Move Review: The Way, Way Back

Release date: Only at the movies August 1

Classification: PG

Synopsis

THE WAY, WAY BACK is the funny and poignant coming-of-age story of 14-year-old Duncan's (Liam James) summer vacation with his mother, Pam (Toni Collette), her overbearing boyfriend, Trent (Steve Carell), and his daughter Steph (Zoe Levin). Having a rough time fitting in, the introverted Duncan finds an unexpected friend in gregarious Owen (Sam Rockwell), manager of the Water Wizz water park. Through his funny, clandestine friendship with Owen, Duncan slowly opens up and begins to finally find his place in the world—all during a summer he will never forget.

Movie Trailer: http://youtu.be/Ad87P1AyrR4

I went to the screening of The Way, Way Back last night, a movie directed by Jim Rash and Nat Faxon. . I've watched the trailer a couple of times prior to the screening, my initial reaction was "This movie reminds me of Little Miss Sunshine". The preview was relatively appealing, however I did not expect the movie to be up to par.. oh, how wrong I was!

The opening of the film defines the relationship between Trent and Duncan, from the first interaction you get a real sense of their inability to understand and communicate with each other. I also gained an insight into who Trent is and how rude and brutal he can be. I felt that Liam James' awkwardness seemed reasonably forced and unconvincing, but he got much better, you can definitely see his character building throughout the film. Toni Collette was amazing as always, she played her character well, you can visibly see and sense the period of ambivalence her character was experiencing - the constant juggle and prioritisation of her role in a relationship and her role as a mother.

 Sam Rockwell was brilliant in this film, he suited the role well - a careless, humorous, yet caring character.  Steve Carell played an authoritative figure with a fatherly facade. His character, Trent would consistently place judgement on Duncan's ability and need for improvement throughout the movie. Carell blew my mind in this film, this is the first serious role I've seen him in. His acting was so convincing that I literally hated his character, Trent. Allison Janney played the role of Trent's friend and neighbour Betty, a witty and brutally honest character with sexual undertones embedded within her dialogue. Overall, the characters were very well portrayed by each cast member. 

There was a good use of dialogue with many quotable lines and references. The comedy is multi-layered where sexual innuendos are masked within the dialogue and recognised by interpretations, therefore the film is able to reach a wider demographic and is suitable for viewers of all ages. This movie greatly exceeded my expectations!

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