Do you like movies that challenge you? That surprise you? That show you something new and unexpected? Unfortunately, The Way, Way Back is not for you. You've seen this story before. You've even seen some of the actors who star in this movie in this story before. Don't get me wrong; this is not a bad film. On the contrary, The Way, Way Back is a wonderfully human and engaging film. The fact that the story recalls so many other films only adds to the sweetly nostalgic atmosphere.
Liam James plays Duncan, stuck in that awkward in between age, not a boy, not yet a man (to paraphrase Britney Spears). Trapped in the titular way, way back of a station wagon, Duncan embarks on a road trip with his mother (Toni Collette), her new boyfriend (Steve Carrell), and her new boyfriend's daughter (Zoe Levin). They end up in a small town where Duncan befriends Owen (Sam Rockwell), the manager of a local water park. Over the summer, Duncan follows the standard coming-of-age path and learns how to be confident in his own awkward skin. Like I said, you've seen it all before. But chances are, you've lived it or something similar, as I have, and you'll find plenty to love about Duncan and his journey out of adolescence.
