Sometimes a familiar story well told is more than enough, and that seems to be the case with Fox Searchlight‘s “The Way, Way Back.” Premiering at Sundance in January where it was quickly snapped up in a big deal, our man on the ground called it “a crowd pleaser…that entertains and still has a personal stamp.” And judging by the first trailer, it seems that’s about spot on.
Oscar-winning “The Descendants” writers Nat Faxon and Jim Rash make their directorial debut here in an “Adventureland“-esque story of a young, awkward teen (Liam James) who finds a community to thrive in at a local water park one summer. Leading the way is Sam Rockwell (who always rules), taking him under his wing, while on the home front, he’s trying to come to terms with this mom’s (Toni Collette) new boyfriend, an asshole played by Steve Carell (in an interesting change of pace). And all of this while young love blooms with a new girl (AnnaSophia Robb).
Is it reinventing the wheel? Nope. Does it look charming and winning? Yep. “The Way, Way Back” arrives on July 5th. Watch below.