217_One_Movie_Punch_Dont_Worry_He_Wont_Get_Far_On_Foot_2018

Hi everyone!

As promised, this week I’ll be working in an extra film from the theaters, along with two Netflix Originals, a Troma Team cult classic, a documentary about a children’s magazine, and a highly rated but overlooked film from earlier this year. A lot of great films in the theaters right now, and more than a few excellent independent features getting wider distribution. I’m hoping to see the rest for next week. And if you have any recommendations, let me know on social media or using the contact form at onemoviepunch.com.

And now...

Today’s movie is “Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot” (2018), the biographical drama directed by Gus Van Sant and written for the screen in collaboration with John Callahan, Jack Gibson, and William Andrew Eatmen, based on John Callahan’s memoir. The film follows John Callahan (Joaquin Phoenix), an alcoholic who becomes a quadriplegic after a drunken car crash in 1972, and eventually seeks help at the behest of his girlfriend Annu (Rooney Mara), succeeding with the help of a charismatic sponsor named Donnie (Jonah Hill).

Spoilers ahead.

I’ve been a fan of Gus Van Sant since seeing “Good Will Hunting” back in the day, then discovering his other films from there, either as they debuted or by hitting the archives. I mention “Good Will Hunting” because that movie is the beginning point of this movie, when Robin Williams had optioned the rights to John Callahan’s memoir, and began discussing developing it with Gus Van Sant. Of course, the success of “Good Will Hunting” also gave them tons of great work, so the project was shelved for a while, then later postponed again after Callahan passed away in 2010, and entered a kind of development limbo after 2014 when Robin Williams took his own life.

Obviously, a film with that kind of development history brings a lot of baggage, so I’m frankly amazed that Gus Van Sant with Joaquin Phoenix revived the project for development. I’m also glad that the project came to fruition, because it has some really strong aspects. The casting is excellent, with Van Sant being able to draw Jack Black, Carrie Brownstein, and Beth Ditto for relatively minor supporting roles, and the story puts the road to recovery as a strong through line while utilizing flashbacks (and flash forwards) to fill in the gaps. Jonah Hill’s performance as Donnie is particularly excellent, really fleshed out, perhaps even Oscar-worthy for Best Supporting Actor.

However, the film also has a few noticeable flaws, or perhaps limitations. Following the timeline can be challenging with the format, and particularly with Donnie’s references to Chucky, which I believe is about a decade out of place. I thought every scene with Suzanne, the benefits liaison, seemed superfluous to the rest of the story, even if Callahan’s struggles with the benefits system are an important part of his life. I also have some concerns with a film championing Alcoholic Anonymous, because while it has worked for many people, it has also come under increasing scrutiny by scientific study in terms of treating addiction, biochemically, psychologically, and sociologically. I support anyone’s journey towards sobriety, being almost four years sober myself, but for those out there continuing to struggle, just know that there are multiple treatment paths and that there isn’t just one path that works for your own recovery.

“Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot” (2018) is a pretty good film, but has some noticeable flaws. The film does justice to the life of John Callahan, both the good and the bad, and the flaws do not take away from a Oscar-worthy performance by Jonah Hill. Fans of John Callahan, or biographical dramas in general, or stories of successful recovery should definitely check out this film.

Rotten Tomatoes: 75% (CERTIFIED)

Metacritic: 66

One Movie Punch: 7.6/10

Podcast: onemoviepunch.libsyn.com/episode-217-dont-worry-he-wont-get-far-on-foot-2018

“Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot” (2018) is rated R and is currently playing in theaters.

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