The Way Back

Terrific film. But this is an ACTING CLINIC put on by Ben Affleck. His directing on other films has staked out high ground in Hollywood. But in the past, his acting has taken some hits. Things began to change years ago with films like “The Town”, “Argo”, one of my favorite performances in “The Accountant”, and, well, this guy has aged like fine wine. And now “The Way Back”. To young actors, THIS is how it’s done. And any number of pros will agree. Subtlety, gravitas, wholly organic, deeply moving. They need to hand this man some awards…

Good story and even good basketball strategy at times. It kept me engaged despite all the foul language. Saw on Peacock.

I really enjoyed this film. I believe the casting was well thought out and that the premise made the plot believable. As a former youth basketball player I enjoy movies involving basketball such as this. As someone who has had ongoing health related trauma I understand the potential pitfalls that can accompany such. As the daughter of an alcoholic gambling addict I believe Ben Affleck portrayed his character well. No gambling is featured in the film. I enjoyed the music composition. Highly recommend. Only criticism is for other movie watchers and theater goers—- Should have had more support at the box office—I wonder if it was under promoted or if what others have said the Covid-19 onset disrupted its revenue possibilities. Great work to the cast and crew.

The film was good, however didn't really focus on the main character coming back from the state he is in, as the title suggests. However the cast was great and the story of the basketball team improving was well done. Not as strong as say coach carter which is similar in many ways but decent film with some strong points and heart felt.

Ben Affleck plays a fictional former high school basketball star who has become an alcoholic after losing his child to cancer. Affleck almost manages to turn this into a comedy by constantly using profanity while coaching the the catholic boys high school basketball team. He also miraculously avoids a DUI after being arrested for breaking into someone's home after crashing into their neighbors boat. Not sure how this movie has such high ratings.

3 1/4 stars. Ben Affleck's great acting makes this film watchable. Plus, the plot is a little more realistic than most feel good sports dramas.

The movie is inspirtational and moving, Bel Affleck performance is great.

This movie started out as a total cliché that we've seen so many times before. A combination of Hoosiers; The Blind Side; Coach Carter and every other movie that Ben Affleck has ever been in. Then in the last 15-20 minutes it transformed into so much more and unique. And, for a movie, a brave ending. It went from being totally unbelievable to all too much real.

I enjoyed this movie. Middle-aged guy who struggles with alcohol, failed marriage and lost a child tragically. He is given a great opportunity in life out of nowhere to coach basketball but ultimately the alcohol abuse wins. The movie also has a message about starting over. Acting was solid. A believable movie that probably has played out in real life many times.

Score: 88% Verdict: Excellent