Matilda (1996)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Jeff "

  
  Danny Devito's Matilda is again one of those films that you enjoy when you're young, but once you grow up, you realize that the film isn't what it used to be. I'm not a fan of Mara Wilson, and I think she is very annoying. With Matilda, Danny Devito adapts Roald… More
  Danny Devito's Matilda is again one of those films that you enjoy when you're young, but once you grow up, you realize that the film isn't what it used to be. I'm not a fan of Mara Wilson, and I think she is very annoying. With Matilda, Danny Devito adapts Roald Dahl's classic children's book to the screen, and he does a poor job at it to. I remember enjoying this film as a kid, but like I stated this is a film that you can only enjoy as a child, and grow tired of when you're older. Mara Wilson is a terrible actress, and I find she has very limited range. As for Danny Devito, he can play the rude, obnoxious type, and he's not very good here. This is a fairly boring film that I lost interest in. I felt that Matilda didn't hold up the test of time as so many other childhood films have. Matila is a terrible film that isn't that interesting. Only diehard fans of the book will most likely enjoy this, but I didn't. I thought that the film was very mediocre. The films two good actors, Embeth Davidtz and Pam Ferris makes this film slightly watchable Matilda hasn't stood the test of time, and for me is one of those films that you enjoy when you're young, but that you don't like when you're older. The film is pretty pointless and I don't see why this film has gotten praise. The result is a tired film that plainly doesn't cut it, and is over sentimental. I just feel that Matilda is a forgettable family film that is only worth watching once. Mara Wilson is depressing in the lead role, and it's really what makes this film pretty bad. Not a good family film like so many other films.

• Alexander D

  
  When I was about seven or eight, I read the book, and I really didn't think all that much of it, even though I loved so Roald Dahl books. As for this movie adapted from it, I must say that it has structured part of my childhood, film-wise. MATILDA tells the story of a little… More
  When I was about seven or eight, I read the book, and I really didn't think all that much of it, even though I loved so Roald Dahl books. As for this movie adapted from it, I must say that it has structured part of my childhood, film-wise. MATILDA tells the story of a little girl of the same name (no, not an Australian kangaroo) who realizes she has supernatural abilities. That's not all: she is also living a life where her parents detest her love of literature; and on top of that, her principal at school (a place she has always wanted to go) is ridiculously tormenting and creepy toward her students. Matilda, with the wit she has, decides to use her abilities to get back at her parents and her principal--only to get into a stickier situation. This was a really fun family film, as I remember it. It was like a Tim Burton film: creepy for the kids, but darkly humorous for the adults. The only difference between this and a Burton film is that Danny DeVito directs (and narrates, and portrays the father, sigh...) possibly making a more pleasant picture. And another thing: there's no Helena Bonham Carter, no Johnny Depp. Some may find that sad, others may be relieved.

• AJ V

  
  A fun, humorous, and exciting movie based on a great book. I loved this movie when I was younger, as well as the book. Matilda has at the heart of it a realistic look at issues of childhood and school systems and intelligence. Plus the movie has great actors, and it's… More
  A fun, humorous, and exciting movie based on a great book. I loved this movie when I was younger, as well as the book. Matilda has at the heart of it a realistic look at issues of childhood and school systems and intelligence. Plus the movie has great actors, and it's entertaining for kids and adults alike.

• Bethany M

  
  A childhood favourite and an absolute classic!

• Chris W

  
  Charming, funny, and whimsical family film that makes me smile, even though it's a little girly. DeVito is an alright director, and I liked the effects. The story is run-of-the-mill, but it's well done, and the performances are pretty good. I miss Mara Wilson. She was… More
  Charming, funny, and whimsical family film that makes me smile, even though it's a little girly. DeVito is an alright director, and I liked the effects. The story is run-of-the-mill, but it's well done, and the performances are pretty good. I miss Mara Wilson. She was pretty and was also talented. I'd love to see her come back to the movies, and hope she does.

• Richard C

  
  really boring. D

• Lenny M

  
  This shiz was always on TV circa 1999, it's just a weird children's movie/book that I never really got into. I don't discriminate or really care about appereances but damn this might be one of the most ugly casts in the history of film. Matilda was cute in Mrs.… More
  This shiz was always on TV circa 1999, it's just a weird children's movie/book that I never really got into. I don't discriminate or really care about appereances but damn this might be one of the most ugly casts in the history of film. Matilda was cute in Mrs. Doubtfire but she got annoying real fast a la Harriet the Spy. Chill out with them library books man.

• Dead A

  
  This movie doesn't make sense.

• Jennifer D

  
  Cute. Very cute.

• Wahida K

  
  This has to be one of the warmest Movies.

• Thomas B

  
  this is a beautiful light-hearted family flick. matilda is incredibly likeable, both to adults and children.

• Coxxie M

  
  something turns me on about a fat kid eating cake and NOT liking it??

• Sanjaya &

  
  Unforgettable!!!! Matilda is a great story... Best Movie of 1996

• Candy R

  
  Heart-warming movie about a girl with magical powers, a family that doesn't want her and a horrible teacher.

• Jennifer X

  
  this movie made me fall in love with mara wilson. she is SO talented.

• Rachel F

  
  Fantastic. It is so funny. I loved Ms. Trunchbull(sp?)

• Drew S

  
  A surprisingly memorable kid's movie adapted from a splendid book.

• Dean M

  
  Great kid comedy story of a little girl with a big heart who discovers she has the power.

• Emily A

  
  I remember loving this movie when I was a kid. The whole smarts-as-a-superpower theme I really liked, and it was so delicious when the bad people got their just desserts. This is a great kid's movie.

• Kalel J

  
  Very quirky filmmaking and it works well in most parts of this film as it gives a unique tone and aura to the production that can often fail when implementing such ideas witnessed in this film. Danny DeVito does a surprisingly good job to make the film quirky but also appeal to the… More
  Very quirky filmmaking and it works well in most parts of this film as it gives a unique tone and aura to the production that can often fail when implementing such ideas witnessed in this film. Danny DeVito does a surprisingly good job to make the film quirky but also appeal to the audience it is aimed at - children, and has handled the script very well by capitalising on antics. However, one inevitable factor to a downfall of the film was Mara Wilson, one of those child actors that just grates on the nerves after 10 minutes.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings