Review: The Way, Way Back

The Way, Way Back
Cert: 12A / 103 mins / Dir. Nat Faxon, Jim Rash



It's a rare, but pleasing thing when a film can be centered around teenage a protagonist, told exclusively from his point of view, but not be 'a film for kids'. The Way, Way Back is a straight-on coming of age story, documenting a Summer month or so in young Duncan's adolescent life, but it's presented in a way that adult viewers can relate to in hindsight, rather than one that teenagers will be able to use as a guidebook*¹. In many ways it's comparable to last year's Wallflower, but while also having a far fresher feel to it. While things never get quite as bleak as in Chbosky's movie, it's also true that the highs never quite match either.

But, The Way, Way Back's strength is that Duncan doesn't have an earth-shatteringly bad relationship with his family*², it's just the normal, awkward growing up stuff that a lot of kids have to go through. This isn't a one-in-a-million story, it's something that a large number of people will be able to relate to completely, and yet writer/directors Faxon and Rash ensure that we feel for Duncan at every turn without pitying or dismissing him. On that note, Liam James is fantastic in the central role; I'll be interested to see where he goes from here.

The only problem with the film is that it drags its heels a bit, even when everything's got going. Given that the story is told entirely from Duncan's perspective, we still see surprisingly little of how he actually spends a month of working days at the water-park. I wanted more of those scenes as they're the heart of the film, and they're needed to sell the culmination (which is still fantastic, but y'know). Bonus points go to the directors for giving themselves parts which aren't glaringly narcissistic, either.

A beautiful way to end the Summer, The Way, Way Back is a must-watch for anyone who was a shy, geeky kid. And since you're reading this on the internet, I'm going to assume that means you as much as it does me.

It's a rare, but pleasing thing when a movie feels like it's been made just for you. It's not perfect, but then neither's growing up. You should see this film.

It is.



I confess, I did.



For my money, yes, just about.



For me, cinema. Your mileage will vary.



I will a little, yes.



Yes.



There isn't. Strangely.

I think if the movie had avoided the use of mobile phones, it'd be beautifully timeless. What do you reckon?

*¹ Not that introverted teenagers won't be able to enjoy it, but the overriding message is 'everyone feels awkward at your age, stop dicking about and go and have some fun'. Which wasn't helpful to me at that age.
*² Yeah, Steve Carell plays a bit of an arsehole, but there are way worse stepfathers in the world. Duncan doesn't have it that bad.

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