The Way Way Back

The Way, Way Back belongs, in no small way, to the same subgenre of low-key indie dramedies like Little Miss Sunshine and Juno, small-town stories populated with well-known actors and an almost sitcom-esque quality to the dialogue. Where this film, written and directed by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, breaks free from such familiar shackles is in its impressive ensemble cast, specifically the teen actor Liam James and the raffish character actor Sam Rockwell. The Way, Way Back is maybe a touch formulaic, but it’s an assured, enjoyable, and bittersweet coming-of-age story.

Rob Simonsen has been writing music for the screen for nearly a decade now. He has done commercial work for Apple and has provided music for the TV series Dollhouse. Simonsen’s close relationship with composer Mychael Danna has afforded him the opportunity to provide additional music for many scores ranging from Surfs Up to Life of …