WONDER MOVIE REVIEW

By: Matthew McCorkle
Staff Writer
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   Wonder, based off the book of the same name by R. J. Palacio, is about a boy named August (Auggie) Pullman who was born with “facial differences”. Auggie is going into the 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and it is his first time ever attending public school. His classmates don't respect him at first and they bully him, but then they learn that even though he looks different, he is still a kid just like the rest of them. ​

   I give the movie a 4 out of 5 star rating, because the message of kindness toward others resonates strongly in times of struggle and uncertainty. I feel Auggie’s story, as an archetype of the struggle all students with differences experience, is important for all kids to hear. The reason that I knocked off one start was because the movie, while portraying the bullying and challenges Auggie faces, also resolves itself neatly - a happy resolution many children suffering similarly will never experience. 
    I definitely recommend the movie for all families to see because I feel the movie’s production value was high and it explored themes that all families could benefit from discussing and considering. The movie stayed very true to the book, which is great for any fan of Palacio’s original work. The movie is rated PG and is a perfect choice for people to watch if they want to laugh, cry, and laugh some more.