The Way Way Back

Films with Sam Rockwell are 80% better, fact. Every now and again a film comes along which infinitely lifted to a higher plane by the inclusion of Sam Rockwell, nothing has ever been more true than with this film, although Seven Psychopaths comes to mind too... Right so I have no real indication of what I should say about this film apart from, every second of Sam Rockwell is pure electricity. Well actually a person at work the other day say they saw it and declared they had no idea who a certain someone was and were impressed by the way he essentially stole every scene. So what else do you need to know?

Well, Jim Rash and Nat Faxon wrote and directed the film about a teenage boy's summer of emotions. Mum is with a jackass played by Steve Carrell, there was just so little acting involved in this role, he wasn't doing anything, it was such a lame role, easy man to loathe, nothing interesting to take away from it, boring. Then there is Toni Collette being harried and emotional, to be fair she has always excelled at this since Muriel's Wedding; I've never forgiven her for making my feelings so sad. Then there is the kids, totally non-descript, the girl who now plays younger Carrie. Most importantly Jim Rash and Nat Faxon make appearances in their own film, Jim Rash plays socially awkward pain in the bum member of staff, everyone takes great joy in mocking him, we all get a good laugh. Nat Faxon is best bud and all around nice guy and gets to do a nice Ben from Ben and Kate style list of dance moves, damn memories... Obviously it's only interesting to me that Nat Faxon's co-star Dakota Johnson who played Kate in Ben and Kate (a show I did not want to be cancelled.) has been cast as Anastasia Steele in the 50 Shades of Grey film opposite the delectable Charlie Hunman, not that I would go see that trash... Oh and I would be remiss if I didn't mention that Jim Rash is Dean Pelton from Community but everyone in the entire universe knows this. Maya Rudolph is the most hard working member of staff at the water park and she bounces off Sam Rockwell delightfully. Alison Janney is playing the best female role being a fantastically terrible person who for all their insane faults is still likeable. Then there's the kid with the lazy eye who is great.

This is a film which encapsulates that summer feeling and brings us a reminder that Water Parks are essentially awesome, but then when you actually drag your bum around one all day it's in actuality the biggest load of awkward rubbish ever... Then this is combined with hanging around adults who are all essentially all drunk randy fools, and about as idiotic at teenagers but with worse manners. It's great that the socially uncertain kid with the broken home can find some joy in this world considering his life is an omnishambles at this particular moment. Sadly enough even though it's September this is a distinctly summer film. Then there is the amount of shots of the kid sitting in the car looking stoically emotional...

As far as characters go everyone comes as either bland or simplistic. Which is fine but when you've got bottled fireworks in the form of Sam Rockwell with his magical charisma and awesome glittering through every scene it's so hard for anyone else to compare. Once again, I can't stress this enough, Sam Rockwell is a force of nature. I adore him. I implore you to see this film just for him alone, I know I see most films with Sam Rockwell in just because his name is attached to it, he is perfection. It's a pleasant way to spend an afternoon, and puts a smile on your face sure. Sure it's predictable, but it's fun and sweet and I enjoyed it.