When you think of the legends of rock music, names like Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, and of course Dewey Cox come to mind. Well maybe not Dewey Cox but in the world of this film it is certainly true. Walk Hard is a very funny and out there comedy that ruthlessly parodies countless rock and roll dramas. The film fallows the journey of Dewey Cox from his youth in the south and his rise to rock immortality. Along the way the film seems to take some very funny shots at the all too serious rock and roll films of the last few years.
What makes this film so funny is that it takes a chapter out of almost every rock biopic and actual artist lives. In the course of the film it covers nearly all of rock history and gives it a good run for its money. Like the Scary Movie or Naked Gun films it arrows in on a genre and makes fun of it vigorously. This film just happens to be one of the better film parodies and for me is the best rock and roll comedy next to This is Spinal Tap.
A highlight for sure in this film is the great performance that John C. Reilly. He is the plain-faced actor who has appeared in and has been good in countless films. Reilly usually has to play second fiddle though, as most of his rolls are supporting ones. Reilly has formed a niche for himself in the last decade or so as one the best character actors out there, and in this film it is nice to see he can cut it as a lead. His talents are rather evident in this film and he gives one of the best comic performances in some time. He is just so silly and at the same time he is perfect at delivering lines a straight man.
Along with the comic aspect of his role he is also rather talented in his singing abilities. In the film he does an impressive job of mimicking multiple styles of music. Reilly has a range that goes from Johnny Cash, to Roy Orbison, to Bob Dylan, and does them all well. His voice is actually perfect for the music because the songs come off as perfect parodies. The songs themselves are hilarious and very sharp. In some strange way they also are rather catchy.
The film also can boast on of the larges and best assortment of cameos. The film features some of the best and brightest of comic actors. It features tons of SNL veterans, cast members of The Office, and tons of other modern comic actors. Paul Rudd, Jack Black, Justin Long, and Jason Swartzman are all very funny as The Beatles in the film.
My only complaint of the film is that it seems rushed along. I have the feeling that there were a good amount of scenes cut out and that it was shortened considerably. It does not harm the film too much but I would like to see what kind of deleted scenes there are when it comes out on DVD. Over all the film is a solid comedic effort and I laughed hard quiet a few times while watching it. With a strong performance from John C. Reilly and some really clever song parodies this film is worth seeing. If in search for a silly and very funny film then look no further.
3/4 Stars
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