The Way Way Back Movie Review (2013)
A sweet coming-of-age story, The Way Way Back is about a single summer where a teenage boy embarks on a muddled journey of self discovery and learns that he can be more than he ever thought.
Everyone loves a good blossoming story. The teenage years are tough no matter who you are and what your family is like, so watching someone else go through them can land you anywhere between sympathy and catharsis. Either way, you can either relate to or appreciate the journey.
The Way Way Back is the story of Duncan, a young teenager who is being forced to spend the summer at a beach house with his mother, her condescending boyfriend, and his teen daughter. Being mostly left to his own devices and wanting to stay away from the boyfriend, Duncan meets a local guy, Owen, and ends up working at the water park that he runs. Over the course of the summer, and watching his mother drink, party with new friends, and struggle with her relationship, Duncan finds that he is strong and resilient, using the lessons learned from his coworkers.
First and foremost, I have to say one thing. One of my favorite movies in the world is Little Miss Sunshine. So when Steve Carell and Toni Collette showed up here as a couple (instead of brother and sister in my movie) and started behaving as such, it freaked me out. If you are like me, it will freak you out too, but you will get used to it. These are different characters even though they look similar. Moving on.
This is a very straightforward and sweet film with excellent characters. Steve Carell’s Trent (who is tan and somewhat buff in this movie) is an absolute douche. He is not a great boyfriend, but, more importantly, he picks on Duncan in patronizing ways that make you feel icky as the viewer. This is not the kind of role model any kid needs in his life, and yet, Duncan’s mom (Toni Collette) continues on with him because she is emotionally weak and already tied in.
Sam Rockwell’s Owen, a wild and off-the-cuff townie who doesn’t like to play by the rules, sees Duncan for who he is. Owen is a little childish, but exactly in the ways that catch you off-guard and show Duncan that he can be different from the adults he usually sees. Owen isn’t a financial success, but he is caring, well-intentioned and emotionally stable even if he doesn’t usually show it. He also challenges Duncan to say and do more than Duncan has ever had the confidence for in the past.
The Way Way Back is a small indie film with familiar faces (AnnaSophia Robb, Allison Janney, and Maya Rudolph also show up) and a charming little story. We all love a teenage win and that is exactly what this film feels like.
Runtime: 103 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: PG-13
Languages Spoken In The Film: English
Should You Watch It? Yes
Did I Cry? Nope
My Rating: 3.25/5 Stars
Available: Free for Prime members, to rent on Prime Video, or may be available for free on other streaming platforms
