The Way, Way Back Written and directed by Nat Faxon & Jim Rash USA, 2013
Watched on 30th March 2014 First viewing
I’ve been really busy and exhausted this month, so I’ve not had the time and energy to watch many films. (Those I’ve seen but not written up here were Dallas Buyers Club,The Browning Version,The InnocentsandBoogie Nights.)
The Way, Way Back is a bittersweet coming-of-age comedy drama about Duncan (Liam James), a shy and awkward 14-year-old boy on a summer holiday with his mother Pam (Toni Collette), Pam’s boyfriend Trent (Steve Carell) and Trent’s daughter Steph (Zoe Levin).
The relationship between Duncan and Trent is strained, as demonstrated in the opening scene where Trent asks Duncan to rate himself out of 10. When Duncan relucantly gives an answer, Trent suggests that Duncan is in fact “a three.” This is apparently inspired by an incident from co-writer Jim Rash’s childhood, which makes me want to give him a massive hug.
Duncan soon finds some happiness at a nearby water park, where he befriends the manager Owen (Sam Rockwell). He takes on a job at the park, forming a makeshift family of his own and building his confidence.
Making a heartwarming coming-of-age tale may seem like shooting fish in a barrel. Anyone who was once a teenager must have countless painful memories to draw on when trying to connect with a film like this. (It’s written right there on the poster: “We’ve all been there.”) But to hell with it, this is a particularly lovely example of the genre, so I am one happy fish.
Nothing freaks you out about your family’s future quite like almost getting in a car accident. So it’s no surprise that last episode’s near miss got Russ and Lina thinking about who should take custody of their kids upon their untimely demise. While they ultimately (and smartly) decided on Shep, let’s go over the pros and cons of the other candidates.
Jess:
Pro: She’s stylish. Jess will def buy clothes that will make the girls popular.
Con: That white stuff on their morning pancakes might not be powdered sugar.
Bernie:
Pro: He’s got cash! And… well, he’s got cash.
Con: Children should never have to spend time with Grandpa. This Grandpa. (pic of bernie’s grandpa)
AJ:
Pro: No one cares quite like AJ…
Con: No one shares quite like AJ…
Abby:
Pro: She’s a great Mom. You can’t question her commitment.
Con: She’s dating AJ. You can question her judgment.
Lina’s Mom:
Pro: Everyday will be like Thanksgiving!
Con: Everyday will BE Thanksgiving!
Russ’s Mom:
Pro: She can teach the girls how to get free cruises from strange guys on the internet
Con: She might leave them home alone when she goes on cruises with strange guys on the internet
So, Shep… You up for taking care of Harrison and three girls? At your age? You might want to place Lina and Russ in a protective bubble.
