Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot (2018) User Reviews

Oddy inspiring, with great performances by all

[maccas-56367 · 8/10 · 12 July 2021]

I'm not even sure what I liked about this film. I almost turned it off around the 30 minute-mark. But it somehow got under my skin. Combined with the powerful, convincing performances by all involved (in particular Joaquin Phoenix), I couldn't really look away.

It centers around John Callahan, a cartoonist (played by Phoenix) who is left wheelchair-bound following a drunk car accident. It follows his journey to sobriety through AA, and ultimate path to redemption, forgiveness and all the usual feel-good stuff. It has a heavy dose of depressive darkness thrown in too. Despite being oddly inspiring in nature, it doesn't follow the typical "inspirational true story" format and never feels contrived in its delivery.

There is a lot of dark humour and rare units among the characters here, which make it an entertaining ride. The structure of the film is absolutely all over the place though. It leaves the viewer feeling as in an alcoholic haze themselves, which is perhaps effective, if not frustrating and making for difficult viewing.

Jonah Hill and Joaquin Phoenix had great chemistry, and I really enjoyed any scene with Rooney Mara, which took on an almost angelic heavenly vibe. Jack Black was Jack Black. The "forgiveness" scenes were among the best and the AA meetings were also done effectively.

As someone approaching 10 years of sobriety myself, there was a lot to keep me engaged and many thought-provoking themes, lines and scenes. Recommend for those after something different or anyone after a true acting masterclass.

Simply put - Honest and well made.

[rickbobchristie · 8/10 · 24 January 2019]

From a technical viewpoint, very well executed - lighting and Cinematography were excellent. As for writing - every character in this is so well conveyed that the actors are able to do the story justice. Joaquin Phoenix did an excellent job as expected - both him and Jonah Hill really showed some emotional range in their roles. Rooney Mara's performance was great and her chemistry with Mr. Callahan was palpable; although not nearly as much so as Mr. Callahan's screen chemistry with Donny. Even the time Jack Black and Joaquin have on screen together is magical - and weirdly enough I don't think they could've cast anyone better for Jack Black's character.

The movie ended up being more of an exploration of 12 step program than I expected, but by the end it actually gave me deeper insight and understanding of those struggling with alcoholism who seek help. Knowing tons of people who've gone through the program (recurring ones and success stories) it's given me a slightly deeper appreciation for anyone's struggle/experience.

Surprisingly great movie

[williamgosselin1 · 8/10 · 27 July 2018]

Gus Van Sant directs this beautiful film about John Callahan, alcoholic turned cripple turned cartoonist.

The heart of this story is truly inspiring. It is deep down a story about the darkest corner of the human spirit, and how through faith we can overcome anything.

Van Sant is not a very flashy director. However there is a few questioning choices he made with this film. First off, the structure of the movie is very non linear, especially at the start. This creates a rather jarring experience, and it often results in lessening the impact of what is shown. The film gets more straightforward in the second half and it picks up big time.

Another thing that is odd is the manifestation of the protagonist's mother. The effect they chose to fade her face into the frame is simply bad. It just looks awful and the whole scene feels like a stain on the film. Also the film is filled with these weird zoom in shots that looks unappealing. It is something to get use to. It's not that it's a big deal, but it looks strange, and I fail to see the purpose of these zoom in and out.

Beside these few issues, Van Sant mostly lay low and let the actors act, and they do it beautifully. At this point it is not a surprise to anyone, but Joaquin Phoenix is fantastic in this. He elevates the material to tear jerking and meaningful. He just becomes the character. Between this and You Were Never Really Here, he is guaranteed to be nominated.

Jonah Hill proves again that he is a true artist with a single scene near the ending of the film. Before that he owns every scene he has, especially the first time Callahan meets him. He has this sincere goodness and nonchalance about his character. He really nails it.

Jack Black is also great in the film. At first it seems that he is just playing his usual funny dude character, but later in the film he has a great emotional scene. Although it is very short he just shows a whole new side of him.

Rooney Mara's performance is also great, but her character is somewhat problematic. When she first arrives, she is just like an angel, beautiful, caring and funny. It is just hard to believe that she actually exists in this universe. I understand that she helps greatly Callahan to keep faith, so that might be why she is so pretty, and charming and innocent, but it still feels like she is out of place in the film. Not her fault though.

Even though the first half suffered a bit from weird editing and jumping around a lot in time, the second half made up for it. It is more than a simple drama, it becomes meaningful. The pain that Callahan feels is so relatable. After watching him go through everything he did, and knowing that he truly existed, it just inspired me to be better. To conquer my own pain and torment and to just accept who I am as a person. It is not often that a film provoke such an emotional reaction out of me. Also I nearly cried twice, which is even more unusual.

Overall this is a great movie that dealt brilliantly with the theme of overcoming our pain and suffering no matter how insurmountable it seems.

Rating: 8/10

Fantastic acting

[Red_Identity · 26 March 2019]

The most impressive thing about this film is the acting, most notably Jonah Hill in a masterful supporting performance.

Brilliant, especially Joaquin Phoenix

[subxerogravity · 7/10 · 15 July 2018]

I found it to be a strangely dark comedy. Or rather it was funny despite the subject manner.

So technically a true story about a man named John Callahan who was an alcoholic and became paralyzed in a car accident because of his addiction to the bottle, but ends up living his best life due to his involvement with alcoholics anonymous.

So maybe not so dark now that I think about it as the story was uplifting and inspiring.

Joaquin Phoenix was a pleasure to see on the screen. Very lively and believable as a man chasing some demons, but keeping his sense of humor and positive attitude.

And we needed that liveliness as some of the 12 steps in the movie were not that flush out as well as others.

Gus Van Sant's ability to do such a serious content and give it to us in a humorous way makes for an Impressive film.

Don't Worry, Time is an Illusion

[questl-18592 · 6/10 · 10 January 2021]

Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot... What a mouthful. Anyhow, this seems like a real solid example of on screen clashing with the behind screen. On Screen, we have Phoenix being incredible as always, Jack Black giving a stunning but brief showing and then Jonah Hill kinda blowing me away with this and reminding me of how much range he has. The works of Callahan are used throughout the film as transitions and they feel very effective for what they are. But then there's the other stuff. The way this is so chopped up and shown out of any semblance of a sensible order really does a number on the flow of the film. This could've been much more moving than it was but because of how mangled and shuffled around everything is it prevents us from being able to properly invest in anything.

Still recommend this for the performances but not much else. So wish someone else could have taken the helm on this one because I really think under different direction this would've been a substantially improved film. As it is, it's still enjoyable enough it just really underperforms.

road to recovery

[ferguson-6 · 6/10 · 20 July 2018]

Greetings again from the darkness. Being neither an alcoholic, an artist nor a quadriplegic, I found myself wondering if I would be able to connect at all with the real life story of John Callahan. At most, I figured another stellar, oddball performance from Joaquin Phoenix might keep me engaged. It turns out, director Gus Van Sant (GOOD WILL HUNTING, 1999) focuses more on the quite interesting road to sobriety ... a road that also happens to lead directly to a reason to live.

Based on Mr. Callahan's autobiography, the film stars the enigmatic Mr. Phoenix. First seen as a 21 year old (a bit of a stretch) slacker who constantly needs a "fix" of alcohol, no matter the time of day, the talented actor excels after the alcohol-induced car accident that robs Callahan completely of the use of his legs, leaving him only minimal function with arms and hands. Even this doesn't inspire Callahan to give up the bottle. However, a vision of his mother does. Callahan's mommy issues are a key element of the story, as she gave him up for infant adoption - leading to many years of drowning his self-pity in whatever type of alcohol was in the glass.

The film picks up some momentum once Callahan begins attending AA group therapy sessions conducted by Donnie (Jonah Hill). Donnie is part Zen sponsor and trust fund guru. It's a wonderful performance from Mr. Hill, who makes the most of each of his scenes. Others in the group include a terrific (musician) Beth Ditto, Kim Gordon (of Sonic Youth fame), (German icon) Udo Kier, Ronnie Adrian and Mark Webber. Individually they don't have much to do, but they do make for a fascinating group. Also appearing are Tony Greenhand as Callahan's attendant, the fabulously talented Carrie Brownstein ("Portlandia"), and Rooney Mara as Callahan's physical therapist-turned-girlfriend. Ms. Mara is especially short-changed in the script.

It was 1972 and Callahan was 21 when the car accident left him a quadriplegic. Slowly, he discovered his talent as a cartoonist - albeit a controversial and darkly funny one. In today's climate of political correctness, it's likely Callahan would find no audience, but at the time, he developed a national following. This was the time of other single panel cartoonists like Gary Larson and Bill Watterson.

Attempting to avoid the traditional and familiar biopic structure, director Van Sant (who has a cameo) chops the movie into bits that work better individually than as a whole. At times it plays like an advertisement for Alcoholics Anonymous. But some of the bits are outstanding. The film is somehow both funny and sad, and includes a terrific scene near the end with Callahan and Jack Black's Dexter reuniting for the first time since the accident. It's a powerfully honest scene.

A destructive lifestyle doesn't always lead to good things, and substance abuse is not very entertaining - though, the road to recovery can be. Getting of glimpse of the 12 step program, we see that not drinking is merely the beginning. It's like a runner who must first lace up his shoes before beginning the actual run. Callahan died in 2010 at age 59, but his impact continues.

Exceptional

[eyeintrees · 10/10 · 25 January 2019]

Joaquin Pheonix and Jonah Hill give stand out performances in this amazing movie. Struggling to find anything these days to watch that even rates as value, this movie ticks all the boxes. The ending took me by surprise as the story is based on a true story and that made it even more worthwhile. Although there have been countless films made about alcoholics, their recovery and AA, this was different. This felt as if the viewer was there, not watching a movie with actors. Standout performance was Joaquin Pheonix. I have always thought he was a great actor but in this his is nothing short of brilliant.

With tracking down

[Saint_Pauley · 7/10 · 6 April 2018]

Like an AA meeting: disjointed, funny, moving, boring, inspiring and, ultimately, rewarding.

The actors are mesmerising. Joaquin Phoenix recovers nicely here from his misstep with Mary Magdalene but it's Jonah Hill as the sage gay sponsor who steals the film with a subtle portrayal imbued with nonchalant spirituality. Rock stars Kim Gordon (Sonic Youth) and Beth Ditto (Gossip) make appearances and Ditto turns in a solid gold performance that left me hoping she'll continue down the acting path.

Despite being overlong and bogged down with unnecessarily complicated timeline, the overall film moved me and made me glad I got past the clunky title and misleading rom-com poster.

Jonah Hill Steals the Spotlight

[imabigkidnow88 · 8/10 · 30 January 2018]

Wow, what a compelling and dramatic performance by Jonah Hill ....and of course Joaquin Phoenix. I come to expect great and unique performances in everything that Joaquin does and am never disappointed, but what really stood out to me in this film was the performance of Jonah Hill. From what the announcer at Sundance 2018 described as a "chameleon like character", Jonah really drives it home with his portrayal as Donnie, the AA friend and sponsor to Joaquin's true life character John Callahan.

Much like the comics that John Callahan has made over the years, this movie is filled with a lot of humor, despite the struggles he faced throughout his life, including his addiction to alcohol. Donnie is there as a source of inspiration and guidance to John in helping him overcome these obstacles while also providing some comic relief. Jonah's performance really gives depth and insight to Joaquin's character as he struggles to pick up the pieces of his shattered life and continues on his journey to make some of the most outlandish and though provoking comics of his time.

Overall, I highly recommend watching this, as I feel we can all relate the context on some level. It will be quite the tear jerker towards the end and also allow you to empathize with both Donnie and John as they help each other overcome life's many hardships.

Worth to see for Pheonix and Hill

[Alexander_Blanchett · 7/10 · 20 February 2018]

It was a tolerable drama about a alcohol addict who is bound to a wheelchair after a drinking caused car accident. The film shows how he cope with both his addiction and the new situation with the wheelchair. It is also a biopic about artist John Callahan. Joaquin Phoenix wonderfully portrays that troubled character and gives a great performance. He is one of the main reasons why this movie should be seen. Another powerhouse performance he can add to his resume. Jonah Hill also absolutely shines. He has one emotional scene towards the end that once again proves what a great and talented character and drama actor he is. I am glad this talent is noticed after his two Oscar nominations and that he keeps getting those roles. Rooney Mara was a bit wasted. She was lovely and had a lovely character but really not all that much to do in the film. Gus Van Sant delivers most of the time, but the film had too many lengths and I wasnt a fan of the time shifting he used. Still a good film for sure, especially to watch Phoenix and Hill.

This film will leave you emotionally satisfied.

[alecjameswright · 8/10 · 11 February 2019]

I just wrote a review for the first time, for 30 minutes, and my web page shifted. I lost it.

All you need to know is, this film is GREAT. You should watch it.

Nothing new

[Rendanlovell · 6/10 · 30 September 2018]

Gus Van Sant brings great energy to the project and it benefits from a strong leading performance. The film isn't anything really special or unique and it doesn't exactly explore things with much depth. Yet, I still enjoyed the energy of the filmmaking and found myself having a good time with it.

Sincere in its intention but jumbled in its execution

[DJKwa · 5/10 · 11 July 2018]

//Revelation Film Festival Review//

Joaquin Phoenix delivers another extraordinary performance bringing to life the true story of John Callahan, a man who finds his calling as a cartoonist following a devastating car accident that left him a quadriplegic. Unfortunately, for all of Phoenix's best efforts, he's let down by a disjointed narrative that jumps all over the place leaving the film feeling jumbled and confused.

Compounding the disappointment is the knowledge that it's the first film from veteran indie filmmaker Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting, Milk) following his disastrous The Sea of Trees. Despite being made with sincere and genuine intentions, Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot seems to been made in the same blender as Van Sant's previous mess. Maybe he's loosing his touch?

True story of a paraplegic cartoonist.

[TxMike · 21 October 2018]

I watched this at home on DVD from our public library. My wife lasted 20 minutes, she left during the scene Callahan was vomiting into a water trough. As it turns out that was the very low point of the story.

This movie is based on the true story of John Callahan, general slacker who drank too much and at age 21 was rendered wheelchair bound in an auto accident during a night of heavy drinking. The internet tells us:

John Michael Callahan (February 5, 1951 - July 24, 2010) was a cartoonist, artist, and musician in Portland, Oregon, noted for dealing with macabre subjects and physical disabilities.

Joaquin Phoenix is very good in the role of John Callahan. During his recovery, and gaining partial use of his arms and hands, began drawing cartoons just for the fun of it. One of them was a wheelchair and the caption was the title of this movie. He became noticed and got a regular gig as a cartoonist.

The movie also shows a lot of the AA meetings he attended and his gradual recovery to sobriety. Good movie of a difficult subject. Not all viewers will enjoy it.

Paints a pretty clear picture of a real-life person without ever feeling like a typical bio-pic.

[Pjtaylor-96-138044 · 7/10 · 29 October 2018]

'Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far On Foot (2018)' is sometimes unfocused - in fact, often so - but it is also always engaging and, though it usually focuses on hardships, entertaining, too. There are several human moments that break through the flick's messy structure and occasional tonal hiccups and, though it's never incredibly emotionally impactful and feels far too long, it's always compelling and paints a pretty clear portrait of a real-life person without actually feeling like a bio-pic at all. This is helped by the fact that it's backed by great performances and a dedication to see them brought to life in as real a way as possible. In fact, 'dedication' is a term that's very applicable to this particular picture considering that it has been in 'development hell' since the late nineties. 7/10

Heartwarming and honest

[kbowes-23399 · 7/10 · 5 June 2020]

So many film-makers try to be dark and edgy, its refreshing to watch something so sincere, with a simple plot and a heartwarming ending.

Definately some of Pheonix and Hill's best work.

An amusing flick

[cekadah · 7/10 · 10 March 2019]

John Callahan's cartoons were and still are genius in depicting life as seen from an oblique point of view.

As this film shows Callahan's life was 'rough do'ins' and the way it is presented here is neither tragic nor sympathetic. It just shows the making of this man. Not once did I feel sorrowful for his plight. The Jona Hill character comes across as a bit shadowy and untrustworthy but in the end that's no so.

If you are aware of the Callahan cartoon phenomenon at the height of his popularity this film is for you.

Beautifully done

[jrob03 · 8/10 · 28 July 2018]

Joaquin Phoenix driving this heart breaking story gives the audience such a true sense of the unbearable. The will to overcome the tragedy that had changed his life and the dissection of the true problem he faces is remarkable. All of the people that play into his recovery give him the faith and the strength he needs in order to better himself. Jonah Hill and the entire group of AA members are all in the same boat. His selfish desire to lead that group of misfits turns him into a selfless man by giving them exactly what they need. Having such a positive impact on these people is very heartwarming to watch. Rooney Mara fits her character like a glove. She was the exact piece of the puzzle that John Callahan needed. Such a good hearted beautiful woman. Makes you very glad to see these people exist. What a story. Very happy to see it on screen.

A film of humanity and digity living in the moment and accepting reality.

[blanbrn · 7/10 · 10 December 2018]

Director Gus Van Sant always makes movies that speak truth and tells passion with stories about the ups and downs of life. This based on a true story does just the same as "Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot" entertains with emotions, drama, and fun moments that are heartfelt as you really feel for the central character of John Callahan(in a good turn from Joaquin Phoenix). As this gentleman has a lust for life and drama of having a good time and chasing women and most of all drinking, until things change after a one night bender with a car accident causing great change. Upon entering treatment and rehab a fresh new light and gift is discovered a talent of drawing cartoon newspaper characters gives a new lease on life. The film is a mix of reflection of life and the healing power that art can bring changes and the power to heal the soul. The chemistry is well rounded by Jonah Hill, Jack Black, and Rooney Mara. Overall worth a watch for it's sentimental heartfelt emotional feel.

Snubbed. All I can say is snubbed.

[tylermorris30 · 9/10 · 26 October 2020]

One of the greatest performances I have seen by Joaquin. And Jonah, out of this world! An absolute "real" film, with an ending that will make you emotional. So great. Do not listen to other reviews.

Solid film

[brianj1066 · 7/10 · 21 October 2018]

Ay, I love a good addiction addiction flick. I think it's a nod to my days of psilocybin binging. I remember always thinking, "hey I could live like this every day," before sobriety eventually crept-in and I'd convince myself to live with half-hearted purpose. I have some type of backward, misguided envy for addiction. Not to sound insensitive to those afflicted by addiction, but this genre is like fantasy for me. Plus, who doesn't love a good comeback story? Well, I guess I don't. The partying and boozing scenes were great! Jack Black hilarious! But the recovery scenes were meh. Not even Jonah Hill can make AA propaganda look cool.

Still, I like Joaquin Phoenix and I think he did a great job of playing a pained, needy man. I've watched that speeding wheelchair scene about a dozen times. There are enough good scenes in this flick to give it a watch.

Being a huge film fan, sometimes minor drunk, and a very passionate artist, I could really relate to this film!

[Hellmant · 9/10 · 27 July 2018]

'DON'T WORRY, HE WON'T GET FAR ON FOOT': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

The new comedy-drama biopic based on the autobiography of cartoonist John Callahan, detailing his story of how he came to sobriety after severe alcoholism. It was directed by Gus Van Sant, and written by Van Sant, Jack Gibson and William Andrew Eaton. The movie stars Joaquin Phoenix (as Callahan), Jonah Hill, Rooney Mara and Jack Black. Danny Elfman also did the score for the film. It's received mostly positive reviews from critics, and it's playing in select indie theaters now (like Portland). I found it to be really well made, and quite involving.

John Callahan (Phoenix) was a horrendous alcoholic, living in Portland, OR, when he got into a car accident which left him severely disabled. The disastrous accident just makes him even more depressed, and more addicted to the dangerous drug as well. Then he falls for a woman named Annu (Mara), who works at the hospital he's first treated at, and she encourages him to enter rehab. With the help of a really supportive sponsor (Hill), John keeps at it. When he starts drawing popular, but highly controversial, newspaper cartoons, John's life really starts to change for the better.

I've definitely had times when I've drank too much in my life; not to the extent of the characters in this movie but I could still really relate to that important part of this film. I could also really relate to how John used alcohol as medication, for handling past trauma in his life (I know this is something a lot of drinkers do). Then again I could also really relate to the beautiful healing magic of art, presented in this movie, especially creating it (I'm a very obsessed aspiring filmmaker). Being a huge film fan, sometimes minor drunk, and a very passionate artist, I could really relate to this film. Especially also now that I live in the PDX area (where this was set). It's my favorite city ever!

Endearing portrait of a man recovering from alcohol addiction. Based on a true story. Great acting performances by Joaquin Phoenix and Johah Hill. Lighthearted drama.

[imseeg · 7/10 · 18 April 2019]

Joaquin Phoenix is a drunk, who wrecks his car and becomes an invalid bound to a wheelchair for life. How will he manage to live on? Based on a true story about John Callahan.

The title by itself "Dont worry he wont get far on foot" is quite exemplary for the sarcastic humor in this picture, in which all the rightfully painful excuses alcholics have for drinking are being made fun of. It's the humor that keeps this serious story about alcohol addiction lighthearted.

Great acting performances by Joaquin Phoenix and Jonah Hill. Both excell at portraying full blown drunks in recovery. Great to see the singer from Sonic Youth perform a role as well. Same surpise to see Udo Kier. This is a full on actor's movie, with truly wonderful performances.

Any bad? Well, the pace and the dramatic climax of this movie are all somewhat subdued and slowburning, therefore only 7 stars. I must mention though that ALL of director Gus van Sant's movies are slowburning in nature, so it isnt really a fault that this story proceeds in a somewhat slowburning tempo as well. But because of this subdued slowburning characteristic I felt that this was merely an ok drama, instead of a great one.

Funny in patches but not a compelling watch

[calorne · 4/10 · 23 December 2018]

There were some funny moments, but all in all I felt that this was not a story that drew me in strongly. It was fact based but a number of events were entirely implausible and it was difficult to feel any engagement with any of the characters as they seemed like caricatures and not real people.

I believe I would have enjoyed reading a book of the main character's cartoons far more than seeing this film.