There is nothing particularly extraordinary about

director Gavin O’Connor’s “The Way Back,” except

perhaps for Ben Affleck’s performance. This is a

quiet drama about a lonely alcoholic who gets a

lifeline when he’s asked to coach a high school

basketball team. It’s the kind of movie people

like to say “Hollywood doesn’t make anymore,”

which is only partly true. It’s also the kind of

movie you might feel like you’ve seen before

(also partly true).

A MOVING TURN FROM

BEN AFFLECK IN AN

ORDINARY DRAMA