The Way Way Back

A very enjoyable, sincere, touching and entertaining film that everyone should see. One slap of me for not seeing it until today. Sam Rockwell was tailor made for the role and was absolutely divine. Of the female cast, except for the cute neighbor, they were all cows. The introverted main character played it brilliantly as well. Definitely one of the best coming of age affairs to watch. 80% (03/01/2017)

I would never think that this film would offer one of the most enjoyable characters I’ve ever seen. Sam Rockwell played such a relaxed character that he was really close to the reviewer known as Enšpígl. Plus the setting of a water park, chillout, which beautifully lifted the mood of a boy whose self-confidence at the beginning of the film was at the freezing point, only to show in the final scene that after some time spent with Sam he is actually very nice and cool. A pleasant movie with a relaxed mood. It’s a pity that the sun did not come out of the rain clouds while I was watching the film. I would’ve enjoyed it even more. (09/14/2014)

Huge surprise. A movie I first heard about a couple of hours before putting it on. In other words, totally unexpected. The Way Way Back feels very realistic, with very well written and heartfelt characters. Introvert viewers will easily relate to Duncan (tested). And another great role for Sam Rockwell as a bonus. (10/22/2013)

I really dig films like this. Not only do they take place in a setting where I could go and spend the rest of my life, but they usually have completely believable and likeable characters with whom you can easily identify. Here, the reins are firmly in the hands of the really cool Sam Rockwell, who shows how to excel in a supporting role, but sympathies are also gradually won over by the stodgy Liam James and, of course, the flamboyant Anna Sophia Robb, who looks even better than in Soul Surfer. Moreover, all the family hardships that the main characters go through sound quite believable and, in combination with the summer sun and the chattering Rockwell, it creates a very hilarious whole. For me a very welcome surprise, especially in this winter months. 75% (12/30/2013)

A charming coming-of-age piece in which all the characters and situations are so believable and (un)likeable that together they form a truly beautiful palette of summer romance, which is also conveniently enriched by the rather strong motif of stepping out of your own shadow. Sam Rockwell is absolutely terrific here, and his performance as the seemingly flippant yet tremendously empathetic and kindly water park ranger is one of the most likable performances ever. (09/08/2020)