Film Analysis: The Way Back

Intro:
Attention getter:
Thesis: In the movie “The Way Way Back”, an adolescent boy, Duncan, battles with his self confidence stemming from his mom’s new boyfriend who rates him as a 3 out of 10. The movie is a heartwarming story as it takes the audience through Duncan’s internal battle and he discovers somewhere and someone he can call home.

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Plot: The Way Way Back starts with a summer long family vacation to the beach. Duncan and his mom join with her new boyfriend, Trent (Steve Carell), and his teenage daughter. Carell’s character in the movie is unusual compared to the characters he has played in the past but he does well playing a stern character. Trent does not hide his hurtful opinion about Duncan’s shy personality. His comments start Duncan’s struggle with self confidence and sets in motion his journey towards finding himself. As Duncan explores the new town he discovers a water park called the Water Wizz with an outgoing manager named Owen. After Owen offers Duncan a job, Duncan receives a nickname and starts to feel at home with the new people he has met that appreciate him for who he is.
Analysis of criteria:
A common theme in movies is the

Instead of the crowd of people reacting in a disapproving manner, they welcome Duncan and ask him to show them his moves. Knowing Duncan’s shy character, he was not in favor of the idea at first but warmed up as he showed off a few of his moves which earned him the nickname of pop n’ lock. Although receiving a nickname is not a life changing moment in a child’s life, it could be considered one for Duncan. More and more people begin to know Duncan and appreciate him for the awkward, kind hearted person he is. This scene was a breakthrough for Duncan’s self confidence and a key turning point that gives the audience a new sense of Duncan’s silly