Film: The Way Way Back

Have been seeing films these two days. Now, for today, I had something of a tie on my film list, with three films on the same rating - what appealed most was The Way Way Back, a coming-of-age comedy about the summer of a teenage boy. Now, I'm not usually into coming-of-age films, but this did actually look funny - Toni Collette plays his mother, Steve Carell her obnoxious boyfriend, Allison Janney his sister, whom they join on holiday, and Sam Rockwell the manager of the theme park where they're holidaying, who becomes the boy's mentor. Excellent actors, and it didn't look twee. I did fully intend to see it when it came out, but just never got around to it. It was showing in the Prince Charles, part of their Coming-of-Age Summer season. I didn't book for it, as they're not selling out - and while, of course I'd want to eat in Bella Italia Cranbourn Street again, well, I didn't think I'd have any trouble getting a table on a Tuesday!

I actually checked today, and they wouldn't let me book a table after 7.30pm anyway, so I said I'd risk it. Wanted to leave earlier than I did.. all I can say is, thank goodness I wasn't there in person for those afternoon meetings. The last one, supposed to finish at 5, went on and on.. I needed to leave by 5.10 for the bus, 5.22 for the Tube, and still they waffled. Nothing of actual use to me, of course. By the time I managed to escape, I was looking to get there as fast as possible - would have taken a bus to the station to catch the Tube, except I took one look at the traffic jam and decided I'd be faster walking there! I was nearly right, too - was nearly at the station before the bus caught up with me. 

The Jubilee Line was rammed, the Northern Line pleasantly not - plenty of seats. Still, it was 6.10 by the time I got to the cinema for the 6pm film - and then there was a queue! At least they let me in.. I missed the very start, but was determined to catch it. Had to take a seat in the second row - it was a bit full. But that was fine. I arrived before the title screen.

How long is it since I saw a film with clever dialogue? They seem to have forgotten how to make them.. this one is great, with jokes that are actually witty, realistic characters - focusing on the grownups in the main, and the teenage protagonist's reaction to them, it's a film that adults don't have to feel awkward about watching. Mind you, the teenage boy is excellent, nerdy, sympathetic, a terrible singer - Toni Collette does a great job of feeling anxious about him, while simultaneously wanting to keep Steve Carrell happy. And boy, is he obnoxious in every way - save violence, I must say. Allison Janney has a ball, in every scene being drunk, or on her way to it. As for Sam Rockwell, he's great fun, an overgrown teenager who's found the perfect job. 

It's the kind of film you might watch to learn good comeback lines - never overly sentimental, it's still really moving. You're rooting for the kid throughout, it's a simple story, but oh, you feel his embarrassment. And the adults, in full holiday mode, behave very badly indeed. It's a delight to watch, and deserved the round of applause it got at the end. Again, delighted I saw it!

Moseyed along to the restaurant - sure enough, at that point, they had tons of tables, and the one who's always so delighted to see me.. was delighted to see me! The food was as moreish as ever - and I had too much wine. But I was in that kind of a mood. Got buses home again, naturally.

Very excited about tomorrow - TAC is playing a blinder, with tickets for the Gala de Danza at Central Hall Westminster! This is billed as an extravaganza of music, dance, and art. Happily, how they're doing it is providing a code, which you then use to book your own ticket - as expensive as you like, you still get it for nothing but the admin fee! Eating beforehand at The Red Lion.

Thursday is looking like film again - delving into the group of (now two) films, I think The Ballad of Wallis Island looks like the one: another comedy, in which an eccentric lottery winner, living alone on a small offshore island, hires his favourite artists to play a private concert for him. (If only..!) Thing is, the artists used to be a couple, and have since broken up, which adds to the fun - she's played by Carey Mulligan. I suppose I had to get around to it eventually - as usual, subject to change, if ratings change, or I get a better offer. Still showing in Picturehouse Central.

Next two days are something of a Meetup extravaganza. On Friday, I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats for Miss Myrtle's Garden, at the Bush Theatre. Eating beforehand at Shikumen Chinese restaurant.

Then on Saturday afternoon, I'm attending their summer social, at The Oxford Market. 

That should be finished in time to head over to the BFI, where The Hideout is seeing Videodrome, a body horror by David Cronenberg, that evening. Stars James Woods and Debbie Harry. Love a bit of Cronenberg.

On Sunday - the only day this month they could make it - I'm meeting Ivan and James (and possibly Martin) for our monthly social, and we've decided to try The Phoenix again.

And on Monday, back with London Classical Music and Theatre Group (London Baroque Music Lovers are also going, but I had to pick one - mind you, the same guy is organising) for the opening night of Handel's opera Semele, in the Royal Opera House. And of course, I would start seeing discount codes after I book.. Eating at Cote Covent Garden beforehand.