The Way Way Back Movie Review

Starring Sam Rockwell, Steve Carell
Directed by Jim Rash and Nat Faxon

Summer movies are always a mixed bag for me.  There are always the usual high-budget blockbusters that I can’t wait to see on the big screen with an impressive sound system; but then there are those easy-to-miss gems that tug at my heartstrings or remind me of what it was like to spend an entire summer as a kid.  Jim Rash and Nat Faxon’s “The Way, Way Back” does just that and showcases some performances by an impressive cast that stray from their comfort zone.  While it may be a tad “on the nose” when it comes to its level of sweetness, it’s a nice change of pace in a summer movie season that makes me wanting a break from the action.

The story’s main character is Duncan (played by Liam James), a 14-year old boy who is reluctantly spending his summer vacation out of town with his mother (Toni Collette) and her obnoxious boyfriend (Steve Carell).  Duncan is not happy with his situation and spends the beginning of the film feeling sorry for himself.  He ends up befriending Sam Rockwell’s Owen, who is a manager at “Water Wizz”, a local water park.  Owen is carefree and sarcastic, and takes an immediate liking to Duncan who begins working at the water park for the summer.  Throughout the summer, they form a strong friendship that plays a large part into Duncan coming into his own by the end of the film.

While the story may not be entirely original, “The Way, Way Back” excels with its acting performances, particularly with the performances by Steve Carell and Sam Rockwell.  Much like in “Dan In Real Life”, Carell has shed his Michael Scott persona here to play a character that stretches his acting muscles.  As much as you can’t stand Trent, he will feel much more real than nearly any other character he has played in the past.  As for Rockwell, he is simply a delight to watch on-screen.  His Owen is very likeable despite coming across as lazy and overconfident.  He feels like a genuine father figure to Duncan, and you can’t help but smile in every scene where he is present.

The young Liam James nails the sad, lonely kid who grows up throughout the course of the film, and Toni Collette plays his mother quite well as a woman torn between the love for her son and the man she believes she loves.  Making a surprise appearance is Allison Janney as the family’s alcoholic neighbor who gives some of the best one-liners in the film.  Even the writer/director duo of Rash and Faxon appear in the film as goofy water park employees.

What really drives this movie home is what a lot of summer movies are lacking: heart.  You really feel bad for Duncan, and you really despise Trent.  The film leaves you with a warm, satisfying feeling with hints of nostalgia peppered in for good measure.  While it lacks in originality, it’s definitely worth checking out, particularly because of the personal touch that Rash and Faxon put into it.

 

If $10.00 is the full price of admission, I’d pay $7.00.

 

Scott Clark

The Hollywood Outsider Podcast