WONDER REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

For a lot of people, school can be a difficult experience, however, it can be harder for those who are different and stand out from others, because of either their mental or physical disability or a facial disfigurement. Stephen Chbosky's latest feature, Wonder, tells the story of August 'Auggie' Pullman, who has a facial disease called mandibulofacial dystosis, also known as Treacher Collins syndrome. This has caused Auggie's face to disfigure and, throughout his life, he has been in and out of hospital and had many surgeries because of it. To prevent being bullied at a young age, he is home schooled by his mother, Isabel (Julia Roberts). However, Isabel and Auggie's father, Nate (Owen Wilson) decide it's finally time for him to attend middle school. The main worry for Auggie's parents is how he'll be treated by the other children. Wonder details Auggie's life at school and also shows the point of view from other characters such as his older sister, Via (Izabela Vidovic) and his friend Jack Will (Noah Jupe).
Chbosky is best known for adapting his best-selling novel, The Perks Of Being A Wallflower to the big screen, with Logan Lerman and Emma Watson leading the roles. It was a deep and moving coming-of-age drama that documented a teenager's life as he went through high school. While Wonder isn't as deep, it's thoroughly entertaining from start to finish. This is based on R. J. Palacio's New York Times bestselling novel of the same name that was published in 2012. While I have heard of this book, I've never read it so I didn't know what to expect from the feature film adaptation. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it.
Wonder isn't a perfect film, however, I judged it based on the audience's reaction from the screening I was in. Because of #WorldKindnessDay on 13th November, the production company, Lionsgate, showed Wonder at various cinemas across the UK and the tickets to see the film were free. So, of course, my local cinema was packed full of families and children with their parents. I definitely think that the overall reception from the audience was positive as I heard laughter throughout and, after the film had finished, I noticed children telling their parents that they had enjoyed it and that's why I think Wonder is mainly a success.
Wonder spreads its main message of 'Choose Kind' really well. Whenever someone bullies Auggie, the film focuses on his reaction and we see him crying and wishing he had a different face. It's heartbreaking to see a boy so young call himself ugly. No child, or anyone for that matter, should ever have to feel that way. I think that Wonder is the sort of film that should be shown in schools, to educate children on why it's so important to be kind to others and not bully. I highly recommend that parents take their children to see this as, not only will it keep them entertained for around two hours, but they'll fully understand why bullying isn't acceptable.
The performances from the cast are all solid. Both Roberts and Wilson share a lot of chemistry and are convincing as Auggie's parents. Wilson, who is best known for his comedic roles, has a few one liners throughout the film that are all worthy of a laugh or two. As Auggie's older sister, Via, Vidovic gives a very good performance. I liked that we saw her point of view and her struggles at high school. However, it's Jacob Tremblay that stands out. Just two years ago, he made his breakthrough performance at the age of eight in the Oscar-nominated drama, Room. He captured the innocence of Jack and the same can be said for his portrayal of Auggie. He is almost unrecognisable underneath his incredible make-up. It's crazy to think that, at only the age of 11, Tremblay has already established himself as one of the best child actors. His witty humour makes him instantly a likable protagonist.
In terms of quality, Wonder isn't the best film ever made and it's not going to be nominated at the Oscars, however, it doesn't matter. Its goal was to entertain children and educate them on their message to be kind and, with that, I think they have succeeded. Children will certainly enjoy this more than adults but that doesn't mean it's any less of a film. I doubt those who enjoyed Palacio's book will be disappointed with Chbosky's adaptation as I think it overall captures the lighthearted and inspiring tone.
7/10