The Way Way Back (B+ or 3.5/4 stars)
'The Way Way Back' (written/directed by Nat Faxon & Jim Rash, who won the Oscar for writing 'The Descendants') isn't some groundbreaking film for its human drama genre. It follows a path that we've all seen before - that of a coming-of-age tale. But when the movie is as good as it is, like here ... it just doesn't matter; to me, at least. Our lead character is Duncan (Liam James), a glum, painfully awkward, uncomfortable-around-girls 14 yr. old that we may see a bit of in ourselves, or at least, have known friends who were like him at that age. With its laid back New England summertime setting, some nostalgia crept in as I watched & warmed over me. And a film like 'The Way Way Back' reminds us of the good, the bad, the great, the awful, & some of those inescapably cringe-worthy moments, as well.
Duncan's family situation kinda stinks, right now. His divorced mom, Pam (Toni Collette), has been dating Trent (Steve Carell), the single dad of a snotty teen daughter, for almost a year. Trent "seems" like an okay guy but his tough love with Duncan is unfortunate & tactless (telling Duncan that he's a "3 out of 10", but that they'll work this summer to improve upon the 3). Trent also has a roaming eye {to say the least}, which puts a strain on his relationship with insecure Pam; to which Duncan can't understand why she just won't leave him (Ohh Duncan, you're too young to understand grown-up problems just yet).
Soooo, our sad 14 yr. old protagonist mopes around Trent's pleasant Massachusetts Summer beach house, trying to avoid the man, his own mother, & the joyfully drunk next-door neighbor, Betty (a hysterical Allison Janney, love her). All the while, Duncan is attracted to Betty's pretty blond daughter, Susanna (AnnaSophia Robb), but doesn't have the slightest clue what to do around her. Usually, that consists of dodging her or making strained, mumbly conversation about the weather. Their conversations smack of real authenticity; you really feel for the poor kid.
Duncan's vacation is saved, however, when he jumps on a multi-colored bicycle, rides away, & finds "Water Wizz", a local 1980s-themed water park. Against alllll expectations, he finds that he fits right in among the affable oddballs who work there. Park manager Owen (Sam Rockwell), takes a real liking to the awkward Duncan & even offers him a job. Duncan spends his days among the kiddies, lazy rivers, slides, & wave pools while trying to avoid the increasingly tense situations at the summer home. Susanna, intrigued by Duncan despite his awkwardness, begins following him into town to learn where he disappears to for hours on end.
'TWWB' reminded me of the similar Adventureland; as well as last year's lovely - and very personal - The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I found this to be a thoroughly charming film with humanistic characters & realistic slices of life that feel completely organic to the world I know. Duncan's story is about him learning to overcome insecurities (around girls; adults). It's about him learning to let-go & have some fun (thanks to his mischievous co-workers). It's about him standing up for himself (in a pivotal party scene). While it isn't necessarily about him getting 'the girl', there's a sweetness to his friendship with Susanna that aided the other coming-of-age components. And most importantly, it's about Duncan reconnecting with & understanding the most important person in his life ... his often hapless mother.
Newcomer Liam James effortlessly embodies awkwardness & teen angst before overcoming some of his issues in winning form. He's SO painful to watch early on (I felt so bad for him), that his gradual progress made me almost giddy by the end. As Trent, Steve Carrell gives an atypical performance as someone we simply do not like. It's not as if Trent is some abhorrent being; seeming to want things to work with Pam/Duncan. He's just a d*ck. And Pam/Duncan would be wise leave him for good. Toni Collette gives something extra to the typical mom role; someone who is having a real hard time balancing her son's interests with her own.
Best of all is Sam Rockwell - delivering witty dialogue with rapid-fire precision, offbeat humor, & generating one of those quirky, yet loveable individuals whose charisma is infectious. Having watched this film last night with my tub of popcorn in the central air conditioning (95 degrees outside) was like taking a vacation from all the exorbitantly-budgeted blockbusters that have been recently underwhelming audiences. Though the storytelling in 'The Way Way Back' is familiar, it still feels real, and fresh, and there's nothing like it out there right now. It's warm, affecting, broadly appealing; and as of July, it's one of my favorite films of this year.
Duncan's family situation kinda stinks, right now. His divorced mom, Pam (Toni Collette), has been dating Trent (Steve Carell), the single dad of a snotty teen daughter, for almost a year. Trent "seems" like an okay guy but his tough love with Duncan is unfortunate & tactless (telling Duncan that he's a "3 out of 10", but that they'll work this summer to improve upon the 3). Trent also has a roaming eye {to say the least}, which puts a strain on his relationship with insecure Pam; to which Duncan can't understand why she just won't leave him (Ohh Duncan, you're too young to understand grown-up problems just yet).
Soooo, our sad 14 yr. old protagonist mopes around Trent's pleasant Massachusetts Summer beach house, trying to avoid the man, his own mother, & the joyfully drunk next-door neighbor, Betty (a hysterical Allison Janney, love her). All the while, Duncan is attracted to Betty's pretty blond daughter, Susanna (AnnaSophia Robb), but doesn't have the slightest clue what to do around her. Usually, that consists of dodging her or making strained, mumbly conversation about the weather. Their conversations smack of real authenticity; you really feel for the poor kid.
Duncan's vacation is saved, however, when he jumps on a multi-colored bicycle, rides away, & finds "Water Wizz", a local 1980s-themed water park. Against alllll expectations, he finds that he fits right in among the affable oddballs who work there. Park manager Owen (Sam Rockwell), takes a real liking to the awkward Duncan & even offers him a job. Duncan spends his days among the kiddies, lazy rivers, slides, & wave pools while trying to avoid the increasingly tense situations at the summer home. Susanna, intrigued by Duncan despite his awkwardness, begins following him into town to learn where he disappears to for hours on end.
'TWWB' reminded me of the similar Adventureland; as well as last year's lovely - and very personal - The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I found this to be a thoroughly charming film with humanistic characters & realistic slices of life that feel completely organic to the world I know. Duncan's story is about him learning to overcome insecurities (around girls; adults). It's about him learning to let-go & have some fun (thanks to his mischievous co-workers). It's about him standing up for himself (in a pivotal party scene). While it isn't necessarily about him getting 'the girl', there's a sweetness to his friendship with Susanna that aided the other coming-of-age components. And most importantly, it's about Duncan reconnecting with & understanding the most important person in his life ... his often hapless mother.
Newcomer Liam James effortlessly embodies awkwardness & teen angst before overcoming some of his issues in winning form. He's SO painful to watch early on (I felt so bad for him), that his gradual progress made me almost giddy by the end. As Trent, Steve Carrell gives an atypical performance as someone we simply do not like. It's not as if Trent is some abhorrent being; seeming to want things to work with Pam/Duncan. He's just a d*ck. And Pam/Duncan would be wise leave him for good. Toni Collette gives something extra to the typical mom role; someone who is having a real hard time balancing her son's interests with her own.
Best of all is Sam Rockwell - delivering witty dialogue with rapid-fire precision, offbeat humor, & generating one of those quirky, yet loveable individuals whose charisma is infectious. Having watched this film last night with my tub of popcorn in the central air conditioning (95 degrees outside) was like taking a vacation from all the exorbitantly-budgeted blockbusters that have been recently underwhelming audiences. Though the storytelling in 'The Way Way Back' is familiar, it still feels real, and fresh, and there's nothing like it out there right now. It's warm, affecting, broadly appealing; and as of July, it's one of my favorite films of this year.