It is hard for an outsider or newcomer to come into a public and private school and blend into a new environment and it happens to about every child in each chapter of the school system: lower, middle or high school. But, I was not ever a person who had a facial deformity and I feel bad to those who are bullied by other normal-looking people for no reason. I mean, what is their issue? Are the bullies jealous? No. Is it to improve their ego? I hope not because if so, then they should be ashamed of themselves. But, this movie, adapted from a book, takes on a journey within that person's life and also lives around him that develops their characters as to who they are and why which is sort of a different approach. I thought this movie was going to be corny and emotionally manipulative. But, no, this movie earns the emotions because of its strong lead performances.
Auggie (Jacob Tremblay) has had 27 surgeries to help him see, breathe and make him be somewhat "normal". Despite his facial deformity, he sees himself as an ordinary kid as he loves things that usually kids has a passion for: science, Star Wars and Halloween. He lives in upper Manhattan with his parents Isabel and Nate (Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson), sister Olivia (Isabel Vidovic) and their dog, Daisy. Because of his deformity, Auggie has been homeschooled and frequently wears an astronaut helmet to hide his face whenever he goes out.
Auggie starts attending a private school called Beecher Prep because Isabel wants him to start, otherwise, it will get harder for him later on in life. They meet the school director, Mr. Tushkin (Mandy Patinkin) and he introduces Auggie to three kids who will give him the tour: Jack (Noah Jupe), Charlotte (Elle McKinnon) and Julian (Bryce Gheisar). The latter is mean to Auggie but the other two are nicer to him. His story starts some interesting connections as characters such as Jack, Olivia and her friend, Miranda (Danielle Rose Russell) relate to Auggie in some way.
I liked its positive spirit and message after going through the somber revelations of why Auggie is being mistreated and also how and why the characters like Jack and especially the bully are what they are. We understand the characters more than usual coming-of-age movies because sometimes, I feel some characters like the bullies in the movies are more one-dimensional than in reality. For example, there is a scene in which a character goes into the director's office and we see an angle to his charater in which he is vulnerable because of his personal life. It is a bit predictable yet surprisingly effective.
Julia Roberts gives another solid performance as Auggie's mother as she is very supportive and fair as she tries to slowly get Auggie get started in life if it even means that he will get hurt because of his deformed face. Owen Wilson, who has not been in many movies recently, gives a good performance as his father who is the opposite who thinks it is too soon. He plays laid-back, normal fathers real well similar to Marley & Me. Mandy Pantikin is great as the school's director. But, Jacob Tremblay is utterly fantastic as he can still get you to feel for his characters and you want to empathize with his character as you believe his emotions as his addresses his problems to his mother and also a few surprising people.
Stephen Chbosky, who directed and wrote the strong The Perks of Being a Wallflower, knows and understands the human condition especially in children as they are not one-dimensional, cute tropes. They are human beings who displays some raw emotion underneath the cuteness or imperfections, physically and psychologically. I guess that is what I like about it more than I thought. The execution to each characters' story is a bit messy but it ends with a poignant note connected to Auggie. Wonder is an inspiring story that families and children will cheer for. This is one of those rare children's movies that you do not get at the movies anymore.
***1/2
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