“Wonder” is an unforgettable family-drama film about young August Pullman (Jacob Tremblay) who shows pride in who he is, even though his peers don’t see his potential. Though he might not look like everyone else, he has a big personality to share with us all.

Auggie Pullman was born with a facial deformity that separated him from society. He lives with his mom Isabela (Julia Roberts), his dad Nate (Owen Wilson), and his sister Via (Izabela Vidovic). His mother homeschooled him till fourth grade because she was afraid of how other kids would perceive him.

Directed by Stephen Chbosky, ”Wonder” is based on the novel by Raquel J. Palacio. Like the book, the movie is told from the perspectives of the different characters. It is said that the book is always better than the movie, but in this case the acting that is portrayed in this film says otherwise.

Via grew up faster than most kids her own age. She assumed the responsibility of the big sister and was there when her family needed her the most. Her parents didn’t pay as much attention to her as they did Auggie due to to all of his hospital visits. Via was very close to her Grans (Sonia Braga). After time passed, her Grans was gone and that’s when she met her best friend Miranda (Danielle Rose Russell). The following autumn everything changed. Her best friend stops talking to her and doesn’t acknowledge her existence, which left Via with no one.

The setting of this film is in New York where the Pullman family lives. The classroom sets bring a taste of grade school back to us and put you in Auggie’s difficult situation. The cafeteria set at Auggie’s school is the most important set. Filming these scenes has to be precise in order to give the full effect of the good and the bad kids at his school. All of the bad kids sit at one table and the good kids at the other. Costumes express the characters’ personalities, like how Auggie wears his astronaut helmet to conceal his face from people.

The soundtrack helps establish the mood of the film. When August is feeling happy about himself, the music is happy and cheerful. During the times in which August is being bullied, the music adjusts to his sadness.

The way in which “Wonder” is filmed is extraordinary. There are close ups of August’s face that show you what he really looks like. There are multiple takes from different characters’ perspectives, which give you a feel of their personality. The script includes some humor with a mixture of sadness. Even though this movie can get serious at times, there is always a silver lining.

This movie is not a remake, however it does have a relation to the older movies such as “The Mask” and “The Elephant Man”. These movies have a similar concept in which the main character is born with a facial difference and has to deal with the social pressures of society.

This story shines a light on bullying. Throughout the film, the main character is put down by the words others say. It is important that the viewers understand what is going on, and that they know how to process the information.

“Wonder” was released on November 17, and will be on demand and on dvd shortly afterward. Being someone who has read the book, I can say that the movie is just as good and maybe even better. Readers should definitely watch this glorious film. It displays an important topic that all of us need to see. This is a perfect Friday night movie to watch with your family and some popcorn.