Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Wonder is that rare family film that works on multiple levels—entertaining enough to keep kids engaged, emotionally resonant enough to make adults weep, and meaningful enough to spark real conversations afterward.

The film's greatest strength is its empathy-building structure. By showing the story from Auggie's perspective, then his sister's, then his friends', kids learn that everyone is fighting battles we can't see. It's a masterclass in perspective-taking without being preachy.

Yes, there are bullying scenes that might be tough to watch, but they're handled with care and lead somewhere meaningful. This isn't trauma porn—it's realistic portrayal of what many kids face, with a hopeful message about courage and kindness winning out.

The 2017 release date is perfect timing—modern enough to feel current without any cringey dated elements. It's become a staple in many classrooms for good reason. If your family hasn't seen it yet and your kids are in that 8-12 sweet spot, this is a must-watch that'll give you plenty to talk about over dinner.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8-14, when kids are navigating their own social hierarchies and can appreciate the nuanced storytelling. Younger kids might struggle with the emotional weight and runtime, while older teens may find it a bit earnest (though secretly still cry).

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

92

Wonder centers on kindness, empathy, and acceptance of differences. The film models healthy family relationships, supportive friendships, and emotional growth through challenges. While there are scenes of bullying (realistic for the context), they're handled thoughtfully and lead to positive character development. The pacing is measured and age-appropriate, never chaotic or overwhelming.

Imaginative

68

While Wonder is emotionally creative in how it tells Auggie's story from multiple perspectives (shifting viewpoints between characters), it's ultimately a realistic drama rather than a fantastical or exploratory narrative. It invites empathy and perspective-taking more than creative expression or world-building. The film doesn't inspire hands-on creativity or imaginative play, but it does encourage kids to think differently about how they see others.

Safe

85

Wonder is fundamentally safe for family viewing with age-appropriate content throughout. There are scenes of bullying and social exclusion that may be emotionally intense for sensitive viewers, and Auggie's facial differences might initially startle very young children. Some kids may find the bullying scenes distressing or triggering if they've experienced similar treatment. No violence, gore, sexual content, or language concerns. The PG rating (though not confirmed in data, this is the actual MPAA rating) is accurate.

Enriching

90

This is a deeply enriching film that builds empathy, emotional intelligence, and understanding of disability and difference. It tackles bullying, friendship, family dynamics, and self-acceptance in meaningful ways. The multiple-perspective storytelling teaches kids that everyone has their own struggles. Strong TMDB rating of 8.1/10 suggests genuine audience connection. It's both entertaining and provides substantial takeaways about kindness and courage that kids will remember.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Builds genuine empathy and perspective-taking skills—kids see the story through multiple characters' eyes, not just Auggie's
Opens up crucial conversations about disability, bullying, friendship, and what it means to be kind when it's hard
The family dynamics are actually healthy and supportive (refreshing!), modeling good communication and unconditional love
Recent enough (2017) that it feels modern and relatable to today's kids—no outdated references or painful special effects
Strong emotional impact without being manipulative; the tears feel earned and cathartic

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What to Watch For

Bullying scenes are realistic and may hit hard for kids who've experienced exclusion or teasing—prep sensitive viewers
Auggie's facial differences might initially surprise very young children; brief context-setting helps
Some emotionally intense moments around family stress, sibling jealousy, and friendship betrayal
The 113-minute runtime requires attention span—maybe not for wiggly young viewers

Conversation Starters

"If you were starting at a new school like Auggie, what would you want other kids to know about you?"
"The movie shows things from different people's points of view—whose story surprised you the most?"
"Mr. Browne has precepts like 'When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.' What would your precept be?"
"Have you ever seen someone being left out or treated differently? What did you do, or what do you wish you'd done?"
"Via felt invisible sometimes because Auggie needed so much attention. Have you ever felt that way?"

Deep Dive

Wonder is the movie that finally makes those "Be Kind" posters in the school hallway feel like a legitimate survival strategy rather than just corporate wallpaper. While the 2017 release date means it’s been a classroom staple for a while, it hasn’t lost its edge. It remains the gold standard for the live-action leap for 10-year-olds who are starting to age out of purely animated features but aren't quite ready for the cynicism of teen dramas.

The POV shift is the MVP

Most family dramas pick a protagonist and stick to them like glue. Wonder is smarter than that. Just when you think you’ve settled into August’s journey of entering fifth grade, the movie pulls a "wait, there’s more" and pivots the perspective to his sister, Via, and then to his friends.

This is the "secret sauce" that makes it one of the most effective movies that teach empathy. By showing that the "popular kid" might be acting out of his own insecurity, or that the "perfect sister" feels totally invisible at home, the film gives kids a mental map for navigating their own social hierarchies. It moves the conversation from "don't be mean" to "everyone is carrying something you can't see."

Real friction, not movie-magic bullying

The bullying here isn't the cartoonish, "give me your lunch money" variety. It’s the quiet, social-exclusion kind that actually happens in middle school—the whispers in the hallway, the "plague" game, and the betrayal by a friend you thought you could trust.

Because the film treats these moments with weight, it works as a back-to-school movie for kids who are anxious about the social jungle of a new grade. It doesn't promise that things will be easy; it just promises that they are survivable if you find your people. If your kid is sensitive to social dynamics, be ready for the "Jack Will" betrayal scene—it’s a gut punch that usually requires a quick pause to check in.

If your kid liked The Wild Robot

If your family recently loved the "kindness is a survival skill" theme of The Wild Robot, Wonder is the logical next step in a real-world setting. It trades the sci-fi island for a Brooklyn prep school, but the core question is the same: how do you stay soft in a world that feels hard?

It’s also an excellent case study in movies about bullying because it focuses on the bystanders as much as the bully. The most useful conversations you'll have after the credits roll won't be about the "bad guy," but about the kids who sat silently while things happened. It’s a 113-minute masterclass in integrity that manages to be heartfelt without being a total sap-fest.

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