Review: "Wonderstruck" is an Inspiring Exploration of Life and Acceptance

Scene from Wonderstruck

Outside of animated movies, it seems very difficult to make a great family movie. The live action format is generally populated with films reliant on cheap jokes and pandering plots. It becomes difficult to see them as being art, or something that encourages kids to see the world in more perplexing manners. Director Todd Haynes has set out with writer Brian Selznick to fix this with Wonderstruck, whose execution is just as hard to summarize as its plot. Even then, it creates the wonder of cinema and youth in a manner that is inspiring. With two intersecting plots, the story challenges basic perceptions of what a family movie can be, and in the process develops a tangible art film for kids. It's heartfelt and moving, as well as smart. There isn't anything like this silent film/70's kids adventure hybrid, and that alone makes it worth checking out.

The Official "Wonderstruck" Trailer is a Whirlwind of Visual Delight

In 2015, director Todd Haynes released his most critically acclaimed movie to date, Carol. Despite not showing up strong with Oscar wins, it rejuvenated his career and made many wonder what would be next up for the filmmaker. With Wonderstruck, Haynes has decided to move from an elegant period drama to something more ambitious. It's a story that is even more visually stimulating than what's come before. It's a film that has taken most of the film festivals by storm. While this is only the first official trailer, it looks like Haynes wasn't kidding. If this isn't great, it at least has an awe-inspiring approach that blends styles and creates something new and exciting. With David Bowie's "Space Oddity" to back things up, the trailer is a work of art, and hopefully another knockout for Haynes.