wormwood (Mara Wilson), a child prodigy who develops telekinetic powers while dealing with her abusive family and her school’s dictatorial principal Miss Trunchbull (Pam Ferris) with the help of her teacher Miss Honey (Embeth Davidtz). Danny DeVito directs the film and plays Matilda’s father, Harry.
Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical
Based on the classic children’s novel, Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical retells the story of a gifted young girl with high intelligence and telekinetic powers who wants to be in a loving home. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood (Stephen Graham, Andrea Riseborough), are inattentive and uncaring, consistently seeking to deny that she’s special. When Matilda finally gets to go to school against her parent’s wishes, she befriends a kind and loving teacher, Miss Honey, who immediately acknowledges that Matilda is unique. Her school is, unfortunately, ruled by the tyrannical Miss Agatha Trunchbull, who makes the lives of other teachers and students miserable. Tired of seeing injustice, Matilda takes a stand and begins to change the tide, using her powers to out-bully Miss Trunchbull, help Miss Honey, and set things right.
