{"id":2020,"date":"2017-11-17T15:52:44","date_gmt":"2017-11-17T22:52:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/?p=2020"},"modified":"2017-11-17T15:52:44","modified_gmt":"2017-11-17T22:52:44","slug":"wonder-a-touching-film-about-differences-and-acceptance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/2017\/wonder-a-touching-film-about-differences-and-acceptance\/","title":{"rendered":"Wonder \u2013 A Touching Film About Differences and Acceptance"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Based on the<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2022 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Wonder.poster-194x300.jpg?resize=130%2C201\" alt=\"\" width=\"130\" height=\"201\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Wonder.poster.jpg?resize=194%2C300&amp;ssl=1 194w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Wonder.poster.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 130px) 100vw, 130px\" \/> New York Times bestseller, <em>Wonder<\/em> tells the incredibly inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman. Born with facial differences that, up until now, have prevented him from going to a mainstream school, Auggie becomes the most unlikely of heroes when he enters the local fifth grade. As his family, his new classmates, and the larger community all struggle to discover their compassion and acceptance, Auggie&#8217;s extraordinary journey will unite them all and prove you can&#8217;t blend in when you were born to stand out. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Calista B., comments, \u201cThis is a movie I was anticipating since I saw the first trailer. The trailer alone had me in tears, so I already knew it was going to touch my heart. Well, wouldn\u2019t you know, my assumptions were correct.\u201d Benjamin P. adds, \u201c<em>Wonder<\/em> is an uplifting film that translates to the screen very well, thanks to some spot-on casting and good performances across the board.\u201d Juanita L., KIDS FIRST! Adult reviewer wraps it up with, \u201cThis film has messages of limitless love and developing and building friendships as Auggie says, \u201cIf you really want to see who people are&#8230;just look.\u201d See their full reviews and Benjamin\u2019s interview with the author of the book and film producer below.<\/p>\n<p>Wonder<br \/>\nBy Calista B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/CxuRZx4tmWM?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p>This is a movie I was anticipating since I saw the first trailer. The trailer alone had me in tears, so I <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2034 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.e-221x300.jpg?resize=148%2C201\" alt=\"\" width=\"148\" height=\"201\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.e.jpg?resize=221%2C300&amp;ssl=1 221w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.e.jpg?w=738&amp;ssl=1 738w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 148px) 100vw, 148px\" \/>already knew it was going to touch my heart. Well, wouldn\u2019t you know, my assumptions were correct.<\/p>\n<p>The story is about 10-year-old Auggie Pullman, a kid with facial deformities due to a gene disorder. He is starting 5<sup>th<\/sup> grade, middle school and struggles to fit in at a new school. Seriously, middle school is tough for everyone, so add to that being different and being home-schooled until 5<sup>th<\/sup> grade. It&#8217;s a minefield.<\/p>\n<p>This movie is an adaptation of the book \u201cWonder\u201d which is a popular read in middle school. No, I didn\u2019t read the book, but now I want to, since I love this movie for multiple reasons. First, the acting is fantastic, particularly the emotional scenes, <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-2035 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.d-197x300.jpg?resize=131%2C199\" alt=\"\" width=\"131\" height=\"199\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.d.jpg?resize=197%2C300&amp;ssl=1 197w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.d.jpg?w=656&amp;ssl=1 656w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 131px) 100vw, 131px\" \/>which is probably why I cried so much. This movie has some pretty good star power. Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson and of course, Daveed Diggs, who stars in <em>Hamilton<\/em>, are all part of this cast. I absolutely love the characters in this film. A lot of the supporting roles actually have important parts and each character is unique and likeable as well. All except Julian\u2019s mom, the only character that isn\u2019t really redeemable. Still, Auggie\u2019s parents, his sister, his friends, his teachers, and, of course, Auggie himself, Jacob Tremblay, make this movie exceptional. Not only that, the teachers and the principal at his school are so much better than teachers at actual schools. A big theme and important message, is the way parents raise their kids. I believe this is a true and good message.<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-2038 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.a-300x200.jpg?resize=225%2C150\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.a.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.a.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.a.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.a.jpg?w=1500&amp;ssl=1 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>One thing that makes this story unique is the different perspectives of other characters and their lives. Certain characters come off as mean, but you see through their life through their eyes and get a different view. Although the main focus is Auggie, characters like his sister get nice subplots that contribute to providing extra context of the character, but not drawing our attention away from the main plot. Some may complain that the entire story revolves around Auggie and I can understand those impressions. However, I think of it as a way of showing that Auggie changed many people\u2019s lives for the better. The script is also really well done, with a good balance of funny and emotional writing.<\/p>\n<p>I definitely give this movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. This movie comes out November 17, 2017 in theaters nationwide so go check it out.<\/p>\n<p>Wonder<br \/>\nBy Benjamin P, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/UvwR1wCUMFM?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>Wonder<\/em> is an uplifting film that translates to the screen very well, thanks to some spot-on casting and good performances across the board.<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-2032 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.g-264x300.jpg?resize=174%2C197\" alt=\"\" width=\"174\" height=\"197\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.g.jpg?resize=264%2C300&amp;ssl=1 264w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.g.jpg?resize=768%2C874&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.g.jpg?w=879&amp;ssl=1 879w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 174px) 100vw, 174px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Based on a popular novel by R. J. Palacio, <em>Wonder<\/em> follows Auggie Pullman (Jacob Tremblay), a boy with a craniofacial disorder. He lives with his parents and his older sister. His mom enrolls Auggie in the fifth grade at a nearby school after years of homeschooling. Hesitant but confident, Auggie struggles to make new friends and encounters bullies. The movie follows different perspectives of people in Auggie\u2019s life throughout the school year. Another key plotline follows his sister Via. She loves her brother, but sometimes feels like her parents ignore her. Now her grandmother, the only person who puts her first, is gone and her best friend has abandoned her for a new group of friends from summer camp. The movie triumphantly brings these and other viewpoints together for a full, rich storytelling experience as Auggie\u2019s personality leads people to care less about what he looks like, but the kind of person he is on the inside.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/y5RwDECKCJU?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Seeing <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-2037 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.b-300x198.jpg?resize=225%2C149\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"149\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.b.jpg?resize=300%2C198&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.b.jpg?resize=768%2C507&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.b.jpg?resize=1024%2C676&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.b.jpg?w=1400&amp;ssl=1 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/>A-list stars such as Julia Roberts, who plays Auggie\u2019s mom, portray characters from one of my favorite books piqued my interest for this adaptation, but I did not expect the film to be so excellent in its execution. It maintains the spirit of the novel, without feeling sappy, thanks to the direction and screenwriting from Stephen Chbosky, the author and director of <em>The Perks of Being a Wallflower<\/em>. The emotion onscreen is just as raw as conveyed in the book and the scenes carry the same poignant effect. Just like with the novel, you fall in love with these characters and care about what happens to them. Jacob Tremblay is especially fantastic as Auggie and shows a compelling range of emotion. He brings confidence to the character and represents his softer sides as well.<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-2036 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.c-198x300.jpg?resize=133%2C202\" alt=\"\" width=\"133\" height=\"202\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.c.jpg?resize=198%2C300&amp;ssl=1 198w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.c.jpg?w=659&amp;ssl=1 659w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 133px) 100vw, 133px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The lesson of <em>Wonder<\/em> is that it shouldn\u2019t matter what a person looks like, but who they are on the inside. Auggie is bullied for what he looks like, but people should not be judged by appearance, but rather by their character.<\/p>\n<p>I recommend <em>Wonder <\/em>for ages 7 to 18. There are some scenes with characters in peril, as well as some scenes of bullying. Bullying is a hard topic to watch on film, but kids should be aware that it is an issue. I give <em>Wonder<\/em> 4 out of 5 stars. It is available in theaters now so be sure to check it out.<\/p>\n<p>Wonder<br \/>\nBy Juanita L., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror<\/p>\n<p>I enjoyed watching <em>Wonder, <\/em>based on the book by R.J<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2040 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.j-300x199.jpg?resize=223%2C148\" alt=\"\" width=\"223\" height=\"148\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.j.jpg?resize=300%2C199&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.j.jpg?resize=768%2C510&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.j.jpg?resize=1024%2C681&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.j.jpg?w=1500&amp;ssl=1 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 223px) 100vw, 223px\" \/>. Palacio. It is a very uplifting story about Auggie Pullman (Jacob Tremblay), a young boy with a facial difference\u00a0who enters private\u00a0school for the first time in fifth grade. Auggie has been home-schooled by his mother who decides it is time for him to have a real school experience. We can feel Auggie\u2019s pain as he gets a taste of the best and the worst of human nature. He goes through 27 surgeries. Some of the students he meets are kind and accepting, others are not sure and some are just cruel. Auggie wants to do normal things and he is upset and afraid to face the kids\u2019 reactions to his appearance.<\/p>\n<p>One of my <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft  wp-image-2031\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.h-200x300.jpg?resize=133%2C200\" alt=\"\" width=\"133\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.h.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.h.jpg?w=668&amp;ssl=1 668w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 133px) 100vw, 133px\" \/>favorite scenes happens in the beginning when the director of his new school (Mandy Patinkin) introduces Auggie to a small group of students before school starts, thinking this will help ease the transition. I felt this was a wonderful way to help Auggie feel comfortable. You will have to see the film and decide if you think it works.<\/p>\n<p>Auggie\u2019s parents (Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson) along with his sister Via (Izabela Vidovic) provide unbelievable love and support to him. It is almost not real. The story and the characters show us a range of human emotions. Auggie wants to be treated like a normal kid.\u00a0 Via wants her parents to give her some attention and ask about the day SHE HAD at school.\u00a0 Mom has put her life on hold to care for Auggie and now sees a chance to complete her dissertation. Auggie\u2019s father tries to be a supportive, understanding and caring father. This film has messages of limitless love and\u00a0 developing and building friendships AS Auggie says, \u201cIf you really want to see who people are&#8230;just look.\u201d<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2030 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.i-300x201.jpg?resize=225%2C151\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"151\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.i.jpg?resize=300%2C201&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.i.jpg?resize=768%2C513&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.i.jpg?resize=1024%2C685&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/wonder.i.jpg?w=1222&amp;ssl=1 1222w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The visuals and music are excellent and bring an element of fun. The elements of bullying and some of the emotion around Auggie\u2019s beloved dog might be intense for younger children. I recommend <em>Wonder <\/em>for ages 9 to 18 as well as adults. Be inspired and experience <em>Wonder<\/em> at your local theater when it opens November 17, 2017.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Based on the New York Times bestseller, Wonder tells the incredibly inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman. Born with facial differences that, up until now, have prevented him from going to a mainstream school, Auggie becomes the most unlikely of heroes when he enters the local fifth grade. As his family, his new classmates, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2020","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-feature-film-reviews"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/paS5I2-wA","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2020","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2020"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2020\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2043,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2020\/revisions\/2043"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2020"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2020"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2020"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}