A LITTLE MAGIC GOES A LONG WAY.
A little girl (Mara Wilson) is raised by what could possibly be the worst parents ever (Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman), but discovers the power of reading. A colorful adaptation of Roald Dahl’s dark children’s fantasy novel that goes hand in glove with the director’s sense of humor. He and his real-life wife, Perlman, are terrific as the ghastly parents, and Wilson is a charming Matilda. Imaginative and entertaining at first, the movie loses its grip with a series of loud, drawn-out showdowns between Matilda and the monstrous headmistress of her school.
1996-U.S. 93 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed and narrated by Danny DeVito. Novel: Roald Dahl. Cast: Danny DeVito (Harry Wormwood), Rhea Perlman (Zinnia Wormwood), Mara Wilson (Matilda Wormwood), Embeth Davidtz, Pam Ferris, Paul Reubens. Cameo: Jon Lovitz.
Trivia: Richard Donner was allegedly considered for directing duties.
