The Way Way Back

Filmmakers Nat Faxon and Jim Rash's uplifting, endearing, coming-of-age comedic drama revolves around disgruntled, 14-year-old Duncan (Liam James), who is forced to spend the summer at a Cape Cod beach house with his divorced mother Pam (Toni Collette), her smarmy boyfriend Trent (Steve Carell), and Trent's snarky daughter (Zoe Levin) from a previous marriage. As Duncan is riding in the way way back rear-facing seat of their old ‘70s station wagon, domineering Trent immediately ignites his ire by demanding that the reclusive teenager rank himself on a scale of one-to-ten. When Duncan mumbles “Six,” Trent says that is about double his own evaluation. Not a great start for a relationship with a perhaps about-to-be stepdad. Seeking refuge from the continual partying of Pam, Trent, and their boozy buddies (Allison Janney, Amanda Peet, Rob Corddry), Duncan sneaks off on a borrowed bike to spend time at Water Wizz, a nearby amusement park run by explosive, weirdly gregarious Owen (Sam Rockwell), who hires him for the summer and becomes the mentor/father-figure he so desperately needs. Along with his co-workers (Maya Rudolph, Nat Faxon, Jim Rash), Duncan also makes friends with an amiable neighbor (AnnaSophia Robb). Rockwell delivers the most memorable performance here, ably supported by the adolescent cast. A bittersweet, heartwarming delight, this is recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include the behind-the-scenes featurettes “Tour of the Water Park,” “The Filmmakers: Jim and Nat” with Jim Rash and Nat Faxon, and “Ensemble Featurette” (11 min.), deleted scenes (3 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is a “making-of” featurette (31 min.), and a bonus UltraViolet copy of the film. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a winning coming-of-age film.] (S. Granger)