Relies on old-fashioned movie elements like atmosphere, character development, and narrative arc without needing crutches like fast editing, frenetic action sequences, and visual clutter.

With too little emphasis placed on and exploring the rich possibilities of the milieu, the movie turns into a ho-hum Vin Diesel action film.

There’s something here for everyone, even if the overall package isn’t likely to go down as the next Disney/Pixar “classic.”

Although the screenplay occasionally falters, Affleck’s performance is rock-solid throughout and that makes "The Way Back" a journey worth taking.