In telling the true story of cartoonist, John Callahan, the new film, Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot, is not a conventional biopic in the sense that it follows a simple formula from beginning, middle and end, but here director Gus Van Sant cleverly uses segments from Callahan's past and the current time when the film is taking place and often it is out of sequence with how things actually happened, but it is still marvellously coherent and it makes for not only one of the most entertaining films of this year, but also one of the most thoughtful and moving as well. I think where the film primarily puts it's focus is Callahan's goal of becoming clean and sober after years of alcohol dependency. We see other aspects of his life as well, but the extraordinary thing about it is that how his life really did not start to come together till he realized he had a problem and sought help for it. Callahan is assisted on his troubling journey by a compassionate and yet honest group leader for a local Alcoholics Anonymous group and while going through this group he has to confront and come to terms with aspects of his life that he probably wishes he could leave behind, but with encouragement and following the steps of the program we see how Callahan now only discovers the strength inside himself, but also learns to have forgiveness for himself and the mistakes he has made in the past. He needs to seek forgiveness for the people he has wronged and most importantly also learn to forgive himself for what has caused him to become a quadriplegic and bound to a wheelchair and also how unwillingly his alcoholism spun out of control. Callahan never unfortunately develops a higher power in the sense that I was personally hoping for him, but at the same time I think he does develop a different way of looking at life and instead of hating his past and the things that at one point he blames for his decision to start drinking, he stops making excuses and blaming everyone and thing for how life turned out and instead starts to realize that maybe everything that has happened in his life was not an accident at all, but instead to cause growth not only as a person, but in maturity as well and help him to become the person he would later become and not only escape the tight grasp of alcohol abuse, but also to become one who would later speak and write this book about his own battles which has helped many a person who has suffered from the same troubles as himself. We see his growth and how he not only reaches out to people, but also becomes more aware of himself, his feelings and others as well. We see him develop relationships and also discover a hidden talent in cartooning and whilst his cartoons were quite controversial and brought in the same amount of praise and criticism, it gave him an outlet for expressing himself and also finding a way to support himself to not have to rely on welfare payments alone. This is a story that is brought to life with tremendous Oscar worthy performances, especially from the multi talented Joaquin Phoenix as John Callahan and also Jonah Hill, who has certainly come a long way from his crude comedy days and here delivers a subtle and yet nuanced performance as John's sponsor and leader of the Alcoholics Anonymous group who we later learn has had his own share of troubles in life and yet how he used his goal of helping others because of a will inside of him, but at the same time having the incomparable joy of helping others and seeing people overcome their goals whilst helping them even in the midst of your own troubles. Joaquin delivers an impassioned performance that is at times full of humour and at other times where your eyes well up with tears because of the great emotion and empathy we develop for Callahan who at first is not so likable, but later becomes someone we are truly hoping to achieve and conquer the goals he has set forth. This is a film that is moving for anyone trying to overcome any number of addictions, or illnesses and it proves that with the right mindset and people to help you along your journey that you are never helpless and that somehow even our darkest moments can be used for good not only in our lives, but also that of others as well. This film truly has a zest for life and living and it's positive spirit is certainly contagious and even the darker moments also ring true with authenticity and a mood that will certainly stimulate your emotions and deeply move you. This is not only a film for great entertainment, but also a film that shows that you can overcome your obstacles no matter how great they may seem and offer a little encouragement as well as top notch entertainment along the way. One of the year's best films.

A ho hum attempt to garner brownie points for a no lose sympathy subject. It's an affront to every physically impaired person forced into living with this type of injury. How dare Phoenix be cast as a paraplegic when there are actual physically limited actors who should have been given the opportunity to portray John Callahan. Shame!Same old story of Hollywood elitists attempting to make money via the inspirational story of someone else.

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.

Two- time Academy Award Nominee Director Gus Van Sant ("Good Will Hunting," "Milk") once again hits is out of the park here, with this sure be nominated film about comic writer (and film producer here) John Callahan. Callahan (touchingly played by Joaquin Phoenix) is a partier, specializing in alcohol. When he meets his match in Dexter (Jack Black), their one night escaped leaves Callahan permanently in a wheel chair. Through his recovery, social worker/girlfriend Unna introduces him to an AA group, lead by Donnie (beautifully portrayed by Jonah Hill). Working with Donnie and his piglets (AA ensemble group: Beth Ditto, Mark Webber "13 Sins," Kim Gordon "The Perks of being a Wallflower, "Ronnie Adreain "Key and Peele" and Udo Kier "Downsizing"), and in his made for speed wheel chair, Callahan grows into the man he was supposed to be, while coming in touch with his past and establishing himself as a satirical cartoonist. Because the real John Callahan is a cartoonist with a wacky sense of humor, "Don't Worry..." manages to keep the tragedy of this real life story light-hearted and funny, while equally tragic. We know Phoenix's has the ability to give weight to these type of unique characters, but it is Hill who really steps outside of his usual comic comfort zone here, and it's beautiful to watch both these guys in action. It's rare that such honesty in film can be delivered with such humor. "Don't Worry..." will be nominated come award season, so now is your chance to be the first to see this film.