High 5 teens were invited to a special screening of The Way Way Back, a new film starring Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Allison Janney, Sam Rockwell, and more, to be released in select theaters this July. Freelancer Sidney Marie shares her thoughts.

Coming to theaters this July, The Way Way Back is a family comedy about a teen named Duncan, who goes on an unwanted vacation and ends up finding unexpected friends and a sense of purpose in the world. Amongst the many stars in the cast are, Steve Carrell, as the callous stepdad Trent, comedian Maya Rudolf as Caitlyn, and rising stars Liam James and AnnaSophia Robb as Duncan and Susanna, respectively. The cast helps to make the film funny yet highly relatable.  

The Plot

Divorce, remarriage, overprotecting, and adultery are all issues that plague many families today. The Way Way Back deals with all of these subjects in a manner where one can laugh but still understand and relate to the severity of them. Duncan, is a fourteen year old boy who has to deal with the reality of his mother Pam (Toni Collette) marrying Trent, a man who on a scale of 1-10 told Duncan he rates a 3. Luckily, Duncan acquires a job at Water Wizz Water Park where the owner, Owen (Sam Rockwell), and the other workers help him let go and have fun and find a sense of confidence. Duncan’s newfound self-esteem enables him to share some good judgment with his mother as she begins to realize her relationship isn’t as perfect as she wishes. The plot is very well thought out, supplying just the right amount of comedy while still addressing the bigger issues at hand with a logical solution. 

The Cast

If you’re not into Steve Carrell’s comedic work, then don’t fear because Carrell takes up a different role than what he’s done in the pass. As Trent, he is far from the funny guy; rather, he is the mean unsympathetic character. Carrell executes the character well, really making the audience agitated by him and leaving the funny work to Sam Rockwell. A well casted role for the character Owen, Rockwell embodies everything a funny, reckless, caring water park owner should be and Maya Rudolf is also perfectly casted as the right person to bring him down to earth as Caitlyn. Though The Way Way Back may not the movie to rocket Liam James to fame, it’s a good way for him to get some exposure especially alongside the currently popular star of The Carrie Diaries, AnnaSophia Robb. The two directors of the film, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash also do a superb job as the other Water Whizz employees Roddy and Lewis, respectively.

The Technical Aspects

There is nothing noticeably stunning about the cinematography and editing of the film. Beside some corny transitions and unnecessarily long shots, the filming is pretty smooth and doesn’t take you out of the action. There are no uniquely shot scenes, which is perfectly fine with such a strong plotline.

Rating

After taking into account the plot, how well the story was conveyed, the casting, the cinematography, and the editing, I am giving this film a 4 out of 5. The plotline was relatable and prevalent to modern families and the casting made sure to keep it that way. The technical elements were on par, though some scenes, cinematically speaking, could’ve been shown better. Nevertheless, this film is perfect for a summer day spent with family. The Way Way Back will definitely appeal to the younger crowd, but can be appreciated by anyone.