Steve Carell isn’t a lovable goofball or comedy man in this ‘underrated’ comedy drama (Image: Searchlight Pictures/YouTube)
An “underrated” Steve Carell film in which the famously funny actor “plays against type” was praised by movie lovers ahead of the star’s 64th birthday on August 16.
The star boasts an impressive CV, with many critically acclaimed projects under his belt. Perhaps best known for his leading role as Michael Scott in the US version of the hit BBC mockumentary, The Office, as well as his turns as the lovable idiot Brick in the ever-popular Anchorman films, there’s more to Carell’s talents than just comedy.
In 2014’s Foxcatcher, he played American philanthropist and convicted murderer – and wealthy heir – John du Pont, with his chilling and complex portrayal bagging him an Academy Award nomination.
Similarly, he drew praise for his turn as a father grappling with how to support his son’s methamphetamine addiction in 2018’s Beautiful Boy.
But some of his roles, in which he doesn’t utilise his comedy chops, may have slipped under the radar.
In a recent post on Reddit, a fan asked: “What is the most underrated Steve Carell movie?”
They then added a picture of the poster for the 2013 comedy drama film, The Way Way Back, which follows a shy teenage boy named Duncan who goes on a summer holiday with his mother and her controlling, narcissistic and emotionally abusive boyfriend Trent and his spoilt daughter, Steph.
Throughout the course of the film, introverted Duncan is keen to avoid spending time with Trent, and he’s also ignored by his mother, Pam.
Duncan visits the local waterpark, Water Wizz, and befriends the wise-cracking yet kindhearted manager Owen, who helps him develop his confidence by giving him a job. Duncan is also introduced to the rest of the waterpark staff, which allows him to escape his tumultuous homelife while also ensuring he becomes more sure of himself.
Ordinarily, one might expect Carell to play the funny, energetic yet empathetic Owen but the talented actor actually plays the film’s main antagonist, Trent.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Sam Rockwell as Owen, and Toni Collette as Duncan’s mother, Pam, among others.
In the comments section, fellow Reddit users were keen to share their thoughts. One person simply said: “This is a great movie.”
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.”
While 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 Carrell play against type.”
The Way Way Back boasts a respectable 83% score on popular review aggregation website, Rotten Tomatoes, where fans and critics alike have praised the “very witty” screenplay, “fabulous characters”, and the “poignant ending”.
