Roald Dahl Story:-
Adapting Roald Dahl’s beloved stories for the screen has always been a delicate balancing act. Dahl’s tales are known for their dark humor and unapologetic portrayal of human flaws, elements that may not always translate seamlessly to film. However, Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical manages to capture much of the essence of Dahl’s work while also infusing the story with a sense of childlike wonder and whimsy.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 25 December 2022 |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Comedy, Fantasy, Musical |
| Duration | 1h 57min |
| Cast | Alisha Weir, Emma Thompson, Lashana Lynch, Stephen Graham, Andrea Riseborough, Sindhu Vee, Carl Spencer, Lauren Alexandra, Winter Jarrett-Glasspool, Andrei Shen, Ashton Robertson, Meesha Garbett, Charlie Hodson-Prior, Rei Yamauchi Fulker, Katherine Kingsley, Amber Adeyinka, James Laurenson, Ann Firbank, Amanda Lawrence, Thomas Arnold, James Dryden, Matt Henry, Karen Mavundukure, Tia Isaac |
| Director | Matthew Warchus |
| Writer | Dennis Kelly |
| Cinematography | Tat Radcliffe |
| Music | Tim Minchin |
| Producer | Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Jon Finn, Luke Kelly |
| Production | TriStar Pictures, Working Title Films, The Roald Dahl Story Company |
| Certificate | 13+ |
Directed by Matthew Warchus, the film opens with a buoyant energy, inviting viewers into the eccentric world of young Matilda Wormwood, portrayed with charm and maturity by newcomer Alisha Weir. Matilda is a precocious and intelligent girl who finds solace in books amidst the chaos of her dysfunctional family life. From the outset, it’s clear that Matilda is not your average child protagonist; she possesses a keen intellect and a strong sense of justice, making her a compelling central character.
One of the film’s strengths lies in its portrayal of the antagonistic adults in Matilda’s life. Emma Thompson delivers a standout performance as the tyrannical Miss Trunchbull, whose towering presence and menacing demeanor loom large over the students of Crunchem Hall. Thompson’s portrayal perfectly captures the essence of Dahl’s character, balancing cruelty with absurdity in a way that is both terrifying and comedic.
However, while the adult performances are a highlight, the film occasionally struggles to find the right balance between whimsy and darkness. Dahl’s stories are known for their macabre humor and biting satire, but Matilda the Musical sometimes veers too far into whimsical territory, diluting the impact of the more sinister elements of the story. This is particularly evident in the film’s treatment of Matilda’s parents, played by Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough. While both actors deliver strong performances, their characters feel somewhat sanitized compared to Dahl’s original vision, with much of their grotesque humor toned down for a younger audience.
Despite these shortcomings, Matilda the Musical still manages to charm audiences with its infectious energy and catchy musical numbers. Tim Minchin’s songs are a highlight of the film, blending clever wordplay with catchy melodies to create memorable musical moments. From the rousing anthem “Revolting Children” to the heartfelt ballad “Naughty,” the film’s musical numbers add depth and emotion to the story, elevating it beyond a simple children’s tale.
Visually, Matilda the Musical is a feast for the eyes, with vibrant colors and whimsical sets transporting viewers into Matilda’s imaginative world. Tat Radcliffe’s cinematography captures the magic and wonder of Dahl’s storytelling, while Melanie Ann Oliver’s editing keeps the pace brisk and engaging throughout.
In the end, Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical may not be a perfect adaptation of Dahl’s classic tale, but it succeeds in capturing much of the spirit and charm that have made his stories timeless classics. With its infectious energy, strong performances, and memorable musical numbers, the film is sure to delight audiences of all ages, reminding us of the power of imagination and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
