The Way Way Back | Review
This film is the directorial debut of Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, both of whom won an Oscar for co-writing 2011’s ‘The Descendants’. This is a passion project for the duo that took years to get off the ground. And with an Oscar under their belt, they were finally able to bring this project to life, which is exciting.
‘The Way, Way Back’ is the coming-of-age story following 14-year-old Duncan (Liam James), who’s forced to spend his summer with his mom Pam (Toni Colette) and her new boyfriend Trent (Steve Carell) at his summer home. Duncan is quiet and socially awkward, and he hates Trent, and rightfully so; Trent is a certified jerk and even calls Duncan a “three” at one point.
Once Duncan meets and befriends Owen (Sam Rockwell), the manager of a local water park, his summer starts to get much brighter. He lands a job at the water park, Water Wizz, and bonds with the rest of the staff. And along the way he gets closer to Susanna (AnnaSophia Robb), the girl who lives next door.
This film follows the predictable path of coming-of-age indies, yet it’s still effective because the cast is charming and seeing them interact and have fun on screen is enjoyable. Sam Rockwell (‘Moon’, ‘Iron Man 2’, ‘Seven Psychopaths’) is always great in everything he’s in, especially so in ‘The Way, Way Back’ as the hilarious and well-meaning Owen. Maya Rudolf (‘Saturday Night Live’) has nice chemistry with Rockwell, playing Owen’s co-worker and romantic interest. Allison Janney is hilarious as Trent’s drunken neighbor and Susanna’s mom.
I only wish the film was more emotionally powerful, like ‘The Descendants’. The characters are likable, but they definitely could have been developed more. Owen and Caitlyn’s romance is barely touched upon. It’s interesting to see Carell play against type, but his character is ultimately one-note. And Duncan’s relationship with Susanna and his co-workers at the water park should have been explored even more.
However, ‘The Way, Way Back’ is still an enjoyable and feel-good film. Some of the characters are so memorable you’ll wish you were friends with them. There’s a nice balance of humor and drama, heartbreak and heartfelt.
Three out of four Kent’s.
PS: Jim Rash, the film’s co-writer and co-director, plays The Dean in ‘Community’. And he’s the one who copied Angelina Jolie’s pose on stage at the Academy Awards.
