It’s not the youthful rebellion*, the innocent flirting*, or that time spent riding around with nowhere to go that make a perfect coming-of-age comedy. It’s the anti-authority wise man who knows when to fight and who to fight back. Think Bill Murray in “Meatballs,” Chevy Chase in “Caddyshack” or Ryan Reynolds in “Adventureland.”

    In the absolutely terrific “The Way, Way Back,” it’s the always-great Sam Rockwell who takes on the role, mentoring* a 14-year-old and teaching him how to deal with life’s problems.

    The kid is Duncan (Liam James), who’s dragged to a summer house on the Jersey Shore with his mom, Pam (Toni Colette), her jerky* boyfriend Trent (Steve Carell) and his annoying sister (Zoe Levin).

    Duncan isn’t a robust* kid. But Trent thinks of himself as a character-builder*, so he’s tough on Duncan even though Trent’s own spine* is weak.

    Wanting to be anywhere except Trent’s beach house, Duncan happens upon a water park that’s seen better days. The unofficial leader is Owen (Rockwell), who gives Duncan a job the young man wasn’t even looking for, takes him under his wing and imparts* wisdom. Rule No. 1: If you’re stuck in a place you don’t want to be, don’t be afraid to belly-flop your way out.

    Writer-directors Nat Faxon and Jim Rash — Oscar winners for the screenplay for “The Descendants” — based ‘The Way, Way Back” on bits of their own experiences, and this funny, astute* movie is filled with some of the fleeting* but fateful occurrences* that make us who we are. (SD-Agencies)