MOVIE REVIEW - The Way, Way Back

In this summer of computer generated superheroes, monsters and animation, here comes a nice little Indy comedy pic, The Way, Way Back.

This is a star studded little movie.  I know that sounds oxymoronical, but it's true. Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Maya Rudolph, Alison Janney, Sam Rockwell, Rob Coddroy and Amanda Peete lead this big cast in this small movie.   And this is a real nice island in a sea of summer blockbusters.

TWWB is the story of Duncan (Liam James) and Susanna  (AnnaSophia Robb).  They are 14ish teens who are from divorced households who end up spending the summer at their respective summer houses in an east coast cottage town.  Duncan's mom (Collette) has a new boyfriend (Carell) who is a moron, and treats Duncan and his mom badly with passive aggressiveness.  Susanna lives next door for the summer with her mother (Janney) who is a frustrated drunk party mom with little to offer.

These two awkward teens end up spending much of their time with the worlds worst parents, and their friends.  So they try to find solace and direction elsewhere. Duncan gets a job at a water park with a funny, seemingly immature boss (Rockwell.)   But it turns out that they bond, and they become exactly what each other needs.  Susanna and Duncan are also trying to figure out the ropes of first time adolescent puppy love.  How will this all work out? 

This movie is pretty darn good.   I will admit this could have had some sharper teeth at times, especially at the end.  It maybe could have found one more thing to say, but up until that point it says plenty.   This is certainly a quiet, and then again not so quiet indictment of many contemporary parents who grew up in the 1980's.  Duncan and Susanna's parents and their friends are incredibly self absorbed narcissists who think parenting is a part time thing. They spend much of their time drunk and reliving the old glory days and leave their kids to find leadership elsewhere.  This will possibly cut close to the bone for many who see this movie, on both ends

It also shows the lengths that impressionable young kids will go to find adults who care and find comfort.  Although this may sound like a serious and heavy movie, it is presented with sharp and funny dialogue, and just the rigth amount of clever humor that tackle a tough subject with real care.  This also has a great 1980's musical soundtrack, skillfully used to give it that fun Indy feel.  This is directed and acted well, and put together in a very slick little package.

Janney is very funny as the sexually frustrated and heavy drinking Betty. Carell has seldom been better as the control freak Trent.  I always like Carell more when he simply acts.  Rockwell is splendid as the hero Owen and both James and Robb give very believable performances as awkward teens trying to figure things out.   This is smart, funny and right on point.  It looks at modern family troubles head on and has something to say, and I always like that.  But I wish it would have said one poignant thing more.

The Way, Way Back.  This is a nice change of pace and a very fun night at the movies.  Well done!