The Way, Way Back
Starring: Liam James, Sam Rockwell, Toni Collette, Steve Carell
Director: Nat Fixon & Jim Rash
Rating: 4.5/5
The Way, Way Back has already become one of the most talked about movies of the summer, and it has only just hit the big-screen today.
And it is not hard to see why everyone it falling in love with this movie as it really is as funny as it is heart-breaking.
14-year-old Duncan (James) is on summer vacation with his mother, Pam (Collette), her overbearing boyfriend, Trent (Carell), and his daughter, Steph (Zoe Levin).
Having a rough time fitting in, the introverted Duncan finds an unexpected friend in gregarious Owen (Rockwell), manager of the Water Wizz water park.
Through his funny, clandestine friendship with Owen, Duncan slowly opens up to and begins to finally find his place in the world - all during a summer he will never forget.
Of course, we have seen many coming of age movies over the years but The Way, Way Back is funny and endearing and its heart really is in the right place.
Liam James is a young actor to really watch out for as he gives a terrific central performance as Duncan; a teenager that doesn't know who he is or what he wants from life.
James tells you everything you need to know about Duncan through his eyes, as you see his loneliness, confusion and desire to fit in.
But the stand out performance comes courtesy of the fantastically talented and somewhat underrated Sam Rockwell.
Rockwell is the major comic relief in this film as he really brings to life some fantastic comic writing from Faxon and Rash.
Yet underneath the happy-go-lucky exterior is a man with a huge heart and an understanding of how Duncan feels.
This is the most touching relationship in the movie as Owen is the support Duncan needs to help himself and his way.
There is a genuine chemistry between the pair and this relationship really does push the film forward and warm the heart.
The Way, Way Back is a great coming of age story that looks at the awkwardness of adolescence and how family life can be a mine-field.
It is a touching movie that will make you laugh as well as there being some moments of truth that we can all relate to.
We may have seen a story like this a million times before, but it is the wonderful performances from a fantastic cast that puts this movie head and shoulders above other films in this genre.
The Way, Way Back is a very welcome break from all the CGI driven stuff that we have seen over the last few months, and is an absolute must see.
The Way, Way Back is out now.