Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007)

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

Pittsburgh (2006)

Jeff Goldblum stars in this 2006 mockumentary of sorts of a Pittsburgh production of The Music Man. I say mockumentary of sorts because it's treated like a documentary, yet not taken as seriously as real one, and yet isn't funny and silly like a standard mockumentary.

In the movie, Goldblum plays himself - although it's not clear if the character is really him or a stereotype of him created by the roles for which he's known. He goes back to his hometown of Pittsburgh to star in a regional production of The Music Man because his actress fiancee needs a visa to stay in the country. It's a promising premise but it falls out of focus. Side stories of Goldblum's friends, Illeana Douglas and Ed Begley Jr., jump in from time to time. Goldblum's convinced them to join the show too, but we see a lot more of their non-acting life, than their work in the show - which may leave the viewer wondering why the other actors are there. Additionally, Goldblum's "creative differences" with the show's director make you more worried about the poor people paying to see the show than laughing at their exchanges.

Rating: 1/5
Recommended for: People who'd watch Jeff Goldblum in anything or would like to relive being in a production of The Music Man


Extended Review: I usually enjoy Jeff Goldblum. His roles in Jurassic Park and Life Aquatic are thoroughly enjoyable. The problem is Goldblum's Harold Hill is Dr. Ian Malcom with a bit more caffiene in his system. Harold Hill is a fly-by-the-seat of his pants wheeler and dealer, not droll, agitated, and squirmy. The difference between this and the comedy of a Christopher Guest mockumentary is the Guest characters usually think they're doing a great job and just go with the flow. The more trouble Goldblum has with the show, the more he wants to distance himself from it and even goes as far as telling a hotel staff member that the show probably won't go well on opening night. That may be real, but it's not funny.