My Favorite Movies- "The Way, Way Back" (2013)
I remember the day I saw "The Way, Way, Back." It was at a Celebration Cinema in Lansing that we rarely went to. I wanted to see "The Wolverine" but my parents, who I was with then, convinced me to see "The Way, Way Back." They made the right decision. I usually don't use this word to describe many movies, but "The Way, Way Back" is adorable. It's not adorable in the way that an animated children's movie is adorable. The film is rated PG-13 and is loaded up with sexual references and innuendos, but the soul of this movie is adorable. Its heart is so clearly in the right place that I question what it is about this movie that would make someone not like it.
I saw this movie right before my senior year of high school. I think it's safe to say I saw a fair amount of myself in the character of Duncan. He was an awkward, skinny, unsure of himself high school kid lacking confidence. Now if there's one thing I liked about this movie right away, they didn't make Duncan a giant pussy. He's awkward as hell, but as the film goes on, he grows more of a backbone. You really feel bad for him at the start of this film. These adults around him (minus Toni Collette, who is excellent as always) are such assholes. Steve Carrell's douchebag meter is off the charts in this film. But the movie never feels unrealistic. It walks that fine line for sure. Some of the ensemble cast are exaggerated characters but aren't caricatures. You want to see Duncan come out of his shell, especially because so many assholes surround him.
This is a comedy, and damn, it is hilarious. There are a lot of great character moments and a lot of funny one-liners. It's when of those movies that bring a smile to your face even when it isn't trying to be funny. A big reason for that is that is because the film does a great job of capturing Summer. The movie really drives home the endless possibilities that one feels during the summer when they're growing up. Still, it also acknowledges the challenges that come with that as well, especially when you aren't the popular kid. This movie was written and directed by character actors Jim Rash and Nat Faxon (they also have supporting roles in the film). I don't know if this story is semibiographical, but it comes from a deeply personal place.
So much of this movie is solid. I enjoy the atmosphere. They make the water park a supporting character in the film, which is neat. But the reason this movie works as well as it does, and the reason I consider this to be one of my favorites, is the astonishing performance by Sam Rockwell. I was really glad he got the recognition he deserved for "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" because he got screwed out of multiple Oscar nominations in the past. This movie was no exception. His performance may not be super flashy, but it is absolutely perfect. He is the cool, older mentor every kid wished they had growing up. It shows how silly the Oscars are sometimes. Rockwell's performance is hilarious while simultaneously being subtle. He's responsible for a heavy majority of the laughs in this movie, but goddamn, when the dramatic moments come, it's hard not to get a little misty-eyed. He's just such a sweet-hearted guy in this movie.
This movie has had a staying power for me that I never expected. I think I've only seen it twice, but so many moments stick out in my head. It's not like this movie has some huge twist or tragic ending that leaves you in a trance coming out of the theatre. It's very simple, and that's what makes it so wholesome. I like nice big-budget action films when done right, but I can always worship something like this. It's a perfect go-to movie to recommend to any person who wants to avoid diving face-first into an already-established IP. It's quaint. It's simple, and it's kind of perfect for what it is.
