Writer: Nat Faxon, Jim Rash
Starring: Liam James, Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Sam Rockwell
Tomatometer: 85/91/92 (all critics, top critics, audience)
Spoiler-free Summary: Duncan’s mom is dating an a-hole named (what else?) Trent. Imprisoned at Trent’s beach house for the summer, Duncan attempts to make the most of his predicament by taking a job at a local water park.
Two Cents: Malone and Stockton. Simon and Garfunkel. Abbott and Costello. Dean and Jerry.
It has been said that, behind every great man, there is a great woman. No disrespect to the superior gender, but I have to disagree, somewhat. Often, the individual behind one great man is an equally great second man.
Throughout the history of American entertainment, good men have been teaming up to create legendary duos. The duos mentioned above prove this in spades. For some reason, however, this phenomenon has been largely absent from American film direction. Sure, there are a few well-known pairs who have made ripples here and there, but the only truly famous examples that come to mind are three pairs of brothers – the Wachowskis, the Farrellys, and the gold standard, the Coens. (The Duplass brothers are doing some terrific work, as well, but no one really knows them by name.)
Why aren’t there any big-name directing duos in Hollywood who don’t share one surname? Allow me to venture a guess. Hollywood is an industry driven by two things, above all others – money and ego. (And, the money is really only a barometer for egos to measure themselves against other egos.) Naturally, humans have a hard time sharing success. We aren’t programmed to admit how much other people’s efforts and intelligence have influenced our achievements. We’re always trying to differentiate our work from that of others, while still taking some credit for their work, too. With an artform such as film direction, however, differentiating one person’s work from that of another, is extremely difficult. (We don’t know which Farrelly decided which sound was the most annoying in the world, and we can’t begin to guess which Wachowski decided to put Neo in a leather trenchcoat. You could ask them, but could you count on their honesty?)
In an industry where ego is king, each director wants to prove he can do great work on his own. The quest for individual achievement tears countless successful partnership apart. When is it easier to enjoy the success of a partner nearly as much as your own? When is it more difficult to leave a partner in the dust, in hopes of hanging up your own shingle? When that partner is your brother.
Perhaps, I’m correct. Perhaps, I’m way off. Either way, I believe the value of a great duo is often far greater than the sum of its parts. For that reason, I pray that Nat Faxon and Jim Rash will continue to create introspective, heartfelt, and hilarious movies TOGETHER. When they accepted their joint Oscar (from Angelina’s right leg) for co-writing The Descendants with director Alexander Payne, I couldn’t believe that Rolf (second from left) and Dean Pelton were responsible for one of the best-written screenplays in years. I couldn’t help but wonder whether they had another masterpiece left in them. After all, The Descendants was quite different from the work each had done in the past. Alas, my dreams have come true!
As co-writers, co-directors, and co-producers, Faxon and Rash have soared to even greater heights with The Way, Way Back. They wrote an outstanding script with realistic and punch-in-the-gut poignant dialogue, assembled a stellar cast of understated stars possessing immense talent, and directed the crap out of it all.
Steve Carell is fantastic as douchebag Trent, and his condescending tone is one of the highlights of the movie. You’ll wonder how you ever liked Steve Carell, in the first place. And, that’s exactly what he was going for. Toni Collette plays an incredibly real divorced woman caught between her child’s happiness and her own. Sam Rockwell shines as the damaged, yet optimistic, antihero to a young boy in need of one. The supporting cast, which includes Allison Janney, Rob Corddry, Amand Peet, AnnaSophia Robb, River Alexander, Maya Rudolph, Faxon, Rash, and others, is top-notch. Although many of the roles are small, each plays a significant part and is played with tremendous skill, yet another tribute to the co-directors’ talent.
Liam James is so good, I’m shocked he doesn’t have any new projects lined up (according to IMDB). His timidness and awkwardness are so authentic, you’ll be mad at yourself for laughing at his expense and not rushing to his aid. I expect he’ll be popping up quite a bit over the next few years. Think of him as Topher Grace mixed with Emile Hirsch, but only 17 years old.
If former Groundlings Faxon and Rash manage to stay together for the long haul, we are all in for a treat. The ability to create microcosmic stories with powerful lessons and a healthy dose of humor is extremely rare, but this duo proves that such stories can, at once, be inspiring and entertaining. At this moment, I’d be hard-pressed to think of a writing or directing team I love more. Let’s raise a glass. Here’s to many more happy years together!
Should I/Shouldn’t I: No matter what you’re doing today, tomorrow, or the next day, or this weekend, I promise none of it is more important than rushing to a theater for the next showing of The Way, Way Back. Faxon and Rash are superstars-in-the-making, and a front row seat will cost you less than popcorn and a soda. If you’ve recently proclaimed that there are never any great movies, you’re about to eat your hat.
Sundae Rating: Two scoops with whipped cream and hot fudge
Sunday Morning Screenings 