The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)

an orignal Netflix film - watched 06/2016

I liked the trailer, but this movie exceeded those expectations. While the road trip or fatherhood challenges are not new movie concepts; the dialogue, plot, acting and even the scenery elevated this movie. The standouts were Paul Rudd (as Ben), Craig Roberts (as Trevor) and Selena Gomez (as Dot). The supporting actors were also very good at portraying characters that seemed familiar and mostly relatable.  Only two characters seemed superficial and two dimensional, Ben's estranged wife and Trevor's runaway father. Perhaps their shallowness were reflective of their roles.The cinematography maintained the action of this film with the layering of both ordinary stops at motels and extraordinary scenery.  I might have shortened 2 scenes slightly (baby scene and urination scene) and added that time to the final scene to include an additional character.  The music and editing were smoothly blended without taking the viewer out of the film.  When the film was over, I wished that I had contact with these people to learn the directions that their lives took.  I think wanting more, is what a good film should produce in the viewer. As a rating I would give this movie a PG-13 due to a minor amount of "language" (which I found hysterical yet necessary) and the general subject matter.