Ganz weit hinten (2013)

Ganz weit hinten: Directed by Nat Faxon, Jim Rash. With Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Allison Janney, AnnaSophia Robb. Shy 14-year-old Duncan goes on summer vacation with his mother, her overbearing boyfriend, and her boyfriend’s daughter. Having a rough time fitting in, Duncan finds an unexpected friend in Owen, manager of the Water Wizz water park.

“A sweet, funny, earnest coming-of-age dramedy that plays out like a period piece, even though itu0026#39;s set in the present day. Tempering a plucky spirit and subtle, pointed sense of humor with an introverted lead character and a familiar, bittersweet atmosphere, itu0026#39;s a spiritual successor to the John Hughes golden age of the mid-80s. Liam James is beautifully awkward as the quiet, brooding young teenager at the storyu0026#39;s epicenter, aided by a thoroughly deep, entertaining supporting cast. No matter how minor, every character enjoys a purpose and a motivation, enriching the scenery and tickling the vieweru0026#39;s curiosity with a tangle of warm, colorful subplots. Steve Carell will get plenty of attention in his unexpected turn as the boyu0026#39;s self-centered douchebag stand-in father, but Sam Rockwellu0026#39;s deeper-than-he-seems burnout splash park manager is the real show stealer. A strong, heartfelt and meaningful return visit to adolescence for anyone whou0026#39;s ever felt out-of-place in their own skin.”