Rating of
3/4
Matilda (2022) - Review
Matthew Brady - wrote on 12/30/22
“Is it a bully? Because you know, the best way to deal with bullies is to tell someone. Straight away. They thrive on silence.”
With a story like Matilda, I often forget how dark and sad it is. The cruelty and isolation towards children are a bold portrayal, especially with it being in a book for children. This new version of the story comes close to matching the feeling I have toward the book.
This new adaption is on the stage musical, which I was lucky enough to watch on Broadway in New York City six years ago, and it was the most memorable theatrical experience I’ve ever had. The energy, the creativity, and the scope of it all were like no other. So, this movie does a decent job of duplicating that fast and sharp energy with its filmmaking, performers, and editing. Although, I only got into the vibe of the songs when the song ‘revolting children’ kicked into gear, which only happened towards the end of the movie.
The filmmaking and editing were irritating at points, as the film is going for a creative visual style and matches the stage production, but it wasn’t the same. The movie is tonal all over the place, not quite balancing the childlike wonder and the dark stuff evenly.
But the child performances were decent for the most part. They excel, of course, in the musical segments thou. Alisha Weir, who plays the title character, did a solid job as a kid actor, and I was impressed with some of her line delivery.
Emma Thompson plays Miss Trunchbull, a role I assume she loved every wicked second of it. I loved her line, “I’ve been busy!”. With actor Stephen Graham, who plays Mr. Wormwood, you get to see another side to him, as he’s more camp and over the top, with his bright, big, white teeth almost trying to escape his mouth. Andrea Riseborough, who plays Mrs. Wormwood, is somebody I didn’t recognize at the start - this woman has range.
Lashana Lynch is great as the timid but sweet Miss Honey. She surprisingly gives an emotional performance. From James Bond to then ‘The Woman King’, and now this, Lynch is someone to keep an eye out for in the future.
While the movie didn’t leave a massive impression on me after it was over, from what I saw, I can say it was an enjoyable piece of British entertainment, which I sense others like to find enjoyment in it.
