Adapting the best-selling novel by RJ Palacio, I thought this movie was simply wonderful. Pun intended. Full of charm, melancholy, with tons of heartwarming and emotional moments. By the end of the story, it would be hard not to feel emotionally moved by it. If that isn't your reaction, then maybe this movie isn't what you were looking for? A movie that has the central message of always trying to choose to do the kind thing. I get that it's easy to gravitate towards pessimism, but an optimistic theme can also be very welcome when done well. This movie does that well.
Tackling subjects about bullying, insecurities, lonelinest, and prejudice, should obviously be expected when the premise involves a young kid with a cranial facial difference. As it usually goes, themes about family and friendship, also has to enter the picture here. If there is a flaw in this story, it's that there is a lot here that really isn't anything you haven't already seen before. The plot progression may seem very predictable, but Co-writer/Director Stephen Chbosky was able to make the narrative not feel too derivative in many respects. In fact, there were definitely some plot points that subverted some expectations. Like i said earlier, despite the familiarity of the movie, it's still executed really well.
While the adult characters like Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, Mandy Patinkin, and Daveed Diggs, are all good in this, it's the young cast that captures your attention. Young actors like Noah Jupe as Jack Will, and Izabela Vidovic as Via, who both were able to display these subtle expressions that really brought their characters to life. Of course the incredibly talented Jacob Tremblay deserves all the praises he should get for his amazing portrayal of Auggie. Working behind the makeup; and an Astronaut helmet, Tremblay easily grabs your attention with all the emotions he is able to put on the screen. All of the characters of this movie for that matter were able to add something significant to the overall theme of the story.
I suppose it's easy to call "Wonder" an idealistic after-school special, but that sounds like it's downplaying the film. Movies are meant to be entertaining and still manage to let the audience get something out of the experience. This film does that in an incredible way, and encourages people to be kind. How can that be a bad thing?
lovedit ENJOYED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible
