Event

Matilda

Read the book & watch the movie!

Matilda may contain the stuff of traditional childrens stories a wicked step-aunt, a true friend with a pure heart, and more than a little magic but traditional isnt a word that comes to mind when describing this film. Before 1996, Danny DeVitos directorial credits included Throw Momma From the Train, War of the Roses, and Hoffa. A master of exaggerated characters and extraordinary situations, his sense of quirk is a fine match here for Roald Dahls novel about neglectful parents, cruel teachers, and the revenge of a brave little girl.

The plot centers on Matilda, the 6 1/2 year-old daughter (Mara Wilson) of Harry and Zinia Wormwood (Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman). Though her parents may live in a very nice neighborhood in a very nice house, they are not very nice people. Mr. Wormwood is a used car salesman whose movements are being tracked by the police, and Mrs. Wormwood is obsessed with bingo parlors and television game shows. Though Matilda shows signs of amazing intelligence and remarkable powers, her parents are extremely neglectful. Eventually, they send her off to an elementary school thats lorded over by the horrifying Miss Trunchbull (Pam Ferris), whose personal motto is Use the rod, beat the child. Practicing what she preaches, Miss Trunchbull takes delight in informing her charges that her idea of a perfect school is one where there are no children. Fortunately for Matilda, her first grade teacher, the kind and good-hearted Miss Honey (Embeth Davidtz), immediately recognizes her new students amazing gifts. Taking place in a world of dangerous fools and terrible pleasures, the story is as satisfying in its wit as it is colorful in its execution.

To purchase the book from Oblong before the screening, click here.

(USA / 1996 / Directed by Danny DeVito)
PG / 1 hr 38 mins.