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Have you ever watched a film that was full of sappy cliches and knew was emotionally manipulative? Yet you seemed to not care and was invested and entertained by the end result? That's my feelings towards this Paul Rudd film, which tries extremely hard in a lot of areas that I wish it would just relax.
Ben, played with emotional disconnect from Rudd, is a retired writer who seems to be running from his devastating past, decides to become a caregiver. He is given a problem child of sorts, 18 year old Trevor, who suffers from muscular dystrophy. Trevor needs assistance for almost everything, he can't even wipe himself after using the washroom. This part of the film is devastatingly sad and shows the painstakingly difficult task some people have to go through on a daily basis. If this film left me with one thing, it's that a job as a caregiving is something that I don't think I would be able to handle.
Trevor is all talk and no bite. He likes to swear, push people's buttons and prank others. He can't do much else and takes joy in seeing others be uncomfortable. Ben rolls with it and they seem to hit it off. When Ben discovers that Trevor wants to see the deepest pit on earth, the two hit the road. This is when this film becomes a cliched on the road flick. Beautiful strangers, car troubles and bad food all fall in line here. All that is forgiven because the chemistry between Rudd and Craig Roberts, who plays Trevor, is the backbone of this film. They work extremely well off each other
Selena Gomez turns in a surprisingly decent performance as a hitchhiker whom Trevor takes an immediate liking to. Her story feels a bit underwritten and near the end, the film simply just drops her character. The film's faults are pretty evident and while I was watching the film it was obvious they were trying to check off every "indie" film vibe they could think of.
Fundamentals is a lightweight comedy with depressing subject matter. It does a decent job of making you laugh, mostly due to the performances and by the end, you'll have a smile on your face.
The Fundamentals of Caring
Have you ever watched a film that was full of sappy cliches and knew was emotionally manipulative? Yet you seemed to not care and was invested and entertained by the end result? That's my feelings towards this Paul Rudd film, which tries extremely hard in a lot of areas that I wish it would just relax.
Ben, played with emotional disconnect from Rudd, is a retired writer who seems to be running from his devastating past, decides to become a caregiver. He is given a problem child of sorts, 18 year old Trevor, who suffers from muscular dystrophy. Trevor needs assistance for almost everything, he can't even wipe himself after using the washroom. This part of the film is devastatingly sad and shows the painstakingly difficult task some people have to go through on a daily basis. If this film left me with one thing, it's that a job as a caregiving is something that I don't think I would be able to handle.
Trevor is all talk and no bite. He likes to swear, push people's buttons and prank others. He can't do much else and takes joy in seeing others be uncomfortable. Ben rolls with it and they seem to hit it off. When Ben discovers that Trevor wants to see the deepest pit on earth, the two hit the road. This is when this film becomes a cliched on the road flick. Beautiful strangers, car troubles and bad food all fall in line here. All that is forgiven because the chemistry between Rudd and Craig Roberts, who plays Trevor, is the backbone of this film. They work extremely well off each other
Selena Gomez turns in a surprisingly decent performance as a hitchhiker whom Trevor takes an immediate liking to. Her story feels a bit underwritten and near the end, the film simply just drops her character. The film's faults are pretty evident and while I was watching the film it was obvious they were trying to check off every "indie" film vibe they could think of.
Fundamentals is a lightweight comedy with depressing subject matter. It does a decent job of making you laugh, mostly due to the performances and by the end, you'll have a smile on your face.