The Way, Way Back is a sensitive, yet humorous, glimpse into the painful world of adolescence, following thirteen-year old Duncan (Liam James) as he spends a very awkward summer with his mother (Toni Collette) and her new boyfriend (Steve Carell) at Cape Cod, Massachusetts.  Carell and his teenage daughter (Zoe Levin) want nothing to do with Liam, and his mother is distracted by Carell, so Duncan is on his own.  He eventually finds his place in the sun at a water park run by a talkative beach bum (Sam Rockwell).

This is not highly original material; it reminded me a lot of Adventureland (2009, with Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart), and it seems to remind others of Meatballs, the 1979 Bill Murray comedy.  But Nat Faxon and Jim Rash have fashioned an intriguing blend of drama tinged with tragicomedy and funny stuff underscored by a powerful sense of sadness and poignancy revolving around modern relationships.  They have absolutely nailed the feelings of self-doubt, neglect and even persecution suffered by Duncan (and other youngsters in the script), yet also present is Duncan’s determinism to make his way through the terrible summer.

I like this movie and its observances (and innate critique) on now-familiar families filled with dysfunction.  But I loved one character in particular: Owen, the water park owner played with fevered wit by Sam Rockwell.  The guy doesn’t make much of a first impression, but Rockwell allows the character’s natural compassion to shine through at every opportunity.  Owen instantly accepts Duncan (and other kids), takes him under his wing, advises him with wisdom and is even willing to protect him when necessary.  The movie is good; Rockwell is great.  He’s been an unsung actor for a long time now, and this is one of his finest hours.

I left the theatre not thinking about Duncan, but about Owen, wishing I knew a guy like that.  That’s the mark of a standout performance, as well as the writing behind it. The Way, Way Back (a title which indicates Duncan’s place in Carell’s station wagon) is a nice movie, well worth attention, that happens to feature a great supporting performance.  Go see it for Sam Rockwell.  ☆ ☆ ☆.  13 August 2013.