Emma Thompson is terrifying in fun family romp Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical ✍️ The starry adaptation of the hit West End stage musical is exactly what you’d expect: a serviceable screen adaptation of a vastly popular stage play ⭐⭐⭐
Directed by Matthew Warchus, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, the film follows on directly from the stage show, and Warchus is predictably adept at the slick, expensive choreography required of a big-budget musical like this one. Warchus previously directed 2014’s Pride, the likeable story of LGBTQ+ activists in 80s Britain, and does have a roving stylistic sense as a filmmaker.
Unfortunately, at times Warchus goes too far in the other direction to make the musical look “cinematic”, when flashy camera movement only distracts from or undermines the performers doing their song and dance routines. A little bit of stillness might have given the film a more solid anchor, and viewers a chance to really take in the fun details of so many of the musical numbers.
Still, barnburner songs from the play, like “Revolting Children”, land with a splash, and the quirky, angular production design is a real service to proceedings. As the first musical film to ever open BFI London Film Festival this week, it’s a fun little romp for adults and children alike, if not breaking any new ground.
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