If you are wondering what can you watch for this upcoming Christmas, it is definitely the film Matilda the Musical, which is inspired by the film Matilda premiered in 1996, directed by Danny DeVito. Matilda the Musical premiered on November 25, 2022, yet the film will be available on Netflix on December 25, 2022, it is the perfect film for this Christmas eve. So, here are some reasons you should watch Matilda the Musical.
What is it about?
Matilda the Musical tells the story of an extraordinary girl, with a vivid imagination, who dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results.
If we recall, Matilda (1996), follows the story of Matilda Wormwood who is neglected and mistreated by her father Harry, her mother Zinnia, and her older brother Michael. Matilda is smart and independent but also finds solace in the fictional world of books located at the public library. Matilda is admitted to Crunchem Hall Elementary School by Miss Agatha Trunchbull (who is the principal), she agrees since Matilda’s father sells a car to her.
Matilda must deal with her parents and this abusive principal by using her mental capacity powers.
Who stars in the film?
In comparison with the original film, there is not any actors reprising their roles, here are the starts of the movie:
- Alisha Weir as Matilda Wormwood
- Lashana Lynch as Miss Jennifer Honey
- Emma Thompson as Miss Agatha Trunchbull
- Stephen Graham as Mr. Harry Wormwood
- Andrea Riseborough as Mrs. Wormwood
- Sindhu Vee as Mrs. Phelps
- Lauren Alexandra as The Acrobat
- Carl Spencer as Magnus the Escapologist
- Katherine Kingsley as The Evil Stepaunt/Acrobat’s Stepsister
- Charlie Hodson-Prior as Bruce Bogtrotter
- Rei Yamauchi Fulker as Lavender
- Meesha Garbett as Hortensia
- Winter Jarret-Glasspool as Amanda Thripp
- Matt Henry as Doctor
From these stars, we must highlight Emma Thompson who has been part of the Harry Potter saga, also she participated in Nanny McPhee (2005), and The Beauty and The Beast live-action (2017), among other popular films.
Lashana Lynch is worth mentioning as well since she has been part of some Marvel films like Captain Marvel (2019), Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022), and The Woman King (2022) which has been acclaimed by critics.
How was the music process?
On November 15, 2013, Minchin (who already wrote songs for the musical), was in talks to create new songs for the film, in 2020, it was confirmed he would do it. Christopher Nightingale also collaborated by composing original incidental music to underscore the film.
There is a film’s soundtrack album which was released on November 18, 2022, digitally. the album contains both the songs and Nightingale’s score, on December 9, a physical CD was released. The songs featuring the album are:
- Miracle – Doctor, Mrs. Wormwood, Mr. Wormwood
- Naughty – Matilda
- School Song – Hortensia, Prefects, and Children
- The Hammer – Miss Trunchbull, Children, and Miss Honey
- Chokey Chant – Children of the school
- Bruce – Children
- When I Grow Up – Children, Miss Honey, and Matilda
- I’m Here – Matilda and The Escapologist
- The Smell of Rebellion – Miss Trunchbull
- Quiet – Matilda
- My House – Miss Honey, and The Escapologist
- Revolting Children – Bruce, Hortensia, and Children
- Still Holding My Hand – Miss Honey, Matilda, and Children
If you are into musicals, and you like Matilda, then this is definitely the perfect film for you, also if you would like to watch Matilda (1996), the film is available with an option to buy on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
Andrea Rich