WONDER

r oom’s Jacob Tremblay confirms his status as Hollywood’s leading moppet as Auggie Pullman, a 10-yearold with facial differences belatedly starting school. Potentially mawkish, ‘Movie of the Week’ material is given wit, compassion and an upbeat mood by director Stephen Chbosky. The film earns its emotional kick by blending sentiment with substance, augmenting Auggie’s adventures with the wider challenges facing his parents (Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson) and sister (Izabela Vidovic). All are strong, but it’s Tremblay’s show. Simon Kinnear