The Way, Way Back gets a THUMBS, THUMBS UP!

What movie to see as a family with teenagers? Look no further.
The Way,Way Back is a winner for sure this summer.

Set in Cape Cod aka spring break for parents, this film portrays the awkwardness of being fourteen both in the protagonist, Duncan's life and seamlessly delivered by the very nuance of his stance, gait, and ability to hold an pained expression.

What could have been another cheese-ball Hollywood film rose without faltering. A summer that starts out dismal, sharply turns upward when Duncan in his misery happens upon a water park. Water Wizz is more than a chlorine laced haven in New England. It's a place of grounding, friendship, and finding relief when parents in general and especially his parent's boyfriend behave badly.

The actors glide on and off the screen in rapid-fire succession and it works. The on-off scenes are much akin to watching a PowerPoint presentation and before the viewer gets comfortable, another movie angle is up for grabs. The opening and closing of the movie shot in an vintage station wagon as Duncan stares out the back window are memorable.

This film may not rock the charts, yet it rates as a film to see with teenagers, Consider  a twilight movie (showing between 4-5) and then grab a bite afterwards. Easiest way to start a conversation with your kid today is by doing something together. You'll be way, way ahead in the parenting game.


ROTTEN TOMATOES INFO

THE WAY, WAY BACK is the funny and poignant coming of age story of 14-year-old Duncan's (Liam James) summer vacation with his mother, Pam (Toni Collette), her overbearing boyfriend, Trent (Steve Carell), and his daughter, Steph (Zoe Levin). Having a rough time fitting in, the introverted Duncan finds an unexpected friend in gregarious Owen (Sam Rockwell), manager of the Water Wizz water park. Through his funny, clandestine friendship with Owen, Duncan slowly opens up to and begins to finally find his place in the world - all during a summer he will never forget. (c) Fox Searchlight                  
PG-13,
Drama, Comedy
,
Nat Faxon, Jim Rash

$9.1M
Fox Searchlight - Official Site External Icon
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My recommendation for the holidays!

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