I know Matilda is a kids' movie, but still is just gets ridiculously cartoonish. Matilda is a do-gooder genius. The parents are white trash who watch TV all day and curse. The worst is Headmistress Trunchbull, played by Pam Ferris. She is a sadist, physically abusing kids and making one eat chocolate cake until he nearly vomited. In fact, some of the scenes don't seem appropriate for a kids' movie at all. Also, the camera angles are sometimes odd (this is especially problematic because this version of the film isn't widescreen). Fortunately, Mara Wilson's charm and absolute cuteness save the film. She was definitely a good choice for the role.