The Fundamentals Of Caring

     If you’ve read my Rookie Movie Reviews, you may have noticed I enjoy sharing my thoughts about good, little-known or independent movies (see The Gift, Demolition, and, of course, Scouts Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse, below). The Fundamentals of Caring (now available on Netflix), starring Craig Roberts, Paul Rudd, and Selena Gomez, is one such movie.

     Rudd plays Ben, a failed writer, failed father and failed husband, who takes a “six week course” on caregiving and then applies to take care of Trevor (Roberts), who is bound to a wheelchair because of Muscular Dystrophy. Trevor is a crass, insensitive, cynical asshole who delights in playing demeaning jokes on others. Ben catches on and dishes out as much as he receives and the two begin an odd, but satisfying, relationship. 

     When Ben encourages Trevor to take a road trip with him to see nearby tourist attractions, especially the ‘World’s Deepest Pit,’ the flick turns into a real Buddy Film. 

     This is where redemption begins. Ben and Trevor’s relationship grows, Trevor savors new experiences he never would have had back home, they pick up a couple of riders along the way and everyone learns and grows a bit.
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     A good story should say something. Fundamentals says a lot.