First Kisses and Being Forgotten at Camp: 'The Way, Way Back' Stars' Best Summer Memories (Video)

Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Allison Janney, AnnaSophia Robb and Jim Rash reminisce while their coming-of-age film, set in a sleepy, seaside town, opens July 5.

With the sights, sounds and smells of summer heavy in the air, kids from coast to coast can surely be found soaking in the sun and surf, making memories for years to come.

In Nat Faxon and Jim Rash’s directorial debut, the coming-of-age story The Way, Way Back, Duncan (Liam James) comes into his own while working a part-time job at a run-down water park, alongside the quick-witted layabout Owen (Sam Rockwell) and the charming voice of reason, Caitlyn (Maya Rudolph). Meanwhile, Duncan’s mom (Toni Collette) navigates the murky waters of a new relationship with Trent (Steve Carell).

Allison Janney, AnnaSophia Robb, Amanda Peet and Rob Corddry also star, with the directors playing double duty in front of the camera, as well.
In honor of their summer-perfect film, in theaters July 5, the stars of The Way, Way Back reminisce about their own coming-of-age memories.
For Rash, it was the time his parents forgot to pick him up at summer camp. For Janney, a first kiss on the beach with a “guy with long blond hair.” For Rudolph, growing up in Westwood, it was poolside birthday parties in late July.
Of filming the movie, James says: “This [was] definitely one of my favorite summers, of course, with some of the greatest actors and comedians of all time.”
The Way, Way Back brought a bit of sunlight to snowy Park City during its Sundance debut earlier this year. It is distributed stateside by Fox Searchlight Pictures.