S’up film
fans? I don’t actually think I’m cool enough to get away with saying “s’up” – far
from it in fact – but The Way Way Back turned
out to be such an awesome film I just thought I’d try and join in with the
whole cool theme. Anyway, I immediately wanted to see this sunny little movie as
soon as I saw the words in the trailer ‘from the studio that brought you Little Miss Sunshine and Juno’. Why? Because, having seen these
two films, I knew I could expect it to be brilliantly scripted, quirky, and
most likely a favourite among the film fests and probably critics. And, as it
just so happens, I was right (and that doesn’t happen very often). So, if you’re
after a fresh film that lets you cling to that summery feeling for just a
little longer, read on...
Firstly, I
know I witter on about openings quite a lot, but this one really helps you to
determine a lot about the characters, most notably the adolescent lead, 14 year
old Duncan (Liam James). For a while, we just get a black screen, then the
stern and rather harsh tones of Duncan’s mother’s boyfriend, Trent (Steve Carell
– excellent in this role). At first, Duncan ignores him but, once he responds,
you can clearly sense his obvious boredom and intense dislike for Trent (and I don’t
think the audience would blame him – he’s a pretty nasty character). Plus, with
Duncan’s back to everyone else in the car – everyone else being his mother Pam
(Toni Collette) and Trent’s bitchy daughter Steph - this evidently establishes
him as an outsider. And a kind of awkward one at that. So anyway, they head off
on their summer vacation at Trent’s beach house, or “Spring Break for adults”
as it is suggested in the film. But it’s not until Duncan takes a job under the
watchful eye of oddball manager Owen (Sam Rockwell) at the local water park
that he finally begins to feel at home and, combined with a growing closeness
to new neighbour Susanna (AnnaSophia Robb), he slowly develops in confidence.
Some good
parts of the film? Look out for Lewis, one of the workers at Water Whizz, as he
has some great funny lines. The scene involving cardboard and some interesting
dance moves also got a lot of laughs from the audience (me included). But,
despite the humour, this film touched upon some darker issues that the family has
to deal with which, given the studio’s track record, was expected. Finally,
there are a few moments of teenage awkwardness for Duncan but, rather than
being just full on cringe-worthy, it was actually a little heart-breaking to
see (unless I’m just being overly sympathetic or something - I’m not sure). Oh,
and one more thing; throughout the duration of the movie, I genuinely found
myself wondering how it would end (I won’t say how it does actually end though,
as not everyone likes spoilers!) But to sum up, a great indie film with some truly
loveable characters, that provides a fresh concept about coming of age.
Rating: 4.5 stars – not a major Hollywood blockbuster, but
still hugely entertaining and unlike anything I’ve seen before. Go see it!
Georgie
