Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.