Page 22 - Boca ViewPointe - September '24

Page 22, Viewpointe September 2024
Film Review:

Don’t Worry: He Won’t Get Far On Foot

By Nils A. Shapiro That is the turning somewhat risqué and even the object of complaints from
point in the film, for it led certain social and religious groups.
Trust me on this one. If, like me, at some point in the the real John Callahan– Interestingly, although I strongly disagree, because the
first half hour or so of this film you feel like turning it off as who is able to use his film shows some of these wonderful cartoons, the movie itself
being rather depressing, don’t do it! hands—to become is listed in the category of “comedy drama” despite the fact
Resist that urge and you will be rewarded with one of an accomplished that the story itself is of a life that can hardly be considered
the most brilliant acting performances and emotional screen cartoonist whose as having any semblance of humor.
stories you will have experienced in a long time, to be then wor k you wi ll But there is indeed a happy ending to this life, one that
told in the closing credits (forgive this spoiler) that it is all instantly recognize will reward you for staying with the film as I urged you to
based on a true memoir by the man who lived it! from newspapers do at the opening of this review. A successful career as a
The highly respected director Gus Van Sant adapted that and popular national cartoonist…a loving marriage to Annu, caregiver at the
memoir into the screenplay for this 2018 film streaming on magazines—and whose hospital who understood what this patient needed at the worst
Amazon Prime Video. After viewing Joaquin Phoenix’s humor, while definitely moment of his life…and, as you will discover, the one-word
extraordinary performance in the lead role I had to do funny and clever, is lesson learned from his AA leader that enabled John Callahan
some research to learn why he failed to win the Academy often considered at last to overcome his life of alcoholism. 
Award that year. It went to Rami Malek for playing
Freddie Mercury in American Rhapsody. (Joaquin Phoenix
throughout his career has won one Academy Award, one Legal Plan Checklist To Protect Yourself
British Academy Film Award, two Golden Globe Awards,
one Grammy—having been nominated for 13 of those—in By Martin Zevin, Attorney with you in a common accident. The Revocable Living Trust also
addition to having been nominated for no fewer than 105 I have touched on these allows you to buy future properties as Trustee and to Amend the
other U.S. and international festival acting awards and subjects in many articles. Here is Trust at any time while you are alive. The Deed to your home
should have language confirming that it remains your homestead.
a condensed checklist.
taking top honors 28 times!) 1. Current Advanced Care Talk to your lawyer about the risks of a Life Estate Deed
We meet him here in the opening scene as John Directives: versus no risks for the Trust.
Callahan, onstage as a recovered alcoholic receiving an A. Designation of Health Care The above documents should be done with the assistance of
award before an audience to whom he is telling the story Surrogate for someone to make an Estate Planning Attorney. The following need to be done by
we are about to witness. your medical decisions if you you personally:
cannot communicate. Even if you
4. Designate beneficiaries on ALL of your accounts to avoid
The flashback begins at a party where Jack and his friend are married, you MUST have this probate. This is also known as payable on death (p.o.d.), transfer
(played by Jack Black), already having had too much to drink, legal document and it needs to be on death (t.o.d.) or in trust for (i.t.f.). Also designate contingent
decide to make a real night of it. After stops at an amusement current and done by a Florida lawyer. Do NOT rely on generic beneficiaries. Each institution has its own forms but it should
park and a strip club, imbibing even more at each, they pile forms or a document you got from your doctor or a hospital or not cost you anything except some time.
back into the car for one more stop with his totally besotted out of state documents. 5. If you know that you want to be cremated or buried, contact
B. Living Will. Very specific Florida language regarding
cremation societies or funeral homes to discuss pre-need plans.
friend behind the wheel. As the car veers from one lane to “pulling the plug.” Must be witnessed and notarized and designate You will be signing a contract to pre-pay for your funeral, saving
another, the driver’s eyes begin to close. He dozes off…and someone to make the final decision. your loved ones a lot of stress, time and money. Be sure to give
the inevitable 90 mph crash into a light pole results in them C. Durable Power of Attorney. Covers legal and financial a copy of your contract to your primary and contingent Personal
being brought by emergency ambulance to a hospital. matters while you are alive. Again, needs to be done by a lawyer Representative so they will know who to call.
As it turns out, the driver escapes with only minor bruises who is aware of current Florida law, including many specific 6. Have car insurance that includes at least $100,000 of bodily
powers that must be initialed by you to be valid. Our current
injury liability (b.i.) and uninsured motorist (u.m.). Do not have
and we see no more of him until the very end of the film. But it document is 26 pages. When you die, the advanced care directives any deductible on your P.I.P. (no fault). If you own more than
is largely through John’s (Joaquin Phoenix’s) eyes and thoughts die with you. one car, consider “stacking,” which allows you to double (two
that we learn and experience his life from that moment on as 2. Last Will and Testament. If you are a Florida resident, you cars) or triple (three cars) your uninsured motorist coverage
a quadriplegic: paralysis of both arms and both legs. should have a Florida Will and your Personal Representative for a small additional premium. Uninsured motorist is the most
Through the director’s, actor’s and cinematographer’s (Executor) must be a Florida resident OR a blood relative. important insurance you can have, since Florida does not require
bodily injury coverage.
3. If you own real estate, in Florida or elsewhere, you need
skills, John’s trauma and shock are palpable. The initial one of these to avoid probate when you die. If you do all the homework on this list, you are well on your
treatment by much of the hospital staff is insufficiently caring, A. Life Estate Deed: You own property for the rest of your way to getting an “A” in Legalities of Life 101.
except for a beautiful visiting volunteer (played by Rooney life and you designate someone on the Deed to inherit it without I am available for a free personal meeting or phone consultation
Mara) who spoon feeds him and understands that a little kiss probate when you die. Be sure it is an “enhanced” (also known regarding Estate Planning. Call me at (954) 569-4878. My
will make him feel human. as “Lady Bird”) Deed to allow you to sell it without consent or address is 3275 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Suite 204, Deerfield Beach,
joinder of the person you name.
Florida 33442. My website is www.martinzevinpa.com and my
When John is provided with an electric wheelchair whose B. Trust and Deed transferring property to you (and your e-mail address is martinzevin@netzero.com
movements and direction he can control with his fingers, his spouse) as Trustee(s) of your Trust. This allows you to name
world widens: He can travel around the hospital and even go contingent beneficiaries if your first choice dies before you or
outdoors. Recognizing the reason for his disastrous situation he
decides to join a group in Alcoholics Anonymous to straighten Paid Advertisement
out his life. The group leader, portrayed by Jonah Hill, takes a
special interest in guiding John through AA’s established process.
We learn that John’s mother had turned him over for
adoption when he was a young boy and he has never
overcome the sadness and feeling of loss of self-worth caused JUST SOLD
by that decision.

World War II Veteran from page 21
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even more memorable, the happy couple were feted $960,000
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