Using time that could have been better applied towards studying for a Japanese exam I instead decided to watch The Fundamentals of Caring starring Paul Rudd and Craig Roberts in the lead roles with the addition of Selena Gomez later on in the story. I do wish that the film industry would retire the habit of using able-bodied people for the portrayal of disabled roles, but focusing on the story alone it was an enjoyable “overcoming adversity” tale.
Ben, played by Paul Rudd, comes on the scene as a writer who is dodging divorce papers and in need of work, which finds him in the position of a caregiver providing care for Trevor (Craig Roberts) who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Trevor is a very cynical and sarcastic character who sticks to routines with no risks and Ben is the person who is able to rattle him ultimately leading to a spontaneous road trip to see roadside American landmarks. Before this point, the viewer finds out that Ben is consumed with the loss of his child three years prior and this seems to be a reason that they develop a close bond.
As the movie progresses there is a nice character development that occurs with Ben starting to forgive himself for the unfortunate passing of his son and Trevor venturing out beyond the comforts of his home even encountering a love interest on the road in hitchhiker/runaway Dot, played by Selena Gomez.
There is great amusement in simple storytelling and this was exactly that, with humor and heartfelt moments this movie was successful in in telling the story of Ben and Trevor.
Alexa Hodges 