Inspired by this weekend’s opening of the movie “Stepbrothers”, a comedy about two grown men who become step brothers after their parents marry, I felt inspired to write a review about another movie staring John C. Reilly. The movie is “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story”, a film that parodies just about every musical biography and general biography film ever made.
“Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story” tells the tale of Dewey Cox, the most famous and infamous rock star there ever was. The movie starts out in 1940’s rural Alabama, with six year old Dewey living a carefree life with his much more talented older brother. Things take a tragic turn when the boys decide to have a machete fight and Dewey accidently cuts his brother in half. This tragedy changes Dewey’s life forever, as it gives him the drive to become successful in order to honor his deceased brother. The event also drives a life long wedge between him and his Pa (Raymond J. Barry), who blames Dewey for what happened to the point that he continually proclaims “the wrong kid died” whenever he sees Dewey. Soon after the tragedy he is introduced to the blues and his love of music is born.
The movie then moves forward to the mid 1950’s, with 14 year old Dewey (played from this point on by 40 year old John C. Reilly) successfully performing at his school’s talent show. The performance convinces him to pursue his dreams and become a singer. After several months of working as a bus boy at a night club his big break comes when the band’s lead singer falls ill and Dewey fills in. This leads to a recording contract and the creation of his iconic song “Walk Hard”, which becomes a hit 35 minutes after it is recorded. Fame and success are now Dewey’s for the taking. But with it all comes the dangers and pitfalls of a rock and roll lifestyle. He is introduced to marijuana (and later cocaine, ecstasy and just about every other drug out there) by his drummer Sam (Tim Meadows) and begins to neglect his family and spiral out of control. It is during this time that he hires backup singer Darlene (Jenna Fischer). The two fall in love and marry, despite Dewey already being married. After both of his wives leave him and a stint in rehab Darlene returns and the two start their lives together.
The movie continues on in this vain, with Dewey continually changing his musical style, driving his loved ones away and then winning them back, and improving his life for the better. What makes it all the more humorous is that it’s treated as if it were a serious drama. While the lines being said are ridiculous, they are said with true seriousness and conviction. This brings the absurdity of what is being seen into even greater focus.
John C. Reilly is hilarious as the title character. After years of memorable supporting roles (ranging from a kind hearted fisherman in “The Perfect Storm” to Amos in the film version of the musical “Chicago”) he is finally given a staring venture. He makes the role his own and shows he can more then carry a movie. Just as good was Jenna Fischer as Darlene. Having been accustomed to previously seeing her play reserved characters in “Blades of Glory” and the television show “The Office”, I was delighted to see her take a role such against type. Her character was immensely ridiculous, with her saying extremely dirty lines as if she were a catholic schoolgirl.
Another fun feature of the movie is the cameos by rock legends. During his lifetime Dewey ends up meeting several famous musicians. What’s funny is that the parts were deliberately miscast to add to the overall humor. To emphasize this the parodied artists will continually refer to themselves as the character they are playing to remind the audience of who they are. We end up seeing Buddy Holly being played by Frankie Muniz, Elvis being portrayed by Jack White, and The Beatles represented by Paul Rudd, Jack Black, Justin Long and Jason Schwartzman. If you know these actors you’ll realize that none of them (with the possible exception of Jack White) fits the artist they’re parodying.
“Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story” is a hilarious satire on the bio flick genre. It makes fun of every cliché in the book, from a tragic past to an out of control sex life and drug habit. It’s a treat no movie or music lover should miss.
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