Review of The Way Way Back (2013) by Lisa K — 24 Feb 2014
On the surface, this is a coming of age movie that follows a 14 year old boy for a few weeks in the summer to his Mom's boyfriend's cottage with his Mom, her boyfriend and his daughter. The movie is told from the boy's perspective, so it is evident how he sees his world. As the movie progresses it is revealed that the important adults in the boy's life are too self involved to be aware of his desperate and lonely condition. Actually, he is numb to his emotional situation being a child and not knowing anything different.
It appears that an unlikely friendship develops between this boy, Duncan and an adult lifeguard at the community water park. Owen (the lifeguard) takes Duncan under his wing, befriends him and hires him to work at the waterpark. Duncan is very funny and outgoing and Duncan adores him. Owen begins to give Duncan responsibilities but also shows him the humor in life. Owen is a true hero, because he saw the desperation in this lonely boy and offered him a lifeline. At first, it is not clear as to why he would take on such a charity case, but as the plot deepens, his motives are revealed. He too was a misunderstood and lonely adolescent with a poor relationship with his father. The life that he breathed into Duncan makes a contented and fulfilled soul. This relationship is based on altruism, in the end, both Owen and Duncan have felt true love.
Once there is true love in one's heart the person is forever changed. Duncan is now able to transfer his new found confidence into his previous empty relationships to make them flourish. Duncan gains control and is able to lead the two important woman in his life in a better direction.
These few weeks in Duncan's life could never be repeated, even if he returned to the waterpark the following summer but it's not required. The positive seeds have been embedded in Duncan's heart , soul and mind. He has begun to understand his abilities to take his newly acquired confidence and live a much fuller life with feeling and optimism.
This review of The Way Way Back (2013) was written by Lisa K on 24 Feb 2014.
The Way Way Back has generally received very positive reviews.
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