Duncan, a 14-year-old shy boy, decided to go on a summer vacation with his mother, her arrogant boyfriend, and her daughter suddenly. Now, Duncan finds an unexpected friend in Owen, director of Water Wizz Water Park, as they seem to have a unique experience.
The story has some of the lighthearted fun a boy should have working for a fun-loving boss and enjoying the company of a hot girlfriend, but he should be having a lot more fun than this.
While it doesn't always stick the landing and the plot threads feel a little clumsily tied, The Way, Way Back succeeds where it counts with its big, sloppy heart.
Like many of the best films in this genre The Way, Way Back is rooted in truth: honest observations about family dynamics, adolescence, dependence and independence.
This coming-of-age comedy/drama rings emotionally false during many of its jacked-up, stacked-deck emotional confrontations and mistakes obnoxiousness for personality in almost every adult character.
Carell convincingly plays against type, Rockwell turns in one of his finest performances to date, and the picture's younger cast members uniformly impress.
