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In this episode of the Roald Dahl Retrospective, Patricia and Arun discuss about the 1996 live action film Matilda based on the 1988 book of the same name. It stars Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Embeth Davidtz, and Pam Ferris. The plot focuses on a young girl named Matilda Wormwood who is born very intelligent, independent, and clever with her love of books while her parents and her older brother pay no attention to her mostly focused on television. When Matilda is brought to school, she meets up with new friends, a lovable teacher with a tragic past, and a ruthless principal who performs unorthodox punishment to her students. Matilda has to deal with her immature family, a pair of cops who are investigating Mr. Wormwood retrieving stolen car parts, and the cruel principal while learning how to use telekinetic powers from her mind.   

When the movie premiered, it was a box office failure making $33 million dollars out of a $36 million dollar budget. But it was able to make double its budget due to its release overseas and its home video release. Now it's become not only a classic, but also a huge phenomenon with a special edition book showcasing Matilda at 30 released around 2018 illustrated by Quentin Blake, an online challenge involving with lights flickering on and off and moving furniture to the song "Little Bitty Pretty One" by Thurston Harris based on a scene from the movie, a Broadway musical, and an upcoming movie adaptation based on the musical. According to many Roald Dahl fans, they call Matilda the best movie adaptation next to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Do Patricia and Arun agree on this statement? Listen and find out.