Wonder (2017)

This was a good film for the whole family.
Auggie (Jacob Tremblay) is a little boy with a big heart but an unnamed genetic disease. He's had twenty-seven surgeries in his short life and it has still left him with a facial deformity. The film revolves around his first year in actual school. Before that, his devoted mother (Julia Roberts) home-schooled him.
Needless to say, it is not the easiest transition. Sure, Auggie is smart but the other kids range from curious to shallow to insensitive. But they are children, who are only as good as they can be. The scene, toward to the end of the film with young Julian's (Bryce Gheisar) parents is a true eye opener. For the record, money isn't everything.
But the film is about more than Auggie, it's also about his somewhat neglected older sister Via (Izabela Vidovic). She's also very smart and talented, but her needs are second by a large amount to whatever Auggie needs. Still, she loves him so much but wishes that she would get more attention from her parents and who can blame her.
Yes, Auggie makes it through the school year, making both friends and enemies along the way, and grows stronger because of it. Via also branches out in different ways.
The performances are very strong especially since most of them are from children. Each child is well-developed and has a distinct personality, and the parents are also great. Roberts and Owen Wilson are believable and touching as the parents. Daveed Diggs is memorable as the main teacher who won't let Auggie out of his classroom photo. Jacob Tremblay truly is a wonder.
I like happy, memorable endings and this ends with a great quote: Be kind as you have no idea what everyone goes through each day. Being kind to all is never bad advice especially in a world as troubled as ours. Grade: A-