The Way, Way Back (2013)

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.

Directors:

Nat Faxon, Jim Rash

Writers:

Nat Faxon, Jim Rash

Stars:

Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Allison Janney

5 wins & 30 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Steve Carell	...	Trent
Toni Collette	...	Pam
Allison Janney	...	Betty
AnnaSophia Robb	...	Susanna
Sam Rockwell	...	Owen
Maya Rudolph	...	Caitlin
Liam James	...	Duncan
Rob Corddry	...	Kip
Amanda Peet	...	Joan
River Alexander	...	Peter
Zoe Levin	...	Steph
Nat Faxon	...	Roddy
Jim Rash	...	Lewis
Adam Riegler	...	Neil
Jeremy Weaver	...	Jason

Storyline

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.

---

Plot Keywords:

summer | water park | shy kid | friendship | unlikely friendship | 

---

Taglines:

We've All Been There.

---

Genres:

Comedy | Drama

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, language, some sexual content and brief drug material

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 July 2013 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Way Back

Filming Locations:

Marshfield, Massachusetts, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$5,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$552,788, 7 July 2013, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$21,501,098, 15 November 2013

Company Credits

Production Co:

Sycamore Pictures, Walsh Company, The, MWM (MadisonWellsMedia)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

103 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In the first scene Robert Capron is in on top of the water slide, Zachary Gordon, another actor from "Diary Of A Wimpy Kid", can be seen standing in line on the far right side.

---

Goofs

Even though the Buick Estate Wagon used in the film utilized a 455 hp gasoline powered V8, near the end of the film when Steve Carell's character is fueling up, he is shown pumping diesel fuel into the tank.

---

Quotes

Sunbathing Girl: I don't get her face.
Laura: Yeah, it's like she fell on it.

---

Connections

Featured in At the Movies: Episode #10.24 (2013)

---

Soundtracks

Young Blood
Written by Pete Way and Phil Mogg
Performed by U.F.O. (as UFO)
Courtesy of Chrysalis Records Ltd.
Under license from EMI Film & Television Music

User Reviews

Earnest, Relateable and Endearing - We've All Been Here Before

A sweet, funny, earnest coming-of-age dramedy that plays out like a period piece, even though it's set in the present day. Tempering a plucky spirit and subtle, pointed sense of humor with an introverted lead character and a familiar, bittersweet atmosphere, it's a spiritual successor to the John Hughes golden age of the mid-80s. Liam James is beautifully awkward as the quiet, brooding young teenager at the story's epicenter, aided by a thoroughly deep, entertaining supporting cast. No matter how minor, every character enjoys a purpose and a motivation, enriching the scenery and tickling the viewer's curiosity with a tangle of warm, colorful subplots. Steve Carell will get plenty of attention in his unexpected turn as the boy's self-centered douchebag stand-in father, but Sam Rockwell's deeper-than-he-seems burnout splash park manager is the real show stealer. A strong, heartfelt and meaningful return visit to adolescence for anyone who's ever felt out-of-place in their own skin.