Fans have hailed an “underrated” Steve Carell film in which the famously funny actor “plays against type”, ahead of the star’s 64th birthday on August 16. The 2013 comedy drama The Way Way Back sees Carell take on the role of Trent, the film’s main antagonist, rather than his usual lovable goofball characters.
A Career Beyond Comedy
Carell is best known for his leading role as Michael Scott in the US version of the BBC mockumentary The Office, and as Brick in the Anchorman films. However, his dramatic roles have also earned critical acclaim. In 2014’s Foxcatcher, he played American philanthropist and convicted murderer John du Pont, a performance that earned him an Academy Award nomination. He also drew praise for his role as a father coping with his son’s methamphetamine addiction in 2018’s Beautiful Boy.
The Way Way Back
The Way Way Back follows shy teenage boy Duncan, who goes on a summer holiday with his mother Pam, her controlling and emotionally abusive boyfriend Trent, and Trent’s spoilt daughter Steph. Duncan visits the local waterpark, Water Wizz, and befriends the wise-cracking yet kindhearted manager Owen, who helps him develop confidence by giving him a job. Carell plays Trent, the film’s antagonist, while Sam Rockwell plays Owen and Toni Collette plays Pam.
Fan Praise
In a recent Reddit post, a fan asked: “What is the most underrated Steve Carell movie?” and included a picture of the poster for The Way Way Back. Commenters shared their praise: one said “This is a great movie,” and the original poster replied: “It has a charming simplicity I feel a lot of modern movies lack.” Another said: “Every movie lover I know that sees this is shocked that they didn’t already hear of it.” A third shared: “The entire cast is phenomenal. One of my comfort movies on rotation.” A fourth added: “I’m just here to salute The Way Way Back because that movie needs more love. Excellent cast with Sam Rockwell as a standout, and great coming-of-age story. Also interesting to see Carell play against type.”
The Way Way Back holds an 83% score on Rotten Tomatoes, where critics and fans have praised its “very witty” screenplay, “fabulous characters”, and “poignant ending”.
