The Way Back

“You want to know why they're leaving you open? It's because they don't think you can hit the ocean from the beach.”

Filmology Rating: 3 out of 4

The Way Back is a 2020 sports film starring Ben Affleck that came out before all of the theaters closed.

Jack Cunningham was a high school basketball legend who walked away from the game, forfeiting his future. Years later, when he reluctantly accepts a coaching job, he may get one last shot at redemption.

When you watch the trailer to this film, you know almost beat-for-beat what is going to happen. Good sports films always have a bifurcated narrative where there is drama on and off the court/field/rink/whatever. However, I loved everything that was happening off of the court, then the stupid basketball movie kept getting in the way.

I found that what Ben Affleck was dealing with off the court was so much more important and interesting than being a coach. We've seen that movie before, but this film's off-court narrative rings more true because of how Affleck himself has issues with drinking in real life.

However, the on-the-court aspects were very motivating and nail-biting because we are naturally drawn to sports as a thrilling way to pass time. But, all of the in-game coverage is shot awfully. Every shot shaky and not wide enough to understand what's happening at all. It really undercuts the big games with lots on the line.

The ending to the film itself I found was a brave thing to do as a sports film. It decided to execute its theme over a pulsating finale. It also made for a more emotionally resonating ending because of Ben Affleck's character and we want to see him overcome his drinking habits.

You've seen "the sports movie" a hundred times already, but all of the off-court, Affleck material may just be enough to recommend the film, which is now available to purchase anyways.

Rating: See It

-Nolan