Since Halloween is officially over, it’s time to re-enter the Senior Movies. This week, to start it back up was a suggestion from fellow Sting writer, Elizabeth Wilson. Elizabeth said that Matilda is her favorite childhood movie because it started her love for reading and music. She often remembers watching Matilda with her older sister, Mallory.

Matilda, released in 1996, follows the story of a gifted young girl as she deals with abusive, crooked parents and an evil school principal. Throughout the story, audiences see Matilda find her first true parental figure in her life in her teacher, Ms. Honey. Together, Matilda and Ms.Honey find happiness and revenge in her evil principal, while also somehow getting her parents to allow Ms. Honey to adopt Matilda.

I remember watching this movie as a kid and loving it. The comedy, while also speaking on serious topics like neglect, parental abuse, abuse of power, and so much more, allows the movie to not only entertain kids but also to teach them what parental love should feel like. This movie is a childhood favorite for many reasons, and it constantly proves why it’s still as relevant as it is even after 20 years of its release.

This movie really has stood the test of time, and is one of the movies I can’t wait to show my niece when she’s old enough to understand it. I give this movie a 9/10 and recommend it to anyone who needs a calming, easy movie to watch.