This is a wonderful family movie that also manages to include some pointed social commentary. The film stands as one of the best-loved family comedies from the 1990s, bringing Roald Dahl’s story to life on screen. It follows a young girl born into an unintelligent family who wants to attend school and learn, something her parents don't support. At school, she faces off against a cruel and sadistic headmistress, who becomes her primary obstacle, while finding friendship with a supportive teacher. It’s a really good and entertaining film, blending comedy with fantasy elements effectively. The characters are well-developed, though they feel somewhat contrived in their creation, and the acting is strong across the board. Mara Wilson was remarkable in the lead role, launching her career, and Danny DeVito not only directed skillfully but also delivered an intelligent performance as an actor, supported by Rhea Perlman. While Embeth Davidtz gave a solid portrayal, it’s Pam Ferris's intense and committed performance as the villain that truly captures attention—a character who is both iconic and striking in her theatricality. It might be easy to miss amidst all the humor and lightness, but I noticed what seems like a sharp, satirical look at a certain segment of American society: much like many families, the Wormwoods spend their time passively watching television, failing to appreciate one another and functioning as a largely dysfunctional unit. The father is dishonest, the mother is shallow and has a gambling problem, and the older son lacks direction or ambition. As a family, they prioritize easy money above all else, which is reflected in the bizarre TV show they enjoy and the cheap, tasteless design of their home. Despite this, they believe themselves to be superior to others because of it. From a technical standpoint, the film is straightforward. The cinematography aligns with expectations for comedies from that era, and the sets and costumes are well-done and believable, especially those representing the school environment. There are some special effects, visual and sound, which mostly work effectively. The score by David Newman doesn’t particularly stand out.

Source on TMDB