I absolutely love this movie. It is dark, funny, charming and brooding, and captures the essence of the book perfectly. By the way, I love the book as well, and consider Roald Dahl one of the finest authors of children's books, look at the BFG for evidence. The whole film is beautifully photographed, looking lush and crisp. Mara Wilson gives a very spirited performance as Matilda. Sure she's not the same as Quentin Blake's illustrations, but I preferred the changes. Danny Devito and Rhea Perlman were great as the parents. As for Miss Honey, I have never seen Embeth Davidtz look so lovely, and that's the truth. Indisputetably, the acting honours go to Pam Ferris as the tyrannical Miss Trunchball. I have never seen that side of Pam Ferris, and in real life, she is not as ugly as they made her. The Bruce Bogtrotter scene was enough to make you feel sick for a week, and you don't feel that in the book. The added scenes like in Magnus's house was a nice touch, and I also loved how dark Devito made it, mixing a bit of humour too. And the music score is superb. Check it out! 10/10. Bethany Cox
