The Way, Way Back

Duncan is a shy, quiet, awkward 14-year-old boy who has yet to find his niche. When his mother Pam forces him to go on a family vacation with her controlling boyfriend Trent (Steve Carell), Duncan finds himself stuck. He has a hard time fitting in with the kids in the small Cape Cod town they travel to. In addition, Duncan is constantly harassed by Trent. He emotionally abuses him on a daily basis and his mother does nothing to stop him. Finally, on another lonely morning, Duncan discovers a bike and decides to go on a long ride. He eventually finds a water park and slyly enters through the staff gate. He runs into a familiar face, Owen, who invites him in and offers him a job at the Water Wizz water park. Owen treats Duncan like a son throughout the film.  Eventually Duncan becomes comfortable in his skin with the help of the Water Wizz staff. With his new found confidence, Duncan finally attacks the problems in his life. He confronts Trent's obnoxious menacing behavior despite the potential consequences. Duncan is reborn.  

The most surprising and intriguing aspect of this film is Steve Carell's performance. We know Carell from The Office, Anchorman, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Get Smart, Dinner for Schmucks, and many other productions. Carell is a master of comedy. He has perfected every comedic technique throughout his many career opportunities. In each film or show he has successfully brought viewers to tears of laughter without hesitation. Although Carell is known for his brilliance in comedy, his performance in The Way, Way Back is far from funny. He plays a controlling, intimidating, impolite, malevolent character who attempts to tear a family apart. This performance proves how incredibly diverse Carell's acting abilities are. I would recommend The Way, Way Back to anyone who enjoys Steve Carrell. Although this film is far from a traditional comedy, any fan would genuinely appreciate Carell's performance. An actor's talent is defined by how diverse he or she can be throughout a myriad of performances. Steve Carell is an example of a truly talented actor.