There's nothing wrong with the performances in this musical version of Matilda. Alisha Weir is absolutely perfect as the child prodigy born into a family that doesn't appreciate her. Emma Thompson is suitably imposing as the sadistic school headmistress and Lashana Lynch, appropriately sweet and kind as Miss Honey. Additional characters (Matilda's mother, father, friends, friendly librarian) are all good. With the exception of a few songs ( e.g. When I Grow Up) the music is not terribly memorable (though the ABC song is very clever).
But there is something that doesn't quite come together for me. First, it's obvious that the source material is the movie version of Matilda from 1996 (it took significant liberties with the original book as does this movie...not a criticism...just an observation). As a result, it begs comparison. While the 1996 version is, itself, flawed in many ways, there was something it had that this movie lacked: a sense of the absurd. I think "Matilda the Musical" takes itself just a little too seriously. Many of the songs are wistful or even sad. As a result, when Bruce is forced to eat cake or children are sent to the "Choky", it feels uncomfortable not absurd. In the 1996 version, these things happened but we see it through the eyes of young brilliant Matilda who, aside from a couple of brief moments of sadness, views most of these events with exasperation and impatience (Mara Wilson's deadpan delivery helps a lot). It makes what would be neglect and abuse in real life more palatable. That said, it's an enjoyable and fun film and worth watching. Just don't take it too seriously.
But there is something that doesn't quite come together for me. First, it's obvious that the source material is the movie version of Matilda from 1996 (it took significant liberties with the original book as does this movie...not a criticism...just an observation). As a result, it begs comparison. While the 1996 version is, itself, flawed in many ways, there was something it had that this movie lacked: a sense of the absurd. I think "Matilda the Musical" takes itself just a little too seriously. Many of the songs are wistful or even sad. As a result, when Bruce is forced to eat cake or children are sent to the "Choky", it feels uncomfortable not absurd. In the 1996 version, these things happened but we see it through the eyes of young brilliant Matilda who, aside from a couple of brief moments of sadness, views most of these events with exasperation and impatience (Mara Wilson's deadpan delivery helps a lot). It makes what would be neglect and abuse in real life more palatable. That said, it's an enjoyable and fun film and worth watching. Just don't take it too seriously.
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