Hysterical Mock-biopic

Rating: Null/10 (26 May 2009)

Kasdan's 'Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story' is a hysterical entertainer that spoofs biopics like 'Walk The Line' and 'Ray'. Since Judd Apatow is associated with the production, one can expect the humour to be of a 'vulgar' sort but that didn't bothered me here. I was only irritated by the scene where a crotch covered half the screen. That was pointless and not even the least bit amusing. But I was entertained by the loudness and over-the-topness of the movie.
It does a fine job of showing continuity in time. In a way it celebrates the era but also makes fun of it, like Adam McKay's splendid 'Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy' (also produced by Apatow). The vivacious soundtrack contributes brilliantly to the atmosphere.
John C. Reilly is quite the excellent choice. The actor gets to display his comedic flair full throttle. It's hilarious how he mimics Joaquin Phoenix, Jaime King and Mick Jagger. Ditto for a sensual and barely recognizable Jenna Fischer who does a Reese Witherspoon as June Carter and adds her own flair to it and the Kristen Wiig who does a Kerry Washington as Della Bea. Moreover, cameos by Paul Rudd, Jack Black, Jason Schwartman, David Krumholtz, the hot Cheryl Ladd etc just add to the laugh riot. The camera-work and use of light is spot on.
'Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story' is a trip to non-stop laughing out loud with a few occasional interruptions but it also celebrates those movies to whom it pays tribute, the time, the glamour, the music and the changing culture. In a very subtle way, it also brings forth a few relevant issues, like how country music and jazz which were once nationally popular have become a select genre with a distinct fanbase and how many of the performers of this genre today have gained global fame by hopping onto pop and hiphop.