Back Rowe Reviews
Real Time Movie Reviews from the Back Row of a Theater

The Way Way Back (PG-13)

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Directed by: Nat Faxon, Jim Rash
Starring: Steve Carell
July 2013

This review was originally tweeted in Real-time from the back row of a movie theater and appears @BackRoweReviews. Though efforts were made to tease rather than ruin this movie’s memorable lines and moments, some spoilers may exist in the following evaluation. The original tweets appear in black, while follow-up comments appear in red. For concerns over objectionable content, please first refer to one of the many parental movie guide websites. All ratings are based on a four star system. Happy reading!

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Poor Duncan...gets a 3 out of 10 rating from Carell and gets dumped on by everyone else.
Pathos is immediately generated for Liam James’ character. From the outset, it’s obvious where our sympathies are intended to reside…a tad telegraphed by co-directors/writers Nat Faxon and Jim Rash.

Did Twisted Sister have an alternate track called “Carry a Laser?” Amanda Peet’s character thinks so.
Correction: Mr. Mister not Twisted Sister. My lack of knowledge regarding 80s music has been exposed.

Rockwell’s humor goes right over Duncan’s head...even his “best stuff.”
This is Rockwell’s most charming role to date.

A smooch before S’mores.
Wanting s’more is precisely what’s getting Carell into trouble.

Duncan’s first day working at the Water Wizz.
Terrible name for a water park. I mean, isn’t the idea to keep the wiz out of the water?

How to unclog a water tube? First, find a hero.

Rockwell’s PA gag is hilarious.
The funniest scene in the film…worth the price of admission.

Commentary on ghost crabs and a failed kiss attempt.

Final analysis: not quite what I expected, but a decent film. Carell’s most unsympathetic role.
I applaud Carell for attempting a different kind of role, but straying too far from his comedic wheelhouse could endanger his career.

Rating: 2 1/2 out of 4. Though not overly funny at least it wasn’t overly long.

Not as feel good as one would expect from the amazing cast and amusing trailer, the film is a decent indie with solid performances, a sweet teen angst/teen falling in love story and gorgeous on location filming in Massachusetts. There isn’t anything sensational here, just a pleasant slice-of-life, summer vacation yarn.