Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Wonder (2017)


What is it about? 

Based on the New York Times bestseller, a boy with a facial deformity enters school for the first time and has a profound impact on those around him, and those who come across his existence. 

Who is in it? 

Jacob Tremblay - Auggie 

Owen Wilson - Nate 

Julia Roberts - Isabel

Izabela Vidovic - Via


Favorite Scene: 

While sitting alone, Summer, a girl who has wrestled with feelings of the crowd she has hung out with, leaves her table and sits with Auggie. After resistance from Auggie, she explains that she is just looking for a good friend. 

Favorite Quote:

"We're all fighting battles everyday. All you need to do is look."

"When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind."

Review: 

Wow. This film really blew me away. I love a great coming of age film, or even a thought-provoking film, and this was just that - both. I didn't read the book, so my perspective was at zero going in, but the film now has me wanting to read the book as well. It's that good. 

The moral message of inner beauty is of course there, but the film deal more about the way we look at one another, and often, how we need to look deeper on the actions, or inactions, of what we make generalizations on. We all do indeed have battles we deal with. And often, we need to see one another for that, and not for "change". 

Tremblay was phenomenal in the role of Auggie. Actually, all of the kids in this movie were fantastic! Middle School isn't an easy time, and this film captures that essence. Also, Julia Roberts really delivered as the mom of Auggie. It was hard not to feel for her character who had a special connection with him. 

All in all, this is a great film with some great human elements to it. It's a fantastic feel-good film. Check it out if you have some time. 

Grade: 4/5

Recently Read

Working in Higher Ed, Lately

"Working in higher education must be interesting these days, huh?" That question was posed to me by several people who recently learned that I worked in higher education. The recent discourse around the industry and field has certainly shifted in narrative and the overall feel within it. I recently wrapped up my fourteenth (!!) academic year. It's remarkable to think that I've been serving students and following a passion for this long. This is especially the case considering the rising turnover, the documented yearly burnout, and the increasing exodus from the field.  And, yup, there is that whole enrollment cliff combined with the politics that are more present than ever on college campuses.  So yeah, higher education is weird right now. Very weird.  Some quick thoughts : IS IT TIME?  Yes, I have thought about leaving the field several times. Especially, over the last few years. COVID didn't really bother me, but it's safe to say that the world of higher edu...

Dear Son, Big Fan of the Kid Turning Seven

---7 Years Old --- Dear Son,  It’s been a while since I’ve dropped a few thoughts. Forgive me, I’ve just been watching. Just observing. Taking it all in. Trying to be a good dad. I’m punching the keys today from one of your martial arts practices. It’s your second with “the big kids” and also the second time I’ve found myself watching from the sidelines with anxiety, with pride, and with likely my biggest fandom for you yet in this space. My feelings are much more than you playing baseball or coaching you in basketball. Your disposition is different. Your excellence is different in this space. With martial arts, you stay diligent with the process. Respectful. Working hard. Getting better. In competition with and respecting the older kids you are training with. That’s what I’ve enjoyed. It encapsulates everything you’ve grown into thus far. Still empathetic as ever, but adding an element of self-ambition and drive - something I’ve prided myself on - and to see you mature into this m...

Still...American

O say, can you see? first generation dream-chasing foundation  maybe it wasn’t for me? But still, an opportunity. socio-mobility Hey kid, “Be the best you can be” For you, and a future be  Or two or three Don’t mind the history. It’s broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight Within by class, age, political party Or the mere color of skin. Embrace those (societal) ramparts so gallantly streaming over-Patriotic expression,  Ever redeeming I’ll use my boot straps, for sure! “We got money for wars, but can’t feed the poor?!” Keep ya head up… Straps up, too! Yet, still the bombs burst in air where democracy can be unfair Legacy pipelines everywhere School shootings here…and there, No care. Why is this us? just us? ‘Merica!!!  Send up thoughts and a prayer. But don’t tread on me… Whatever, our flag is still there. Praise God! For I still rather be here It’s Dr. King. Freedom to pursue. unappreciated blessings My pledge of allegiance is internally fiery, Tho...