Rent Wonder (2017)

Predictable but absorbing - Wonder review by AL

The film sort of follows a predictable path, apart from when it took in the point of views of other characters, which wasn't expecting. Some of it was a little bit cheesy, but also very moving and mostly good acting.

A very sweet & genuine film, which looks at a difficult subject with a tender touch - Wonder review by TB

Wonder is about a boy called Auggie, who was born with mandibulofacial dysostosis, which even after multiple surgeries has left him with significant facial disfigurements. He has led a sheltered & protected life full of love with his parents, but now is starting school. Part of the protection he enjoyed at home was a space helmet which he wore when he was out in order to shield him from looks & stares. However, his parents have decided that he needs to face the world & not wear this. The film follows Auggie as he starts school & deals with the various difficulties life throws his way.

For many people, this film & it's themes of happiness, love & care are too sweet, overbearing & saccharine. And whilst there was some elements of that which did occasionally grate, I am always honest in these reviews. For me, this was a profoundly moving film showing the raw emotions of the entire family, whether it is the mother who you can tell has almost broken herself in order to show her son every bit of love humanly capable and knows that the world outside is going to be incredibly difficult & judgemental; through to Auggie himself, who is scared but also knows that he is going to have face this world & there will be good people within it who will not judge him.

I also respected the showing of the casual cruelty that children can be capable of, without fully appreciating or understanding the devastating consequences this can have. In one horrible scene, Auggie overhears people he thought were his friends being horrible about him. And then you watch as he slowly, with the help of his family, pick himself back up, supported with love & compassion.

The performances are great. I have loved Jacob Tremblay in everything I've seen him in and this is no exception. He perfectly balances the emotions of a scared but also strong little boy, whilst always showing his vulnerability. Julia Roberts & Owen Wilson are also excellent, their chemistry really complimenting each other. The other child actors are also great as well.

For me, this is a film which shows the power of the most important & powerful thing we as humans have: love. It makes you cry in all the right places, whilst also showing you that the world has horrible people in it. But who you are as a person, and the people that you surround yourself with, is the most important thing.

A surprisingly worthwhile watch - Wonder review by MT

On paper, I couldn't see Owen Wilson and Julia Roberts working - especially given the premise of the film. But happy to report that from my families perspective, we all enjoyed it. Film is a slow burn for sure but works on all levels. I found the scenes that focussed on a particular character a little off-putting but they did work. Don't expect too much and you'll enjoy it. This is definitely not melancholic or heart wrenching and all the better for it.

Wilson goes straight. Julia is Julia. - Wonder review by NC

Lot of anguish. Sort of kids film wandering into agony aunt areas. Makes a point and has good messages, but is just so plastic as to be recyclable.

Wonder-ful - Wonder review by TB

This really is a wonderful heartwarming film which for some will act as a reminder and for others a lesson in what we should be as human beings.

All of the leading characters put in superb performances and right from the off I felt an instant emotional connection with the main character ‘Auggie’ and the loneliness, nervousness and worry of not just a young child but a young child with a beautiful difference.

Yes it’s gooey in places and it made me smile and cry throughout but that’s because it’s such a beautiful and touching film.

The film is also given an added depth with the characters that surround Auggies life, presenting their own lives in cleverly woven in segments.

Humans can be judgmental and nasty but they can also be kind, warm and loving. Never judge a book by its cover and never accept bullying as it’s such a destructive force.

This film lit up my soul and reminded me how much love and acceptance we can bring to each other and the world.

A stunningly heartwarming watch. 

pretty predictable - Wonder review by MC

predictable outcome but the excellent acting, especially from the kids, was amazing in itself. A great production of a difficult subject which still manages to be enjoyable without being too heart wrenching!

Much Better Than Expected - Wonder review by SS

I did not find this film to be superficial as the other reviewer states. It certainly was not a profound excoriation of the subject; birth defects and facial disfigurement, though it delivered more than most emotionally loaded, American, tear-jerkers. The lead actor was absolutely outstanding and hugely impressive as the afflicted young boy. The narrative is told, with emphasis upon the differing points of view, within the family and this is an effective device, evoking our sympathies and understanding, moving away from the black and white linearity of other such movies. All of the cast are very good indeed, which includes Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson. It is a heartwarming, memorable film. Well worth the viewing.