The Way Way Back

The Way Way Back is a wonderful film brought to the screen by co-directors Nat Faxon and Jim Rash. This movie is one of those "take you back" movies, the kind that can somewhat remind you of what life was like at a certain age, how life was so great one minute, and downright painful the next. Because of the wonderful trip down memory lane, I give The Way Way Back four buckets of Killer Korn.






I have to admit, I was itching to see this movie when I first saw the trailer for it a few months ago. It looked like it would be a good movie, but more importantly, it reminded me of the Bill Murray classic Meatballs. These two movies are completely different in story line but so similar in situations and humor. The Way Way Back takes many of its comedic clues from Meatballs, and since I LOVE that film, that may explain why I thoroughly enjoyed Way Back. Now, what's even more impressive, outside of the casting, was the fact that this movie is the first movie directed by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash. Watching this movie, you really wouldn't know it was put together by directorial newcomers. I think they both have a future behind the camera that just might overshadow their careers in front of it. Both are accomplished TV actors with a few movies on their resume, The Way Way Back being one of them.

This gem of a film was casted perfectly. Liam James plays Duncan, a 14 year old who wants to live with his dad, but is instead stuck living with his mother and her overbearing, and insensitive boyfriend. Duncan's mother Pam is played by the talented Toni Collette, her boyfriend Trent is played by the amazing Steve Carell. The movie opens up with Trent insulting Duncan and their relationship just goes downhill from there. It's the summertime and they are all headed out to Trent's beach house with Trent's daughter along for the ride as well. She is Steph, played by Zoe Levin. Once at the house, Duncan and Pam are introduced to Trent's friends and neighbors, one of them happens to be the wonderful Allison Janney who plays Betty, she has two children of her own, the lazy eyed and hilarious Peter, played by River Alexander, and Susanna, played by AnnaSophia Robb, who slowly takes a liking to Duncan for some reason. Kids...go figure.

After a disagreement with Trent, Duncan finds a bike that used to used to belong to Steph, and takes off. He discovers Water Wizz, a water park that changes his life. He's been running into Owen, played by Sam Rockwell in town, but it's at Water Wizz where the two finally come together and truly bond. There he also meets Caitlin, played by Maya Rudolph, Roddy, played by Nat Faxon, Lewis, played by Jim Rash, and a whole host of other misfits. Owen apparently owns Water Wizz and takes a liking to Duncan who is obviously in pain. Owen tries to break through Duncan's shield with humor which is completely wasted on Duncan. Because of this, he offers Duncan a job at the park, his first assignment, take away the cardboard currently being used by some break dancers in the park. That moment is hilarious and from that moment on, Duncan is affectionately known as Pop N Lock. Owen's character is so completely Bill Murray's character Tripper and Duncan is so clearly Chris Makepeace's character Rudy from Meatballs, one could almost make a case for plagiarism. It's a sin easily forgiven though.

Oh, did I mention that Nat and Jim also wrote this movie? I know, I know, job well done. The balance of the family melodrama and the painful humor of a young man being slowly coaxed out of his shell was perfect. Not too much in either direction and that kept this film from falling into schmatlz-ville. The Way Way Back seemed like it was a labor of love for all involved. It was scored touchingly by Rob Simonson and shot beautifully by cinematographer John Bailey. This film was a refreshing drink of cold water on a hot summers day, it's one I suggest you take a big gulp of if you can. The Way Way Back will make you laugh, will make you cringe, will make you laugh again, and it will have you leaving the theater with a smile on your face. See it, drink from that cup, and I'll see you at the theater.