By: Keaton Marcus

DISCLAIMER: IF YOU ARE UNDER THE AGE OF 15, YOU MUST ASK YOUR PARENTS IF YOU ARE ALLOWED, IF THEY SAY NO…IT MEANS NO!

Director Gavin O'Connor has returned with star Ben Affleck in this new sports/redemption drama about getting a second chance, dubbed The Way Back. Principally, the film plugs in the familiar sports story into a stellar alcoholism piece, and it works spectacularly. Affleck fits right in, considering this is seemingly autobiographical for the actor and extraordinarily tough to watch. To make it far higher than the average tear-jerker are the performances, direction and compelling characters that make it well worth your money. The film is particularly slow-moving, but when it gets to the basketball games, you'll be cheering for Affleck's underdog set of players. The running time is right on the money, clocking at about 105 minutes and despite a somewhat formulaic approach to its heavy theme, the emotional knife that continues to stab you through the heart while watching will keep you intrigued. Hey, perhaps Affleck will start making some real pictures again, starting with this very convincing movie.

Audiences look upon Jack Cunningham (Affleck), a former star basketball player in his high school turned construction worker. He's a drinker, divorced and utterly depressed. However, when the head coach of the Bishop Hayes basketball team has a heart attack, Jack is asked to come and coach the team during the season. With a team of only ten players, and not possessing enough skill in the game, Jack must attempt to coach the team into the playoffs, and potentially to victory. It may recall some of the old-fashioned underdog sports movies such as Rocky or The Mighty Ducks, but with a far more intense approach, The Way Back still succeeds. So yes, a few people may feel that the plot veers towards the sentimental territory, but the vast majority of the time, audiences are focused on the ups and downs of Jack's life.

Speaking of ups and downs, Ben Affleck has had several of those during his mostly successful career. He's directed and acted in several acclaimed films such as Goodwill Hunting, Argo, Gone Girl and more, but he's been going on a somewhat downward trend these days. His first movie in the DCEU as Batman was Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, which made some serious dough but flailed with the critics. What's even worse was his second superhero film, Justice League, which didn't just get negative reception, it also flopped in the box office. It isn't exactly confirmed that this film will save the actor. However, with his brilliant work in the central role of Jack, this could be the start of a new era for him.

Let's just say one thing for sure: Gavin O'Connor really knows how to direct a movie. After directing two sports flicks with Miracle in 2004 and Warrior in 2011, he's got one part of the film down. Though he's not just experienced enough with sports movies, O'Connor also helmed the Affleck-starring action flick The Accountant with great success. With this guy sitting in the chair, and a very solid screenplay written by Brad Ingelsby (Run All Night, American Woman), you've got a good film. It's too bad that the Academy Awards will likely ignore this small project, but it's still a pleasure to know that O'Connor is truly a great fit for Affleck. This movie may not be the most likable flick in times like these, but if the film is good enough, you'll forget COVID-19 exists today. Just remember people, bring the tissues.

The final opinion is: "The Way Back" is an excellent sports drama that features a compelling Ben Affleck that boasts an exceptional if sentimental storyline that takes you through some heavy, timely themes...$PLURGE IT

Rent for $5.99 or Buy for $19.99 in SD and HD on Prime Video

Box Office Info:

Opening: 8.1M

Domestic Total: 13.5M

Worldwide Total: 14.5M