Now I know all about it. And I am a huge fan of this film, which is a must-see this holiday season. A production without CGI or violence. One you can take the kids to see.
A movie the way it ought to be.
But, don't get me wrong. This is not a sappy children's picture because, sorry to say, adults can identify with the message that resounds in every frame. Because, after all, haven't we all experienced self conscious moments in school, business, and life in general? "Wonder" speaks to all of them and I am reminded of the message ever since I saw it.
Now, at first blush, you would think that "Wonder" is a medical drama. Fifth-grader Auggie Pullman has had a rare facial deformity since birth. It is explained quickly as a genetic abnormality during reproduction. Smartly, director Stephen Chbosky doesn't dwell on the technicalities. This is all about the feelings of Auggie and the family and friends around him.
"Wonder" spans across one single school year as the previously home-schooled Auggie is going to be mainstreamed much to the worry and consternation of his parents, played in marvelous under-stated choices by Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson. At first, Auggie hides himself under a NASA space helmet, afraid to show himself to the typically cruel school children. And who among us hasn't had our own issues there? For instance, here's what I used to hear...
You're fat. (I was a chubby kid)
You have four eyes. (I wore glasses)
You're spoiled. (I was an only child)
Indeed, Auggie doesn't get treatment that is much better than we all endure in life. Slowly, with the help of teachers and friends, he comes out of his shelter. Oh, sure, there are treacherous spills in the road on this journey. But Jacob Tremblay (as Auggie) is magical in showing emotions that we have all experienced.
But his story is not the only one here. There are set pieces throughout which focus on all the people that Auggie comes in contact with. His older sister Olivia who has quietly grown up in her kid brother's shadow. The fellow classmate who has been asked by the principal (a restrained and terrific Mandy Patinkin) to be Auggie's friend. Even the sister's best friend who considered Auggie to be the kid brother she never had. You watch all their lives unfold as we see that, no matter how well off you seem to be, everybody has some broken parts. The juggling of all these tales is masterful story telling and, at the very least, this screenplay deserves a multitude of awards. It could easily get mawkish and overly sentimental, yet it never ever does.
I cried several times over the last minutes and I am sure you will, too. Because there's a little of Auggie in all of us. The recognition prompts the tears.
Tears of joy.
LEN'S RATING: Four stars.
Dinner last night: Had a big lunch so just a salad.
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