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      The Way, Way Back

      PG-13 Released Jul 26, 2013 1 hr. 43 min. Comedy Drama List
      84% 188 Reviews Tomatometer 84% 50,000+ Ratings Audience Score Duncan (Liam James) is an awkward teen who must spend the summer at a beach house with his mother (Toni Collette), her boyfriend, Trent (Steve Carell), and Trent's obnoxious daughter. Trent can't resist badgering Duncan, so the youth steals away to a water park and gets a job that will help him stay off Trent's radar. As Duncan tends to the slides and pools of the aging park, he finds a father figure in wisecracking park manager Owen (Sam Rockwell) at a time when he desperately needs one. Read More Read Less Watch on Fandango at Home Premiered Oct 10 Buy Now

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      The Way, Way Back

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      Critics Consensus

      Despite its familiar themes, The Way Way Back makes use of its talented cast, finely tuned script, and an abundance of charm to deliver a funny and satisfying coming-of-age story.

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      Audience Reviews

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      Avalon T I definitely recommend this show. As always Sam Rockwell's acting is superb as is Toni Colette's. Interesting plot with plenty of character growth. This is a real feel good movie. Well written and well acted. Definitely recommend this one. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 04/14/24 Full Review Georgan G Coming-of-age is not my genre, but this one was different. A comedy, but a definite drama, too. Mom & son are going through life changes & take awhile to find one another. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/31/24 Full Review Vince D An amazing coming of age story. Brilliant writing and excellent performances. It is a hidden gem. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/25/23 Full Review matthias s "The way way back" beautifully explores the challenges and self-discovery of the main character, Duncan, as he navigates the awkwardness of his teenage years. His relatable struggles and triumphs create a heartfelt connection with the audience, making us reflect on our own coming-of-age experiences. The dramedy aspect of the film provides a perfect balance between lighthearted humor and poignant moments. The quirky characters that populate the water park where Duncan finds solace add an extra layer of charm and laughter to the story. Their eccentricities and unique personalities made for some genuinely hilarious and heartwarming scenes. However, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of discomfort while watching the film. The portrayal of a stepfather figure in "The Way Way Back" reminded me a little too much of my own stepdad, and unfortunately, not in a good way. The character's flaws and negative traits hit a bit too close to home, evoking some unpleasant memories. Nonetheless, the film's overall message of self-empowerment and the importance of finding one's voice resonates deeply. Duncan's journey from a timid and insecure teenager to a confident young adult is inspiring and reminds us all that we have the power to shape our own destinies. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 11/11/23 Full Review Nikki A must see! This is one of my favourites. I could watch it over and over yet never get tired of it. Fantastic cast. Beautiful script. The characters are so real and relatable. Just a really good story with no bells and whistles. Purchased on bluray so that we can watch whenever we want. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/01/23 Full Review Tim S The Way Way Back is quirky and fun and romantic and kind. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/20/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      Photos

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      The Way, Way Back

      (L-R) Nat Faxon as Roddy, Sam Rockwell as Owen, Liam James as Duncan and Maya Rudolph as Caitlyn in "The Way, Way Back." Allison Janney as Betty in "The Way, Way Back." (L-R) Sam Rockwell as Owen and Liam James as Duncan in "The Way, Way Back." Liam James as Duncan and AnnaSophia Robb as Susanna in "The Way, Way Back." (L-R) Liam James as Duncan and Sam Rockwell as Owen in "The Way, Way Back." (L-R) Liam James as Duncan and Sam Rockwell as Owen in "The Way, Way Back." AnnaSophia Robb as Susanna in "The Way, Way Back." Liam James as Duncan and AnnaSophia Robb as Susanna in "The Way, Way Back." Sam Rockwell as Owen in "The Way, Way Back." (L-R) Nat Faxon as Roddy and Sam Rockwell as Owen in "The Way, Way Back." View more photos

      Critics Reviews

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      Amy Taubin Film Comment Magazine Sundance would not be Sundance without a few unbelievably stupid, clichéd, graceless movies in the mix. Aug 28, 2019 Full Review Wesley Morris Grantland The film has been complacently concocted for likability even as it gives you very little that's real, structured, or spontaneous enough to enjoy. Jan 6, 2014 Full Review Thelma Adams Yahoo! Movies If you're first act was writing the Oscar winning screenplay for "The Descendants," looking for an encore can be tough. But Nat Faxon and Jim Rash leveraged that win and made the leap to directing their own small-budget, bighearted coming of age comedy. Nov 1, 2013 Full Review Danielle Solzman Solzy at the Movies There's just something about the way that The Way, Way Back is performed, written, and directed that sets it apart from other coming-of-age movies. Rated: 5/5 Dec 26, 2023 Full Review Keith Garlington Keith & the Movies It’s refreshingly honest and surprisingly funny. There are also some fabulous characters brought to life through some good acting led by Rockwell. Rated: 4.5/5 Aug 21, 2022 Full Review Josh Winning Radio Times Warm and well-meaning, with a fantastic soundtrack and a poignant ending that can't help but bring a lump to the throat. Rated: 4/5 May 13, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

      Movie Info

      Synopsis Duncan (Liam James) is an awkward teen who must spend the summer at a beach house with his mother (Toni Collette), her boyfriend, Trent (Steve Carell), and Trent's obnoxious daughter. Trent can't resist badgering Duncan, so the youth steals away to a water park and gets a job that will help him stay off Trent's radar. As Duncan tends to the slides and pools of the aging park, he finds a father figure in wisecracking park manager Owen (Sam Rockwell) at a time when he desperately needs one.
      Director
      Nat Faxon, Jim Rash
      Executive Producer
      Nat Faxon, Jim Rash, Ben Nearn, Gigi Pritzker, George Parra
      Screenwriter
      Nat Faxon, Jim Rash
      Distributor
      Fox Searchlight
      Production Co
      Sycamore Pictures, Odd Lot Entertainment, Doubleyou Inc.
      Rating
      PG-13 (Language|Brief Drug Material|Some Sexual Content|Thematic Elements)
      Genre
      Comedy, Drama
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Jul 26, 2013, Wide
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Oct 22, 2013
      Box Office (Gross USA)
      $21.4M
      Sound Mix
      Dolby Digital
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