Post by PhantomKnight on Mar 11, 2020 14:27:21 GMT -5
Qualifying The Way Back as something like "an R-rated Mighty Ducks" does a disservice to this movie. True, that's basically what it's advertised as, but basketball isn't the point of this movie. This is decidedly more a story about the toxicity of alcoholism and addiction. Not exactly a novel concept/theme, I'll grant you, but one that's very much worth it when it's done this well.
Obviously, this is pretty much a therapeutic role for Ben Affleck, given his well-publicized bouts with alcohol and gambling problems, but that just means his performance here feels all the more authentic. He doesn't play the typical drunk either. This character, Jack Cunningham, is the sort of drunk who you could say has mastered being plastered, cause he's the type of guy who can guzzle down some vodka in his truck and walk right in to a family dinner and still behave soberly. I think this could even be some of the finest work of Affleck's career, because there's a raw honesty here that feels genuine, and it doesn't feel as "perform-y" as it maybe would with a different actor.
But the real reason The Way Back works so well is the script. Like I already alluded to, this doesn't just morph into a rah-rah inspirational sports movie halfway through. No, the focus always remains fully on this character, his addiction and how it affects everything around him. Yes, you get some hallmarks of sports movies sprinkled in throughout, but writer Brad Ingelsby treats this story more realistically and takes it to places it feels like it would naturally go in real life as the movie goes on. Which is part of why it's as effective as it is. Also, the movie gradually reveals the reason why Cunningham turned to drinking, which is nice, because not only does it not just say "he's a wash-up" and leave it at that, but also because the reason is a pretty legitimate one that adds to the character. Not to mention it's all bolstered by the sure-handed direction of Gavin O'Connor.
The Way Back isn't necessarily a movie that requires big-screen viewing, but it's still one I'd definitely recommend, regardless. There's some very strong work on display here, and it'd be a shame to write it off as "just another sports movie."
***1/2 /****
