The Way Way Back
4/4
Starring: Liam James, Sam Rockwell, Steve Carrell, Toni Collette, AnnaSophia Robb, Maya Rudolph, Amanda Peet, Rob Corddry
Rated PG-13 for Thematic Elements, Language, Some Sexual Content and Brief Drug Material
The last time I breathed a sigh of relief when I realized that the movie I was seeing had another scene to go was "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring." But "The Way Way Back" is one of those movies that you wish would never end. The characters are so interesting and likable (with a few exceptions), the story is winning and it's honest.
We've all been awkward during adolescence. It's part of growing up. That's no different for Duncan (James). Duncan knows he's awkward, which is why he's too shy to really do anything. He's been dragged to Trent's (Carrell) beach house for the summer. Trent, whom Duncan hates, is dating his mother Pam (Collette). Also along for the ride is Trent's daughter Steph (Zoe Levin). Duncan's outlook is bleak, since Trent is a jerk who regards him as a personal servant, and his mother will only socialize with the adults and leave him alone to his own devices. That all changes when he wanders into Water Wizz, the local water park. Owen (Rockwell) gives him a job, and through his interactions with him and the other workers there, he begins to open up and grow a backbone. And talk to the pretty girl next door (Robb).
These days, it's a rare thing to get a coming-of-age story. Despite its universal appeal, they (usually) don't rely on special effects and aren't particularly raunchy (although there are exceptions to that as well). Plus, big studios prefer hot stars and broad humor over something more real (but no less funny). "The Way Way Back" is different in that it's so true and so intelligent about life at that age. Older audiences will have flashbacks while younger audiences will relate on a more immediate level.
The performances are excellent. Leading the pack are Sam Rockwell and Steve Carrell. Neither has ever been better. If there is any justice in Hollywood (and there often isn't), both will be in the running for Oscars. Rockwell is a character actor who has risen through the ranks in the past decade. Since playing the cowardly suck-up in "Galaxy Quest" to now, he has established himself as an actor to watch. Here, he proves that he is capable of stealing an entire movie. Owen is funny and encouraging, but not overbearing. He's a good genuine friend who, despite being stuck in arrested adolescence, is capable of reading people and offering appropriate wisdom. Rockwell is likable and charismatic in the role, and while the film is always good, the film really takes off when he's on screen. Carrell is surprisingly effective. Known for playing geeks ("The 40 Year Old Virgin") and idiots ("The Office" and "Anchorman"), Carrell plays a truly unlikable person. Trent earns our hatred because Carrell does not go over the top. He's selfish and immature, but not a caricature. Trent is a three dimensional human being that we understand, which makes the film so much more effective because he provides much of the film's foundation.
Able support is provided by the rest of the cast. Toni Collette is fine as Pam, although her character is a little underdeveloped. AnnaSophia Robb is okay, although she has her rough edges. Maya Rudolph and the other cast members who work at the park are funny. Alison Janney, Amanda Peet and Rob Corddry are very good as Trent's friends, none of whom have any interest in the kids. If there's a weak link in the cast, it's the lead, Liam James. He's not bad, but he lacks screen presence.
The film was written and directed by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, both of whom appear on screen (Faxon is Roddy, who's always stealing glances at girls butts, and Rash is the hypochondriac lifejacket/swimsuit renter). This feels like a personal project; it has that loving energy and earnestness. It's so specific and intelligent that it's impossible to believe that some of their memories didn't make it into the film. The film has plenty of nostalgia; while it's a better film than "Grown Ups," it mines similar territory.
Despite its large and famous cast and superior quality, Fox Searchlight has done little to promote it. It's showing in few theaters and aside from some trailers before the movies, there hasn't been much word about it. The film has a tiny budget ($4.6 million) and the studio was clearly thinking it would get lost in the summer blitz of special effects and raunchy comedy. The film needs word of mouth to kill the box office (or at least stay afloat), and I'm going to do all I can to spread the good word.
Starring: Liam James, Sam Rockwell, Steve Carrell, Toni Collette, AnnaSophia Robb, Maya Rudolph, Amanda Peet, Rob Corddry
Rated PG-13 for Thematic Elements, Language, Some Sexual Content and Brief Drug Material
The last time I breathed a sigh of relief when I realized that the movie I was seeing had another scene to go was "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring." But "The Way Way Back" is one of those movies that you wish would never end. The characters are so interesting and likable (with a few exceptions), the story is winning and it's honest.
We've all been awkward during adolescence. It's part of growing up. That's no different for Duncan (James). Duncan knows he's awkward, which is why he's too shy to really do anything. He's been dragged to Trent's (Carrell) beach house for the summer. Trent, whom Duncan hates, is dating his mother Pam (Collette). Also along for the ride is Trent's daughter Steph (Zoe Levin). Duncan's outlook is bleak, since Trent is a jerk who regards him as a personal servant, and his mother will only socialize with the adults and leave him alone to his own devices. That all changes when he wanders into Water Wizz, the local water park. Owen (Rockwell) gives him a job, and through his interactions with him and the other workers there, he begins to open up and grow a backbone. And talk to the pretty girl next door (Robb).
These days, it's a rare thing to get a coming-of-age story. Despite its universal appeal, they (usually) don't rely on special effects and aren't particularly raunchy (although there are exceptions to that as well). Plus, big studios prefer hot stars and broad humor over something more real (but no less funny). "The Way Way Back" is different in that it's so true and so intelligent about life at that age. Older audiences will have flashbacks while younger audiences will relate on a more immediate level.
The performances are excellent. Leading the pack are Sam Rockwell and Steve Carrell. Neither has ever been better. If there is any justice in Hollywood (and there often isn't), both will be in the running for Oscars. Rockwell is a character actor who has risen through the ranks in the past decade. Since playing the cowardly suck-up in "Galaxy Quest" to now, he has established himself as an actor to watch. Here, he proves that he is capable of stealing an entire movie. Owen is funny and encouraging, but not overbearing. He's a good genuine friend who, despite being stuck in arrested adolescence, is capable of reading people and offering appropriate wisdom. Rockwell is likable and charismatic in the role, and while the film is always good, the film really takes off when he's on screen. Carrell is surprisingly effective. Known for playing geeks ("The 40 Year Old Virgin") and idiots ("The Office" and "Anchorman"), Carrell plays a truly unlikable person. Trent earns our hatred because Carrell does not go over the top. He's selfish and immature, but not a caricature. Trent is a three dimensional human being that we understand, which makes the film so much more effective because he provides much of the film's foundation.
Able support is provided by the rest of the cast. Toni Collette is fine as Pam, although her character is a little underdeveloped. AnnaSophia Robb is okay, although she has her rough edges. Maya Rudolph and the other cast members who work at the park are funny. Alison Janney, Amanda Peet and Rob Corddry are very good as Trent's friends, none of whom have any interest in the kids. If there's a weak link in the cast, it's the lead, Liam James. He's not bad, but he lacks screen presence.
The film was written and directed by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, both of whom appear on screen (Faxon is Roddy, who's always stealing glances at girls butts, and Rash is the hypochondriac lifejacket/swimsuit renter). This feels like a personal project; it has that loving energy and earnestness. It's so specific and intelligent that it's impossible to believe that some of their memories didn't make it into the film. The film has plenty of nostalgia; while it's a better film than "Grown Ups," it mines similar territory.
Despite its large and famous cast and superior quality, Fox Searchlight has done little to promote it. It's showing in few theaters and aside from some trailers before the movies, there hasn't been much word about it. The film has a tiny budget ($4.6 million) and the studio was clearly thinking it would get lost in the summer blitz of special effects and raunchy comedy. The film needs word of mouth to kill the box office (or at least stay afloat), and I'm going to do all I can to spread the good word.
Comments
Post a Comment