Movie review: "The Way Way Back"

Our Great Movie-Watching Marathon of 2013 continues. I've already covered a lot of ground with mini-reviews of several movies we've watched here at home, as my spouse battles some flu-like illness. Most were just so-so, some were downright horrible. Until now, I hadn't seen anything that just made me super excited.

The Way Way Back just changed all of that, in a mere two hours. Is it the best movie of 2013? No, not at all, but it's a delightful coming of age film that genuinely entertained me, and I suspect many of you will love it as well. I'd say this one is right up there with Mud for me, in terms of underrated films of this past year.

I remember The Way Way Back got a lot of attention after the Sundance Film Festival, but without a wide release, this movie never got the legs it needed to become the hit I feel it should be. And yes, it was out in some theaters, but at the height of the summer blockbuster movie season. In other words: It got ignored by most of us, as we chased the dazzling superhero films. That is a huge shame.

The Way Way Back is a wonderfully done drama that manages to be both funny and deeply touching at the same time. The story is a familiar one: A shy teen boy visits a summer house with his dysfunctional family unit and winds up coming into his own, thanks to a mentor type at the water park where he works. Oh, and he also flips head over heels for the girl next door, of course.

Despite the fact that this plot seems pretty contrived, I assure you, The Way Way Back is anything but - it's quite the opposite. It feels fresh, and I cannot say enough about the incredible acting. The cast is an all-star home run, including outstanding performances by Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Allison Janney, Liam James and my personal favorite, Sam Rockwell. Rockwell never ceases to amaze me in every single film he does. Make it a point to see a Sam Rockwell movie now (and I'd highly recommend this one).

The Way Way Back is available for rental and on demand. I got it at my local Redbox, so it's worth a trip out to snag it to watch over the holidays, if you have time.

Photo courtesy of Slant Magazine