The Way, Way Back **1/2 out of 4

Seen in Theaters.
Released 2013.

Directed by: Nat Faxon, Jim Rash

Written by: Nat Faxon, Jim Rash

With Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Allison Janney,

AnnaSophia Robb, Sam Rockwell, Maya Rudolph, Liam James, Rob Corddry, Amanda Peet

I would recommended this movie.  But "wait!" You might say.  "You only gave it 2 and 1/2 stars. Why would you recommend this film?"  First , 2 and a half stars means its a very good movie (# is great and 2 is good).  So basically, that means I am stingy with stars.  Second, While as entertaining and fun as the film is, it is not exactly earth shattering.  And you wouldn't expect "earth shattering" from the4 makers of The Descendants.  two and a half stars is about where I start recommending films.

I also had a problem with the believability and the predictability of the film.  It's a coming of age film where geeky 14 year old kid learns to grow up a little.  You can guess where this is going.  Sensitive young hottie who lives next door and actually gives him a chance, A wild and crazy adult takes him under his wings and shows him how not to be awkward.  A snooty step sister who is repulsed by him and a step father who is a bit of a bully and self-centered. Have you seen this before?

And here's the part about the believability of the film.  Can a kid really be that geeky?  Can a cute young hottie really go for such a geek.  Can a kid so geeky, really change his personality around so much, (or learn to live with it so easily).  Would an adult really take the time to take this kid under his wings. (even if he is practically an adolescent himself).  Probably not, but suspend belief and you will be okay.  If you can suspend disbelief for a zombie movie, you can do it for this one too. So go! Enjoy yourself.. There's even some food for thought, though its pretty subtle and not even worth going into here.  You'll be glad that you went.

The Trailer;