Walk Hard - Dewey Cox Story; film review

SPOOFING IT UP: Jenna Fischer as Darlene Madison and John C Reilly as Dewey Cox in a scene from 'Walk Hard - The Dewey Cox Story'.
Image: Columbia Pictures


Pastiche Parody by Linh

'Walk Hard - The Dewey Cox Story' is a mocumentary with ironic pop culture references, and crass sexual humour. It's a parody on the musical biopics like 'Ray' and 'Walk The Line', with the lead character encompassing the musical and personality traits of Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan.

The film follows the life of Dewey Cox who accidentally chops his brother in half with a machete, then becomes one the most successful musicians from the 1950s to 2007. Along the way to musical stardom, Dewey Cox experiences all the drugs, sex and rock 'n roll, with hysterical results and running gags.

Co-writer and producer Judd Apatow ('Knocked Up', 'Anchorman' and 'The 40 Year Old Virgin'), combines his flair for satirical absurdity with director Jake Kasdan's tongue in cheek approach to create a spoof which pokes fun at every element of Hollywood biopics, albeit with a serious tone.

John C Reilly shines and is convincing as he sings and plays guitar in his role as the hardworking and impressionable Dewey Cox.

Jenna Fischer plays the seductive and sprightly Darlene Madison and Fischer's interpretation of her character cleverly combines the passion of June Carter and the sex appeal of Marilyn Monroe.

Tim Meadows is hilarious as the drummer of Dewey's band whose delivery of one-liners are sharp and deadpan.

Raymond J Barry gives a solid performance as Pa Cox who's unwilling to forgive Dewey for killing his brother and effectively delivers the emotionally frustrating line "The wrong kid died!" throughout.

Guest appearances and cameos make the film a hoot with Jack Black as Paul McCartney who clashes with Paul Rudd as John Lennon; Jack White (lead singer of the rock band The White Stripes) plays Elvis Presley; 1960s soul and r'nb group The Temptations, Eddie Vedder, Jackson Browne, Jewel and Lyle Lovett appear as themselves.

The music and songs throughout 'Walk Hard' cleverly reflects the respective decades and pays homage to some of the industry's greatest musicians, while the lyrics are ridiculously funny. Highlights include the duet of Dewey Cox and Darlene Madison Let's Duet, Walk Hard, Hole In My Pants and Beautiful Ride.

'Walk Hard - The Dewey Cox Story' is a film filled with soul/blues and rock 'n roll, witty punchlines aimed at everything about the music industry and brilliant performances from a stellar ensemble cast.