From the children's book by Roald Dahl about a brilliant, self-sufficient youngster from an outrageously dysfunctional family developing her telekinetic powers and using them when the time is right. A triumph of art direction and special effects wizardry, however the film, directed by Danny DeVito (who also narrates and plays Matilda's father), is perhaps too stuffed with gimmicks and feels a bit top-heavy. DeVito does a fine job at mounting this story, but it might have been more rewarding without the smeary food fights and overacting adults. The climactic moments lose laughs because of this overkill, and there's an odd preoccupation throughout with gross-out humor and gluttony. A fun show for the first hour. **1/2 from ****
Review of Matilda
