The Way, Way Back... is way way awesome!
Groundbreaking? Not exactly, but there’s a reason that certain stories are well-trodden: Because we want to see them again and again. Meatballs is one of my favorite movies. Vintage Bill Murray from 1979. The Way, Way Back is basically the same story: Awkward boy, who nobody appreciates, comes-of-age one summer when he meets the coolest guy in the world, who inexplicably sees something great in him, and brings it out.
The Way, Way Back... is way way awesome!
Groundbreaking? Not exactly, but there’s a reason that certain stories are well-trodden: Because we want to see them again and again. Meatballs is one of my favorite movies. Vintage Bill Murray from 1979. The Way, Way Back is basically the same story: Awkward boy, who nobody appreciates, comes-of-age one summer when he meets the coolest guy in the world, who inexplicably sees something great in him, and brings it out.
Alright, it’s not completely inexplicable why Owen (precious, delicious, Sam Rockwell) likes Duncan (awkard coming-of-age-kid played by Liam James). Duncan’s in a lot of pain, which is obvious to everybody but his family, especially his mother (Toni Collette). She’s too busy trying to manage a relationship with uber-douche Steve Carrell. P.S. It’s haunting how
much of a dick Carrell can play. I mean, straight from Planet Dickensian, fresh off the S.S. Dickwad, welcome to DickTown, he’s the mayor!
I love this movie, in part because Sam Rockwell is a perfectly updated Bill Murray. And, the great news is, we still have Bill (Yay!! The Monuments Men Dec 2013!). However, now he’s “eccentric elder statesman” Bill Murray, and it’s left a gaping Young Bill Murray Hole. I didn’t realize until I saw The Way, Way Back that we’ve been missing a 30ish, smirky, smartass with swagger, who doesn’t give a flip (but really does) i.e. Bill Murray. Sam Rockwell IS that Bill Murray. He’s fantastic. He made me believe in myself a little, just watching him, and he wasn’t even talking to me (…or was he?)
Duncan has to spend the summer with him mom and her dicky bf, Trent (Steve Carrell). Trent is a total dick, he’s King Dick of Planet Dickertonian, Dicky Dick and the Rockin’ Penises, Hickory Dockory Dick. No one gets Duncan or particularly wants him, until he’s lucky enough to cross paths with Rockwell who takes an interest in him and lets him work at the water park, which has Nat Faxon, Maya Rudolph, Jim Rash & a totally fun summer camp feel.
Should you see this movie? YES. NOW. GO! Did I mention that a drunk Allison Janney makes fun of a kid with a weird eye the whole time? Why are you still sitting there? Go see this movie!!! Is it a good make-out movie? YES!!! Why not?! I didn’t technically make out with anybody because I saw it alone when my boyfriend was at work, but I made out with my bf a few hours later AND I was thinking of Sam Rockwell, so I think that counts.
Go see it. However many Kitten Hands. Enjoy.
Laura House