Matilda
Movie, 1996, The Mid 90s
Matilda is #22 of 27 in release order and #22 of 27 in chronological order in the VHS Kids Classics.
The story
Matilda Wormwood is an brilliant and intelligent little girl. Unfortunately, her parents, Harry and Zinnia, fail to see that fact. As time passes, she finally starts school and has a kind teacher, loyal friends, and a terrifying, sadistic headmistress. As she becomes fed up with the constant cruelty, she discovers she has a special gift that she just might be able to use to outwit the unruly adults around her.
Matilda recap
Matilda Wormwood is a brilliant girl born to parents who ignore her: Harry, a crooked used car dealer, and Zinnia, who watches TV and plays bingo. She teaches herself to read and spends her days at the library, getting back at her father with pranks such as glue in his hat. Her parents send her to Crunchem Hall, run by the cruel headmistress Agatha Trunchbull, who throws children by their pigtails and makes a boy eat a whole cake. Matilda's teacher, Miss Honey, recognises her gift and becomes her friend. Matilda discovers she can move things with her mind and tips a newt onto Trunchbull. Miss Honey reveals that Trunchbull is her aunt, who took her house after her father's suspicious death. Matilda sneaks into the house to recover Miss Honey's things, and Trunchbull nearly catches her.
Matilda ending explained
Using her powers, Matilda makes chalk write a message from Miss Honey's dead father, and the children chase Trunchbull out of the school for good. Miss Honey becomes headmistress and gets her house back. The FBI comes after Harry, and as the Wormwoods flee to Guam, Matilda persuades her parents to sign papers letting Miss Honey adopt her. Matilda and Miss Honey live together happily in the house, and Matilda goes on using her gift and her love of books.
Post-credits scenes
No. There is no post-credits scene.
Where to watch Matilda
Matilda is streaming on YouTube (free) in the US. You can rent or buy it on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.
Ratings
IMDb 7.0/10, Rotten Tomatoes 90%
Where it fits
- Release order: after Jumanji, before Harriet the Spy.
- Chronological order: after Jumanji, before Harriet the Spy.
Cast
- Mara Wilson as Matilda
- Danny DeVito as Mr. Wormwood / Narrator (voice)
- Rhea Perlman as Mrs. Wormwood
- Embeth Davidtz as Miss Honey
- Pam Ferris as Trunchbull
- Paul Reubens as FBI Agent
- Tracey Walter as FBI Agent
- Jean Speegle Howard as Miss Phelps
- Brian Levinson as Michael
- Sara Magdalin as Matilda, 4 Years
- R.D. Robb as Roy
- Gregory R. Goliath as Luther
Directed by Danny DeVito.