Review of Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007) by Ross M — 24 Nov 2009

"Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story" is a gem of a rock 'n' roll film. Played to show drama worthy of Behind the music (and maybe some of it ripped from said show) and be goofy at the same time, there is a magic that the viewer can't deny.

The story is that of the Johnny Cash-esque Dewey Cox who accidentally halves his brother with a machete. From that point on, his brother haunts him and tells him that he has to be doubly great for the both of them (keep in mind his brother was a piano virtuoso before age ten). Also driven by his father's hatred ("The wrong kid died: is muttered several times throughout), and a passion for music, Dewey rides a rollercoaster of life.

What really works in the film is not only the great music, but also Reily's portrayal that's so self centered and naive, that you can't help but feel sympathy for Dewey, even as he does almost every drug imaginable.

Another major factor that helps the film along is its ability to poke fun at the heavy handed name dropping, and era dropping, that most biopics feel the need to exercise. I nearly died when Dewey visited the Beatles, and the interplay of Jack Black as Paul, and Paul Rudd as John is too funny.

Overall, Walk Hard is a fun film that doesn't take itself too seriously. It will make music enthusiasts smile when they see the different eras go across the screen, and some of the gags are so outrageous that you can't help but laugh. I highly recommend this film!