Roald Dahl Retrospective Episode 10: Matilda

In this episode of the Roald Dahl Retrospective, Patricia and
Arun discuss about the 1996 live action film Matilda based on the
1988 book of the same name. It stars Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito,
Rhea Perlman, Embeth Davidtz, and Pam Ferris. The plot focuses on
a young girl named Matilda Wormwood who is born very intelligent,
independent, and clever with her love of books while her parents
and her older brother pay no attention to her mostly focused on
television. When Matilda is brought to school, she meets up with
new friends, a lovable teacher with a tragic past, and a ruthless
principal who performs unorthodox punishment to her students.
Matilda has to deal with her immature family, a pair of cops who
are investigating Mr. Wormwood retrieving stolen car parts, and
the cruel principal while learning how to use telekinetic powers
from her mind.   


When the movie premiered, it was a box office failure making $33
million dollars out of a $36 million dollar budget. But it was
able to make double its budget due to its release overseas and
its home video release. Now it's become not only a classic, but
also a huge phenomenon with a special edition book showcasing
Matilda at 30 released around 2018 illustrated by Quentin Blake,
an online challenge involving with lights flickering on and off
and moving furniture to the song "Little Bitty Pretty One" by
Thurston Harris based on a scene from the movie, a Broadway
musical, and an upcoming movie adaptation based on the musical.
According to many Roald Dahl fans, they call Matilda the best
movie adaptation next to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
Do Patricia and Arun agree on this statement? Listen and find
out.