The Way Way Back (2013)

If you love a movie where the shy, geeky teen meets all the right people over a summer and takes a giant step forward in confidence despite his mother not standing up for him, well you are going to love this movie.  Duncan (played to perfection by Liam James) is the most awkward, shy teenage boy you have ever seen in a coming-of-age movie.  His facial expression, his body language, and his interactions all scream 14 year old uncomfortable in his own skin.  He is very easy to side with in a comedic drama that pits him against his mother's officioua boyfriend Trent (played by an extremely unlikable Steve Carell--the man is a genius in this kind of role).

The story goes that Trent has a beach house and he is taking Duncan's mother Pam (Toni Collette) there to wow her with the kind of special family they can blend together.  Sadly, Pam is all about Trent and has no clue that Trent is slowly breaking apart any self esteem that Duncan had.  Luckily, Duncan has a chance encounter with Owen (Sam Rockwell), a lovable if somewhat flaky owner of a water park.  Owen gives Duncan a job and he gives him confidence.  He brings Duncan a little bit out of his shell and when it is clear to other employees that the boss likes him and he is likable he suddenly has a social circle.  He is actually happy, despite Trent.  The characters in this movie are in some ways predictable in the roles that they play but they do them so well and in a slightly off base manner that it comes off as refreshing.  Do not miss this!