Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot - A Movie Review

Everything in life happens for a reason.

Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot in a 2018 bio-drama about the late John Callahan, a paralyzed cartoonist. After a car accident, John struggles to move forward. While he attends grief counseling meetings and discovers his love for drawing, John adjusts to his new life.

I didn’t realize until halfway through this movie that it was based on a true person who created an underrated animated series I watched as a kid. The film is a hidden gem. In contrast to the film’s title, never let a disability stop you from achieving your greatest passions.

Joaquin Phoenix bore an incredible portrayal of an ailing man suffering from guilted pleasures from the past. Phoenix didn’t have to do a lot of research since he overcame alcoholism in the past. John Callahan defeats obstacles to witness a clearer picture than he ever did before. His growth is inspiring.

Jonah Hill claims that this is his favorite performance to date. I agree. Hill accomplishes a terrific performance, setting a different twist on an AA instructor. His monologue in the film’s climax was moving. Hill and Phoenix worked well together in their scenes.

Other members of the supporting cast include Rooney Mara, Jack Black, Tony Greenland, and Beth Ditto. The ensemble cast creates a harmonious balance of humor which is needed through this emotional rollercoaster.

Gus Van Sant crafted intimate character-driven narratives and guided viewers through this tumultuous journey with a gentle touch. He allowed the story to unfold organically. He also stayed genuine to the story and the recuperation process for any long-term injuries. I like the way he incorporated dark comedy.

The editing is somewhat choppy allowing viewers to witness the moments that shaped Callahan’s life and his path to recovery. Not all stories need to be examined in chronological order.

I approached this film with very limited knowledge about the plot and characters. I thought it was fictional. The more I noticed how familiar the drawings were, I realized that this was a bio-drama about the late John Callahan, the creator of the animated TV show Pelswick.

For anyone who has never seen Pelswick, it is one of the most underrated shows. The basis of Pelswick is about a young boy in a wheelchair living his daily life. Now I know the backstory behind it! As a cartoonist myself, I was drawn to this aspect of the film. Passions exist for a reason. You never know where they’ll lead you.

Sant beautifully captures Callahan's transformation from a troubled and self-destructive individual into a talented cartoonist whose work resonates with people around the world. Change is possible for anybody.

You may need to research this film prior to your watch but overall it won’t ruin anything. This film is more than just a bio-drama. It delves into thematic themes about addiction and self-expressing through art.

For anyone who is having a hard time, watch Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot. You can’t let a disability stop you from living your life. It’s a chance to figure out alternatives and learn to approve your lifestyle.

At its core, this film is a poignant exploration of resilience, redemption, and the power of the human spirit. Always forgive. Forgive yourself. Forgive a friend. This film is a poignant exploration of the life of John Callahan.

Why hasn’t this film earned more hype? You need to watch Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot on Amazon Prime. It is a resilient film that’ll inspire some viewers.