The Way, Way Back (2013) Review in 2025
A coming-of-age story about a teenager who spends his summer working at a water park and finds friendship and love in unexpected places.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for teenagers and adults, but it may not be suitable for younger children due to some mature themes and language.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for its authentic and heartfelt portrayal of adolescence. It's a great choice for fans of coming-of-age stories and anyone looking for a relatable and engaging movie experience.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The movie follows Duncan, a shy teenager who spends his summer with his mother's new boyfriend and his family at the beach. He finds solace in a water park where he meets Owen, a charismatic lifeguard who becomes his mentor and friend. As Duncan navigates his relationships with Owen and his family, he learns to confront his fears and find his place in the world.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is well-written and engaging, with a relatable protagonist and a cast of well-developed characters. The plot is predictable, but it's also heartfelt and authentic.
acting9.00/10
The acting is excellent, with standout performances from Liam James and Steve Carell. The chemistry between the leads is also authentic and believable.
characters9.00/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, with complex motivations and backstories. Duncan is a particularly well-written protagonist, and his relationships with Owen and his family are authentic and believable.
direction8.00/10
The direction is solid, with a clear vision and a good sense of pacing. The cinematography is also noteworthy, with some beautiful shots of the beach and the water park.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is beautiful, with some stunning shots of the beach and the water park. The color palette is also noteworthy, with a warm and sunny tone that matches the mood of the movie.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Way, Way Back is a well-written and engaging coming-of-age story with a relatable protagonist and a cast of well-developed characters. The direction is solid, and the cinematography is beautiful. The acting is also excellent, with standout performances from Liam James and Steve Carell.
Cons
The plot is predictable, and some viewers may find the pacing a bit slow. However, these are minor complaints, and the movie's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a bad person, I'm just a little... complicated."
"You're a lot more than just a kid with a bad haircut."
"You're not a kid anymore, you're a man."
