Matilda doesn't condescend to children, it doesn’t sentimentalize, and as a result it feels heartfelt and sincere. It's funny, too.

Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

A delightfully twisted fairy tale that artfully juggles broad tomfoolery and sly drollery, along with a generous serving of sight gags enhanced by special effects. Even though it's being pitched primarily at younger moviegoers and their parents, pic is exuberantly quirky enough to please almost anyone.

Joe Leydon

Variety

Matilda is a blackly comic, delightfully off-the-wall picture that both kids and adults will lap up.

Caroline Westbrook

Empire