Duncan (Liam James) is a 14 year old boy on the way to a family holiday when his mother's boyfriend (Steve Carell) asks him "On a scale of 1 to 10, what do you think you are", Duncan replies "a six", to which his stepfather responds "I think you're a three". Thus setting up the film about a shy teenager, with a jerk of a step-dad, a loving but ignorant mother and a selfish sister, trying to fit in. Set in a holiday park in Cape Cod, Duncan finds friends with the neighbours and Owen (Sam Rockwell), a water-park worker, who employs him at the water-park.
Directed by the writers of 'The Descendants', the film certainly sounds like the same 'coming-of-age' movie which film-makers have been recreating repeatedly. It seems to be an easy, and low-budget method of receiving great reviews. So... What makes this film stand above the rest?
The film is about summer and set on hot sunny days, which made me wish for hotter temperatures. The setting looks gorgeous, reminiscent of the South of France. Set primarily in a water-park with blue skies above, the setting of the film is a visually memorable one. Watching in cold, damp England only made me jealous.
The acting is, mostly, superior to 'The Kings of Summer', which had a good central performance and average supporting performances. Whereas 'The Way Way Back' had a mediocre central performance and incredible supporting acting. The stand-out was Sam Rockwell, playing the friendly and irresponsible pool worker, which combines the craziness of Zaphod Beeblebrox in 'The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy' and the heart of Sam Bell in 'Moon'. This is also the career highlight of Steve Carell (except 'Anchorman'), playing the evil stepfather. Coming-of-age films depend largely on the main actor, Liam James, who gives it a good shot at playing Duncan. He isn't a bad actor, but there were a few painful to watch scenes, such as the dancing and the singing on the car. He comes across as too shy, and makes you think why do all these people want to be friends with him?
The script is well-written, but includes every trope and cliche imaginable. From the first look Duncan gave his neighor Susanna, I predicted what would eventually happen. Maybe predictable is good. As I've had a long day, and I wanted to watch an un-thought provoking, no twist film which doesn't make you think. This film is a piece of entertainment, and a character-study. It's a predictable roller-coaster of emotion, which is hugely enjoyable. I can't say it's a work of art, but I can say it is easily re-watchable. I still don't know what the title refers to.
TO CONCLUDE
No surprises here, just another coming-of-age film with great performances.
SCORE
78
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