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CHOMPO’s review for “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story”

Hello Ladies and Gents!

CHOMPO here.

I just got out of a PGA (Producers Guild of America) Screening for “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story” in Los Angeles.  From the various trailers and promo spots I’ve seen recently, I stumbled into the theater a little reserved.  Was this going to be a spoof movie like all the others?  The “Scary Movie” franchise petered into pathetic.   In fact, I don’t think I’ve seen a funny/goofy/over-the-top spoof film since the first the first “Austin Powers” so I was completely surprised when I actually laughed within the first 15 minutes of this film (anyone reading my reviews will take note; If I don’t enjoy the first 15 minutes my brain slowly reprograms itself and I turn into a zombie-like creature who can only communicate by screaming, “BOOO BOOO!” for the remainder of the film.)

The movie follows a formula similar to most musician/biopic movies out right now (Ray, Walk The Line.)  John C. Reilly stars as Dewey Cox a simple musician from The South who wants nothing more than to make the music that burns inside his soul.  Directed and co-written by Jake Kasdan (Zero Effect, Orange County) with some help from Judd Apatow (40 Year old Virgin, Knocked Up, Superbad.)  The movie plays upon pretty much every musician/drug/sex cliche you’ve seen or read about since doing drugs, playing music and having sex became synonymous with being cool.  Jake Kasdan and Judd Apatow also co-wrote a large portion of the songs, which were surprisingly good.  I found myself singing a couple after the movie ended.  The thing that ultimately makes this film work though is John C. Reilly’s performance.  He’s a strong dramatic actor and he played the character completely straight, going so far as to shed some tears for a couple emotional turning points for his character.  It made me realize the difference between a Will Ferrell Comedy and something like this.  I think Will Ferrel is good, but a certain seriousness is definitely needed when tackling absurd comedic material.  If EVERYTHING is goofy, the acting can’t be goofy as well.  I don’t want to give much of the film away because certain aspects I think worked because the audience didn’t know too much about it.  We know ultimately where the film is going to end, but getting there is what makes this trip fun.  By the time the credits rolled I was a little sad the movie was over.  Which is good.  Like any great comedic routine, always leave the audience wanting more.

I give it my seal of approval!

CHOMPO signing off.