Matilda: The Musical Might Just Suck The Fun Out Of The Original

If there is one story that’s come to life more than once throughout the years, it’s ‘Matilda.’ Sure, it might have started as a beloved children’s book written by none other than Roald Dahl, but it wasn’t long before the 1996 fantasy comedy movie became a cult classic. Of course, it wasn’t long before ‘Matilda’ got yet another makeover as it headed to the likes of Broadway, the West End, and a Royal Shakespeare Company production.

It might be little wonder that many have wanted to see ‘Matilda’ brought into the modern day, with Netflix taking it upon itself to be the one to create the magic. The problem? ‘Matilda: the Musical’ might just suck the fun out of the original. What started as the ultimate feel-good movie with loveable characters really might have taken a nosedive with the 2022 adaption.

Matilda: The Musical takes the story back to Britain

Just because the original fantasy comedy ‘Matilda’ movie is now a cult classic doesn’t mean that things were an instant hit. In fact, it’s technically a box office flop, making $33.5 million to a $36 million budget in the US. It was highly praised for sticking so closely to the original story, but the technical flop might be why the fantasy ‘Matilda: The Musical’ headed even more back to its roots. Matilda (played by Alisha Weir) is the only non-British star - hailing from Ireland - with everyone else bringing Britain back to the center of the story. The movie is set in Britain and sees Matilda discover her telekinetic powers yet again, but that’s where the similarities end. In fact, being compared to the original might be the biggest downfall ‘Matilda: The Musical’ has to face - and one it won’t overcome.

The movie seems to forget all about the absurdness of the story

Roald Dahl was always known for his absurd stories and bizarre characters, with the original ‘Matilda’ bringing them to life oh-so-perfectly. Sadly, ‘Matilda: The Musical’ seems to forget all about the absurdness of the story, instead trying to focus on hard-hitting messages of embracing our braveness and unique quirks. The problem? Their issues that children just aren’t interested in, and ones that ‘Matilda’ fans don’t want to see. Instead of fully embracing the visual effects we now have in big-screen hits, the film also fails to take full advantage of everything on offer, leaving it as some kind of in-between stage show and film production. The idea of every Roald Dahl story has always been to help children be in awe of the world, regardless of how hopeless things feel. ‘Matilda: The Musical’? It simply fails to create anything of the sort.

Matilda: The Musical’s characters lack something special

With the likes of Emma Thompson on the cast list, you would expect a movie to be great, right? While many couldn’t wait to see the legend bring Miss Trunchball to life in ‘Matilda: The Musical,’ nothing could get those disgusted and angry facial expressions to shine through the layers and layers of prosthetics. Then comes Lashana Lynch as Miss Honey. Far from the original strong character who learns to stand on her own feet and save the day, ‘Matilda: The Musical’s Miss Honey is almost spineless and weak, relying on Matilda to take control. As if that wasn’t enough, ‘Matilda: The Musical’ doesn’t take advantage of Lashana’s recent success in a host of films, instead leading to scenes that feel forced between her and Emma Thompson.

Even Matilda has been toned down for the movie

The child stars of ‘Matilda: The Musical’ are really where things begin to come alive, with Alisha Weir tasked with bringing the lead to life. Of course, Alisha will always be compared to Mara Wilson. The problem? The script sees the character toned down in ways that seem pretty questionable. Matilda is no longer the relatable jumping-on-the-bed-loving pancake-making girl we’re used to seeing. Instead, she looks as though she’s giving a serious speech and lacks fun in every aspect of her life, taking away from the original fun of the movie.

Matilda’s parents might be the only saving grace

It seems the only saving grace in ‘Matilda: The Musical’ might be Andrea Riseborough and Stephen Graham, who bring Matilda’s parents to life. They take things to the max with their fake teeth and big hair, with their portrayals feeling like the only thing that’s even a smidge faithful to the original story. They’re the true villains and something the pair take and run with as they have fun with their performances.

Of course, the two movies were always going to be compared. Sadly, ‘Matilda: The Musical’ might just suck the fun out of the original and leave audiences with nothing more than an itch to watch the 1996 version that added so much joy to our lives in the first place.