"The Way Back": A Bad Case Of Déjà Vu

"The Way Back": Movie Review

Ben Affleck's new film, "The Way Back", is an admirable attempt at delivering a story about addiction, loss, and rehabilitation. But if you dig a small amount further, the final product is an exceptionally ordinary tale, that will initiate a bad case of déjà vu.

Years of incessant drinking has finally hit its peak, as Jack (Affleck) attempts to pave a path of recovery through coaching a high-school basketball team. 

The overbearing linearity and predictable mold of its premise are naturally monotonous. But it does please in its most sincere of circumstances. Watching Affleck is a pleasure, and the offbeat film style of Gavin O'Connor ("The Accountant", "Warrior") is refreshing.

It's just unfortunate that Jack's alcoholism and sports story is a shallow representation of a much grander script by Brad Ingelsby ("American Woman). Audiences will be left with appealing concepts, that will feel all too familiar.

2 1/2 Stars Out Of 4

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