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What's After the Movie?
Biographical drama

Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot (2018): Cast & Ratings

Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot (2018) movie poster

Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot is a 2018 biographical drama directed by Gus Van Sant, starring Joaquin Phoenix as John Callahan, Jack Black and Jonah Hill. It runs 1 hour 54 minutes and earned $4.2 million worldwide on a $3.5 million budget. Critics gave it 77% on Rotten Tomatoes and 67 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10.

IMDb rating
6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
77%
worldwide gross
$4.2M
Echo Score
73
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Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 54m (114 min)
Director
Gus Van Sant
Genres
Biography , Drama , Comedy
Original language
English
Budget
$3.5M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot About?

The premise of Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Joaquin Phoenix portrays John Callahan, a charismatic and rebellious man whose life takes an unexpected turn following a life-altering incident that leaves him paralyzed. Confined to a wheelchair, he discovers a therapeutic outlet in drawing cartoons, which he initially creates for the hospital walls. His unique and often irreverent artwork gains popularity, eventually leading to international recognition and a chance to rebuild his life and career.

Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • disability
  • alcoholism
  • wheelchair
  • paralysis
  • therapy
  • cartoonist
  • drawing
  • drunk driver
  • cartoon
  • party
  • alcoholics anonymous
  • drunkenness
+38 more
  • paraplegic
  • hospital
  • caretaker
  • anger
  • rehabilitation
  • driving under the influence
  • 1970s
  • sex with a nurse
  • art
  • wheelchair crash
  • singing in a car
  • falling asleep at the wheel
  • alcoholic
  • alcoholics anonymous meeting
  • hiv positive
  • hugging one's friend
  • flight attendant
  • 12 step program
  • absent mother
  • redheaded woman
  • liquor store
  • social worker
  • drink
  • drinking
  • motorized wheelchair
  • prologue
  • animated sequence
  • oregon
  • portland state university
  • skateboarding
  • boy
  • adoption
  • birth mother
  • forgiveness
  • apology
  • flashback
  • flash forward
  • split screen
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Cast & crew

Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot Cast & Characters

Joaquin Phoenix leads the cast as John Callahan, with Jack Black as Dexter and Jonah Hill as Donny. Directed by Gus Van Sant; 13 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot

· 9 more
From the director

More from Gus Van Sant

More films directed by Gus Van Sant, best-rated first: Dead Man's Wire, To Die For, Good Will Hunting and Paranoid Park.

Full filmography
Ratings

Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot 77% on Rotten Tomatoes and 67 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 73/100, strongest in character & emotion (88) and weakest in rewatch factor (65).

73 /100

Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, 'Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot' offers a character-driven exploration of redemption with both strengths and uneven elements. The film is anchored by commanding performances that elevate its exploration of addiction and creative expression, while its nonlinear structure and pacing receive varied reactions for occasionally feeling overextended. Visually, the inclusion of animated sequences provides occasional highlights but does not fully compensate for the variable editing rhythm. Despite these fluctuations, the film maintains sufficient engagement to warrant consideration for viewers interested in introspective biopics.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 75

    In terms of direction and visual composition, the film delivers notable directorial flourishes but occasionally struggles with uneven editing transitions. Seasoned filmmaking sensibilities are evident in the measured use of animated interludes and intimate framing. However, moments of narrative stopping and pacing inconsistencies hinder cohesion. Overall, the art and craft exhibit clear ambition tempered by sporadic imbalance.

  • Character & Emotion 88

    When it comes to character and emotional depth, the film is anchored by commanding lead and supporting performances that richly convey inner conflict and resilience. Joaquin Phoenix and Jonah Hill bring nuanced portrayals of self-pity and empathy, while the ensemble contributes credible chemistry. The emotional arc of recovery and creative expression consistently engages. Overall, the character work stands out as the film’s primary strength.

  • Story & Flow 65

    In terms of story and narrative flow, the film presents an original non-linear structure that underscores themes of redemption but can feel disjointed at times. The pacing alternates between engaging emotional milestones and repetitive beats centered on group sessions. While some viewers find the thematic lifts effective, others note uneven pacing and overlong sequences. Overall, the story remains compelling yet variable.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    In terms of sensory presentation, the film combines a restrained visual palette with intermittent animated sequences that bring Callahan’s work to life. The soundtrack is subtle and supports the emotional register without drawing undue attention. Some sound design choices enhance immersion, but overall the sensory elements remain serviceable rather than striking. Overall, the sensory experience is competent.

  • Rewatch Factor 65

    When it comes to rewatch appeal, the film’s strong performances and thematic depth encourage repeat viewings among admirers of biographical drama. Some may revisit the animated sections and emotional arcs, though the uneven pacing and occasional overlength may deter others on subsequent viewings. Overall, the rewatch factor is moderate and likely dependent on viewer interest in the subject.

Plot

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

What happens in Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

On the final day that John Callahan, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, can walk, he wakes up without a hangover, still intoxicated from the previous night. At a raucous party, he encounters a humorous fellow drinker named Dexter, played by Jack Black, who persuades him to join an even more exhilarating gathering. However, when Dexter falls asleep at the wheel, John finds himself awakening to the harsh reality of being confined to a wheelchair, with only limited use of his arms.

Full summary

The whole story of Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot Box Office & Budget

Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot grossed $4.2 million worldwide on a $3.5 million budget, 1.2 times what it cost. $1.4 million came from the US and Canada and $2.8 million (66%) from the rest of the world.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$4.2M

1.2× its budget

US & Canada
$1.4M
International
$2.8M
Budget
$3.5M
US & Canada 34% Rest of the world 66%
Videos

Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot Trailers & Videos

22 videos: 1 trailer, 1 teaser, 10 clips, 9 featurettes and 1 behind-the-scenes video.

All 22 videos
Official Trailer
  • Teaser Teaser Trailer
  • Clip Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far On Foot - Clip: "It's You" | Amazon Studios
  • Clip Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far On Foot - "Take A Look" clip | Amazon Studios
  • Clip Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far On Foot - Clip: "Piglets" | Amazon Studios
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What led to John Callahan's confinement to a wheelchair?

Cars

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

8 cars on screen, including the 1970 Volkswagen Sedan Ep. 00:22: Typ 1 and the 1984 Buick LeSabre.

All 8 cars
  • 1970 Volkswagen Sedan Ep. 00:22: Typ 1 in Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot 1970 Volkswagen Sedan Ep. 00:22: Typ 1 Important role
  • 1984 Buick LeSabre in Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot 1984 Buick LeSabre Minor role
  • 1969 Cadillac Coupe DeVille in Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot 1969 Cadillac Coupe DeVille Background role
  • 1975 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu in Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot 1975 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Background role
Details

Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot Also Known As

31 alternative titles, including “笑画人生” and “近人勿念”.

Also known as
  • 笑画人生
  • 近人勿念
  • Não se Preocupe
  • Ele Não Irá Longe a Pé.
  • No te preocupes, no irá lejos
  • Не волнуйся, он далеко не уйдёт
  • 别担心,他不会走远的
  • 酒過漫畫人生
  • 돈 워리
  • A Pé Ele Não Vai Longe
  • No te preocupes, no llegará lejos a pie
  • אל דאגה
+19 more
  • הוא לא יגיע רחוק ברגל
  • Не се притеснявай, той няма да стигне далече
  • Не хвилюйся, він далеко не піде
  • Don’t Worry, weglaufen geht nicht
  • Μην Ανησυχείς
  • Δε θα Φτάσει Μακριά με τα Πόδια
  • Merak Etme
  • Fazla Uzaklaşamaz
  • Bez obaw, daleko nie zajdzie
  • Não Te Preocupes
  • Não Irá Longe a Pé
  • 笑畫人生
  • Neuztraucies, tālu viņš netiks
  • Nesijaudink, jis toli nenueis
  • Neboj, daleko neuteče
  • Nyugi, gyalog nem jut messzire
  • Ne skrbi, peš ne bo prišel daleč, ნუ ღელავ, ფეხით შორს ვერ წავა
  • Ei hätää, hän ei kävele pitkälle
  • Nu-ți face griji, el nu o să ajungă departe pe picioare

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

FAQ

Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot FAQ: Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot?

Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot runs 1 hour 54 minutes (114 minutes).

When was Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot released?

Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot was released on July 13, 2018.

Who directed Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot?

Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot was directed by Gus Van Sant.

More films by Gus Van Sant

Who is in the cast of Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot?

Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot stars Joaquin Phoenix as John Callahan, Jack Black as Dexter and Jonah Hill as Donny, among 13 credited actors.

How much did Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot make at the box office?

Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot grossed $4.2 million worldwide ($1.4 million domestic, $2.8 million international) on a budget of $3.5 million.

How is Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot rated?

Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot has 6.8/10 on IMDb, 77% on Rotten Tomatoes, 67 on Metacritic and 67% on TMDB.

Does Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot have a post-credit scene?

No. Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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