Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical (2022)

O'Sullivan finds the film’s best moments extraordinary, despite some conventional choices. She especially praises Emma Thompson’s haunting, eccentric performance as Miss Trunchbull.

Ide finds the adaptation immensely enjoyable despite its slightly overstretched length. She praises Alisha Weir’s assured performance and Emma Thompson’s game portrayal of Miss Trunchbull.

The review presents the film as a delight and an impressive musical adaptation. It praises the transformation of Dahl’s story about a brilliant little girl into a brilliant big musical.

O’Hara finds the adaptation entertaining overall, though its length and theatrical pacing sometimes drag. She particularly praises Alisha Weir’s performance and Emma Thompson’s threatening, grotesque turn as Trunchbull.

Lane finds the film an energetic, enjoyable adaptation whose themes of abuse and rebellion suit Dahl’s grotesque comic world. He especially praises the children’s screen presence, led confidently by Alisha Weir.

Lodge finds the adaptation lively and likable, though it lacks the cinematic dynamism to become a classic. He singles out Emma Thompson’s exuberant, physically comic Miss Trunchbull as the film’s chief triumph.

Chang finds the adaptation bright and enjoyable, though sometimes mechanical. He praises Alisha Weir’s Matilda and Emma Thompson’s memorable Miss Trunchbull, while faulting the strained story-within-a-story device.

The review finds the film a spirited adaptation that remains true to the story, though it cannot eclipse the stage musical. It praises the tender performances of Alisha Weir and Lashana Lynch, while noting that maximalist staging sometimes overwhelms the songs.

Felperin finds the adaptation brashly entertaining and says it mostly works despite its tonal challenges. She especially praises the tightly choreographed children’s ensemble in numbers such as “School Song” and “Revolting Children.”

Newland finds it a fun, serviceable family romp that stays within the expectations of its popular stage source. She praises the songs and angular production design, while faulting some flashy camera movements for distracting from performers.

The visible page does not reveal the critic’s verdict. It provides no specific praise or complaint beyond noting the stage-to-screen adaptation.

The page could not be accessed, so the critic’s verdict cannot be established. No specific praise or complaint can be verified from the available text.

Kemp finds the adaptation too sanitized and visually flat, though it remains occasionally sweet. She singles out Emma Thompson’s fully committed, sharply comic performance as Miss Trunchbull.

The critic calls it a charming but merely serviceable adaptation that lacks the stage show’s magic. Minchin’s witty lyrics and the poignancy of songs such as “When I Grow Up” are singled out for praise.

The headline says the film fails to deliver for the whole family. The available page text does not reveal what the critic singles out as a strength or weakness.

The critic calls the film an invigorating instant classic that should delight adults and children. They particularly praise the cast’s performances and the colorful, inventive production design.

Bunbury finds the film an absolute blast and a hugely entertaining reimagining of the stage musical. She especially praises Tim Minchin’s sharp, precise songs and the spectacle surrounding them.

The critic praises the film as an excellent, faithful stage-to-screen adaptation that works for the whole family. She singles out the energetic musical numbers and choreography, along with the performances of Alisha Weir and Emma Thompson.

The critic finds the adaptation an absolute delight: upbeat, fun, and gloriously revolting. Emma Thompson’s Miss Trunchbull and the child cast’s energetic choreography are singled out for praise.

The headline indicates a positive verdict, but the page itself could not be accessed. The review’s specific praise cannot be verified from the available text.

The critic finds the film’s strengths more than compensate for its weaknesses. She praises the young ensemble and powerhouse musical numbers, while calling Emma Thompson’s casting as Miss Trunchbull misguided.

The review finds the adaptation entertaining and a worthy alternative to the original, though it may not suit viewers who dislike musicals. It praises the young cast, especially Alisha Weir’s mischievous Matilda.

The critic finds the film disturbing but emotionally powerful, weird, and politically resonant. She singles out the performances of Alisha Weir and Lashana Lynch, especially their moving portrayal of Matilda and Miss Honey’s bond.

The critic finds the musical energetic, heartfelt and fun for audiences of all ages. They particularly praise Alisha Weir’s performance, while noting that the Wormwoods and Trunchbull are garish caricatures.

Kiely finds the adaptation dull and tonally inconsistent, arguing it loses the original’s playful magic. She praises the children’s choreography and the camp performances of Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough as Matilda’s parents.