"The Way, Way Back" Review

In the midst of a summer packed with superhero films, animated sequels, and giant robots beating sea-monsters with freighter ships as though they were using a baseball bat, the world unfortunately glossed over some of the finer films released this year. The most touching and honest of which was The Way, Way Back.

The Way, Way Back tells the story of a teenager Duncan who, with his mother, her emotionally abusive boyfriend Trent, and Trent's daughter Steph, travel to Trent's beach house in Cape Cod. Duncan, who is socially awkward and keeps to himself, soon finds a friend in Owen, the manager of the local water park. When he gets a job at Water Wizz, Duncan finally comes out of his shell.

This film, unlike most summer comedies, doesn't pretend that everything in a family works. They all clash, they quibble, they need to get away from each other. It may be one of the most honest portraits of the American family seen in recent years. When the action shifts to the water park, the portrait fills more of the canvas. The unique brigade of personalities that we meet working here shouldn't fit together the way they do, much like any workplace in America. Yet when push comes to shove, they are a family in their own right. More specifically, they are the family that Duncan needs.

Liam James plays Duncan with the shy, wall-floweriness that we all can relate to at one point or another. He fruitfully captures the true isolationism that many people experience. His development to what we see towards the end feels slow, yet organic. Never forced.

Steve Carell goes against type for the first time I have seen...well ever. He plays Trent, the boyfriend to Duncan's mom, who has a less than ideal relationship with our young hero. Most people are not used to seeing Carell not shrieking, or acting with a lower intelligence. Here he tackles the typical mean stepfather role with his Steve Carell touch. Seeing him unlikable for a change is a new feeling, but it is proof that he can explore new territory.

The film also features stellar performances from Rob Corddry, Maya Rudolph, and Allison Janney.

For this film, Andrew's Standout is the transcendent, scene-stealing Sam Rockwell. His performance as water park manager Owen is easily the most enjoyable part of the film. He is witty, funny, and immature. He is the epitome of the man who refuses to act his age. But when Duncan needs him, he is there. Sam is the catalyst that makes this film work. He has a motor mouth, and sharp delivery to match.

See this movie. It's not your usual popcorn fare, but it is a great film experience to break away from the ever growing sea of repetitive blockbusters.

B+