Movie Review - THE WAY WAY BACK

Every summer introduces a subtle and endearing comedy/drama that tugs at our heartstrings and makes us walk out of the theater with a smile on our faces.  We once called it Little Miss Sunshine, this year we’re going to call it The Way Way Back.

When Duncan (Liam James), a 14 year old boy who is the very definition of awkward is forced to head up to a summer cottage with his mom, Pam (Toni Collette), his mom’s boyfriend, Trent (Steve Carell) and the boyfriend’s daughter all he can think of is how much he hates it and how much he just wants to spend his teenage life with his father.  Unfortunately, he has to suffer through this instead. He hates it and he wants to leave before they even get there.

From the very second they pull into the driveway we are introduced to the colorful characters that Trent has known from summers past but we get to meet for the first time.  This includes the delightful, and always drunk neighbor played brilliantly by Alison Janney, and her children. Moments later we’re introduced to Trent’s longtime friends Kip (Rob Corddry) and Joan (Amanda Peet).  It becomes, as one of the characters describes, “…like Spring Break for adults.” Duncan just wants to tune it all out.

What helps turn the summer around and boosts the much needed confidence and self-esteem of poor Duncan is a kid-trapped-in-a-man’s-body named Owen (Sam Rockwell) who works at the local water park.  Owen becomes a somewhat mentor to Duncan and gets him a job at the Water Wizz which Duncan keeps secret from the family.  Although there seems to be no rhyme or reason as to why Owen sought out this kid, we’re entertained with his antics enough to accept it as Hollywood coincidence and go for the ride; especially when we find that Maya Rudolph is his boss.

Every single character in this film is distinguishable and offers their own quirky take with just enough humanity in them to make them relatable and enjoyable. The writing is sharp and witty (the same Oscar-winning writers as the Descendants) and the scenery reminds us Michiganders of taking a trip up-north.  We know how it’s all going to end but we are more than happy to take the journey.

While coming-of-age in a summer away from home is nothing new and much of the development of the characters is quite minimal, save Duncan’s transformation, it’s still an absolute delight from start-to-finish.  The cast, especially with Carell playing the perfect jerk, is ensemble-genius and the story is relatable for movie-goers of all ages.

The big blockbusters of the summer are having a hard time finding an audience but this small movie that just opened in wider release may just be the little blockbuster that could.  No special effects but all heart.  No explosions but plenty of story, smiles and laughter. The Way Way Back is a perfect summer comedy for everyone.