This is the true story of John Callahan, a boozer who was crippled in an alcohol-fuelled car accident and faced a difficult path to sobriety. He was helped along by his girlfriend (Rooney Mara), a caring AA sponsor (Jonah Hill, excellent in a dramatic role), and a newly discovered talent for drawing smart, edgy and frequently controversial newspaper cartoons. This comedy about very dark things works because it’s right in Gus Van Sant’s wheelhouse, and the complex main character is given believability by the chameleon known as Joaquin Phoenix. I would’ve liked to know more about the art. (114 min)