What keeps this satire grounded is that there's actually a story. John C. Reilly as Dewey Cox is not just doing comedy but is actually acting the tragic story of his character. And although it has its share of dirty jokes, the film doesn't solely rely on them. This results in a movie that's not laugh-out-loud funny the whole way through but still consistently amusing. The cast list (although several went uncredited) boasts a veritable cornucopia of today's parodying talent including: Tim Meadows, Kristin Wiig, Ed Helms, Chris Parnell, Craig Robinson, Jane Lynch, and Harold Ramis. There were also a few surprises such as Jack White as Elvis and Frankie Muniz as Buddy Holly. Jenna Fischer lets her silly side run wild as Dewey's second wife and backup singer, Darlene. But the hands down best appearance is by The Beatles, or rather Paul Rudd as John, Jack Black as Paul, Justin Long as George and Jason Schwartzman as Ringo. Their delivery of the tongue-in-cheek dialogue peppered with song references is spot on amusement.
This movie is well thought out as it takes us on the journey of Dewey's entire life - from his scaring childhood to his death as a music legend. The attention to makeup and costuming for the different decades (as well as jokes for when nothing can be done about an actor's appearance) deserves a round of applause.
Walk Hard differs from a mockumentary like This is Spinal Tap by more so making fun of Hollywood's treatment of the music industry biopic rather than of the rock and roll scene itself. So if you're looking for This is Spinal Tap, you'll be disappointed. But like another Christopher Guest hit, A Mighty Wind, the songs are well sung and catchy enough to be stuck in your head hours later.
Rating: 4/5
Recommended for: Adults looking for a film to make them smile, are tired of the music biopic, and don't mind a little bit of crude humor
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