WONDER- Review

While another bruising company of costumed heroes makes the walls vibrate in stereo at many theatres (actually in most of the screens at your local multiplex), a quieter, more gentle film is opening to give families a nice alternative. And it stars real flesh and blood actors rather than computer-generated characters. It’s based on the rare young adult novel that’s not set in a dystopian future. The beloved five year-old book offers another take on a tale as old as time, with themes that echo the live BEAUTY AND THE BEAST from earlier in the year. Add a dash of THE ELEPHANT MAN, a pinch of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, a sprinkle of MASK, toss it in a middle school (maybe cooked in a classic “Easy Bake Oven”) and film goers should savor this sweet, nourishing cinema dish all about a most unusual boy, who despite his outer appearance is really quite a WONDER.

As the leaves begin to change for the Fall, the Pullman family, mother Isabel (Julia Roberts), dad Nate (Owen Wilson) and teen older sister Olivia (Izabela Vidovic), Via’ for short, are escorting little August “Auggie” (Jacob Tremblay) to his first day at Beecher Middle School. Previously Auggie has been home-schooled by his mom. He’s hesitant to remove his “fishbowl-style” astronaut helmet, because Auggie looks very different from his new classmates. He was born with Treacher Collins syndrome, a genetic disorder that produces facial deformities. Despite their concerns over how the other students will react to him, the Pullmans believe that Auggie must learn to interact with others. Luckily the principal, Mr. Tushman (Mandy Patinkin), is sympathetic and enlists three students, Charlotte, Julian, and Jack Will (Noah Jupe) to give him a tour. Over the course of that first school year, Auggie will deal with being ostracized and bullied by some, and embraced by other kids like Jack Will and a sympathetic girl named Summer (Millie Davis). Meanwhile Via has her own problems as she begins a new year of high school in the city. Her BFF Miranda (Danielle Rose Russell) is aloof, while the outgoing Justin (Nadji Jeter) persuades her to join the drama club, which leads to her first romance. But Via still feels neglected by his parents who seem to make Auggie the “center of the universe”. Holidays come and go, seasons change, and the Pullmans adjust to their children’s new challenges.

After his break-out Oscar-nominated role two years ago in ROOM, Master Tremblay is firmly on track to a terrific acting career (I’ll not count his supporting role in last Summer’s dramatic disaster THE BOOK OF HENRY). Despite the encompassing prosthetic make-up, he ably conveys Auggie’s every mood through his soulful eyes and subtle body language. If Jacob decides to pursue the arts, it will be interesting to see his choice of roles as he matures. Luckily he shares this film with some formidable familiar and unfamiliar (not for long) faces. After a year and a half away from the cameras (we heard her voice in the last Smurfs flick), Ms. Roberts brings great warmth to her role as the doting devoted matriarch. She’s a strong force in the household, though her concern over her kids weighs heavily. Her anxiety over “letting go” is best shown in a silent scene as she has her lunch in the now empty “home school” space. Wilson’s his usual affable, laid-back self, always trying to avoid conflict and ready to act as coach/cheerleader. Patinkin is the kind of understanding, tender-hearted  bear of a man we all wish could be overseeing our kids. Broadway sensation Daveed Diggs (“Hamilton”) is an enthusiastic guide to the world of knowledge as beloved teacher Mr. Browne. As for the newer faces, Vidovic is most effective as the teen still yearning for her parent’s affections, but straining to become more than just the big sister. Russell, as her former pal, shines in a subplot about her wish to be part of the Pullmans. Jeter is just the bubbly influence to gently nudge Via out of her comfort zone. Jupe (SUBURBICON) does very well as Auggie’s very conflicted best bud. We can see how he’s drawn back to his old crowd while reaching out to the new “odd” kid. Oh, and kudos to Elle McKinnon who scores big laughs as the vain, show biz “Broadway baby” Charlotte. And it’s great to see the fabulous Sonia Braga as a nurturing angel Grans in a sweet memory from Via.

Five years after the surprise hit, THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER, director Stephen Chbosky, who joined Steve Conrad and Jack Thorne in adapting R.J. Palacio’s best seller, still has a knack for getting “un-showy” honest performances from his young cast. Unfortunately, their adherence to the story’s literary roots slackens the pace and erodes the focus. The “side stories” (designated as chapter headings) on Miranda and Jack Will take us away from the Pullmans and have little dramatic “pay off”. And choosing “Our Town” as Via’s school play seems an easy way to grab the tear-ducts (high school theatrics are much more real in this weekend’s LADY BIRD). It contributes to the overall “stitched together” feel of the flick , as though we’re “binge-watching” four or five episodes of “Auggie’s World”. Plus it hits all the required beats of an “uplifting tale” (I kept thinking I saw a Hallmark logo in the corner of the screen). You know, “classmates are scared at first, pick on him, then slowly see past his looks and recognize his good heart”, then sending the audience out with a moment of triumph and celebration. It’s much too familiar but the terrific cast makes WONDER a bit more tart than syrupy sweet.

3 Out of 5