The Way Way Back Review

The Way Way Back

3 stars out of 4

By Brett Takeshita

The Way Way Back proves that even if movies follow formula, they can still be fantastic. The Way Way Back doesn't bring many surprises to "the summer that changed everything" coming-of-age film, but it is so charming that you can't help but love it. 

Duncan (Liam James) is a shy, awkward teenager who -- as you probably already guessed -- is still trying to figure out who he is and where he belongs in the world. He thinks that on a scale between 1 and 10, he's a "6." His mom's boyfriend, Trent (Steve Carell), disagrees and places Duncan at a "3." Speaking of Trent, he's a cold-hearted jerk, but he makes Duncan's mom, Pam (Toni Collette), happy -- or so she claims. It is summer, and Duncan, Pam, and Trent, along with Trent's daughter Steph (Zoe Levin), go to stay at a Cape Cod beach house. Shortly after moving in, the clan meets their drunk neighbor, Betty (Allison Janney), and her two kids. One of these kids is Susanna (AnnaSophia Robb), a pretty girl that has Duncan stuttering and stammering, but of course he doesn't really have the courage to spend time with her. And as Duncan grows more distanced from his so-called family, he finds himself drawn towards cool Owen (Sam Rockwell), the manager of the water park called "Water Wizz." Soon, Duncan starts working at the park, and eventually learns what it takes to be a man.

The Way Way Back was co-directed and co-written by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, who are best known for their Oscar-winning screenplay for The Descendants. With this film, Faxon and Rash once again tread a fine line between drama and comedy to golden effect. It's evident that these two loved and drew inspiration from the teen coming-of-age flicks from the '80s, from its quirky characters to its retro soundtrack. There is a sense of palpable love and tenderness in each scene of this film.

It's so smart that Faxon and Rash approach the film with a directorial minimalism, allowing for the clever writing and strong performances to shine. One of the scene stealers in this film is Allison Janney, who delivers zany, inappropriate one-liners with such fearlessness that makes for comedic gold. However, she also finds a damaged vulnerability within her character that makes Betty more than just a one-note hot mess. I was surprised with Steve Carell's performance. He is cast against type but delivers his nasty lines with a surprisingly effective coldness. Maybe Carell is trying to shake up his career with meaner, less dorky characters. If he continues on this path, he'll do well. Toni Collette is subtle yet lovely as always in a very quiet performance. And Liam James proves to be a very talented newcomer. This is an authentic, winning performance that I bought completely.

I have to put the sensational Sam Rockwell in a separate paragraph. This is a spectacular, tour-de-force performance that absolutely deserves Oscar consideration. (It's too bad that the Academy isn't more open to comedies like this. Snubbing Rockwell of a nomination for supporting actor is going to be a travesty). Rockwell kills every swift, wise-cracking joke while remaining entirely charming. You will be busting up with laughter when you hear his cool, dry delivery. However, Rockwell also digs deep and portrays wonderful depth in the sadder, quieter moments. You won't believe how beautiful his final moments are. I kept thinking to myself, "Boy, I wish I had a boss and a friend just like Owen." Owen is one of the best characters in any movie from 2013. Without Sam Rockwell's brilliant performance, I'm not even sure if The Way Way Back would have even been a good movie.

The Way Way Back is a film to remember, one that will win you over with its sense of warmth, humor, sadness, and heart. This is a film that exudes loves. Just like the beautiful Cape Cod waters, The Way Way Back will leave you feeling happy and refreshed.