This was a tough one to rate. Im stubborn because the 1996 version is one of my favorites. I think the circumstances are different though, because i think the musical strictly adhered to the book (which I haven’t read) and I also have never seen or listened to the stage adaptation. So I didn’t really know what to base my reaction off of. I feel like I would like the musical more if I saw it live, because sometimes the musical numbers just didn’t sell as well for me in the movie. I do have to say that the actors in this film were very very talented. I really loved Emma Thompson as Ms. Trunchbull. Lashana lynch played a beautiful Ms. Honey, and her voice is marvelous. Alisha Weir(Matilda) is a very talented young actress. The ensemble work amongst the children in the group numbers was absolutely amazing. Where did they get this many talented kids???!?! But again, I feel as though I would enjoy this aspect more in a live setting. Just me complaining. Cinematography was pretty good, use of color schemes as well. What knocks a few points off for me is the story I guess. I wish Matilda was shown developing her powers more like in the 1996 version. In this movie it kinda just went zero to a hundred in terms of that. Like she just randomly got good at them. The vibes of this movie felt very superhero-esque. Yes, Matilda is a hero, but I didn’t like how it gave me like Marvel superhero vibes idk. The original movie does a good job at making Matilda a hero while still keeping things whimsical and kinda humble if that makes sense. The tornado sequence and the giant chain magnus gave this movie a more actiony sci-fi (?) feel. I really don’t know how to describe it. Aside from that, they kept the theme of finding love and feeling safe after being bullied for so many years very strong, and I actually felt emotional when Ms. Honey’s childhood was revealed in her 2nd to last song. Overall, great actors with an execution that I feel hesitant about 🫶🏻 The 1996 version will remain superior.