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 - 11/6/22

3 Up 1. NYC Marathon Winners - I am ALWAYS in awe of marathon runners, especially, marathon winners. Congratulations to Evans Chebet and Sharon Lokedi on winning the Men's and Women's races. 2. Taylor Swift - Only Taylor Swift can reach the heights of breaking records from the likes of The Beatles. And well, she's done just that. Also, she's taken over the entire Top 10 by becoming the first artist - ever! - to do just that. Amazing. 3. World Series No-Hitter (and Championship) - It pains me to give the Houston Astros some love in this space, but it is deserved. Especially, for that combined no-hitter in Game 4 of the World Series. Kudos. 3 Down 1. Antisemitic Rhetoric - There is so much that can be said here. I'll just repeat a sentence from an Asian student in our office as others discussed Kyrie Irving, Kanye West, and all of the antisemitic rhetoric currently out there - why would you say any of this? 2. Takeoff Killed - Such a tragic occurrence. We just do

62 is Amazing...So was the Mental Competitiveness

It's very easy to fall into the low-hanging fruit that surrounds what Aaron Judge pulled off in hitting 62 - SIXTY-TWO!! - home runs. What's the real home run record? What is your opinion? Who's the real home run king? You know, all of the hot-takes and forced debates that always seem flood to the surface and strangle the moments, accomplishments, and specialness in sports. The conversation is valid, and it is definitely the fault of no one else besides Major League Baseball that we are currently in this position of deciphering records from *records. We've done the steroids discussion in every shape, form, arena, and angle thus far - nothing is going to change. We all have had time to plant our flag and get comfortable with steroids, the steroid era, and its place in the game of baseball's history. Even the "American League Record" moniker, while fact, still had the feeling of reaching for legitimacy to combat the steroid gorilla in the 62 in '22 roo

WWE Extreme Rules 2022 Review: "Keep Doing That Thing...Whatever it is. It's Working"

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think as a young, teenage wrestling fanatic that the WWE would be better off without Vince McMahon. But in the year 2022, this very much rings true. Ever since the Chairman of the Board swayed his arms in that classic McMahon strut right out of the WWE, leaving Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, and Nick Kahn with the brass ring (how about that ode to Vince?), the product of the WWE has actually pulled me back in. Heck, I watched RAW live, for an hour. Not the whole three hours, because, really, I still have no idea how some fans do that. Even if the show is good. Nonetheless, much like all things that get a fresh coat of paint in pro wrestling, it becomes a hot commodity. Sustaining it is the challenge (see AEW for proof). We'll see how long this lasts, but for now, the WWE is once again entertaining, and that doesn't bode well for the rest of the wrestling industry. I tuned into Extreme Rules, WWE's long-time nod to ECW with a night fu

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 10/17/22

3 Up 1. Four Astronauts Return Home - I can't imagine being in space for six months. I've had my experiences of living out of a suitcase on earth for as long as two weeks on the road, and that's difficult. Space? For 6 months. Kudos to all four astronauts. And of course, I'm glad that they're home safe. 2. Bruce Sutter - The Hall of Fame unfortunately passed away this week. And while I never saw Sutter pitch, I too threw a split-fingered fastball when I didn't have much else in my development as a pitcher in college. I've got much respect for the inventor of the pitch. RIP. 3. Floating City - Give this article a read. A floating city? The whole entire idea sounds crazy, but at the same time, super cool. Rising sea levels has everyone thinking differently, and this is certainly that. 3 Down 1. Sandy Hook Families - The families were awarded a huge settlement this week in a case against Alex Jones. While that should be an "Up", I couldn't he

Dome Pondering

Search This Blog