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The Way Way Back (2013)

PG-13  |   |  Comedy, Drama  |  26 July 2013 (USA)
7.4
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Ratings: 7.4/10 from 106,815 users   Metascore: 68/100
Reviews: 206 user | 273 critic | 41 from Metacritic.com

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.

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Cast

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Pam
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Kip
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Steph
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Roddy
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Lewis
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Jeremy Weaver ...
Jason
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Storyline

Duncan (Liam James) is not a popular kid and it doesn't look like the summer is going to offer anything better for him. His mother's boyfriend has invited them to his beach house where Duncan is expected to improve his personality and physical appearance, and meet girls. But his would-be step-sister doesn't want anything to do with him and his shy demeanor makes it difficult for him to meet anybody new. When Duncan wanders into the Water Wizz, the local water park, he meets adult employees who are just having fun. Owen (Sam Rockwell) lets Duncan work with him and their new-found bond will help each other mature and find their place in life. Which for Duncan means standing up to his would-be step-father, having a conversation with the girl next door and being more comfortable with who he is. Written by napierslogs

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

We've All Been There.

Genres:

Comedy | Drama

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, language, some sexual content and brief drug material | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

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Details

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Release Date:

26 July 2013 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

The Way Back  »

Filming Locations:

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Box Office

Budget:

$4,600,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$552,788 (USA) (5 July 2013)

Gross:

$21,501,098 (USA) (15 November 2013)
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Company Credits

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Technical Specs

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Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

In the first scene Robert Capron is in on top of the water slide, Zachary Gordon, another actor from "Diary Of A Wimpy Kid", can be seen standing in line on the far right side. See more »

Goofs

Microphone visible inside Owen's shirt when he and Duncan are on top of slide. See more »

Quotes

Susanna: So. You're a big fan of REO Speedwagon?
Duncan: What?
Susanna: Can't Fight This Feeling?
Duncan: Oh, no. My mom must have put that on there.
Susanna: Oh. And you just got to it and thought "what the hell?" I'm going to sing the shit out of it anyway.
See more »

Connections

Featured in 19th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards (2014) See more »

Soundtracks

Alone
Written by Dave Simonett, Erik Berry, Dave Carroll, Tim Saxhaug and Ryan Young
Performed by 'Trampled By Turtles'
Courtesy of Banjodad Records
By Arrangement with Terrorbird Media
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User Reviews

 
Earnest, Relateable and Endearing - We've All Been Here Before
5 November 2013 | by (Bradenton, FL) – See all my reviews

A sweet, funny, earnest coming-of-age dramedy that plays out like a period piece, even though it's set in the present day. Tempering a plucky spirit and subtle, pointed sense of humor with an introverted lead character and a familiar, bittersweet atmosphere, it's a spiritual successor to the John Hughes golden age of the mid-80s. Liam James is beautifully awkward as the quiet, brooding young teenager at the story's epicenter, aided by a thoroughly deep, entertaining supporting cast. No matter how minor, every character enjoys a purpose and a motivation, enriching the scenery and tickling the viewer's curiosity with a tangle of warm, colorful subplots. Steve Carell will get plenty of attention in his unexpected turn as the boy's self-centered douchebag stand-in father, but Sam Rockwell's deeper-than-he-seems burnout splash park manager is the real show stealer. A strong, heartfelt and meaningful return visit to adolescence for anyone who's ever felt out-of-place in their own skin.


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