The Way Way Back
Starring Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Allison Janney, Sam Rockwell & AnnaSophia Robb
Directed by Nat Faxon & Jim Rash
This story revolves around Duncan (Liam James), an introverted 14-year-old that has been dragged to a summer vacation house with his mother Pam (Toni Collette), her douchebag boyfriend Trent (Steve Carell) and Trent's daughter Steph (Zoe Levin). Duncan is going through that awkward, insecure stage of growing up and he's trying to find himself and as destiny would have it, he finds an unlikely companion in Owen (Sam Rockwell), who is in charge of the coolest Water Wizz Water Park. Trent's neighbour Betty (Allison Janney) is an eccentric, perpetually drunk recently divorced single mother who has an absolutely stunning daughter Susanna (AnnaSophia Robb) and a boisterous, confident son with a lazy eye. Laughter ensues, as well as tears, heartache and drama. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie from start to finish with only a few uncomfortable scenes here and there.
Just look at that douchebag face. He does it so well that it makes you wanna slap him.
Personally, I felt that this was a very different role for Steve Carell, who usually plays the lovable, goofy good guy. He was a First Class A-Hole in this film. He constantly belittled and insulted Duncan, even made him wear a life-jacket on his friend's boat like a fool when no one else had to and expected him to 'man up' all the time even though he was sleeping around with Joan (Amanda Peet), a married friend of his. Douche.
Poor Allison, this is the only way she's able to smile...after the Botox went wrong.
Hats off to Allison Janney, she was positively hilarious as Betty and her witty, clever dialogue had me in stitches for most of the movie. Her son Peter (River Alexander) also stole the show with his crazy lazy eye and smart-ass quips and quirky personality.
Flawless much? You're spoiling the market for the rest of us mere mortals AnnaSophia.
AnnaSophia Robb was gorgeous to look at and she's come such a long way since she was that little girl in Bridge to Terabithia. I really loved the fact that she wasn't like all the other superficial teenagers in the film. Her character showed depth and substance and even though she looked a lot older than the age she was supposed to portray, she got away with it because her offbeat style complimented Duncan's awkward grimacing and withdrawn persona.
Oh stop it, you.
Sam Rockwell was my favourite character hands down. He was brazen, irresponsible, free-spirited and downright blunt. As Owen, his boyish charm made you want to be his friend and not to mention, he's pretty easy on the eyes too. The casting directors nailed it by choosing him to play Owen.
I must admit that I wished for a different ending to this movie. I was hoping Pam would wake up and smell the coffee and throw Trent out on his ass but instead I think the movie painted a more realistic picture of a potential real-life situation. One in which the woman is afraid of being alone so she settles for the man that comes back to her, even though she is fully aware of his philandering. I personally would throw him out on his ass. I digress.
I think the premise of the movie was really not about the couple at all but more about Duncan and how he discovered fulfillment and a purpose in his little adolescent life that made him feel special and productive. By working at the Water Wizz water park, Duncan gained self-confidence and also used it as a means to escape his situation back at home. Something I think all of us can relate to at some point in our lives. Even at 26, I'm still trying to find that sense of accomplishment and meaning in my life. Once again, I digress.
My Ratings:
Cheese: 3 Skinny Mozzarella Cheese Sticks (Just the right amount of cheese for a feel-good movie)
Chocolate: A whole bowl of Fudgie Cubes (Superbly sweet it'll give you a sugar rush)
Favorite Scene:
When Duncan earns his nickname of 'Pop n Lock'. He is told by Owen to break up a crowd that's formed around a group of 'street dancers' and he flips out, thinking they're going to shun him. At first, the scene unfolds in a way that you think is NOT going to end well. You picture Duncan being ridiculed and insulted and cringe at the thought because he's just a sweet innocent kid, when just the opposite happens. Even though Duncan's moves are shall we say 'limited' and semi-awkward, it was such a pleasant surprise when the crowd went wild and cheered for him to 'freestyle'. Cue inspiring music and slow-mo close ups.
Favorite Line/s:
Owen: I'm afraid I'm gonna have to ask you to leave!
Duncan: What?
Owen: You're having way too much fun. It's making everyone uncomfortable.
Duncan: Okay.
Owen: Wow! I was just kidding! That wasn't even my best stuff!
Of course these lines don't make much sense without the sarcastic tone that Sam Rockwell adopted for his portrayal of Owen. There were many more of Owen's lines that I loved. Even Betty's too. Hard to pick a favorite.
Favorite Moment:
The intense showdown between Pam, Trent and Duncan when confronting Trent about his infidelity. I was really hoping for more from Pam and a dramatic outburst with slapping, throwing inanimate objects and/or drinks and hurling obscenities but I think the directors wanted it to be more believable and realistic. They succeeded in doing just that! Tugged at your heartstrings with the right amount of tension and pressure.
Show-Stealer:
Allison Janney and her lazy-eyed son Peter. Their dialogue was rib-tickling but at the same time slightly sad because you felt slightly sorry for their situation and the fact that they seemed to be a very dysfunctional albeit loving family unit. I loved how 'in-your-face' Betty was as the consistently drunk neighbor who outstayed her welcome more often than not.
Product Placement:
I couldn't spot any ! But I'm sure I noticed a couple of iPhones here and there :)
Soundtrack:
Mostly 80s-type pop like INXS since the movie was supposed to be set in 1984. Suited the movie very well.
[I was only able to locate 2 trivia tidbits since the goofs have probably not been identified yet]
1. In an interview, writer/director Jim Rash said the script's main inspiration was the opening scene, inspired by a similar conversation he had with his own stepfather when he was 14.
2. Sam Rockwell would often improvise and joke around on the loudspeaker during scenes. One time, forgetting that there were children around, he made an inappropriate joke about herpes, which upset the owner of the park. Rockwell had to go and apologize so that they could continue filming.
Here's the trailer!
NEXT UP:
We're the Millers
Take it sleazy.
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