The Way Back (2020)
The Way Back (2020) is an American sports drama film directed by Gavin O’Connor and written by Brad Ingelsby. The story follows Jack Cunningham, an alcoholic ironworker who is separated from his wife, Angela. After expressing concern about his habits at Thanksgiving dinner, Jack receives a call from Father Devine at his former Catholic high school, Bishop Hayes. He is asked to coach the basketball team due to the previous coach’s heart attack. Jack meets the assistant coach and algebra teacher Dan, as well as the six varsity players on the team. He discovers that ever since he was a student, the school has not made it to playoffs and interest in basketball has decreased. Though initially annoyed by Jack’s stricter practices and attitude, the team begins to respect him as their skills improve under his guidance. As he spends more time with his family and friends, Jack’s drinking decreases. He even attends a birthday party for David, son of their friend Miguel, alongside Angela.
It is discovered that their son Michael had passed away from cancer. David and Michael crossed paths in the hospital, and David has since recovered. Moved by memories of his late son, Jack becomes agitated during a game and gets ejected for arguing with the referee. In a conversation with one of his players after the game, Jack confides that he was only valued by his father for his basketball skills. This realization led him to turn down a full scholarship to the University of Kansas and he hasn’t played since. The team’s last match of the season is against Memorial, the top-ranked team. Bishop Hayes secures a win, securing them a spot in the playoffs. Later on, Angela calls Jack with news that David has been admitted to the hospital. While there, they learn that David’s cancer has returned and Jack is deeply affected by their sorrow. He leaves the hospital and turns back to drinking once again.
Date of download: 2015-11-11T17:22:34+00:00
Cast:  Ben AffleckJack Cunningham  Al MadrigalDan  Janina GavankarAngela  Michaela WatkinsBeth  Glynn TurmanDoc  Todd StashwickKurt  Brandon WilsonBrandon |
The Way Back (2020) is an American sports drama film directed by Gavin O’Connor and written by Brad Ingelsby. The story follows Jack Cunningham, an alcoholic ironworker who is separated from his wife, Angela. After expressing concern about his habits at Thanksgiving dinner, Jack receives a call from Father Devine at his former Catholic high school, Bishop Hayes. He is asked to coach the basketball team due to the previous coach’s heart attack. Jack meets the assistant coach and algebra teacher Dan, as well as the six varsity players on the team. He discovers that ever since he was a student, the school has not made it to playoffs and interest in basketball has decreased. Though initially annoyed by Jack’s stricter practices and attitude, the team begins to respect him as their skills improve under his guidance. As he spends more time with his family and friends, Jack’s drinking decreases. He even attends a birthday party for David, son of their friend Miguel, alongside Angela.
It is discovered that their son Michael had passed away from cancer. David and Michael crossed paths in the hospital, and David has since recovered. Moved by memories of his late son, Jack becomes agitated during a game and gets ejected for arguing with the referee. In a conversation with one of his players after the game, Jack confides that he was only valued by his father for his basketball skills. This realization led him to turn down a full scholarship to the University of Kansas and he hasn’t played since. The team’s last match of the season is against Memorial, the top-ranked team. Bishop Hayes secures a win, securing them a spot in the playoffs. Later on, Angela calls Jack with news that David has been admitted to the hospital. While there, they learn that David’s cancer has returned and Jack is deeply affected by their sorrow. He leaves the hospital and turns back to drinking once again.
