The Way Back
Warner Bros. Pictures | Release Date: March 6, 2020
6.7
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 115 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
69
Mixed:
34
Negative:
12
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
6
JLuis_001Mar 17, 2020
Part of me struggled thinking about this rating but ultimately I think beyond Ben Affleck's outstanding acting work; The Way Back is still a film made within the box, both formulaic and predictable.

Although those adjectives are notPart of me struggled thinking about this rating but ultimately I think beyond Ben Affleck's outstanding acting work; The Way Back is still a film made within the box, both formulaic and predictable.

Although those adjectives are not synonymous of poor quality, it's just this story never offers surprises or feels like something different or improved.
I applaud Affleck's work because he's the one who bears the full weight of the film and his work is definitely the most powerful reason to watch it.

It's worth it, but keep in mind that this is a base drama.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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5
marshallonfilm_Mar 18, 2020
“You’re nervous. I get it. The truth is, they’re more talented than you. Probably got a better coach. But I promise you, they are not a better team. Because they haven’t been through what we’ve been through. They don’t know adversity. They“You’re nervous. I get it. The truth is, they’re more talented than you. Probably got a better coach. But I promise you, they are not a better team. Because they haven’t been through what we’ve been through. They don’t know adversity. They don’t know what it’s like to get knocked down and have to get back up again. They don’t know what it is to fight.“ … Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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6
Murphydh1Mar 13, 2020
This movie is the classic C+/75 It is formulaic and for the most part follows the standard sports flick outline. However, Afleck's performance is very good ,worth seeing and there are a couple of non standard twists .
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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6
3ebfan511Jun 11, 2021
It's a good performance by Affleck, but the dialogue is pretty basic, and it is very, very, slow paced. Its like a sports movie if you took an anti-depressant and got drunk. Its not bad, and anyone who has struggled with alcoholismIt's a good performance by Affleck, but the dialogue is pretty basic, and it is very, very, slow paced. Its like a sports movie if you took an anti-depressant and got drunk. Its not bad, and anyone who has struggled with alcoholism personally or indirectly could probably appreciate the acting and story, but the pacing and writing leaves it as just a so-so film to watch. Its more of a slow moving drama than an expected sports movie, and a very heavy and somewhat depressing one at that.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
Brent_MarchantFeb 12, 2021
As redemption-through-sports movies go, this by-the-numbers basketball melodrama is about as predictable and cliched as they come. This earnestly solemn saga of a baggage-laden, alcoholic former high school basketball star seeking to turn hisAs redemption-through-sports movies go, this by-the-numbers basketball melodrama is about as predictable and cliched as they come. This earnestly solemn saga of a baggage-laden, alcoholic former high school basketball star seeking to turn his life around is so rote that virtually any viewer could have penned its formulaic script. In fact, were it not for the surprisingly strong Critics Choice Award-nominated performance of protagonist Ben Affleck, director Gavin O'Connor's latest would be otherwise virtually forgettable. There are many far better movies about sports underdogs, miraculous comebacks and the plight of addiction out there that would make superior viewing choices; all one needs to do is pick one.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
sadamo1Nov 29, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Entertaining movie. Affleck is very good. I don't know if this counts as a spoiler but this feels like an incomplete story. Affleck's character arc with several other characters never reaches conclusion. For instance, he has some good back and forth with the team's Priest or Pastor but there is never any growth. Some good dialogue but that's it. There is a lot of that in this movie. Anyway, it was a good movie but lacked greatness.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
KenRJul 17, 2021
Looking like it might have offered a different take on an old theme this one just misses the mark. As a study of alcoholism, it comes near to saying something but a somewhat unnecessarily grotty script lets it down. Sordid jokes and aLooking like it might have offered a different take on an old theme this one just misses the mark. As a study of alcoholism, it comes near to saying something but a somewhat unnecessarily grotty script lets it down. Sordid jokes and a swear-fest approach did not help in this situation. Ben Affleck was suitably morose and must have felt like he might have been mirroring parts of his own life. One of the most outstanding attributes that helped lift this work to a higher level is a sensitive and different kind of music score. For this feature, Award-nominated composer Rob Simonsen has created a thoughtful score that almost works against the normal flow (in the best possible way) His music highlights the sadness and angst being experienced by those involved. The imaginative arrangements also set this score apart to maximum effect. Maybe it’s a score looking for a better film.

The basketball theme is rather tired and clichéd and having the young players mouthing such platitudes like “let’s win this f...’in game for the coach” took this script from the hoop, to the waste-basket. While it might offer something to the sporty types or those looking for a so-called up-lifter - others may have to work harder at getting much out of it. There’s some nice photography here and there, and the director tries hard but could have benefited from a smarter script.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
aaronrjpowerDec 27, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Way Back pushes back on the norms of a classic sports drama by telling it’s story through the eyes of one person rather then through the dynamic of a team and coach. In doing so it can explore maturer themes, such as alcoholism, over more traditional ideas that have been seen throughout the genre, like the rise of the underdog. This is a great decision on the film makers part because it opens the genre up to more nuisance. However The Way Back loses its impact and focus as it tries to incorporate too many themes with little to no emotional pay off. I felt that the story would have carried more weight had it double-down on one mature theme. I wonder what kind of story could have been told through the eyes of one person with one struggle, rather then one person with many.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
evilappledemonSep 12, 2020
Not what I was expecting. My parents are simple people they saw ads for this movie on tv and for me youtube has tons of ads before videos about this upcoming movie. It basically edited for tv and youtube short ads as a sport movie where theNot what I was expecting. My parents are simple people they saw ads for this movie on tv and for me youtube has tons of ads before videos about this upcoming movie. It basically edited for tv and youtube short ads as a sport movie where the boys has to overcome hardships from a coach perspective. This was not at all the case. The movie is centralized on the man conflict that his son is dead which you don’t even find out until a little past half way If I remember correctly which caused some for questions to brought up that conflicted with the script. I ended up cracking jokes at end bc I didn’t emotional care about him. Towards the end his sister asked him what do you need and I wished to my mom more beer she laugh and hit me on my shoulder. Like what happen wasso ridiculous I feel they try be oh look how bad he has become but I could help find this move to be a joke. While at times I think there was good performances but I think most will agree that it wasn’t what bay people expected if they just saw small ads from YouTube and tv. Also they put heavy emphasis on the basketball in the trailer but it’s shown to matter like nothing bc he doesn’t even show up to the final game not even a guest. Overall a semi okay acted movie that has some weird motives and wanted to be a man with crisis to get over a issue but couldn’t see that so they used basket ball as a. Canlis.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
iCampoRamilNov 16, 2021
Tiene momentos chulos, pero no mucho más fuera de eso, bien Ben Affleck, sipi.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
DvesseurJan 14, 2021
Okay movie but weak character arc and weaker ending. Doesn't quite make the basket, his the rim
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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