The Way Way Back

Do you want to see a movie with a main character that never makes a decision for himself until the very end? Do you want to see a movie that dives into the subject of teenage angst and then sits there forever without ever offering any way out? Then this movie is for you.

“The Way Way Back” tells the story of Duncan (Liam James), a very shy 14 year-old boy who is about to spend his entire summer vacation with his mother, her oppressive boyfriend, and her boyfriend’s daughter. As he sits in the reversed seat in the back of the car on the way to the lake, the entire movie is presented to you within the first five minutes. Trent (Steve Carell), the boyfriend, tells Duncan that he would rate him as a three out of ten. Duncan shrugs. That’s basically the rest of the movie. 

Duncan is someone who’s only reaction to something is to shrug and walk away. I can understand teenagers are sad, troubled, and misunderstood little human beings, and that can make an interesting character, but only if they choose to fight, survive and learn something.

Duncan spends his time riding his bike around the lake, until eventually he finds a small water park and ventures inside. As he walks around, he bumps into a couple people and they automatically want to become his friend, for no reason other than he’s currently standing in front of them. He forms relationships with the founder of the park, Owen (Sam Rockwell), Caitlin (Maya Rudolph), Roddy (Nat Faxon), and a couple other do-gooders who happen to work there. Owen in particular guides him through the park, and the rest of the summer, as he tries to instill some confidence and passion in the young man. He gives him a job at the park, encourages him to take risks, stand up for himself, and become the man he wants to be. Duncan just gives half smiles, and shrugs.

Besides Duncan, most of the characters in this movie are actually well thought out. I enjoyed watching Owen fight for his interests as living as a grown man-child, and yet wrestle with the necessity to handle issues as an adult. It was refreshing to see Steve Carell play the “bad guy” instead of the goofy hero.  A lot of this movie could have been so good if only the main character actually made a decision for himself. Liam James absolutely nailed that sad and depressed teenager look, but it’s just so boring to watch for almost two hours.  There are a couple characters in here that are actually worth telling a story about, but an introverted, sulky, teenager isn’t one of them.