Film Review - Wonder (2017)

Based on the best selling novel of an individual in every sense of the word August Pullman, a ten year old boy wonder who just happens to have a severe skin facial deformity known as Treacher (Collins Syndrome). Due to the fragile medical condition, his loving mother Isabel (Julia Roberts) conducts homeschooling but the time has come for Auggie to go to an actual learning institution entering 5th grade.

Everything about Auggie is special, knowledgeable agreeable vulnerable and honest, he struggles naturally with the impact of negativity from most fellow students, however, struggle with fitting in is only a matter of time before being the most popular kid in school. You just know it’s coming although heartstrings will be pulled and tears flow before the inspiring closing scenes.

All you need is a pulse to feel the sincerity of Auggie’s plight of acceptance and making friends.
Slowly paced for a reason, the kid characters are mostly anything but pedestrian, from the bully to the sweet girl have slight differences to keep things interesting.

Inevitable sentimentality aside Wonder is a delight from beginning to end will make one laugh as much as it will make one cry with joy.

Julia Roberts continues to impress 30 years into her stellar career, moments of one on one with Jacob Tremblay (Room) as Auggie are amazing to view, opposite acting generations top of their natural emotional game.

Broadway singing extraordinaire and Inigo Montoya of 1987 Princess Bride fame, Mandy Patinkin as the school principal will make you gush.

Owen Wilson dials down his usual outrageousness as the self-confessed cool father adding playful humour and ion for family.

No Oscar contender but look no further than this for a contemporary coming of age story just with a few more challenges for the wondrous protagonist.