The Way Way Back - 4 smiles

“The Way Way Back” is not to be missed. Not only does it have a solid narrative, but also the characters are well developed and fully realized people, a rarity these days. This coming-of-age tale also provides situations that seem real as the lead character, Duncan (Liam James) is 14, socially awkward and uncomfortable around girls. Duncan’s family situation is a mess. His divorced mother, Pam (Toni Collette), has hooked up with Trent (Steve Carell), the single dad of a teenage daughter. Trent’s style of ‘tough love’ with Duncan is misplaced and his lack of tact when it comes to past (and possible current) flings puts a strain on his relationship with Pam. Duncan mopes around Trent’s beach house, trying to avoid Trent, his mother, and the habitually drunk next-door neighbor, Betty (Allison Janney). Meanwhile, he’s attracted to Betty’s daughter, Susanna (AnnaSophia Robb), but doesn’t have a clue what to do about it. Duncan’s vacation is saved when he discovers ‘Water Wizz,’ a local water park and discovers that he fits in among the oddballs who work there. The park’s manager, Owen (Sam Rockwell), takes a liking to the awkward Duncan and offers him a job. Susanna, strangely intrigued by what Duncan is doing to fill his days, starts following him around to learn where he goes.

The film is the directorial debut of the writing duo of Nat Faxon and Jim Rash (who have supporting roles as workers in the water park). These two, who previously wrote The Descendants, understand human nature and what makes for a compelling coming-of-age story. Duncan’s tale is about his development as a person, his becoming more comfortable about being in his own skin, his gaining confidence to stand up for himself and, more importantly, reconnecting with his mother. The movie also features several outstanding performances. Chief of these belong to Sam Rockwell, who is in top form, delivering Faxon and Rash’s dialogue with pinpoint timing and precision. He certainly deserves to be remembered come Academy nomination time. Steve Carell, who generally plays likeable characters, makes Trent unsympathetic without turning him into an ogre. Finally, there’s Liam James, who effortlessly embodies teenage angst and awkwardness before blooming in a winning fashion. “The Way Way Back” is funny, affecting and appealing. 7/7/13