The Way Way Back

Having seen a run of fairly forgettable blockbusters it was nice to go along and watch a low budget movie.

The way way back is a coming of age movie and follows shy Duncan on his summer vacation with mother and step dad. I'm sure the relationship between Duncan and parents will be familiar to many people. The good thing about this type of movie is that it focuses more on characters and you get a real sense, feel and empathy for several characters. The cast is strong and in addition to the lead played by Liam James you have the likes of Steve Carell, Toni Collette and Sam Rockwell.

The movie does occasionally get a little too "feel good", but that's a small drawback in what is otherwise a very enjoyable watch. Well worth a watch if you like off beat indie dramas.

Very Little Miss Sunshine meets Juno meets Adventureland. But the light version of all them. And without the originality.

Which is just a needlessly complicated way of saying it's good, but held back a little by the cliché turns it takes. Especially towards the ending.

It's certainly very inde in its presentation (visual language and choice of music) and hits all the generic beats, but luckily never bends over backwards in favor of becoming an full-on cheesefest.

Overall a pretty commendable effort from Rash and Faxon. Nice to see. Low-key feelgood vibes. With a sweet ending.

This movie is like a friend you can take to any kind of social gathering because how much of a good dude they are and everyone will feel genuinely comfortable around them. It's a great movie to watch with the whole family, without it being too safe or happy-go-lucky to be bland.

It's cast very well and Sam Rockwell stood out the most to me.

In all honesty, I completely loved this film, it is one of the most heartwarming coming-of-age stories of recent years and blends comedy, drama and emotion perfectly. With top notch performances, most notably from Sam Rockwell as the overzealous-yet-lovable waterpark manager Owen and Steve Carrel as the somewhat unexpectedly despicable Trent, both James and Robb also do wonders as the young duo. The film itself has a nice indie feel to it with a fantastic acoustic score, supported by some fine music choices and a generally satisfying story as a whole. A definite must-watch if you enjoy coming-of-age dramas with that hint of heartwarming humour.

It's a very good movie and surprisingly Steve can be really annoying and villainous. Sam Rockwell acts very well and story is really good. Not the usual sentimental crying at the end type of a movie so this will be enjoyable for many.

A sweet, funny, earnest coming-of-age dramedy that plays out like a period piece, even though it's set in the present day. Tempering a plucky spirit and subtle, pointed sense of humor with an introverted lead character and a familiar, bittersweet atmosphere, it's a spiritual successor to the John Hughes golden age of the mid-80s. Liam James is beautifully awkward as the quiet, brooding young teenager at the story's epicenter, aided by a thoroughly deep, entertaining supporting cast. No matter how minor, every character enjoys a purpose and a motivation, enriching the scenery and tickling the viewer's curiosity with a tangle of warm, colorful subplots. Steve Carell will get plenty of attention in his unexpected turn as the boy's self-centered douchebag stand-in father, but Sam Rockwell's deeper-than-he-seems burnout splash park manager is the real show stealer. A strong, heartfelt and meaningful return visit to adolescence for anyone who's ever felt out-of-place in their own skin.