Parents' Guide to

Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical

Movie PG 2022 117 minutes
Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical Movie Poster

Common Sense Media Review

Danny Brogan By Danny Brogan , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 8+

Musical adaptation has positive messages, some scares.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 8+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 9+

Based on 39 parent reviews

age 11+

Redemption for a character doesn’t redeem this as a kids movie.

I agree with reviewers that think the portrayal of heinous, illegal cruelty towards children is irredeemable for kids under 10, especially sensitive ones. And vindictiveness towards aggressors from a child is not healthy boundary setting with bullies, it’s borderline psychopathic and depicts violent tendencies. This is the kind of childhood that produces dangerous adults, it’s honestly got no business being made available to children who are unaware adults have the capacity for that level of vitriol to kids. I fully understand some unfortunate children have to deal with bullying, some of which comes from adults. But this introduced a level of cruelty I don’t believe my 7 yo needs to be aware of. Being naive to the horrors of real life is what makes childhood magical.
age 10+

Mean and angry adults get their comeuppance, but it's not cute

The overwhelming theme is that of purposefully cruel adults (Matilda's parents and the head of the school) tormenting children...in the original film these adults were more bumbling meanies; in this one, rather shockingly angry and hateful and it never lets up. It was a bit off-putting even when you know the plot from previous versions. Some catchy musical numbers save it from being unrelentingly depressing, but this is not a feel-good movie. Tread with caution with more sensitive viewers.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (39 ):
Kids say (45 ):

Adapted from a hit stage musical of the popular kids' book, this magical movie had some excellent source material to work from. Nevertheless, after a successful run on Broadway, Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical's transition to big screen is seamless and deserves all the plaudits. Dahl's tale about a girl with extraordinary gifts who uses them to stand up to bullies and defend her friends is timeless. As with most of Dahl's kids stories, a dark undercurrent runs through it -- like Harry Potter, Matilda comes from an unloving and abusive home. But it's never fully allowed to come to the surface. That's largely due to the film's playful humor, beautifully penned songs, and expertly choreographed dance routines.

Relative newcomer Weir navigates the lead role with ease and is ably supported by her fellow talented child actors. Elsewhere, Lashana Lynch gives a charming performance as Miss Honey, one of the few caring adults in Matilda's life. Yet it's Thompson as the cruel Miss Trunchbull who steals the show. Almost unrecognizable, Thompson provides most of the film's laugh-out-loud moments, despite her character being a truly terrible human being. Charming, joyful, and with a big dose of good triumphing over evil, the film gives even viewers who aren't usually fans of musicals much to enjoy.

Movie Details

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