The Way, Way Back

****
UK Release Date: August 28th 2013

Shy 14-year-old Duncan goes on summer vacation with his mother, her overbearing boyfriend, and her boyfriend's daughter. Having a rough time fitting in, Duncan finds an unexpected friend in Owen, manager of the Water Wizz water park.

Directors: Nat Faxon, Jim Rash

Starring: Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Sam Rockwell, Maya Rudolph, Liam James

The Way, Way Back is a real heartfelt film about a young teenager who's confidence develops over time. Duncan (Liam James) has to find his own way in life. Either ignore the problems at hand, or do something about them.

Duncan's mum is a pushover, and never sticks up for him when her arsehole boyfriend (played by the ever convincing Steve Carell) is nasty to him. Bullying shouldn't even happen at school, let alone in your own family. At the very beginning Trent (Carell) asks Duncan to rate himself out of 10. When Duncan answers, Trent tells him he's a 3 and that he's 'not putting himself out there'. The poor kid's tenacity is dashed before the title credits!

Believe me when I say that this is very funny. Every character is so detailed, like they've been fashioned by someone in the outside world. I never thought that the comic genius Steve Carell could portray such a horrible person. Both him and Sam Rockwell, who plays a sort of mentor to Duncan, are outstanding, but that doesn't mean the other characters are appalling as everyone has a history and a story to tell. 

Everyone and anyone was an awkward teen at some point, so this film pretty much relates to all. Nat Faxon and Jim Rash have hit the spot with this one.