This was seriously delightful, and the entire cast was great. A very enjoyable summer treat - and it should play very, very well. It's a total crowdpleaser. A-

A sentimental and wonderfully subtle little addition to the coming-of-age movie list. Nat Faxon/Jim Rash convey some of the same tone their last screenplay The Descendants had. The cast is terrific all around, from Liam James' painfully shy lead to Steve Carell (expertly playing a jerk), Toni Collette (terrific as usual), scene-stealing turns from Allison Janney, AnnaSophia Robb and Maya Rudolph and finally, in the film's best performance, Sam Rockwell. Rockwell should be up for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar at the end of the year. This movie doesn't reinvent the wheel, certainly, but it's moving and genuinely felt. B+

THE WAY WAY BACK

I enjoyed this film. It's a nice summer young teen issues type film. The lead teen does a great job and the adults do as well. Rockwell is absolutely fantastic and has great personality to his role. I liked that nerdy co-worker of his at the waterpark. He has a couple funny lines. Collette was good but there was a moment of her crying and she needs to stop crying in films because all I think about is her crying in the Sixth Sense. It's over the top now. I don't think this film is too memorable though. It didn't stick with me but it was good for a once viewing.

Grade - B

I enjoyed it a lot, but I do not have too much to say, either. It is just a very nicely crafted, very traditional coming-of-age film. Most of the humor connects, and the drama is tender and also involving without resorting to many, or any, outsize revelations or twists. Sam Rockwell delivers a fantastic performance. His character could ring so false (Manic Indie Replacement Father Figure), but the level of energy and heart he brings to the table is so convincing and magnetic. I was a bit surprised at the simplicity of Steve Carell's role. He will win praise for playing against type well, but his character begins an asshole and stays an asshole (he cheats, he bullies, he condescends) without much investigation or nuance.

Oh, and AnnaSophia Robb is gorgeous here. Damn. And she gives a fine performance, too. Again, this is a character who could be too contrived (the sexy, but also literate and aching neighborhood girl who has time to charm and coax the incredibly shy protagonist out of his shell), but the quality of the acting compensates.

B+

Probably the first movie ever where I actually liked Sam Rockwell. I had no idea what it was about going into the movie, but I was quite impressed by this "little" movie.

B+

I have never understood Rockwell hatred. He is awesome.

No, I definitely never hated him, but it seems most of his roles are fairly unlikable characters. Definitely enjoy his work as an actor though.

This

He should get an Oscar nom for this. Perfect performance.

Really funny, sweet film. I personally would have made one tweak to the ending that would have made it better but otherwise I didn't have a problem with it.

Sam Rockwell was terrific in it. Honestly would like to see him get an Oscar nod. Allison Janney was hilarious. Really enjoyed Liam James in the lead too. This is just such a wonderful film. I loved it.

A-

What would you have tweaked?

My mom and I both wanted Pam to tell Trent that her and Duncan were going to stay the rest of the summer. Obviously not at Trent's. I thought she would do that for her son as she saw how happy the place made him.

Saw this a second time yesterday and enjoyed it even more.

Had super low expectations but I walked out loving it. One of the most enjoyable movies I've seen all summer. Funny and heartfelt.

Ha. She really is. I'm gay and even I thought she was quite hot in this.

Yea this is good. On one hand it’s a fun, well paced summer indie, but also has some meat under it. Colette character’s struggle to share/feel love is related to her son’s development so far & didn’t hold back punches showing Carell and Janney as emotionally abusive. I would've found the ASR storyline more interesting if she was affected by her background too instead of healthy and well-balanced, but nonetheless, at least she was cute.

Very charming and well-acted.

breezy

They keep Duncan awkwardly shy a bit too long I would say (maybe trim his complete awkwardness by about 5-7 minutes) but other than that, it is a very fun light film. Rockwell and Robb (who is very hot here) are the standouts. Like it has been said, it doesn't change the game but it is really enjoyable.