Difference in Opinion

Walk Hard comes out this week and looks to draw the usual comedy crowd. In addition, they are trying to get some baby-boomers interested to see it because of all their Jim Morrison parody posters, Johnny Cash similarities and a cameo from the Beatles in the movie. John C. Reilly does a great job with the singing and performing as Dewey Cox. The rest of the movie has some great parts, but plenty of scenes that fall short.

As you would expect, Walk Hard is a blend of your typical Talladega Nights type jokes mixed with a bunch of references to Elvis, the Beatles and Johnny Cash. Much of the cast is comprised of the usual suspects and a bunch of Saturday Night Live comedians. While quite a few of the jokes are smart, many are toilet humor and silly but still manage to milk a giggle out of most people.

The movie is all about the story of Dewey Cox, a folk singer who encountered a lot of obstacles in his life. When Dewey was young he and his brother were playing with machetes and Dewey accidentally cut his brother in half. It just so happens that his brother was an amazing pianist for his age and their father’s favorite son. From then on Dewey’s father is known for inserting “the wrong son died” into nearly everything he says. Dewey moves away with his girlfriend and chances into recording an amazing song at a music studio which rockets him to fame.

His troubles don’t end with his dad though. Dewey stereotypically gets involved with various drugs that get him into problems with his wife (who has 12 or more kids at this point). He runs into another love interest (played by Jenna Fischer from The Office) and ends up marrying her as well, which is soon interrupted by his first wife during their honeymoon. After being broken down, losing both of his wives and his reputation, Dewey is faced with some life changing decisions.

Most people will enjoy Walk Hard, but it definitely isn’t for everyone. This is not a family movie at all. There is plenty of foul lines as well as a couple scenes of a fully naked man. If you are of age and have liked movies like Superbad and Talladega Nights then this movie is right up your alley. The highlight of the movie is the four cameos of various actors playing the Beatles. The soundtrack is surprisingly funny and good, with all the songs being well written and performed.

Final Score: 6 out of 10