A great coming of age movie with some meatballs and adventureland humor. Check it out if you haven't see it
The movie's beginning and ending are all in the double entendre of the title. The mom was lost after the divorce, she sacrificed herself to date Trent giving the kid a father figure and her a man. But it didn't work and she was lost.
When she saw how her son had become a man at the water park she needed to find her own way back. So by climbing into the way way back she found her own way back. (to whom she used to be or wanted to be)
Seriously. Steve Carrell nailed the part as Trent. I hated him so much. There's nothing wrong about Trent striving to influence proper conduct, such as cleaning up for yourself and following the rules of an activity, to Duncan, even assertively, as that's what's necessary sometimes.
However, I feel the following three behaviors greatly diminish and perhaps go as far as to nullify Trent's attempted constructive criticisms, suggestive advice, and mandates.
1) Trent doesn't appear to lead by example and practice what he preaches. Duncan's scolded for not bringing his plate to the kitchen, not telling his mother where he's going, and so forth, yet we never see Trent doing the dishes, lying about his whereabouts, etc. How/why should Duncan take the protocols seriously if the person administering them doesn't?
2) Trent never provides encouragement/motivation. After every single critique and command Duncan obeys, whether taking his plate to the kitchen or succeeding at a summer job, Trent never responds with appreciation or a compliment.
3) Trent's a selfish bully. Even if he had good intentions at times, it was clear that Trent used Duncan as a target for his own angst and guilt. Beyond the well discussed "three" rating, Trent created other intentionally embarrassing moments, such as the life jacket scene, which simply worked as a self-esteem builder for him. If he were truly being objective and helpful, Trent would have instructed the girls to wear life preservers as well.
Owen was so cool to pull Duncan out of his shell and had a genuine friendship. At the end Owen must've assisted him in pulling off the water slide stunt as he recognizing what Duncan was going through and finding a way to make him feel great in pulling off a legendary stunt in front of everyone just adds a cool level to their relationship.
I loved the hug between Owen and Duncan. Major goosebumps. Loved their friendship. Such a feel good film.