Every loss is another fight.|Mar. 05, 2020|USA|108 Min.|R
Genre: Drama
Description: The Way Back (2020) tells the story of Jack Cunningham, a former high school basketball star whose life has taken a downward spiral. Now working in construction, Jack spends his nights drowning in alcohol, showcasing the grim reality of addiction. Unlike typical portrayals of alcoholics starting the night lively before descending into despair, the film highlights the monotonous and joyless routine of excessive drinking. In one striking scene, Jack’s solitary evening at home involves methodically consuming dozens of canned beers, leaving him passed out by morning—a stark depiction of his isolated existence.
When Jack is offered the chance to coach his old high school’s struggling basketball team, he initially hesitates. The film, however, struggles to convincingly explain his sudden change of heart. The basketball storyline feels disconnected and lacks depth, with Jack’s coaching portrayed as overly simplistic. His arrival leads to immediate victories, making the journey feel rushed and uninspiring. Director Gavin O’Connor, known for the formulaic sports film *Miracle*, attempts to follow a familiar structure here but fails to inject the necessary energy or originality. As a result, what could have been uplifting ends up feeling muted and unremarkable.
Cast director: Gavin O’Connor
Cast actor: Ben Affleck, Al Madrigal, Michaela Watkins, Janina Gavankar, Glynn Turman, Melvin Gregg, Brandon Wilson, Will Ropp, Fernando Luis Vega, Charles Lott
Original name: The Way Back