The Way Way Back is a unique summer fun movie – there have
been films about wayward kids working in amusement parks (Adventureland) or
water parks before (Middle of Nowhere), but The Way Way Back, unlike Grown Ups
2 is a uniquely insightful comedy. Written and directed by Nat Faxon and Jim
Rash (who co-star as employees at the Water Wizz park), the film follows Duncan
(Liam Jones), an introverted teen who is challenged to come into his own by
Trent (Steve Carell), the boyfriend of his single mom (Tony Collette). In the
opening scene Trent asks Duncan, on a scale of 1-10 what he is, telling the boy
he’s a 3 – encouraging him to open up. For Duncan, who never really had a
strong, present, father figure – he’s not ready for male bonding and harsh
criticism at this fragile state in his development.
Cut the beach house – a lot of day drinking (and weed
smoking) occurs as the adults treat this few week retreat as spring break.
Duncan is witnesses a world he can’t quite comprehend and retreats into himself
– riding around all day by himself. He meets Owen (Sam Rockwell) who takes him
under his wing, offering him a job at Water Wizz.
The Way Way Back has a lot of familiar beats, but ultimately
is winning, good natured, upbeat and realistic. Here even the bad guys (the
adults) are sympathetic: they don’t have all of the answers; they are average,
ordinary flawed beings. Carell is as perfect as usual playing, like his
legendary Michael Scott, a character who is unaware of the gravity of what he’s
doing and saying. Toni Collette’s Pam is also well drawn, hardworking women who
needs a vacation and time around adults, we sense she’s given up a great deal
for Duncan.
Rounding out the cast, Amanda Peet and Rob Corddry star as
friends of Trent: again, they play realistic drinking buddies, summer friends
that share the good times (before they get dark, as they do periodically) and
AnnaSophia Robb as Duncan’s required love interest (it’s a sweet story thread,
I’ll forgive it). Faxon and Rash have crafted a delightful summer comedy that
preserves a strange, awkward and funny summer for Duncan – a good kid who could
use a mentor like Owen. Sure you could see Grown Ups 2, but The Way Way Back is
a more fulfilling experience on pretty much every level.
Screening: Dipson Amherst, Dipson Eastern Hills
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