Wonder 2017

     The film is based on a New York Times bestselling book by R.J. Palacio.  August Pullman has been homes chooled through the 4^th grade.  He lives in a Brooklyn with his mother Isabel, father Nate and older sister Via.  Now, Isabel has decided attending school in the 5^th grade will be the next step in his life.  Auggie was born with facial differences because both his parents have a certain gene type.  Everyone in the family including older sister Via are aware this will be tough on Auggie.  There will be bullies but Auggie has a tour at the school before classes start.  The tour was scheduled by the Principle and three other students will show him the different classrooms.  Usually, stares are a first reaction when they see Auggie and then they try to hide the stare.  Everyone is hoping the teachers, the staff and some of the other students can keep the bullying to a minimum.

     Auggie has had three surgeries for facial reconstruction but he still has scars and his face is somewhat misshapen.  I thought this movie was very good.  Auggie has more knowledge than the other students at his grade level.  His mother did a very good job with homeschooling.  Another plot running alongside is about his sister Via, how she feels like her childhood has been much smaller since Auggie needed more attention.  This film has a positive message about being different.  3 ½* (I liked this movie)  

113 min, Drama directed by Stephen Chbosky with Jacob Temblay, Owen Wilson, Isabela Vidovic, Julia Roberts, Mark Dozlaw, Rukiya Bernard, Jennifer March, Mandy Patinkin, Noah Jupe, Gryce Ghesar, Elle McKinnon, Daveed Diggs, Ty Cosiglio, Kyle Breitkopf, James A. Hughes.

Note:  Imdb 8 out of 10, 85% critic 88% audience on Rotten Tomatoes, Roger Ebert 3*, Amazon Video 4.8* out of 5* with 1379 reviews, Common Sense Media age 10+ 4* out of 5*, Plugged’n 4* out of 5*.

Special Note:  The name of Auggie’s facial disease is mandibulofacial dystosis also known as Treacher Colloins syndrome.  The Children’s Craniofacial Association retreat brings together children and their families dealing with this syndrome.  Author R.J. Palacio was inspired to writh this book after her son cried when he saw a boy with this syndrome.  The prosthetic makeup was designed and created by Arjen Tuiten and it took 90 minutes to apply.  The prosthetic covered Jacob’s entire face and he also wore a wig.  Jacob his sister Emma and their father Jason are also in the movie.  Jacob Trembly was the boy in the film Room of 2015.