Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: The Way Way Back (2013)

What's it about?

A shy fourteen year old, Duncan, goes on summer vacation with his mother, her over-bearing and insensitive boyfriend, and her boyfriend's daughter. Duncan breaks through and finds happiness during the trip by working at a water park and through a new friend in Owen. 

Who is in it?

Liam James - Duncan

Steve Carrell - Trent

Toni Collette - Pam

Sam Rockwell - Owen


Favorite Scene: 

On his first day on the job at Water Wizz, Owen makes Duncan break up a crowd of dancers knowing they will either force him to dance too, or help his confidence in breaking it up. Duncan ends up dancing, becoming liked, and also eventually breaking up the crowd. 

Favorite Quote: 

"Don't die wondering, man."

Review: 

I am a huge sucker for movies regarding summer childhood experiences. The Way Way Back is just another one of these films that can be added to this list as well. The film is one that any one can relate to when it came to their adolescence, fitting in, being happy, coming into their own, and of course, having that first kiss. Also, how can you not add in the other element of the over-bearing and no-good mother's boyfriend for those who could relate. 

Like most indie films, this film is filled with awesome dialogue that creates distinct characters, evokes emotion, and by the time the end credits are ready to roll, leads to you to root for Duncan in his summer of breaking out of his shell. 

The Way Way Back is filled with noticable talent such as Steve Carrell, who shockingly (and oddly) plays an antagonist, cold character in this film, Toni Collette who is always solid, Maya Rudolph, and Sam Rockwell, as Owen, who was remarkably funny. 

The Way Way Back is definitely a recommendation for an easy watch and a slightly nostalogic watch of those summers we'll never forget. 

Grade: 3/5

Recently Read Posts

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 5/21/23

3 Up 1. Jim Brown's Legacy - It almost felt like it went without notice (maybe, just for me?), but the great Jim Brown left us this week. A fantastic athlete, with a more prominent voice and presence, Brown reshaped and redefined the standard for using your platform, and of course, expanding your influence.  2. Indoor Farms - As our natural resources became scarce, in some ways, alarmingly damaged (that's another discussion for another day), we've seen some amazing alternatives come about. The presence of indoor farms has been such, especially this precise farm in Compton that has produced 4.5 million pounds of leaves. Most importantly, is a resource within the community that was not available before.  3. $11B Rural Clean Energy Project - I'm sure they'll be some political retort to this, because well, there always is. But bringing clean energy to many rural areas of the United States is very much part of the issue in advancing our clean energy. On the surface, it

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 5/28/23

3 Up 1. Memorial Day Weekend - There are a lot of people who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy. It's more than a three-day weekend, or the unofficial start to summer - take some time and appreciate the many lives given to be where we are.  2. Tina Turner - An absolute favorite of mine, Turner leaves us with nothing but awesome songs, memories, and a vibe and energy that was unmatched.  3. Debt Limit Deal - Well, one week later and I think I understand the entire debt limit stuff. Nonetheless, we're giving it an "Up" as it's settled. Crisis averted? Go America.  3 Down 1. Target Rescinds Pride - Our society has become ridiculous. After conservatives railed liberals for "cancel culture", the right has doubled down with threats at Target regarding their Pride Month displays. All of this follows a Bud Light ban. We've officially become a country where we all cancel what we don't like. So much for discourse.  2. Catholic Church in Illinois -

End of the 22-23 Knicks Season

Josh Hart was wide open at the top of the key.  Julius Randle just didn't feel like the target of that pass.  Jalen Brunson turning the ball over felt like an apropos.  Regardless, the end of the 2022-2023 New York Knicks Season is here and it hurts. It definitely hurts. Yet, for the first time in SOOOOOOOOO LONGGGGGG, I have what's called, hope. Hope!  As the youngest team in the NBA Finals, and one that fell just two games short of the Eastern Conference Finals, this team - heck, this organization! - is very much on the right path.  This year was fun, and at the same time rewarding. Next year will surely come with some expectations, many of which have already started, including the latest need for a superstar. We all know how that goes. There is already a lot of dumb mock trades and ridiculous narratives that are driving me nuts.  Regardless, it was a good year. We very much need to say that more.  Here are five really salient thoughts as we head toward the off-season.  Jalen

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 11/15/20

  3 Up 1. Coronavirus Vaccine? - It's here...sort of. Regardless of the semantics, the announcement of a vaccine produced by Phizer that is 90% effective - Flu Shots are 40-60% effective!! - has some serious promise. As the virus hits a second wave here in the Fall, the news coming from big Pharma is starting to make this pandemic feel like it's in the 4th quarter. Regardless, don't be stupid - wear your mask.  2. Michelle Ng - THE first female General Manager in baseball! I just love it. Let's forget that Ng has tons of experience and success throughout her career and has only been given this opportunity at 52 when farrrrrrrrrr more white males with less have been given GM opportunities as early as in their late twenties. No, no, I won't remind you of the inequalities that are at play here. I'm just happy Ng is given her opportunity, and that baseball is progressing forward - something it always struggles with.  3. Chris Nikic - You want an inspiring story? Ho