‘Wonder’ Movie Review: a predictable but lovely, sweet family film
Feel good films are often too far and between, but audiences can find pleasure in a new film from writer/director Stephen Chbosky called Wonder.
“I know I’m not an ordinary 10-year-old kid,” says Auggie (Jacob Tremblay), the lead character who begins the film hiding beneath an astronaut’s helmet. When removed, the young boy breaks your heart, enduring shame and embarrassment from his scarred face, mangled featured and sad expressions. This movie is based on the bestselling 2012 novel by RJ Palacio, modified greatly for the screen.
Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson plays Auggie’s parents as the boy will now exit the comfort of his homeschooling to venture into the public education system, possibly facing ridicule and attacks. Auggie is smart, clever and exceptionally good-hearted and quickly wins over the audience, even when the characters in the film have some growing to do.
The narrative shifts around, following Auggie’s older sister, Via (Izabela Vidovic), focusing on her struggles, loneliness and her new boyfriend. Roberts and Wilson have their moments for fans of the actors, but they are only serviceable to the greater journey of Auggie.
As a clean and amusing family film, Wonder serves audiences well. I was brought back to Sunday evenings, watching the Disney movie of the week, learning life lessons with family at the hand of Hollywood. Now Hollywood serves up debauchery and disdain, poisoning our youth and dividing audiences.
The Princess Bride, Criminal Minds and Homeland fans will love seeing a bearded Mandy Patinkin offering up a great performance as the school principal who levies justice and advice to drive home some obvious points of morality.
Wonder is highly predictable and won’t be loved by many critics, but this is a great night out, time with the family or just an escape from the bitterness of the world.
Wonder earns 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars