'The Way, Way Back' Stars Talk Awkward Moments

Featuring an ensemble cast that includes Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Allison Janney and Sam Rockwell, The Way, Way Back is sure to be a hit with audiences this summer because of its heartwarming coming-of-age story of 14-year-old Duncan (Liam James) -- an introverted teen who slowly opens up through his unexpected friendship with Owen (Rockwell), the manager of the Water Wizz water park where he's spending a brutally awkward summer vacation with his family.

But while the film's stars are considered A-listers now, did they have any especially awkward moments growing up?

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"I never had any awkward moments growing up. I was always in complete control -- very self-possessed. I was one of the coolest kids you'd ever meet," Carell joked with ET at the film's New York City premiere Wednesday night. "I was so fully-formed even as a youth."

But on a serious note, Carell called The Way, Way Back the "quintessential summer movie."

"It is the quintessential summer movie in that you really get a sense of where you are," he explained. "You're on the beach, you know what that beach house was like, you know what it smells like. It really brought me back to my summers."

Co-star Janney, who plays Duncan's mother and Carell's girlfriend in the film, told ET that her awkward moment stems from her impressive height growing up.

"Basically my whole life, being a tall woman was extremely difficult," Janney shared. "I was always the tallest person in my class. I didn't have a date until I was in college. I was a late bloomer in a lot of things."

But thankfully, it does get better.

"There is the other side of that awkward phase, and it only makes you stronger and better as a person," she said. "And it seems like especially with guys, the more awkward you are, you always have a payback later on in life. Maybe you weren't the hottest guy in your class but, now I own a multi-billion dollar company and I'm the smartest guy and you know, whatever."

Video: Stars Look 'Way Back' at Their Teen Years

Check out the video to hear why Collette has already watched the film four times, and for Rockwell's advice to kids currently struggling through their awkward phase.

The Way, Way Back hits theaters July 5.