The Way, Way Back
Duncan (Liam James), is your typical 14 year old product of a difficult divorce, a bit awkward, wanting to fit in, and a desiring to be loved; meanwhile, Pam (Toni Collette), Duncan’s mom is trying her best to fill those needs all the while fill her own needs for love with her new boyfriend Trent (Steve Carell). In an attempt to have some quality “family time,” the group heads up to Trent’s beach cabin for the summer. Tensions rise quickly though as beach regulars Betty, Kip, and Joan (Allison Janney, Rob Corddry, and Amanda Peet) add their own stresses to the household. Escaping to the local water park seems Duncan’s only refuge from the madness, it’s at the park where Duncan meets Owen and Caitlin (Sam Rockwell, Maya Rudolph), two equally flawed but kindred souls on a similar journey. Coming of age, overthrowing the tyranny of mom and dad, and stewarding his own ship, Duncan may still be a boy but he’s becoming quite the man, can he hold it all together?
Off beat and quirky this gem manages to pack the comedic punches in fast and furious, perfectly capturing the magic and uncomfortable nature of the early teen years. And, more than comedy, heavy topics such as finding yourself, cutting your own path, accepting mistakes, and acknowledging failures weigh in to make for a dramedy with more heart than most. Performances all round have nicely polished edges. And, nice twist, where many may be expecting comedy gold from Carell, we actually see another side to the usual funny man, refreshing! Writer/Director’s Nat Faxon and Jim Rash strike gold again in their storytelling abilities, rich, compelling, and layered. This one deserves your attention. The Way, Way Back is rated PG-13.