The Way Way Back
Rent & Buy
Shy 14-year-old Duncan goes on summer vacation with his mother, her overbearing boyfriend, and her boyfriend's daughter. Having a rough time fitting in, Duncan finds an unexpected friend in Owen, manager of the Water Wizz water park.
What critics thought
A crowd-pleasing coming-of-age film that earned mostly warm reviews, with the central debate being whether its familiar, feel-good construction is charming or just generic. Sam Rockwell's supporting performance was the rare point of near-universal agreement, with many critics feeling he deserved awards attention; the script and ensemble cast generally landed well, though skeptics found the film too eager to please to fully earn its sweetness.
“a crowd-pleasing summer treat, predictable in its sweetness but satisfying all the same”
Inkoo Kang·The Village Voice
“for all the longueurs, there are still enough moments of near brilliance to sustain you through the trip”
Catherine Shoard·The Guardian
“he has the great ability to make every sharp line of dialogue sound freshly improvised”
MaryAnn Johanson·Flick Filosopher
Genres
Comedy, Drama
Cast & Crew
The Way Way Back
Shy 14-year-old Duncan goes on summer vacation with his mother, her overbearing boyfriend, and her boyfriend's daughter. Having a rough time fitting in, Duncan finds an unexpected friend in Owen, manager of the Water Wizz water park.
What critics thought
A crowd-pleasing coming-of-age film that earned mostly warm reviews, with the central debate being whether its familiar, feel-good construction is charming or just generic. Sam Rockwell's supporting performance was the rare point of near-universal agreement, with many critics feeling he deserved awards attention; the script and ensemble cast generally landed well, though skeptics found the film too eager to please to fully earn its sweetness.
“a crowd-pleasing summer treat, predictable in its sweetness but satisfying all the same”
Inkoo Kang·The Village Voice
“for all the longueurs, there are still enough moments of near brilliance to sustain you through the trip”
Catherine Shoard·The Guardian
“he has the great ability to make every sharp line of dialogue sound freshly improvised”
MaryAnn Johanson·Flick Filosopher
Genres
Comedy, Drama
Cast & Crew
Rent & Buy