Matilda: The Musical Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A neglected bookworm develops superpowers to get revenge on her terrible parents and an even worse headmistress, all while bursting into song about the importance of being a revolting child.

🍿 Matilda: The Musical: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Matilda’s Extraordinary Beginnings

Matilda Wormwood, a precocious and intelligent young girl, is born into a family that neglects and belittles her. Her parents, the Wormwoods, are more interested in trashy television and shady business dealings than in nurturing their daughter’s intellect. Matilda finds solace and escape in books, teaching herself to read and devouring literature at an astounding rate.

Crunchem Hall and Miss Trunchbull

When Matilda finally starts school at Crunchem Hall, she encounters the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Agatha Trunchbull. Trunchbull rules the school with an iron fist, using cruel and unusual punishments to keep the students in line. However, Matilda also finds a kind and supportive teacher in Miss Honey, who recognizes and nurtures Matilda’s exceptional abilities.

Discovering Her Powers

As Matilda navigates the challenges of Crunchem Hall, she begins to develop telekinetic powers, which she uses to defend herself and her friends against Trunchbull’s tyranny. She also learns of Miss Honey’s tragic past and the connection between Miss Honey and Trunchbull, realizing that Trunchbull is Miss Honey’s abusive aunt.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Matilda Wormwood (Alisha Weir): A bright and imaginative young girl with telekinetic powers who overcomes neglect and injustice.
• Agatha Trunchbull (Emma Thompson): The tyrannical and cruel headmistress of Crunchem Hall who oppresses the students and Miss Honey.
• Miss Honey (Lashana Lynch): Matilda’s kind and supportive teacher who suffered abuse at the hands of her aunt, Miss Trunchbull.
• Mr. Wormwood (Stephen Graham): Matilda’s neglectful and dishonest father who cares more about his dodgy business schemes than his daughter.
• Mrs. Wormwood (Andrea Riseborough): Matilda’s self-absorbed and neglectful mother who favors television over her daughter.
• Mrs. Phelps (Sindhu Vee): The friendly librarian who encourages Matilda’s love for reading and provides her with a safe space.
• Bruce Bogtrotter (Charlie Hodson-Prior): A student at Crunchem Hall, known for the cake scene.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Matilda: “Even if I’m little, you shouldn’t underestimate me.” – Matilda asserts her strength and intelligence despite her young age.
• Miss Honey: “I may be quiet, but I am not invisible.” – Miss Honey expresses her determination to stand up for herself and her students.
• Miss Trunchbull: “Children are maggots!” – Miss Trunchbull expresses her utter contempt for children.
• Matilda: “Somewhere inside me, there’s a life to lead.” – Matilda sings about her desire for a better future and the potential within her.
• Children: “Even if we’re little, we can do a lot. You mustn’t let a little thing like ‘little’ stop you.” – The children unite and inspire each other to stand up against injustice.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $6,252,645
• Worldwide Gross: $37,289,659

💥 Matilda: The Musical Reviews

Personal Review

As a long-time fan of Roald Dahl, I went into this with high expectations, and honestly, it delivered! The musical numbers were so catchy; I found myself humming ‘Revolting Children’ for days. Emma Thompson’s portrayal of Trunchbull was deliciously evil, but Alisha Weir stole the show as Matilda. Her performance was both heartwarming and powerful, and I found myself cheering her on throughout the film. Definitely a must-see for fans of the book and musical!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Roald Dahl’s books”
  • “Musical theatre enthusiasts”
  • “Families looking for an uplifting movie”
  • “Those who enjoy stories about overcoming adversity”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Bullying”
  • “Child abuse (verbal and emotional)”
  • “Mild peril”
  • “Some dark themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A vibrant, energetic adaptation of the stage musical, ‘Matilda’ bursts with colorful visuals and catchy tunes. While Emma Thompson’s Trunchbull is suitably menacing, Alisha Weir shines as the titular Matilda, bringing both vulnerability and strength to the role. The film’s message of empowerment resonates, making it a worthwhile family watch.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Matthew Warchus successfully translates his stage direction to film. The musical numbers are cleverly staged, and the performances are uniformly strong. Lashana Lynch brings warmth and depth to Miss Honey, providing a much-needed counterpoint to the film’s darker elements. A charming and uplifting adaptation.

Audience Reactions

The ‘Revolting Children’ sequence was a standout, showcasing incredible choreography and energy.: Viewers praised the film’s faithfulness to the stage musical and its uplifting message of empowerment.

Emma Thompson’s menacing performance as Miss Trunchbull was a highlight for many viewers.: The visual spectacle and well-executed musical numbers were widely appreciated.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and energetic adaptation of the beloved stage musical, ‘Matilda’ offers a heartwarming and empowering story for audiences of all ages.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Mara Wilson, who played Matilda in the 1996 film, was offered a cameo but declined, as did Pam Ferris, who played Miss Trunchbull in the same movie.”
• “The Roald Dahl Story Company logo appears as a golden ticket inside a Wonka candy bar, a reference to Dahl’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’.”
• “The filming location for Crunchem Hall’s exterior scenes was Bramshill House in Hampshire, England.”

🖥️ How to Watch Matilda: The Musical?

Matilda: The Musical is currently streaming on Netflix. You can also find options to rent or purchase the film on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for theatrical availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Matilda: The Musical, you might like these similar films:

• Matilda (1996): Direct adaptation of the same Roald Dahl novel, with a focus on humor and heart.
• Annie (2014): A modern musical about a young orphan who finds a new life with a guardian, sharing themes of found family and optimism.
• School of Rock (2003): Features unconventional teaching methods and a group of kids rebelling against the system through music.
• The Sound of Music (1965): A classic musical film with a heartwarming story about music, family, and standing up for what’s right, set against a backdrop of oppression.

🛒 Matilda: The Musical Related Products

• Roald Dahl’s Matilda: The Musical (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Relive the magic with the official soundtrack, featuring all the beloved songs from the movie. A perfect way to keep the spirit of Matilda alive.
• Roald Dahl’s Matilda (Puffin Books): The classic Roald Dahl novel that started it all. Experience the original story of Matilda Wormwood’s extraordinary life and adventures.
• Matilda The Musical: Piano Vocal Selections: This songbook features piano and vocal arrangements of the show-stopping numbers from the musical.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Matilda – Matilda with Books: A Funko Pop figurine of Matilda, holding a stack of her beloved books.

🎧 Soundtrack

Matilda: The Musical features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Miracle” – performed by Matt Henry, Alisha Weir, Stephen Graham, and Andrea Riseborough
• “Naughty” – performed by Alisha Weir
• “School Song” – performed by The Cast of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical
• “When I Grow Up” – performed by The Cast of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical
• “Revolting Children” – performed by The Cast of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The moment Matilda star Alisha Weir surprised her fans! 🎉😲🎁😲🎄 #Christmas #ToyShow #Shorts

Ever wondered what it’s like when Matilda comes to life? Check out this super sweet video of Alisha Weir surprising fans – it’s guaranteed to make you smile! I was so happy when I saw how happy the kids were!

that new Matilda Netflix remake is utterly bizarre…

Want to know what others think of the latest Matilda movie? This review dives deep into the film’s choices, and it’s pretty hilarious too! Some of the criticisms are spot on!

Use Your Phone to Fake Telekinesis #MatildaTheMusical #shorts

Ever wanted to move things with your mind like Matilda? This quick tutorial shows you how to fake telekinesis using your phone! It’s so simple and fun to try. I never knew it was that easy!

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