**** The Way, Way Back (July 2013) – Theatre

Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Liam James. Awkward, introverted 14-year-old Duncan suffers through a summer vacation at a cottage with his mom, her unlikable boyfriend Trent, and Trent’s self-absorbed daughter Steph, until he finds refuge with the employees of a water park, particularly the manager.

She says: I’m sure there are critiques to be made of this movie, but I don’t care, because it’s just such a satisfying journey. The movie isn’t but feels set in the past—Trent drives a vintage station wagon (does anyone really do that?), no one uses a cell phone, and the water park where much of the action takes place is noted for having had no upgrades since the 1970s. Perhaps that’s an homage to the many teen “coming of age during the summer” movies of the past. This one takes a proud place among them. It’s engaging, has a strong cast, and leaves you smiling.

He says: I don’t know if I should say. You get annoyed, sometimes, when I don’t like shows that you do.

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Well, they didn’t have to make Trent so unlikable. Duncan would have hated him, regardless.

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Yes, sometimes I’m kind of picky.

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But bottom line? I liked that movie. I really did.