Wonder

You would have to blame everything unlikeable about this film on Stephen Chbosky. He writes well but is prone to condescending and manipulative schmaltz. Take The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) and all its worst cringe moments as evidence. Here he is very fortunate indeed to have Jacob Tremblay to thank for a stunning beyond his years performance of subtlety and likabilty – we also have Room (2015) to attest to this extraordinary talent. Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson are decent casting in the likability stakes too, but honestly the parents could have been anyone because it is Tremblay’s film.

Yes, it pushes and prods you to care, but the point of it all is well expressed, and the heavy-handedness of the writing and direction barely detract from what a nice and enjoyable family film this is. If I had a child who was the subject of bullying, I could do worse than show this as a moral viewpoint on the subject. Just remember it is for kids and about kids. Don’t expect high art and it probably will get you in the feels. It got me. I liked this film. I just hope someone is protecting and steering Jacob Tremblay the right way, because he has the potential to really be something special as an adult actor.

Decinemal Rating: 71