WONDER — Review by Sarah Knight Adamson
“Wonder” (rated PG) is a drama and comedy based on R.J. Palacio’s best selling book of the same name. It tells the story of August (Auggie) Pullman played by Jacob Tremblay, who is barely recognizable in the film. Remember when he played that darling little boy in the film “Room” in 2015? Auggie’s a good-natured, funny and smart 10-year-old boy, who was born with noticeable facial deformities. Julia Roberts gives an amazing performance as Auggie’s devoted mom, and Owen Wilson stars as a very cool dad. Continue reading…
The director is Stephen Chbosky, the author and writer of “Perks of Being a Wallflower” (2012), and the script is written by Steve Conrad. The story is told through the individual narratives of the main characters through their voiceover, this builds the story by adding their inner thoughts.
Auggie’s been in and out of hospitals for years, enduring 27 surgeries. He’s been home-schooled by his mom all his life, the film picks up just as the family is making the transition to sending him to elementary school.
After all Auggie has had to endure; we see him face his toughest battles yet.
Let’s take a Listen: (Clip from “Wonder” Trailer) “My name is Auggie Pullman, and since I’ve never been to elementary school before, I’m totally petrified. Owen Wilson (Dad) says, “You don’t want to walk up with your parents because it’s not cool.” Auggie says, “But you’re cool.” Wilson says, “I know I am, but technically most dad’s aren’t.”
Auggie’s mom, dad and his sister all try to help with the bullying that’s going on at school. Here’s Another Clip: Auggie’s teacher says to the class, “Who is it that I aspire to be? That is the question that we should be asking ourselves all the time.” Auggie’s sister says, “You’re the toughest kid in that school, show them. You can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.”
The Bottom-Line? I’m In. Three Stars out of Four. A must-see beautiful, inspirational and graceful film for all ages—you can’t help but be touched by Auggie’s courage and the courage of his family.
You will shed a tear or two, as this inspirational story tugs at all the right heartstrings. Although there are plenty of comical moments to lighten the heavy script and the inspirational quotes throughout are good reminders for everyone.
This is Sarah Knight Adamson weekly film critic for Hollywood 360 Radio Network.
“Wonder” air date, Dec. 16, 2017.
