The Way Way Back is a solid, charming coming of age story about a 14 year old Duncan (Liam James) who spends summer vacation with his mom (Tony Collette), his mom's bully boyfriend (Steve Carell) and his equally affectionate daughter. Duncan finds a summer job working in a water park run by an aloof owner (Sam Rockwell) and his manager (Maya Rudolph), as he begins to find something of his own and sense of self-worth romancing the cute, different girl-next door (Annasophia Robb). Sound familiar? Don't look for a game changer instead relish a well applied formula, executed for maximum effect. Written and directed by Nat Faxton and (Academy Award winning screenwriter of The Descendants) Jim Rash, this movie is based on their experiences growing up so and their control of emotions on screen are simply on point; funny, raw, charming, and disarming. The Way Way Back is a surprising little movie about growing up and finding self-respect in more than one aspect. Full recommendations.

Great cast! Funny and heartwarming. Something to watch multiple times.

To start off, let me say that I saw this movie twice in theaters. I absolutely loved it. I believe it is made by the people who made Little Miss Sunshine but I have yet to see that one. I just found that this was an extremely well done movie and the acting in it was great too. I went to see this movie without any idea what it was about mostly for Steve Carrell and while he isn't that big of a role he did a great job and I enjoyed the rest of the movie as well. To give a basis of what the movie is about without spoilers, it's about an awkward kid with divorced parents. Him, his mom and her boyfriend go to a vacation home for the summer that he does not want to be a part of. His mom's boyfriend (Carrell) is a jerk and he hates him and he ends up at a waterpark where he is offered a job for the summer where he makes friends and feels like he belongs. At the very least rent this movie, you won't be disapointed.

although The Way Way Back doesn't feature a star studded cast, all of the characters are perfect for their roles. The most highly recognized actor, Steve Carell plays a mean step father to the main character Liam James. On family vacation together, James feeling completely alone and left out by his mother, decides to spend most of his time at a near by water park.He makes an incredible friend who shows him how much more there is too life than bad parenting. Buy this movie, it will leave you feeling good and most of all it's less than 10$ for the blu ray. awesome deal.

I really enjoyed this film. It is quirky fun with a well written script and well acted to boot. Although a comedy, the plot dealt with some difficult subject matter as broken families and the challenge of new relationships. The main character is a boy forced to accompany his mother on a summer vacation with her boy friend and his daughter. Many humorous scenes and some edgy surprises ensue with no foul language whatsoever. This is a highly recommended film.