Phoebe in Wonderland movie review

Elle Fanning doesn't disappoint in her spot on portrayal of Phoebe, a young girl with special needs doing her best to navigate difficult societal waters.  I felt the overall theme of this movie was tolerance, but I have to say I found it a bit implausible.  Having raised a special needs kid myself, I know that society is neither tolerant nor accepting of those that don’t fit the cookie cutter mold of the majority.  Children in particular can be especially cruel and often are.  I did appreciate the movie’s tone of compassion through education and its overall willingness to illustrate candidly the feelings and viewpoints of those that surround Phoebe.    Felicity Huffman was a scene stealer as Phoebe’s mother/advocate trying to pave a way for her daughter’s growth and acceptance.   I found her characters denial of her daughters issues disappointing and counterproductive but exceedingly realistic.  Patricia Clarkson captivated me in every scene she appeared in, with her even tone and unexpected dialogue she very appropriately made oddity riveting.  Bill Pullman was very convincing as the loving father who just wants to do the right thing but is frustrated by his lack of understanding.  The cast rounds out with exceptional performances by Campbell Scott, Ian Colleti, Bailee Madison.  From an artistic standpoint… I loved the film.  I hope as a society we reach a point where all are accepted and included and I think that is the main point the film tries to get across.  So on the Heart Chart… Phoebe in Wonderland gets four out of five hearts. ♥♥♥♥