Roman J. Israel, Esq. – Review

Roman J. Israel, Esq. – Budget of $22 million – 2 hours and 9 minutes

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Roman J. Israel is a partner and the “man behind the curtain” at Willam Henry Jackson Law Firm for 26 years.  Roman his happy to stay behind his desk and draw up briefs while William fights in court.  When William has a heart attack and takes a turn for the worst, Roman learns that the law firm will be dismantled and absorbed into George Pierce’s Law Firm.  Roman had no clue of Williams plans.  George offers him a job with his firm, but Roman is not comfortable being an attorney focused on profit.  Roman has always focused on activism and civil liberties.  But when the job market turns cold, Roman takes George’s offer.  During his first case, Roman gets information from his client to give to the DA in exchange for a lesser charge.  When negotiations go bad, his client dies.  Then Roman has an altercation that leads Roman to stop “doing the impossible for the ungrateful” and think of himself.  This one action takes him down a path of self-judgment that will force him to his ultimate goal.

Roman had the savant abilities of Monk and Sheldon Cooper; however, he has their social graces too (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer).  If you can get past his inability to “know when he reached other’s limit” and see to his genius, you can see the beauty in this film.  Now be forewarned, this movie has a slow build up to help you understand Roman’s struggle with everyday life.  He has a mind and clothes set in the 70’s, technology set 2001, but dealing in a 2017 world.  It’s hard for him to adapt.  But when he does, he goes so far off the path, he doesn’t recognize himself.  This is one you have to see but be prepared for a slow build and a shocking but satisfying ending.

I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars

You stand on his soldiers – Mia

Like the flag pin on your lapel – Roman

I disbelieve that – Mrs. Jackson

I’ll talk to him – George

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Wonder – Review

Wonder – Budget Unknown – 1 hour and 53 minutes

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August “Auggie” Pullman is your typical 10-year-old.  He likes Minecraft, sports, his family, and outer space.  He has a sister and best friend named Olivia (also called Via).  She is loving, strong, and self-sufficient.  With school starting, she is concerned about her brother and that her best friend Miranda is pulling away.  On her 4th birthday, she wished for a baby brother; but she had no idea how it would change her life and relationship with her parents.  Nate is Auggie and Via “cool” dad.  He can always provide a quick laugh to his family but worries about Auggie’s next phase in life.  Isabel Pullman is a confident mom who homeschooled Auggie but believes he is ready for a change.  The change is Auggie’s first day of middle school.  While most students would blend in, Auggie will always stand out.  He was born with a genetic facial deformity.  After 27 surgeries, he can hear, see, breathe, and look better but he will always be different.  This day will have a ripple effect on his family and classmates.

Based on the book Wonder by R. J. Palacio, this story is beautifully adapted to film (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer).  It starts by giving several different points of view of Auggie’s first day.  First, Auggie.  The young, scared boy met with a few students before the first day and they left a bad taste in his mouth.  Second, Via.  She whispers words of encouragement to Auggie, then leaves for school. She feels ignored but must continue to be understanding. So Miranda ignoring her; leaves her alone. Third, Jack Will. He is a scholarship kid who is asked by the principal and his mom to be nice to the new kid. Finally, Miranda. With divorcing parents, she escapes at summer camp. But her escape keeps her away from Via. In the second half of the movie, all these stories come together to tell a moving story about choosing kindness and strength. It is a movie that will draw you in and make you wonder. Just wonder. See this with your children and ignore the PG rating. All kids should see this film with their parents and discuss.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars

It’s like leading a lamb to the slaughter and you know it – Nate

It will be fine – Isabel

It’s ok to laugh. I know – Mr. Tushman

The family revolved around the son, not the daughter – Via

You know you can call me anytime – Miranda

You can tell a lot about somebody from their shoes – Auggie

I like this school. I have friends here – Julian

If I looked like him, I would kill myself – Jack

I don’t like being accused of things – Summer

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