Director Stephen Chbosky
Genre Drama
Cast Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, Jacob Tremblay, Daveed Diggs
Rating PG
Release Date November 17th, 2017
“Based on the New York Times bestseller, WONDER tells the incredibly inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who enters fifth grade, attending a mainstream elementary school for the first time.”
From director Stephen Chbosky (The Perks of Being a Wallflower), Wonder is a heartwarming story based on the New York Times bestselling novel from author R.J. Palacio. Born Raquel Jaramillo Palacio in Queens, New York, she is a graphic designer by day and a writer by night. She now lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband, two sons, and two dogs. Having sold over 5 million copies worldwide, Wonder is her debut novel and has been on the New York Times bestseller list since March 2012. According to the official website, the book’s message of kindness has inspired the Choose Kind movement, which has been embraced by readers all over the world. Palacio came up with the idea for the book after an incident involving her three-year-old son and a young girl with facial birth defects while in line at an ice cream shop, much like an encounter the main character experiences in the book. The cast for the film includes Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, Jacob Tremblay, Daveed Diggs, and Izabela Vidovic.
Staying true to its bestselling and inspiring source material, Wonder is genuinely heartfelt with a powerful message for viewers of all ages. When the film was first announced, I did a little research, and as someone with an interest in social psychology I made it a point to grab the book as soon as I could from my local library, and I was pleased to find that it was readily available. I absolutely loved the book, and I really appreciated how it was such an easy read considering the difficult subject it deals with. I actually refused to watch the trailer until I finished the book to ensure that I maintained a fresh perspective. I found myself really hoping the movie did the book justice, and the trailer and cast had me more than optimistic. Well, let me just say that Wonder is the best book to film adaptation since the tear-jerking The Fault in Our Stars, and that is not a comparison to be taken lightly.
Director Stephen Chbosky is given the tools he needed to craft an experience filmgoers can be proud to recommend to their friends and family. If any movie today is capable of feeling untarnished by the big movie studios, who always seem to feel like they need to adjust a detail here or a detail there to fit their agenda, Wonder is that movie. When it started I honestly felt like I had just finished the final page of the book, put it down and closed my eyes and began to slip away into my own personal world of Wonder. It really is that seamless. Currently, I do not have any kids of my own but if I did, I feel like it would be my duty as a good parent to make sure they read the book (or I would read it to them depending on their age), and have the chance to see the movie as soon as possible (even on a school night if necessary!). Considering the dark cloud of bullying that has been hovering over our schools for what seems like forever now, due in large part to the "Social Media" generation, Wonder is a reminder that even though it may take a joint effort from parents, kids, and young adults, the act of kindness is more powerful than any of us could ever imagine. I also really liked how the film was able to implement various aspects of Auggie's extraordinary imagination throughout some of the more impactful moments of the story, which was a big part of the book as well. By the end I wanted more than anything else to be buddies with this special kid.
I really can't say enough good things about the cast of Wonder as I felt that it was absolutely perfect and what I would have envisioned from the book. The chemistry between the cast is quite simply second to none. The hero of this story deserves to be mentioned first, and that is young actor Jacob Tremblay. I was first introduced to the Canadian born actor alongside Brie Larson in the hit film Room (2015). I knew right away this kid had a bright future in the film industry and he has not disappointed. From the narration to his natural acting talent, Tremblay fit the role of Auggie Pullman perfectly. Talented veteran actress Julia Roberts, one of the best to ever grace the big screen, is tremendous as well. Taking on the very important role of young Auggie's mom Isabel, Roberts is able to balance the role of loving and somewhat overbearing mother (for good reason of course), and she is easily the heart and soul of the cast. I also really liked the casting of Owen Wilson as the dad. He may not get a fair shake sometimes but Wilson has proven his worth in his fair share of heartwarming films, most notably Marley & Me (2008). He is the perfect best buddy/cool dad combo and his character’s relationship with his son is something we can all hope to aspire to. Actress Izabela Vidovic is stellar as Auggie's sister Via. Most viewers will recognize her as Jason Statham's daughter in the film Homefront, but the fairly unknown actress proves her value as an actress and then some. I really enjoyed Taveed Digg's (Black-ish) portrayal of the teacher we all wish we had, Mr. Browne. Young actors Noah Dupe (Suburbicon) and Bryce Gheisar are perfect as Jack Will and Julian. I also feel like I need to give a shout out to Mandy Patinkin who took on the pivotal role of Mr. Tushman. He was fantastic as well. Just to reiterate, the cast was amazing!
Wonder is the rare gem of a film that is as equally entertaining as it is meaningful. For most of my adult life I thought reading was a waste of time, and I always told people that if the book was really that good they will make a movie out of it and I will just watch the film adaptation. Now I still love movies (clearly), but I have become quite an avid reader and I really enjoy it. When such an amazing book comes to life on-screen it really is a special experience and I am thrilled that Stephen Chbosky and R.J. Palacion were able to collaborate and give us book and movie lovers one more reason to get up off our comfy couch and visit the movie theater. Be sure to check out Wonder as soon as you're able (I will be seeing it again soon) and lets all do what we can to become a part of the Choose Kind movement. Together we CAN make a difference. I also suggest that you have the tissues ready because you will have some tears running down your face before its all said and done. Highly recommended.
Watch the latest trailer below.