Think Little Miss Sunshine meets The Wonder Years. That’s essentially what’s going on in The Way Way Back. The film was inspired by a conversation one of the writer-director’s had with his stepfather when he was in the way back seat, which is now the opening scene. This is where the title The Way Back came from… adding another Way to avoid confusion with the 4000 mile escape from a Siberian gulag survival adventure.

The Way Way Back is about the Summer of Duncan… a shy 14 year old kid, who feels like an accessory on a “family” vacation with his mother, her boyfriend and her boyfriend’s daughter. Struggling to fit in, Duncan discovers the Water Wizz on a solo bike expedition and finds a friend in Owen, the eccentric water park manager.

Duncan is brought to life by young Liam James, who was perfectly cast as the uninvolved teenage loner with the world on his shoulders. His character grows on you as he musters more and more self-esteem. Sam Rockwell plays Owen with such a love for life, delivered with crackling cheek and verve. Steve Carell is more subdued, taking on an uncharacteristic and slimy role as Trent the “good guy” boyfriend.

The cast is loaded with talent. Toni Collette is stoic as Duncan’s mom, Pam, going through her own series of growing pains. Alison Janney is hilarious as the socially numb and drunk neighbour, Betty. AnnaSophia Robb is sweet and lovely as Susanna, an equal-opposite love interest for Duncan. Then as if the cast wasn’t strong enough… Maya Rudolph, Rob Corddry and Amanda Peet bring their special talents to the party.

It’s a nostalgic coming-of-age comedy drama, which is why The Wonder Years comes to mind. The Way Way Back was originally intended to be set in 1984, yet has a more contemporary feel with some references to the age. In much the same way as Arrested Development, Duncan seems to be the only sane person in his “family”, except he’s not trying to keep them together.

“Water Wizz… sounds like some sort of urinal cake.”

There’s a manic quirkiness, the same sort of flair that drove Little Miss Sunshine with oddball characters doing life with a sense of reckless abandon. The summery beach side holiday feeling makes for breezy, easy-going entertainment, where everyone gets to be a kid again. This is tempered by the frustration of being treated like an irresponsible and immature teenager by a community of parental werewolves: adults by day and teenagers by night.

The Way Way Back is the directorial debut for writer-directors Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, who also co-wrote the screenplay for The Descendants. They know the contours of the “dramedy” genre well and give this film a personal, spontaneous and bittersweet atmosphere – even taking minor parts for themselves. It has an everyman Adam Sandler likability factor at play, with some great mood music, but brought home with more finesse, focus and passion.

This is a heartwarming, funny, smart and entertaining Summer feel good film. The writing gives The Way Way Back an unrehearsed and real feeling that is brought home by great casting and full performances from a tight ensemble. It’s not life-changing, but it will leave you with a warm glow, making this bike ride with Duncan that much more rich and enjoyable.

The bottom line: Breezy

Release date: Now Showing
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