Watch The Way, Way Back
- PG-13
- 2013
- 1 hr 43 min
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7.4 (158,665)
The Way, Way Back is a coming-of-age comedy-drama film that was released in 2013. It stars Steve Carell, Toni Collette, and Allison Janney. The film tells the story of 14-year-old Duncan, who is forced to spend his summer vacation with his mother Pam and her controlling boyfriend Trent at a beach house. Duncan is an introverted and awkward teenager who struggles to fit in at the beach town. His relationship with Trent is strained from the beginning, mostly because Trent is constantly belittling him and trying to force him to socialize with people he doesn't like. To make matters worse, Pam seems oblivious to her son's discomfort and instead tries to appease her boyfriend at every opportunity.
Feeling lonely and isolated, Duncan seeks solace in a water park and quickly befriends a group of misfits who work there. Owen, the park manager, takes Duncan under his wing and becomes a mentor figure to him. Owen is charming, funny, and full of life, and he helps Duncan come out of his shell and start enjoying himself. The water park and its employees are a stark contrast to the world outside, where Trent and his flashy friends dominate.
As the summer progresses, Duncan's relationship with Trent deteriorates even further, and he becomes more and more disillusioned with his mother. He begins to see her in a different light, as someone who is weak and struggling to assert herself. He realizes that he needs to stand up for himself and confront Trent if he wants to be happy.
The Way, Way Back is a heartwarming story about family, friendship, and finding oneself. The performances are fantastic, and the chemistry between the actors is palpable. Steve Carell shines as the unlikeable Trent, Toni Collette delivers a powerful performance as Duncan's conflicted mother, and Allison Janney steals the show as the alcoholic neighbor who provides some of the movie's most memorable moments.
The cinematography is beautiful, and the soundtrack perfectly captures the laid-back vibe of the beach town. The humor is sharp and witty, but there are also poignant moments that tug at the heartstrings. The film does an excellent job of balancing the comedy and drama, never veering too far in either direction.
Overall, The Way, Way Back is a feel-good movie that will make you laugh, cry, and leave you with a sense of hope. It's a must-watch for anyone who has ever felt lost and alone.
The Way, Way Back is a 2013 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 68.