Based on
R.J. Palacio’s book, ‘Wonder’ does its best to not over-sentimentalise the
subject matter. Many issue based movies
have fallen into the trap of being preachy and sugar-coating the drama with
tears and over-ripe drama. Although
‘Wonder’ has a few tearful scenes, it almost manages not to manipulate viewers
with its story. Audiences can spot an
emotionally fake film a mile away with ‘Wonder’ walking the tight-rope of drama
and moral messages with ease.
Isabel
(Julia Roberts) and Nate (Owen Wilson) are married parents of teenage daughter
Via (Izabela Vidovic) and young son August (Jacob Tremblay). They are loving parents who would do anything
for their children and especially their son who has a facial deformity. Wanting
a normal life as possible for him, they enrol him in a mainstream school. Although concerned how people will react to
August, Isabel and Nate hope his presence teaches those around him the value of
acceptance. The road towards this is
rocky as people attempt to adjust to a different-looking person in their lives.
‘Wonder’
runs the gamut of emotions as it slowly reveals people’s responses to August’s
presence. Alarm, bullying, sympathy and
friendship are all shown with the reactions feeling genuine. Jacob Tremblay’s performance as the stoic
child is amazing with his character’s quiet strength amidst a strange world
quite powerful. This isn’t an artificial
‘Forrest Gump’-style morality play, but an authentic exploration of dealing
with things many don’t understand.
Roberts, Wilson and Vidovic are equally first rate as the family coping
with their own relationships with August and each other.
Whilst
moments are over-saturated with sentimentality, ‘Wonder’ tells its tale
well. Director Stephen Chbosky deserves
credit for moving the story along less familiar paths with outcomes delivering
genuine surprises. The screenplay
successfully deals with several topics and has many narrative strands to get
through. That it effectively ties
everything together into the central themes shows the level of care into making
viewing memorable. The score also remembers
not to over-use the swirling violins so common in these films with an understated
soundtrack allowing the actions and dialogue to generate the film’s true power.
It’s easy
delivering a serving of schmaltzy daytime TV-style weep-fest. ‘Wonder’ certainly isn’t that with the finely
balanced and strong script generally avoiding such clichés. Its’ messages of accepting people despite
their differences is a lesson all should learn in life’s daily commute.
Movie Review
Rating out of 10: 8
Movie Review
by Patrick Moore
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Patrick
Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie releases in Australia.
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