Wonder Review

Beauty Isn't Skin Deep

Cast: Owen Wilson, Julia Roberts, Jacob Tremblay, Mandy Patinkin, Izabela Vidovic
Director: Stephen Chbosky
Genre: Drama
Running Time: 113 minutes

Synopsis:  Based on the New York Times bestseller, Wonder tells the inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman. Born with facial differences that, up until now, have prevented him from going to a mainstream school, Auggie becomes the most unlikely of heroes when he enters the local fifth grade. As his family, his new classmates, and the larger community all struggle to find their compassion and acceptance, Auggie's extraordinary journey will unite them all and prove you can't blend in when you were born to stand out.

The story of a 10 year-old boy with facial differences becomes a multifaceted look at what it means to be human in the film adaptation of R.J. Palacio's bestseller Wonder. Golden Globe nominee Jacob Tremblay (Room) tackles the one-of-a-kind role of Auggie Pullman, whose birth defects and multiple surgeries have kept him out of school -- until now. Jettisoned into what is for him the brave new world of the 5th grade, Auggie steps into an unexpected journey.

All Auggie ever wanted was to be an ordinary kid, but as his sister keeps telling him, you can't be ordinary when you were born to stand out. Though he once found solace inside a space helmet, suddenly he must face a whole universe of gawking kids who don't yet know how to face him back. Now, in a year by turns funny, tough and beautiful -- Auggie and all around him are transformed by the things that count most: friendship, courage and the everyday choice to be kind to everyone in your path.

Review: Wonder is a phenomenal movie, in more ways than one, with an importantly poignant message spread by a strong cast. Although I'd read the book and knew the story, I shed many tears which I attribute to the accomplished cast which had the ability to portray the strong message of kindness, in such an empathetic way.

The sharp cast presents the outstanding characters with such honesty. Jacob Tremblay's skill in his role of Auggie is unbelievable as he excels in delivering a challenging character. Whilst Julia Roberts' represents Auggie's mother with perfect empathy and compassion; her ability to provide such emotion with just a look, alone, is inconceivable – at times I found myself crying, for her, without her even speaking.

The shift in perspective the film experiences is strongly shown through Auggie's older sister Via (Izabela Vidovic); her personality represents all of us, she is a very relatable character experiencing the ups and downs of being a teenager in what can be a cruel world. Whereas Owen Wilson as Nate, Auggie's Dad, provides the light-hearted humorous nature a film this intense requires.

Wonder is extremely heart-warming and will be loved by all but DO NOT attempt to see this film without a lot of tissues.  

- Brooke Hunter

"We carry with us, as human beings, not just the capacity to be kind, but the very choice of kindness." ― R.J. Palacio, Wonder