The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)

Directed by: Rob Burnett | 97 minutes | comedy, drama | Actors: Paul Rudd, Craig Roberts, Jennifer Ehle, Selena Gomez, Megan Ferguson, Alex Huff, Donna Biscoe, Julia Denton, Ashley White, Matthew Pruitt, Alan Boell, Bill Murphey, Samantha Huskey, Frederick Weller

‘The Fundamentals of Caring’ is about Ben (Paul Rudd), who is having a hard time after a traumatic experience (what exactly happened is only revealed during the film). In an effort to change his life for the better, he takes a carer course and applies for a job with single mother Elsa (Jennifer Ehle) and her disabled son Trevor (Craig Roberts).

Trevor has a muscle disease and is therefore in a wheelchair. He is a quick-witted teenager who tries to make it difficult for his caregivers because he does not look for pity. When Ben falls for Trevor’s trick questions during his job interview and is hired, it’s the beginning of their special bond and friendship.

While watching the film, the comparison with the arthouse hit ‘Intouchables’ was quickly made, but ‘The Fundamentals of Caring’ never managed to match the level of French film. When the film moves outwards and becomes a road movie, there is a moment of hope for plot improvement. Unfortunately, the film stays off the beaten track. There is no comic relief or real depth; the jokes are far from original and the emotional center of the film can be seen coming from miles away. The road trip does give the film some air through beautiful shots of the American landscape.

Fortunately, Paul convinces Rudd in the role of Ben and Craig Roberts knows how to put his character down. The supporting roles are also well cast. Jennifer Ehle, Selena Gomez and Megan Ferguson manage to hold their own within the thin storylines and mediocre lyrics. With all good intentions, ‘The Fundamentals of Caring’ aims to be an American indie version of something we’ve seen all too often in other (better) movies. In the end, the film is saved by the strong actors, but with an unoriginal story and cheap one-liners there is not much left to save.