The Way, Way Back

Hold it… Hold it… And you’re still holding…

Anything could happen to a boy who is constantly bullied and told that he is worthless and pitiful and a total disappointment. Usually, this boy ceases to believe in himself, loses his confidence and becomes a classical loser with no hopes, aspirations and only grief. This is exactly what happened to Duncan. His mother has no worries for her child, her new boyfriend treats him like garbage and Duncan himself had lost the last reason to live. It was not until later, when mother’s boyfriend decided to take the family to his beach house over the summer, Duncan knew that everything might be different.

After brilliant Juno and Little Miss Sunshine, here comes yet another charming comedy Way Way Back about rebirth, regret, love and happiness in the most weird ways. It might seem that nothing could be said more about the beauty of the human soul in the guise of an extremely awkward shell and the importance of genuine values than it already has been said, but there are many possible points of view. This time, the point of view belongs to a socially-awkward teenager boy (Liam James), who is constantly bullied by his mom’s douche boyfriend (Steve Carell) and has no basics of social knowledge whatsoever.

Someone could think that The Way Way Back is another passing summer comedy that will flash on the screen, with no intention whatsoever to leave a trace in the minds and the hearts of people. But such stories of rebirth, even in such a short time and under such comical circumstances, always touch to depth of soul. It is unlikely that a summer at an Aqua park and several new acquaintances can abruptly change human’s life. However, this is precisely what happens in the The Way Way Back. And it is portrayed so natural and beautiful, that not to believe it is simply impossible. Awkward loser Duncan finds himself a true spiritual mentor (Sam Rockwell), who explains to him how important is to keep faith in yourself and how unimportant is the opinions of others. Over time, Duncan becomes stronger and stronger, so he finds a lovely girl who, of course, is at first confused, but then falls for changing Duncan more and more. Throughout the movie, we trace the emergence of Duncan as a man and as a person. All this comes easily, effortlessly , in the relaxed atmosphere of a summer frivolity. It takes only one dig deeper, and immediately comes the realization that The Way Way Back is not just a mindless comedy, aimed at the budget fees. It teaches forgiveness, dignity, generosity, kindness and, first and foremost, unconditional love.

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