The Way Way Back
The Way Way Back

The Way Way Back

2013Movie103 minEnglish

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.

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Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes86%
Metacritic64/100
Google Users77%
Director: Nat Faxon, Jim RashGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

Over the course of the summer, the introverted 14-year-old Duncan is dragged on a vacation to a beach house by his mother, her boyfriend Trent, and Trent's daughter. Feeling out of place and disconnected from his family, Duncan escapes to the local water park. There, he befriends the charismatic manager Owen and the rest of the quirky staff, who welcome him and help him find his confidence.

Critical Reception

The Way Way Back was warmly received by critics and audiences alike, praised for its heartfelt story, charming performances, and nostalgic coming-of-age themes. It resonated with viewers for its relatable portrayal of teenage awkwardness and the search for belonging.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its heartwarming and humorous portrayal of a boy's summer of self-discovery.
  • Applauded for strong performances, particularly from Sam Rockwell as the water park manager.
  • Noted for its relatable depiction of teenage angst and the importance of finding your tribe.

Google audience: Google users generally enjoyed 'The Way Way Back,' highlighting its funny and touching story about a shy teenager finding his place. Many appreciated the humor and the positive messages about friendship and self-acceptance.

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location in the Massachusetts towns of Marshfield and Duxbury.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

"Duncan" (Liam James) is a typical fourteen year old boy. He keeps himself to himself, and isn't greatly looking forward to his family holiday with mother and her boyfriend and his older teenage daughter. Determined to get away from this do...
Wuchak

Wuchak

_**A boy coming-of-age near Cape Cod and more**_ A 14 year-old boy (Liam James) struggles to fit-in with the family & friends of his mother’s new beau (Steve Carell) as they partake of a vacation at his beach house in the Cape Cod area...