There are movies that come along that are outside the norm in regards to the story that feel just quirky enough that they manage to capture your heart in the best ways possible. The latest film Wonder starring Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, Jacob Tremblay, and Mandy Patinkin looks like it could be one of those films, but does it offer up that powerful and emotional story you expect or will it fail to live up to its title?

 

Wonder the heartwarming story of August Pullman who was born with facial differences that, up until now, have prevented him from going to a mainstream school, Auggie becomes the most unlikely of heroes when he enters the local fifth grade.  As his family, his new classmates, and the larger community all struggle to find their compassion and acceptance, Auggie's extraordinary journey will unite them all and prove you can't blend in when you were born to stand out. Going in I thought I knew what kind of story to expect, but thankfully I got much more than I had expected. The story itself is simple and similar to others like it, but what helps it stand out is the structure of the film and the personal connections I instantly had with the characters on screen.

 

Growing up I had a friend with a similar condition, but by the time I met him we were already in high school and beyond so never really thought about everything he went through growing up. Seeing this story unfold had me thinking throughout about if it might have been similar to some of these moments. There is so much here that works on that personal level I couldn’t help but connect with it. What really makes it work as more than just another generic inspirational film is that the structure of the film tells multiple stories of every character involved as opposed to just the boy that it leads you to believe in the trailers.

 

The entire cast all do a great job and I was so happy to see that it avoided a lot of the Hollywood clichéd direction that this film could have gone a few different times. That’s not to say that you can’t figure out mostly where it is going, but the journey getting there is a great one. Add the consistent Star Wars references and I am all in. This is a great movie for the whole family that will have you laugh, cry and everything in between right up until the end.

​

In addition to the film this release offers up bonus content including a music video and numerous featurettes taking you behind bringing this story to life. Grab your copy of Wonder available now on Digital HD, 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, and DVD from Lionsgate Home Entertainment.