Whenever I see Steve Carell’s name on a film I get ready for a giggle, not so in The Way, Way, Back. Well actually that’s not quite true, there are lots of laughs in this coming of age story about 14 year old Duncan (Liam James), they just don’t come from Steve’s character.
The Way, Way, Back is more family drama than comedy. It tells the tale of introverted teen Duncan who is forced to go on summer vacation with his mother Pam (Toni Colette) and her pompous new boyfriend Trent (Steve Carell). Also along for the ride is Trent’s uber cool daughter Steph (Zoe Levin) who naturally wants nothing to do with Duncan. While Steph ignores Duncan, Trent goes out of his way to put him down.
Enter a girls push-bike … complete with pink hand-grip tassels and basket.
The bike enables Duncan to escape to Water Wizz water park and into the man-child aura of water park manager Owen (Sam Rockwell). Rockwell runs the gamut of hilarious, adorable and touching, as the overseer of all the water park misfits. It’s very clear which group you’d rather party with.
Through his new water park family Duncan shines, as he moves from boy to young man.
Don’t let the familiar storyline put you off, The Way, Way, Back is definitely worth a look. Lots of laughter, moments of recognition of yourself or your children, and a tear at the end that is nicely worked in rather than thrown in your face.
The Way, Way, Back left me pondering … who looks more ridiculous … teenagers or adults? The answer it seems is in the eye of the beholder, and totally depends on the angle it’s shot from.
To see the trailer click here.
