Entertainment : In Depth: 'The Way, Way Back'

Starting Friday, the Palace Theatre offers up “The Way, Way Back”. This film is rated PG-13 for language and innuendo, and runs 1:43. Showtimes are 7 pm each night Friday through Thursday, and of course, the 2pm matinee on Monday.

According to the Palace website, “The Way, Way Back” is the funny and poignant coming-of-age story of 14-year-old Duncan's (Liam James) summer vacation with his mother, Pam (Toni Collette), her overbearing boyfriend, Trent (Steve Carell), and his daughter Steph (Zoe Levin). Having a rough time fitting in, the introverted Duncan finds an unexpected friend in gregarious Owen (Sam Rockwell), manager of the Water Wizz water park. Through his funny, clandestine friendship with Owen, Duncan slowly opens up and begins to finally find his place in the world- all during a summer he will never forget.”

This movie was a Sundance Film Festival Selection, and comes from the same studio as “Juno” and “Little Miss Sunshine.” Co-directors Nat Faxon and Jim Rash are stand up comedy veterans, and Improv alumni, so there are some pretty funny ad lib lines thrown into the script.

Here’s the bottom line: Steve Carell has evolved into a very well-rounded actor. Allison Janney plays the alchoholic neighbor, and, I have to admit, does a pretty good job with that character. Even though I’ve never liked her in any movie she’s ever been in, I wouldn’t let her keep me away from this one. Sam Rockwell (Owen) is the real star of this movie as the ne’er-do-well water park owner who teaches Duncan some very valuable, and humorous, life lessons.

“The Way, Way Back” won’t win any Oscars, but here’s what it will do. It will make anyone who’s past their teen years wish they were 14 again, and it will make anyone who’s not a teenager yet wish they were.