Ten-year-old August "Auggie" Pullman (Jacob Tremblay) was born with Treacher Collins syndrome, a rare genetic mutation that causes severe facial deformities. After enduring 27 surgeries, Auggie is acutely aware of his physical appearance. Hiding beneath a space helmet and homeschooled by his mother (Julia Roberts) at their Brooklyn brownstone, he is petrified to enter fifth grade at Beecher Prep. But supported by his mom, dad (Owen Wilson), and older sister Via (Izebela Vidovic), Auggie bravely faces judgmental peers. Predictably, a trust-fund brat, Julian (Bryce Gheisar), cruelly taunts him, saying, "I've never seen anything that ugly in my whole life." And although genial Jack Will (Noah Jupe) befriends him in science class, he betrays Auggie soon afterwards. But open-hearted Summer (Millie Davis) chooses to sit with Auggie at lunch when others won't, "because I want some nice friends for a change." Based on R.J. Palacio's 2012 bestseller, director Stephen Chbosky's film tells this emotionally eloquent story from multiple perspectives, including how attention-deprived Via is ditched by her BFF for a new crop of cool friends. And one only wishes that every teacher and principal were as supportive and understanding as, respectively, Mr. Browne (Daveed Diggs) and Mr. Tushman (Mandy Patinkin). Boosted by solid supporting performances, Tremblay (Room) once again proves that he is a gifted child actor. Compassionate and compelling, this is highly recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Stephen Chbosky and author R.J. Palacio, a “Summer of Fun” multi-part documentary (58 min.), the production segments “A Child's Sense of Wonder” (14 min.) and “What a Wonderful World” (13 min.), a behind-the-scenes featurette on the soundtrack (4 min.), and the “Brand New Eyes” music video by Bea Miller. Bottom line: a solid extras package for this fine adaptation of the YA bestselling novel.] (S. Granger)
Check out more films that empower students