This was one of those movies that I was trying to put off for as long as I could. I don't do well with sad movies involving children and I had expected this one to be extremely sad. Maybe I'm just more of a pessimist than I'd like to believe? However, my daughter sort of forced my wife and I to watch this with her over the weekend, and I guess I should just say, "Thanks Sam'. All of us really enjoyed Wonder!
Wonder follows a short period of the life of August "Auggie" Pullman, a kid that suffers from facial deformities due to numerous surgeries he has had since birth. Up until now Auggie has been home schooled to spare him the cruelty of other children. Now it's time for Auggie to enter the sixth grade, and his parents have decided that it may be time for him to attend a regular school before heading into junior high.
Auggie is played beautifully by newcomer Jacob Tremblay. It's amazing how young Jacob can express so much emotion through his eyes and movements, considering that most of his face is covered in prosthetics. I really hope there is a long and bright future for this young thespian.
I love how this movie didn't just follow Auggie. This is really a story about a family that fights, and perseveres through so much, and have for so long. Auggie's mom Isabel (Julia Roberts) has tended to Auggie since the day he was born. She had been in the final year of her Master degree when Auggie was born and was unable to finish her thesis, but has now decided to try to complete it since her son will be school all day.
For some reason, I've never been a fan of Julia Roberts, even though I've never seen her play a role poorly. She always delivers and she does again in Wonder. I will say that I think she has really pulled off much better roles as she has aged. She makes me see the character, and not just the actress. If that makes any sense? I really hope that is seen as a complement.
Auggie's father is played very sympathetically by Owen Wilson. He tries to be the fun dad, but it's obvious that just below the surface is a fear for his son. He knows that his son will have to face some hard times and mean kids, and that he will not be able to fully protect Auggie. He bears the weight of any father, but with the added sum due to Auggie's deformities.
Again, Owen Wilson is an actor with whom I'm not the biggest fan. Again, for no real valid reasons. I've loved a lot of the films he has been in, but most of the time I've just seen Owen Wilson, and not his character, this was not true in this film. He really gave an excellent performance.
Finally, you have Via (Izabela Vidovic), Auggie's older sister. I absolutely loved this character. There was so much that she has given up and sacrificed for her brother. Yet, she has never blamed him, or really resented him for it. She has always just wanted to love and protect him, and be the best big sister she could. Then, once she gains the attention of a boy (Nadji Jeter), she decides to take some time for herself, and tells the boy that she, like him, is an only-child. Thankfully, she doesn't keep the secret long, and finds that her new beau is extremely understanding and loving of her and her situation.
As one could imagine, Auggie must deal with many situations, including trying to make friends, figuring out how to navigate through the fear, misunderstanding, and cruelty. Although, with the help of his family, his Principal (Manny Patinkin), his teacher (Daveed Diggs), and his one "real" friend, Jack Will (Noah Jupe).
I will say that I have always loved Manny Patinkin, ever since I saw "The Princess Bride". This role seemed different than anything I've seen him play. There was a quiet wisdom and understanding that he portrayed better than I've ever seen from another actor? He subtly stole every scene he was in. He was a real force in this film.
This film told the story of a young man with more drive, perseverance, and heart than most three times his age. He had a sense of humor and an easiness about him that made him approachable, even if most of the other kids didn't want too. I loved this movie, and the only tears that were shed, were tears of joy. Definitely family friendly and should be watched by younger kids in a hope they can form a sense of acceptance. Have fun.
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