“The Way Way Back” is an instant favorite of mine. It’s a perfect feel good movie. While the ending isn’t the happy fairytale ending that everyone might be looking for, it does not need to be — nor should it. It ends in the middle of real life with a sense of optimism, as a young wallflower has begun to leave his shell.

The rest of the movie is just as spectacular. The whole story drew me in right away, not because I have a jerk for a step-dad, because I don’t, but because I see a lot of what I used to be in the lead character, Duncan. Not only did his story strike me, but I believe it is a quite universal theme. Everyone has a little bit of wallflower in them, though some much more than others.

The story of a wallflower is not what makes this movie unique — it’s the way the story is told. It’s told with the struggle of a young boy adjusting to a separated family, and a new one as well. The problems and negative emotions associated with the different family are juxtaposed with what should be the most fun time of the year for kids — summer break. Through the experiences of fighting with his step-dad to be and finding plenty of people who care for his well-being, almost by accident, Duncan grows from a delicate wallflower into a new stage of his life.

Aside from the story, the acting was also excellent. Liam James supplies himself as Duncan, an introverted and confused fourteen-year-old boy. He sets the stage to become a young star in the near future. Duncan’s mom is played by Toni Collette, and she does a wonderful job of a desperate mother. Her new boyfriend, and Duncan’s enemy, Trent, is provided by the talents of Steve Carell. For once, Carell is not the funny-man, giving plenty of intrigue to the film.

The supporting cast makes this a feel-good movie. Sam Rockwell, Maya Rudolph, AnnaSophia Robb, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash all provide unique characters that prove influential to Duncan’s growth. Jim Rash and Nat Faxon also co-wrote and co-directed the film. Amanda Peet and Allison Janney then provide more of the problems caused by a split family alongside Steve Carell.

The film gives the audience a sense of hope, optimism and growth, especially for kids like Duncan.

The Way Way Back is a definite must-see.

5/5