With movies such as Drugstore Cowboy (1989), My Own Private Idaho (1991), Good Will Hunting (1997), Finding Forrester (2000), and Milk (2008) under his belt, there’s no denying the talent that director Gus Van Sant has shown over the decades. He also has an uncanny ability to get the most out of his actors. Many would not have guessed, prior to their award-winning performances, that River Phoenix, Matt Damon and Sean Penn would have been as phenomenal as they were in their respective roles under Van Sant’s watchful eye (although Penn had already received major accolades prior to working with the acclaimed director). After a decade-long drought, Van Sant hopes to return to notoriety with his latest drama, Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot.

John Callahan (Joaquin Phoenix) has a lot he’s had to work through in life. Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot takes a sobering (so to speak) look inside his tumultuous life and how he eventually became a better man for it. This journey including his lowest points, like the night that he became paralyzed to some of his higher points, such as becoming a controversial cartoonist. John shares his journey of love, loss and humility. During this wild ride of self-discovery, John interacts with all sorts of people who will help define him in the man who he is to become.

Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot is lucky to have such an adamant professional behind the camera directing this piece. Gus Van Sant allows actors such as Joaquin Phoenix, Jonah Hill, Rooney Mara and Jack Black to give some very inspiring performances and they bring this biography of John Callahan to life. Van Sant has a working history with the Phoenix family, as the late River Phoenix was Joaquin’s older brother. The collaborative connection is still there as Joaquin brings all of his acting skills to the forefront. In playing a character whose physicals skills have been diminished by a sudden and unexpected accident, he is spot on with his portrayal.

At times tragic, while at others touching, Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot takes audiences through the full spectrum of “feels” while keeping them engaged and entertained with well-placed humor and a compelling narrative. Joaquin Phoenix gives a moving performance in his 12 Steps of Amazing Acting and Jonah Hill proves once again that his skills are magnified when working in a serious project. It makes you wonder why Hill doesn’t accept more serious roles. The end result of this sarcastically sweet biopic is that one one that will shine through all of the tragedy and tough times, while giving hope to others facing similar demons. From a quality perspective, expect more positives than negatives as the next two hours churn by. Check it out in theaters today.