NOTE: This is a reprint of my review from the Sundance Film Festival.
The opening moments of The
Way, Way Back begin in unexpected fashion, as an unshaven and gruff Steve
Carell crushes a young boy's spirit while on a long drive. Carell plays Trent,
the new boyfriend to the mother of 14-year old Duncan (Liam James), and he asks
the boy how he would rate himself on a scale of 1 to 10. Duncan gives an
awkward reply of '6' before Trent informs him he's actually a '3'. That scene,
based on a real event in the life of co-writer/co-director Jim Rash, sets a
harsh stage for what is ultimately a funny and sweet coming-of-age tale.
Rash and Nat Faxon, both solid comedic actors and members of
the influential troupe known as The Groundlings, took home the Best Adapted
Screenplay award along with Alexander Payne for The Descendants. While Payne
received the bulk of the attention, The
Way, Way Back proves that the duo's win was no fluke. In their directorial
debut, they've pulled deeply from their own personal experiences to make a
familiar story feel special.
Already quiet and introverted, Duncan goes even deeper into
his shell thanks to Trent's needling. Duncan's mother, Pam (Toni Collette),
isn't willing to intervene for fear of losing Trent, who she's been dating for
a year after a nasty divorce. The title refers to the furthest rear seat in a
station wagon, where we often find Duncan sitting to just get away from
everyone else.
On a summer beach trip with Trent's "mean girl' daughter
(Zoe Lavin) in tow, Duncan readies himself for a terrible stay. The parents
split off and begin having their own adult fun with neighbors Betty (Allison
Janney), Kip (Rob Corddry), and Joan (Amanda Peet). Betty, an alcoholic human
tornado, is arguably the film's most hilarious character, who runs off at the
mouth without regard to decency or modesty. She bluntly mocks her cross-eyed
son while also worrying about his ability to make friends, and has other issues
finding common ground with her rebellious daughter, Susanna (AnnaSophia Robb).
It's a nostalgic piece in the Adventureland mold, and the
comparisons continue with the vintage rock soundtrack, along with the
introduction of theme park Water Wizz. It's here that Duncan meets Owen(Sam
Rockwell), the lazy and immature goof who runs the park with his staff, led by
his responsible manager Caitlin(Maya Rudolph) and fellow eccentrics Lewis and
Roddy(Faxon and Rash themselves). Owen takes Duncan under his wing, building
the boy's confidence by giving him a menial job and getting him to let his
guard down. It isn't long before Duncan is breakdancing to crowds, sharing
kisses with Susanna, and learning to stand up to Trent's harsh criticism. 
Between Janney and Rockwell there are plenty of laughs to be
found, which is balanced out by the surprisingly dark turn by Carell. It's
weird to see him so cruel, and initially it takes some getting used to.
Rockwell is terrific, though, in a role that requires him to be more than just
comedic relief. He shares more than a few tender moments with Rudolph and
James.
While not as polished as The Descendants, The Way,
Way Back is a real crowd-pleasing charmer that breaks free of its familiar
trappings with consistent humor and personal touches.
