Written for Examiner
“The Way, Way Back” is a comedy-drama gem written and directed by the Oscar-winning teamJim Rash and Nat Faxon (“The Descendants”). It’s a coming of age story about 14-year-old Duncan (Liam James) who has to endure a summer vacation with his mother Pam (Toni Collette), her overbearing and tactless boyfriend Trent (Steve Carell), and Trent’s daughter Steph (Zoe Levin).
The introverted Duncan feels awkward everywhere. He’s full of teen angst, boredom and anger. Things change forever when he meets Owen (Sam Rockwell), a playful manager at the Water Wizz water park who becomes his mentor. Through Owen, Duncan learns to relax, open up and fit in. Sound Corny? Well, it’s not. The film, which was first shown at 2013 Sundance Film Festival, is deeply moving, cleverly funny, and boasts a fabulous cast including Allison Janney,Amanda Peet, Maya Rudolph and newcomer AnnaSophia Robb.
If you enjoyed Toni Collette’s previous film, the quirky family drama, “Little Miss Sunshine,” you will surely love this.
Last week, Examiner Dorri Olds had the chance to interview writer and director Jim Rash.
Dorri Olds: How did you choose the cast?
Jim Rash: [Deadpan] A lot of these actors were our third and fourth choices, some were forced on us just because the studio had worked with them before. [Laughs] No, it was a dream cast. Allison [Janney] especially.
Did you write the character Betty for Allison?
Yes, we wrote with Allison in mind. Not because that’s how she is in real life but because we knew it was something she could do. We were thinking about people who were talented and that we liked.
What made you cast Steve Carell as Trent?
We wanted an actor who could go against type. Naturally, Steve came to mind. There’s an ability he has that elevated the Trent character. Steve didn’t demonize him but rather made him this true, real, tragic male character. Sam [Rockwell] came to mind because he just understands what Bill Murray was to us. Sam said one thing on the phone, before we even said anything, and we knew right away we were all on the same page. All these people understand and appreciate ensemble films. That is certainly what we wanted. This movie is the sum of its parts. It takes a certain kind of person to understand everything. We certainly were lucky to get all of these people to come on this ride with us.
Click here for part II of this interview
“The Way, Way Back” opens on Friday, July 5, 2013. Comedy drama. Rated PG. 103 minutes.
