We’ve all been there.|Jun. 06, 2013|United States|103 Min.|PG-13
Genre: Comedy;Drama
Description: The Way Way Back (2013) is a coming-of-age film about 14-year-old Duncan, a shy teenager from Albany, New York. Reluctantly, he joins his mother Pam, her wealthy boyfriend Trent, and Trent’s spoiled daughter Steph on a summer vacation to a beach house near Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Trent often belittles Duncan, even suggesting he is a “three” on a scale of one to ten, which makes Duncan feel out of place.
Upon arrival, they meet their lively neighbors, including Betty, her children Susanna and Peter, and the married couple Kip and Joan. Duncan’s unease grows as he struggles to connect with anyone until he finds a small bicycle in the garage and begins exploring the town. At a local pizza place, he encounters the staff of Water Wizz, a nearby water park. Owen, one of the employees, befriends Duncan and introduces him to the park’s quirky team: Caitlin, Lewis, and Roddy. Owen gives Duncan odd jobs at the park, providing him with a much-needed escape.
Meanwhile, at the beach house, Duncan feels neglected as his mother indulges in drinking and socializing with the other adults. During a Fourth of July cookout, Susanna notices Duncan’s unhappiness and invites him to hunt for ghost crabs with her and Peter. Their conversation helps Duncan open up about his struggles. Later, he discovers Trent kissing Joan but keeps it to himself.
The film follows Duncan’s journey of self-discovery as he navigates family tensions, newfound friendships, and the challenges of growing up.
Cast director: Nat Faxon
Cast actor: Liam James, Steve Carell, Toni Collette, AnnaSophia Robb, Sam Rockwell, Allison Janney, Maya Rudolph, Amanda Peet, Rob Corddry, Nat Faxon
Original name: The Way Way Back