The Way Way Back (2013)

I was in the mood for a movie marathon since I am broke and I feel like relaxing. So after watching the depressing The Place Beyond the Pines, I want to watch something light for a change. The Way Way Back is a comedy about an awkward teenage boy named Duncan whose mom and stepfather seem to have a low regard for him. They went on a vacation at the beach together with the stepdad Trent’s daughter Steph. Bored and seemingly out of place, Duncan explores the town and discovers Water Wizz, a local water park run by friendly and colorful people headed by Owen. There, Duncan gradually gains the respect of everyone for doing an awesome job as a part-time employee. The water park served as a contrast to Duncan’s temporary beach home where his mother is busy with the neighhbors and pays him little attention whereas his stepfather engages in an extramarital affair with a married woman named Joan. Duncan discovers the affair but initially says nothing until one night at a party when he explodes.

The beach vacation was ruined and the family had to go back, leaving Duncan sad. While they were loading up on gas, he sneaked out of the car and ran to Water Wizz. There, he said goodbye to Owen and to all the people who have helped him coped with his little self-esteem. He and Owen did the Devil Peak’s ride, the first person to have done so, as witnessed by the water park’s visitors. Duncan’s family were able to see the feat and Duncan’s mother looked proud of her son for once.

Thoughts in my head:

This is a cliche but it is true that the people who care about you and who can be your tribe may not share the same blood as you. Sometimes it takes the admiration of other people for your family to appreciate you. The same goes with how we Filipinos take pride in having fellow Filipinos take the world by storm, yet cannot even support those with potential back at home. It is like, we only acknowledge the genius of fellow Filipinos when foreigners acknowledge them first (unless you belong to the elite class with socialites for parents who can do all the work for you). It’s so weird because in the country I am currently in now, people are pushing me to do great things because of my many skills. Back home, I am just taken for granted. Sad.