WONDER (2017)

2/13/18 - Wonder (2017) - 4+/5-/10

Fairly standard “sympathetic film” movie. Tries hard to be heart warming in every aspect of the story, which comes off as extremely manipulative. But that is its point, however simple and unindustrious it is. I suppose it is fully functional, hitting its beats with a standard grace & acumen, but nothing felt special or particularly affective for myself.

The funny thing is that this is almost entirely a film about not paying attention. The daughter, the friend, the bully, the mom, the dog; they are all gratuitous and somewhat disturbing examples of lacking empathy and regard. Mainly in the example of the dog, in which what befalls the dog is foreshadowed throughout the duration, it occurs, and has ZERO lasting significance. Same with the daughter and the friend. There are no quintessential moments of coming to terms, things just “turn out ok”. Well, as long as you aren’t a rich bully or have 4 legs.

It is meant for kids to be able to understand. Rarely as blatant or over-the-top as a kids show, but it walks up to that line more than a couple times. Everything is one step away from perfect while still housing “personal issues” within each character’s tale. Little lasts, as the happy ending is not only executed but shot to the moon.

It’s a feel good/overcome film designed at speaking to kids/families. It is charming but wholly unspectacular, existing to squeeze those eyeballs in an “after school special”. I didn’t find it cute enough, special enough, funny enough, or sad enough. I don’t think it is bad, in fact, overall it is very workable, but was not a film for me at all.