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Way back

Way back

USA 2013 - with Liam James, Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Sam Rockwell, AnnaSophia Robb, Maya Rudolph ...

The Frankfurt-Tipp rating:

Movie info

Original title:The way way back
Genre:Comedy
Direction:Nat Faxon & Jim Rash
Cinema release:05.12.2013
Production country:USA 2013
Running time:Approx. 104 min.
Rated:Age 0+
Web page:www.GanzWeitHinten-derFilm.de

Getting to spend the summer holidays by the sea is a real dream come true for most teenagers. Not so for 14-year-old Duncan (Liam James), who can really think of something nicer than being constantly provoked by Trent (Steve Carell), his mother Pam's (Toni Collette) new boyfriend, or ignored by his daughter Steph (Zoe Levin). The fact that he then seems to lose all ability to utter coherent sentences with the pretty neighbor's daughter Susanna (AnnaSophia Robb) doesn't make the situation any more pleasant. It's only when Duncan meets the easy-going manager Owen (Sam Rockwell) at the Water Wizz amusement park and starts secretly working there that the disastrous summer does take a turn for the better - at least for a far too brief moment.

Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, who won an Oscar for their screenplay for the film The Descendants, have directed their directorial debut, Far Far Back, an enchanting coming-of-age story with plenty of heart and humor to keep the sun shining for a few moments even in the darkest season. In doing so, Faxon and Rash not only reveal a very sensitive and precise gift of observation when it comes to the typical worries and hardships of a teenager. They also manage to create characters that are incredibly enjoyable to spend time with as an audience member.

This is especially evident in the scenes set in Water Wizz. Sure, you could accuse the film here of being a little overdone with the lovable employees, and especially the seemingly carefree Owen, who is never at a loss for a cool line. But even if that's the case, it doesn't change the fact that these characters are drawn in such an engagingly charming way and filled with life by the actors in such a way that it's simply a great pleasure to watch the hustle and bustle in the amusement park. It is so completely understandable why Duncan feels so at home here, why he really blossoms here and why he believes he has found the family here that his mother with Trent and Steph cannot offer him.

All the way in the back has a lot of wordplay to offer, which fortunately remains largely intact in the German dubbed version. Especially the sayings that Owen blurts out virtually every second, were very well translated into German. The fact that the film works so well is not only because it is very funny. Rather, it is the coherent mixture of humor, quieter moments and true-to-life drama, through which the positive overall impression is achieved. This engaging mixture is carried by an absolutely convincing cast, where of course Sam Rockwell stands out first of all. But on second thought, the truly unsympathetic performance Steve Carell delivers here is also really quite great, as he more than convincingly plays against the type of role he is usually cast for. That 18 year old Liam James (2012, The Killing) manages to hold his own against his more experienced and really strong co-stars in such a way with a very authentic performance must also be commended.

All the way back may not really tell a new story. And there may be many set pieces that seem more than familiar. But when old familiar things are presented in such a humorous, endearing and heartwarming way and the viewer gets a permanent smile on his face that lasts long after the end of the movie, you really can't complain about a certain recognition value. If you are looking for the perfect feel-good movie this winter, if you like humorous coming-of-age stories and if you appreciate American independent cinema in the style of Juno, you shouldn't miss this beautiful work. Because in terms of quality, Very Far Back is very far ahead. Absolutely worth seeing!

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp

Media:

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Cinema trailer for the movie "Way back (USA 2013)"
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