Each week I try to recommend a film that may have passed you by. This week:
THE WAY WAY BACK
Direction and Screenplay by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash
Starring: Liam James; Sam Rockwell; Steve Carell; Toni Collette; Allison Janney; Annasophia Robb; Maya Rudolph; Robb Corddry; and Amanda Peet.
Shy 14-year-old Duncan (James) goes on summer vacation with his mother (Collett), her overbearing boyfriend (Carell), and her boyfriend's daughter. Having a rough time fitting in, Duncan finds an unexpected friend in Owen (Rockwell), manager of the Water Wizz water park.
Just well acted. It is a interesting film as we watch awkward Duncan played wonderfully...well...awkward by Liam James. Sam Rockwell playing against type where he is usually the crazy bad guy here he is kind and sort of Bill Murrayish (In fact the film may bring you back to Meatballs). Steve Carell playing ...pretty much a bully. Toni Collette as Duncan's mom wants love sooo much she ignores what is obviously going on in front of her.
The film sounds heavy...but it has many funny scenes and lines by Rockwell and also Writer/Director Jim Rash who plays one of the water park workers.
Throw in many fantastic costarring roles, highlighted by Maya Rudolph (as always); Annasophia Robb who gives a sweet performance as Duncans slow building love interest; and Allison Janney as the inappropriate mom next door who love a good drink.
The Way Way Back, named after where Duncan sits in the station wagon, does a wonderful job of capturing place and time. Faults? an abrupt ending and a corny ending at the park...but still it 4 out of 5 stars from me. Move it to the top of the queue!!!
From the shadows as always thanks for your time.
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