The Way Way Back- Scores Way up There

This feel good coming of age story is a welcomed endearing summer flick.  Fourteen year old Duncan, played to perfection by Liam James, is headed for a summer vacation with mother, pam, (Toni Collette) & her boyfriend Trent, an overbearing lout, (Steve Carrell.) Trent demands that Duncan rate himself on a scale of 1-10.  With a shrug, Duncan answers "I dunno, a 6, I guess."  "You're wrong, you're a 3," Trent tells him and he needs to start working to improve himself.  Trent takes demonic pleasure in making Duncan's life a living Hell.  He's not treating his mother with kindness & respect, either.  The movie's warmth comes from the relationship between Owen, (Sam Rockwell,) a funny, kind hearted mgr. of the local water park and Duncan, who he takes under his wing.  The entire cast is outstanding, including Myah Rudolph, Amanda Peete & Allison Jenney whose is hilarious as the boozy neighbor.  Duncan's confidence soars faster than the kids zooming down the waterslides.  I wasn't in a hurry for this summer vacation to end. The Way Way Back is refreshing like a cool, glass of lemonade.  I rate this summer treat at least an 8.5.