The Way Way Back

20132013
SS
1h 43min

Toni Collette, Allison Janney, Sam Rockwell, Steve Carell, Liam James, Maya Rudolph, and AnnaSophia Robb in The Way Way Back (2013)

Over the course of his summer break, a teenager comes into his own thanks in part to the friendship he strikes up with one of the park's managers.

Play trailer2:32

Shy 14-year-old Duncan goes on summer vacation with his mother, her overbearing boyfriend, and her boyfriend's daughter. Having a rough time fitting in, Duncan finds an unexpected friend in ... Read allShy 14-year-old Duncan goes on summer vacation with his mother, her overbearing boyfriend, and her boyfriend's daughter. Having a rough time fitting in, Duncan finds an unexpected friend in Owen, manager of the Water Wizz water park.Shy 14-year-old Duncan goes on summer vacation with his mother, her overbearing boyfriend, and her boyfriend's daughter. Having a rough time fitting in, Duncan finds an unexpected friend in Owen, manager of the Water Wizz water park.

See production, box office & company info

See more at IMDbPro

Awards
- 5 wins & 30 nominations

Toni Collette and Liam James in The Way Way Back (2013)

Liam James in The Way Way Back (2013)

Nat Faxon and Liam James in The Way Way Back (2013)

Toni Collette, Sam Rockwell, Steve Carell, Liam James, and Zoe Levin in The Way Way Back (2013)

Liam James and AnnaSophia Robb in The Way Way Back (2013)

Allison Janney in The Way Way Back (2013)

Maya Rudolph in The Way Way Back (2013)

Toni Collette and Steve Carell in The Way Way Back (2013)

Liam James and AnnaSophia Robb in The Way Way Back (2013)

Toni Collette, Allison Janney, and Steve Carell in The Way Way Back (2013)

Sam Rockwell, Liam James, and Jim Rash in The Way Way Back (2013)

Toni Collette and Liam James in The Way Way Back (2013)

Duncan (Liam James) is not a popular kid and it doesn't look like the summer is going to offer anything better for him. His mother's boyfriend has invited them to his beach house where Duncan is expected to improve his personality and physical appearance, and meet girls. But his would-be step-sister doesn't want anything to do with him and his shy demeanor makes it difficult for him to meet anybody new. When Duncan wanders into the Water Wizz, the local water park, he meets adult employees who are just having fun. Owen (Sam Rockwell) lets Duncan work with him and their new-found bond will help each other mature and find their place in life. Which for Duncan means standing up to his would-be step-father, having a conversation with the girl next door and being more comfortable with who he is. —napierslogs

summer water park shy kid unlikely friendship friendship 40 more

Taglines
- We've All Been There.
Genres
- Comedy
- Drama
Certificate
- S
Parents guide

Trivia
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.

Goofs
Microphone visible inside Owen's shirt when he and Duncan are on top of slide.

Quotes
Duncan: Don't die wondering, man.

Connections
Featured in The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Episode #21.185 (2013)

Soundtracks
For The Time Being
Written by Edie Brickell
Performed by Edie Brickell and The Gaddabouts

Top review

A Heartwarming Coming-Of-Age Tale

In all honesty, I completely loved this film, it is one of the most heartwarming coming-of-age stories of recent years and blends comedy, drama and emotion perfectly. With top notch performances, most notably from Sam Rockwell as the overzealous-yet-lovable waterpark manager Owen and Steve Carrel as the somewhat unexpectedly despicable Trent, both James and Robb also do wonders as the young duo. The film itself has a nice indie feel to it with a fantastic acoustic score, supported by some fine music choices and a generally satisfying story as a whole. A definite must-watch if you enjoy coming-of-age dramas with that hint of heartwarming humour.

helpful•30

6

CalRhys
Apr 2, 2016

Release date
- August 16, 2013 (Finland)
Country of origin
- United States
Official sites
- Official Facebook
- Official site
Language
- English
Also known as
- The Way Back
Filming locations
- Water Wizz - 3031 Cranberry Hwy, East Wareham, Massachusetts, USA
Production companies
See more company credits at IMDbPro

Budget
- $5,000,000 (estimated)
Gross US & Canada
- $21,506,546
Opening weekend US & Canada
- $552,788
- Jul 7, 2013
Gross worldwide
- $26,474,920

See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

Runtime
- 1h 43min
Color
- Color
Sound mix
- Dolby
- Dolby Digital
Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1

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Toni Collette, Allison Janney, Sam Rockwell, Steve Carell, Liam James, Maya Rudolph, and AnnaSophia Robb in The Way Way Back (2013)

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