Review of The Way Way Back (2013) by Michael M — 09 Dec 2013
THE WAY WAY BACK - 85% Three minutes in and I was in love with this movie. The film starts so perfectly, it subtly tells you everything you need to know about the plot and the characters by the end of the first 3-minute scene.
And the rest of the movie is pretty good too. It's fueled by a great script and solid performances all round (as much as I love Sam Rockwell, I thought Steve Carell was the standout here, he absolutely sold me as the mom's asshole boyfriend).
It's the coming-of-age story of gawky teen Duncan who fits in nowhere and is generally miserable, but somehow manages to spend the summer on The Island of People Who Are Totally Cool With Misfit Toys, who help him come out of his shell.
While it's pleasant to imagine that such a place exists, it would have preferred the film to be a tad more realistic. Because everyone's in the movie is so cool to him (except for Carell, even though he's TOTALLY right about Candyland!), it's harder to empathize with Duncan's struggle.
Even the hot chick next door is inexplicable awesome to this kid, when does that ever happen? But what the film lacks in realism, it makes up for in charm - this movie is bursting at the seams with it.
It's funny and sweet and touching and definitely worth watching.
This review of The Way Way Back (2013) was written by Michael M on 09 Dec 2013.
The Way Way Back has generally received very positive reviews.
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