If this movie isn't nominated for Picture of the Year, a great disservice will have happened. Uplifting, engrossing, characters you will love, dialogue as well written as you could ask for. I almost didn't see this because I thought it would be too sad and I'd cry too much. I'm so glad I ignored that. Did I cry? Yes, but only in the very best parts where I was so much a part of the story I could hardly stand the joy of it all. Jacob Tremblay as Auggie is captivating, endearing, Owen Wilson as Nate, his dad is wonderful, charming and amusing, Julia Roberts as Isabel, his mom is perfectly played, and Izabela Vidovic as his sister, Via, will steal your heart. She plays a sibling who dearly loves her brother, but feels left out, ignored and forgotten as the sibling in a family where there is a child of special needs so often does. It was terrific to see Mandy Patinkin as Mr. Tushman. Haven't seen him nearly enough in movies lately and he's wonderful. All in all, the casting for this picture could not have been better and I urge you, with my whole heart, to see this one. You will leave the theater feeling so good. And isn't that a rarity in the mess that today's offerings from Hollywood tend to be?
