Oh my goodness. This was such a sweet movie and so well done that I’d put it up there with UP. The movie is based on a book written by R. J. Palacio, it follows the heartwarming story of August (Auggie) Pullman who is born with facial deformities and his family. The plot is based around the terrifying experience of Auggie starting middle school and the different happenings at home and at school. What I found especially interesting was that the story is presented a couple times from the perspective of different characters, each time providing the audience with a little more insight into each of their lives. I remember reading a few different books that used this tactic, but I don’t ever remember watching a movie that did this so prominently by following the book (an example I can think of is the Percy Jackson series and the disappointing movies that were made about them). This change in perspective is especially significant in the movie as you get to learn to motivation and feelings of one of Auggies friends that seems to have betrayed him and Auggie’s sister who is struggling in the background with her own problems.
Another aspect of the movie which I enjoyed was the fact that it was unique in showing more significantly the good side of middle-schoolers rather than the negative side. The teacher seems to be pretty cool and has good standards in the classroom and the principal not corrupt and you can tell that he is a kind hearted person who cares for his students. Not to mention the fact that the role is played by none other than Inigo Montoya, only much older and with a beard (aka Mandy Patinkin). Also, although Auggie has hard times throughout the school year, you get to see multiple of his peers that have good hearts, aren’t judgemental, and stick up for him. Even the bully admits that he’s sorry for what he did and realizes that he was wrong for making fun of Auggie. And of course, what’s not to love about Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson play the caring mother and father. I loved their quirky relationship. Speaking of talented actors, Jacob Tremblay did an absolutely amazing job playing Auggie. He is extremely talented for his age, and I can definitely see him going on to have an outstanding acting career in his future if he doesn’t turn out to be one of those child actors gone-wrong type.
I have not actually read the book that the movie is based on, but I definitely will pick it up if I ever get the chance. Also, I heard that there is a sequel so I’m hoping for a second movie sometime soon as well. I would 100% recommend watching this movie. Although the topic of middle school aged kids is usually a turn off for any sensible person, this one is definitely worth watching.
Another aspect of the movie which I enjoyed was the fact that it was unique in showing more significantly the good side of middle-schoolers rather than the negative side. The teacher seems to be pretty cool and has good standards in the classroom and the principal not corrupt and you can tell that he is a kind hearted person who cares for his students. Not to mention the fact that the role is played by none other than Inigo Montoya, only much older and with a beard (aka Mandy Patinkin). Also, although Auggie has hard times throughout the school year, you get to see multiple of his peers that have good hearts, aren’t judgemental, and stick up for him. Even the bully admits that he’s sorry for what he did and realizes that he was wrong for making fun of Auggie. And of course, what’s not to love about Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson play the caring mother and father. I loved their quirky relationship. Speaking of talented actors, Jacob Tremblay did an absolutely amazing job playing Auggie. He is extremely talented for his age, and I can definitely see him going on to have an outstanding acting career in his future if he doesn’t turn out to be one of those child actors gone-wrong type.
I have not actually read the book that the movie is based on, but I definitely will pick it up if I ever get the chance. Also, I heard that there is a sequel so I’m hoping for a second movie sometime soon as well. I would 100% recommend watching this movie. Although the topic of middle school aged kids is usually a turn off for any sensible person, this one is definitely worth watching.