The Way Way Back

No one needs to be told they're around a three on a scale from one to ten, especially when they're a shy teenager working out just where they fit into the world. But that's just the kind of tough love – okay, callousness – dished out to 14-year-old Duncan (Liam James, whose underplaying takes a little getting used to) by the dickish Trent (Steve Carell, successfully going against type), his mother's boyfriend. Fortunately, Duncan is about to have 'one of those summers that change everything', thanks to being taken under the wing of Owen, a carefree, charismatic water park employee played by Sam Rockwell at his most Rockwellian. (That's to say, more charming than 90 per cent of the human race.)

That's the set-up of The Way Way Back, a coming-of-age comedy-drama written and directed by Descendants screenwriting duo Jim Rash and Nat Faxon. While the subject matter may not be totally fresh (this reviewer found it a tad reminiscent of Greg Mottola's Adventureland, a favourite of recent years), the pair's conception and execution is clear-eyed and heartfelt enough to give Duncan's summer journey towards self-esteem real resonance. What's more, Rash and Faxon – aided by a terrific cast that includes Toni Collette, Allison Janney and the filmmakers themselves – don't skimp on the sharp-tongued humour, making The Way Way Back both enjoyable and emotionally engaging.

In cinemas now.