The Way Way Back (2013)
Ever had a day that went horribly horribly wrong? How about an entire summer? In “The Way Way Back” you have a summer vacation that goes horribly horribly right. This coming-of-age story is about an awkward adolescent named Duncan who is trying to tread the churning post-divorce blended-family waters. These waters are infested with snarky teenage girls, a loving but flawed mother, her dysfunctional boyfriend, and other interesting characters. Duncan is a likable blend of anxious, shy, pensive, and sweet, with a little self-loathing on the side. His life preserver comes by way of a fill-in father figure played deftly by Sam Rockwell. This little number hits all the right notes without being too obvious or after-school-special-ly. [rating=3]
It has a rock solid cast including Steve Carell, Toni Collette, and Allison Janney. Written by the team of Nat Faxon and Jim Rash (the dean from Community) who also wrote the oscar award winning “The Descendants”.