Wonder

We went to see Wonder on a Thursday night after it had been out for a couple of weeks. The crowd in the theater was between 10 and 15. It was worth the trip to the local cinema.

Based on a true story, it is about a home-schooled kid who is going to a real school with other kids for the first time in the fifth grade. There is one major problem, Augie, the boy has a disfigured face. How will he be accepted or not accepted? That and how his family dynamics play out are the main topics.

It was an enjoyable movie with some real tearjerker moments. It is mostly predictable but there are a few surprises. Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson play the parents. Not bad, but nothing special. Mandy Patinkin plays the too perfect principal of the school. In fact, all the teachers in the school are a little too perfect. 

The kids carry this movie. Jacob Tremblay is outstanding as the main character Augie. He is completely believable as the deformed kid. His acting is spot on. His character goes through all the emotions. The makeup is remarkable. 

His schoolmates all do a good job. Some are good kids trying to befriend Augie. Others are jerks who bully and ridicule Augie. Just like in a real school situation. Fifth graders are not yet fully formed. they are all trying to find their place in the pecking order of the school and the world. Izabela Vidovic does well as the mostly ignored big sister. She has a subplot that also teaches some lessons. 

This is a quiet movie. With the exception of a few video games being played, there are no explosions, car chases, killings, or maiming. It is rated PG and I see no reason that most kids 10 and up can't attend this movie. In fact, I would strongly suggest that preteens and teenagers watch this film. Maybe they will learn something either from Augie's grade school experiences or older sister Via's high school travails.  

A very worthwhile movie. It is not perfect, the outcomes are predictable, some of the characters are one dimensional, and the ending is a little pat. Nevertheless, we both enjoyed it. I would give it a solid B grade.

wjh