The Way, Way Back

I'm just going to get straight to the point, this is one of the best films I've ever seen. I'm going to have to go back and amend my top ten list. Written and directed by Academy Award winners Jim Rash and Nat Faxon (Best Adapted Screenplay for The Descendants, 2011), it is probably the best comedy that I have ever seen.

14-year-old Duncan (Liam James) is on summer holiday to his mother's boyfriend's, Trent (Steve Carell), beach house in a sleepy East Coast town. His mother, Pam (Toni Collette), is hoping that the two bond over the summer. Duncan soon becomes frustrated with Trent's cold attitude towards him and adventures to the nearby water park. He is offered a job by the owner, Owen (Sam Rockwell), and soon becomes the hero of the staff.

Duncan has a budding relationship with his neighbour, Susanna (AnnaSophia Robb), whilst his mother's relationship is slowly fading.

This film is an excellent example of character driven comedy. All the characters are fully formed and lead the story in their own ways. Both Faxon (Freeloaders) and Rash (Community) are master writers and although I haven't seen The Descendants I can see that they are great writers, as well as directors. They also play two of the water park's employees and prove that they can achieve a high level of excellence in all fields.

The cast of this movie is amazing. Liam James is a newcomer to main roles in film, but carries the role amazingly. He plays his character so amazingly and the development that he goes through is out in front and fantastic. I expect that we'll be seeing a lot more of him.

Steve Carell (Anchorman) plays against type and goes for a serious role this time. He is entirely believable as the douchebag boyfriend and from the opening scene onward you will hate him. And that's the mark of a fantastic actor.

AnnaSophia Robb (Soul Surfer) is incredible as the girl next door and does play the character in the stereotypical way. Likewise, Sam Rockwell (Moon) is uplifting as Owen and you can really see the connection that he has with Duncan.

I laughed the hardest at Allison Janney (the mum from Juno), who plays Susanna's mother. She is perpetually drunk and is constantly saying inappropriate things to her friends and even her own children, but I can see her as a good mother.

Verdict: A perfect movie. I saw it with a large, varied group and everyone loved it. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves movies and it has a great uplifting message.