For the follow-up to their masterful 2011 drama “The Descendants,” Oscar-winning co-writers Nat Faxon and Jim Rash also assume the roles of co-directors in this beach and vacation coming-of-age comedy that rivals “American Graffiti” in scope, intelligence, knowing humor and emotional depth. Teetering between Disney channel hokum and precious art-house twee during its opening scenes, “The Way, Way Back” quickly regains its footing and strides confidently towards a riveting and richly-rewarding conclusion.
Surrounded by a truly dream supporting cast, relative unknown Liam James stars as Duncan, a 14-year-old boy we meet at the peak of his awkward puberty phase. Pale, withdrawn, borderline anti-social with a major case of fumble mouth, Duncan is still reeling from his parent’s divorce and is none too happy with his passive-aggressive mother Pam’s (Toni Collette) lout of a boyfriend Trent (Steve Carell). It also doesn’t help that Duncan is forced to spend time with Trent’s daughter Steph (Zoe Levin) who is almost as rude and unlikeable as her father.
