MYST POST #4: The Way Way Back
The Way Way Back came out this year in 2013. I had heard about it being in the theaters and from my uncle, who claimed to like it. However, I didn't think I would like it as much as I did. The movie is about a shy 14-year-old boy who spends his summer vacation with his mom and her boyfriend. The main character, Duncan (Liam James), deals with the typical teenage struggles of finding out himself. Throughout the summer, he tries his best to avoid his mom's obnoxious boyfriend, Trent (Steve Carrell). Duncan then comes across a local water park, where he proceeds to spend majority of his days. He has many unexpected experiences at the water park and slowly becomes someone he never knew possible. There is also a cute love interest with Duncan and the character Susanna (AnnaSophia Robb). I believe this movie should get 4.75 out of 5 stars. The messages and subtle, yet hysterical comedy in the movie make it very interesting to watch.
The movie isn't really shot any specific way. Each scene highlights the key moments of the characters and the plot. However, there are many times throughout the movie where the camera is behind Duncan. It is like the camera itself is trailing behind him. This camera angle was very effective in having the audience feel and see what Duncan feels and sees everyday. It allows for the audience to relate to Duncan, which is a crucial and important part of movie making. Also, another technique used in the movie is the element of sound. Duncan's character is awkward and quiet, therefore dialogue isn't really a big factor of the movie. The music and sound that is used allows for the audience to understand Duncan's emotions without him actually having to say anything. It also lays out the mood for each scene.
One specific scene that stuck out to me was when Duncan, his mom, and his mom's boyfriend were all sitting at a restaurant for dinner. Unfortunately, the mom's boyfriend has been cheating. Duncan has known about it for a while, but didn't say anything because he didn't want to get involved and wanted to avoid the situation altogether. Duncan's character tends to push problems aside instead of facing them head-on. However, in this scene, the truth comes out and Duncan confronts the boyfriend about the whole thing. There is a lot of intense actions during this scene. For example, Duncan's mom is hysterical and crying with horror about the boyfriend's cheating. Also, Duncan has so much rage for the boyfriend. It actually comes to a point where Duncan starts fighting the boyfriend, who is more than twice his age! This scene was important to me because I really understood all of the family struggles in his life. This was Duncan's climactic moment because it was when he showed his true colors and stood up for his beliefs and his mom. His confidence really escalated during this scene.
Overall, this movie was quite good. I think people of all ages and genders would enjoy watching this movie. I watched with my parents, who are a lot older than me, and they loved it too! My mom even cried at the cute and sentimental ending. I thought this movie was similar to The Perks of Being a Wallflower. In both movies, we see the main boy character transform from nerdy and awkward to confident and opinionated. Movies with major development of characters always turn out to be great. The director, Nat Faxon, has also directed the movie Bad Teacher. In this movie, there is also a change in the main character. However, this transformation consists of the teacher becoming a better person morally. If this post sparks any interest, go out and watch The Way Way Back! You won't be disappointed. Check out the movie trailer below...
Sounds like an interesting movie Katherine! You said this movie is similar to the movie Perks of Being a Wallflower and i loved the plot of that movie so i am sure if i saw this one id love it to. What interests me is when you said the main character has interest for a girl. I would love to see how that turns out and to see if the shy boy gets to show her his true self.
ReplyDeletethis sounds like a good movie, i really enjoyed reading your blog. I usualy like movies where the main characters tend to be younger like in any of the Cheaper By the Dozen's, Chasing Mavericks, Mudd, or Mighty Ducks. I feel i can connect better when the story is about kids who are close to our age and have dealt with similar problems we have. Nice Post really hoping you include a baseball player next time
ReplyDeleteGood job on the review katherine. I havent seen this movie, i havent even heard of it, but it sounds pretty interesting. I did my review on Perks of Being a Wallflower, and since you said this reminded you of it, i might check it out. I feel like i should expand the movies i watch into different genres, and this is a good start for me. Good job za
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post. you gave a thourough and in depth description of what the film is all anout. It sounds pretty good i have never seen it before. I'll definatley check this one out. I liked your description of the cinematic elements. You can tell you really payed attention to details of the scene and you gave a great analysis.
ReplyDeleteNice work. I've heard good things about this movie. Interesting connection to Perks. Nice job discussing the details and cinematic elements.
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