John Cusack is finally in a movie where he doesn’t play “John Cusack!”

Cusack, a former soldier, is left behind working his job and taking care of his daughters while his wife fights overseas. When she dies in combat, he doesn’t know how to explain to them what happened.

In what sounds far-fetched, but seems realistic in the moment, he takes them on a cross country trip to an amusement park to avoid telling them the truth. Along the way, he finds out that his “perfect” daughter has more problems than he thinks and for the first time begins to address them head on.

The kids don’t know their mom has died, but can tell something’s up as when they call in to talk to their teachers about missing class and homework. The teachers are oddly sympathetic, even the grouchy one. Little clues like that trouble the older one who isn’t sure what’s happened, but is definitely sure her dad is hiding something.

A very good movie that shows parents being fallible and loving at the same time. If you ever wanted to see a buddy road trip movie where the kids were brought along for the ride, this is your chance.