Cool News
A few readers WALK HARD with Dewey Cox! Looks like another hit from the Apatow camp!!!
Ahoy, squirts! Quint here. I'm going to run a few reader reviews this morning and try to get a couple of my own done and out while I'm at it. Let's start with WALK HARD. This one is coming out this month and the early buzz has been very strong on it. We even have one reviewer below saying we haven't seen a movie of this type and quality since TOP SECRET, which are pretty big words in my world.
Enjoy the reviews!
Just got out of a screening of Walk Hard at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood. I wouldn’t have mentioned the location of the screening, but apparently some asshole from Village Roadshow accused me of fudging that IAL review. We didn't stay for the Q&A with Apatow and Kasdan. Not for any lack of interest; my buddy just had this mad hankerin' for Pinks.
I guess I should disclose at this point that I've been pretty ambivalent about Apatow. I liked Freaks & Geeks when it was on, never got around to Knocked Up, and just didn't dig Superbad for some reason. And I think a little Jonah Hill goes a long way.
But I really liked Walk Hard. We haven’t had a movie like this since Top Secret. I’m not saying it’s perfect. I mean, it ain’t The Naked Gun, but I had an excellent time. For my money, the only way any spoof like this works is to play it utterly straight. And that’s what the filmmakers do here. All the songs are believable, catchy and funny (I’ve still got a few stuck in my head). And the performances, particularly Reilly’s, are splendid. Dewey’s a real character with a real arc – not just a cipher to hang the gags on. And the movie has a great look. In some ways, Jake Kasdan does a better job of evoking period than Ridley Scott did in American Gangster – which was rife with lame anachronism. This movie doesn’t just lampoon rock biopics like Walk the Line and Ray, it also savages sixties solipsism, and pokes fun at our meretricious cult of celebrity. Brian Wilson, Roy Orbison, and the Beatles all take their lumps. There’s even a hilarious Return of the Jedi reference.
There were a few bits I had laughed at in the trailer that didn’t make it into the movie. That sausage commercial “It doesn’t say Cox until I say it tastes like Cox.” And Dewey’s ill-fated guest spot on Dallas – we’ll have to wait for those bits to appear on some extended DVD, I guess.
The hard part of writing a review like this is that I don’t want to spoil any of the jokes for you guys. So, fuck it, I won’t. And of course I know this kind of stuff is all highly subjective, but I highly recommend this one.
Dakota Brown
Here's a more mixed review and the most negative of the three.
I just came from an early screening of Walk Hard down in Mission Valley, San Diego. It was a free screening with what i assume is a complete version of the film considering it comes out in 3 weeks. Plot revolves around the life of Dewey Cox and is pretty much a direct spoof of Walk the Line. It starts out with him as a young boy who discovers his natural ability to play the guitar and in doing so becomes rich and famous. Of course drugs come calling and he has his ups and downs throughout his career. Unfortunately, the movie just isnt that funny.
What Worked: You have to give John C Riley credit because he is really trying his hardest here to give all of the material a chance. Obviously the story is nothing special, but the music is good and inventive with some pretty clever writing in the songs. All of the supporting characters is good with Tim Meadows as a standout character as well as a pretty damn funny scene with the Beatles.
What Didn't Work: Being a fan of Anchorman, Talladega Nights, and other comedies of the sort, my expectations were not that high because those movies are generally very dumb, but they are a lot of fun. To be honest, they would have a better chance marketing this as a musical because it really just isn't that funny at all. If you thought Anchorman and Talladega were bad, this is like combining those two movies in the form of a sledge hammer and beating you over the head. It is extremely dumb, with very few, if any, big laughs. It wasn't just me either because the entire crowd was just mildly chuckling. The movie also feels long even though it is only like 1 hour and 45 minutes.
All in all, I think that they missed a great opportunity with this movie because there are a ton of people in it that could have made it amazing with better material. 5.5/10
If you use this call me Red Redding
And this third and final review is the most detailed and professionally written review!
Hey, I wasn't exactly sure how to go about sending this in, but I saw Walk Hard at the Ritz East in Philadelphia last Monday and thought I'd send over my review. Sorry if I botched protocol by sending it to you.
With Knocked Up and Superbad, Judd Apatow’s been on a roll this year, offering side-splitting comedies that double as quality films equipped with all the trappings (emotional richness, a real sense of character, etc.). Despite having an Oscar-nominated lead, Walk Hard, the latest from Apatow’s production company, offers nothing like that. Taking aim at music biopics, Apatow has packaged something that doesn’t attempt to balance it’s silliness with a sense of gravity.
Judging by the trailer, many may be expecting something similar to a Will Ferrell comedy, but Walk Hard is much more in the vein of Airplane. That said, it's not nearly as iconic as that film and doesn't even sort of approach what Mel Brooks did for satire. Still, Walk Hard is leagues ahead of the junk that’s been passing for satire recently (anything dubbed [Insert genre here] Movie). Actually, it’s easily the best parody film since the original Austin Powers, which debuted over ten years ago.
Drawing inspiration from Walk the Line and Ray (its primary targets), Walk Hard pokes fun at how similar such films are. Most people know the drill: brother dies, protagonist blames himself and tunnels his pain into great music before falling victim to the perils of celebrity (primarily adultery and drugs) only to eventually reclaim his life.
More specifically, the plot follows Walk the Line very closely. In addition to the narrative beats above, the life of Dewey Cox (John C. Reilly) mirrors that of Johnny Cash, in that he also divorces his unsupportive first wife (SNL’s Kristen Wiig) to marry his religious, duet partner (Jenna Fischer). Throughout all of this, elements from Ray are sprinkled throughout to spice up the proceedings.
The film really hits these films hard, taking scenes directly from those movies (even camera angles and line readings in some cases) to uncover comic gold. However, going much more into the plot is almost pointless, as the film often abandons the common narrative to poke fun at American society one decade at a time.
The film’s strongest asset in this regard is its shrewd soundtrack. Apatow and his crew have crafted some good, authentic-sounding songs that greatly increase the film’s worth (the title track and "Deut" are especially noteworthy, and for those that can't wait I jsut rewatched them on Wednesday over at funordie.com). However, due credit should also be given to Jake Kasdan, who provides assured direction and shared co-writing duties with Apatow. With two tonally different comedies out in one year (the other being the excellent-but-little-seen The TV Set), Kasdan has finally emerged as a major writing/directing talent after years in the business.
Given the task to carry his own mainstream comedy, Reilly commands the screen. Although the marketing campaign presents Cox as a dimwit in the vein of Ferrell’s slew of comedy characters (God knows why their doing this), Reilly offers a smarter, fresher take on the same character-type. There is an occasional misstep (the running-through-the-streets-practically-naked scene is trying too hard), but, for the most part, Reilly excels.
This is especially true musically. Although he hinted at his vocal skills in Chicago and Magnolia, Reilly really gets to display his range here, mimicking all sorts of musical greats, from Cash to Bob Dylan. I’ve been told he plays at clubs with Jon Brion and various other musicians, and after viewing his performance here, I’m not surprised. While I'd like to see Reilly make a glorious return to straight acting, a quick glance at his upcoming slate tells me that's not likely, so at least he's bringing his A-effort to these comedy roles.
Fischer, given more to do than in Blades of Glory, is both stunning and hilarious. Like Reilly, she’s got some serious understated chops (she should have won an Emmy for The Office), but proves her versatility here by going over-the-top. Although I’m pretty sure she doesn’t do her own singing, she ably milks erotic sexual tension for all of its comedy value. Considering her talent and sex appeal, it would be shocking if someone doesn’t take a shot on her in a “real” lead role soon.
The supporting cast is solid all around, with Tim Meadows being the standout as Cox’s drummer/best friend (lets hope Apatow continues to use him, because he’s a total scene stealer here, just like he was on SNL and in Mean Girls). Every major character has a running gag or two, but his sporadically hilarious line readings make his the cream of the crop. In addition, the movie has an overload of cameos. Some of these are inspired (notably the Beatles cast and John Michael Higgins), but many are just included for the hell of it, funny only because of the ludicrousness of their presence (after Stuck on You, this is the second time Frankie Muniz has been used in such a way. It's still funny, but it's sad that the guy's become a parody of himself already).
Although it’s very amusing, Walk Hard isn’t perfect. While it maintains a nice comic edge for much of its short running length, hilarity becomes less sporadic when Cox falls out of the music industry (the film remains decent, and then comes to life a few times, but it never gets back on all cylinders). In addition, the film doesn’t really work on a level that transcends parody (songs excluded). Unlike the work of Mel Brooks (and to a lesser extent the first Austin Powers), there isn’t much going on in the way of character development or story. As with Airplane, any indication of development is just utilized as another joke.
Despite such grips, the film works on its own terms, providing Apatow with yet another surefire hit. On the strength of some clever satire, great music, and strong performances, Walk Hard is definitely worth checking out.
I don’t know how to review this any better without giving away jokes that should be experienced in the theater. If you use this call me Just Excited To Be Here.
-
+ Expand All
-
sounds ..... well ok
-
Monkeys are funny.
-
So excuse me if I don't value that reviewers opinion.
-
...do you think there'll be in this thread? Bring 'em on.
-
Trailer made me laugh.
-
Super Bad I think the ran the dick jokes into the dirt. I just don't see much to parody here? Though the same could have been said for the stuff from Airplane. I just need to know what is that bad ass song playin in the TV spots, I like the idea not making it out to be a "THIS WINTER! JOHN REILY IS DEWY COX. IN THIS LAUGH OUT LOUD EVENT OF THE WINTER!" Trying to make is come off as serious. the more I see it the more I like it. I NEED TO KNOW THAT SONG though, anyone got an idea?
-
Which I'm fine with. I didn't see Knocked Up until this weekend. Fun, might have been an okay date night movie, but I didn't miss anything by not seeing it on the big screen.
-
A scene-stealer on SNL? Hardly.
-
I loved 40 Year Virg, but Knocked Up was just okay. I was kinda surprised because I saw Knocked Up about a week after it came out and thought it was alright, but nothing special. And then I just had to hear every person I met for the next three months hype-talking about how you must rush out and see this gut-busting hilarious movie. Knocked Up, in my opinion, was not a must see or hysterical. It was okay. I'll rent this Superbad movie and see if maybe it was just that movie or if maybe I'm not an Apatow man.
-
Yeah Tim Meadows is not funny. And As far as Apatow movies go, this movie, one isn't directed by him its by Star Wars 2 Helm Son. Also this movie may be the first to come out of the Apatow factory that may be worth seeing in theaters because it looks like there is some visual flair to it. Knocked Up and Superbad were movies I probably could have filmed except for a couple of scenes. I saw Knocked UP in theaters don't really remember laughing, saw Superbad last night and laughed my ass off, though there were a bunch of scenes where they should have been OK its funny lets move on, like the frat party didn't make much sense. Plus what is that song in the WALK Hard Tv spot!
-
from the Apatow camp. She couldn't "love" Knocked Up because she felt it made all women out to be "shrews". What a completely stupid career move. Makes her look ungrateful as hell.
-
"isolated, as a single instance of something; being or occurring apart from others. " Somehow, I think the Third reviewer doesn't quite have a handle on the word. Saying Tim Meadows' funny lines are "sporadic" in occurance doesn't quite jibe with the idea that he steals the show, unless no one else in the movie had any funny lines, in which case the sporadic funny lines would have to suffice. Anyhave an idea what he actually meant to say?
-
Holy crap was that Jenna Fischer (pam) in that sex scene? WOW please someone tell me its true. I cant believe i just saw jenna's ta-tas
red tape trailer
http://tinyurl.com/25bucp -
And I don't understand those who aren't. These movies are fucking hysterical. Every one. The script, the casting, the direction, fucking unbelievable.
-
but I love both, so I have no point really. I'm confused by these reviews. Still don't really know what to expect. If it's in the same league as Airplane & Top Secret, I'd want to see it opening weekend. I love those early Zucker flicks. Classics. If it's in the vein of Anchorman & TalladegaNights, I could wait for it on HBO. Those have some solid laughs but have way too much lame, seemingly ad-libbed in a bad way moments. Although I did think Reilly's character in Talladega was one of the strongest things going for it.
-
Could've made it a bit less obvious, first reviewer. You lost me at meretricious. (And yes, I understand what these words mean, which is how I know you write with a thesaurus in hand.)
Other than that, not a bad review. -
Honestly--I can't believe they couldn't come up with something less juvenile that "Dewey Cox."
-
Dec 05, 2007 4:09:05 PM CST
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian: Trailer on youtube!
by gluecifer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvyYZFOK0as&feature=user
-
I'll wait for Pineapple.
-
I have a few questions for the reviewers, assuming they check this Talkback.
The version of the Beatles sequence I saw last month felt way too long for very little payoff, so did they cut this down to less than 2 minutes? Even the long version I saw DID get some laughs, but maybe people just like this because of the familiarity - ie, everybody knows the Beatles.
And did they cut out the recurring shots of the roadie's schlong? I'll be surprised if these make it into the theatrical cut of the film if they cut out a bunch of other "controversial" gags from the trailer.
In general, I left a screening of WALK HARD feeling like the second and third reviewers. Red Redding hits on how this is a flat out boring, unfunny film, while Just Excited To Be Here mentions virtually every highlight (except the Bob Dylan parody as well as Jack White's cameo as psycho Elvis) but doesn't quite convince me that he liked the film, which has some great elements but no real oomph, and which bored the hell out of me.
See http://www.aintitcool.com/node/34717 if you want to compare notes. -
I worked on this for a few days and the music is really fantastic. If the rest of the movie works as well as the music this thing will be a home run.
-
and I love most of the people in this movie. But this movie looks fucking awful. I hate parody movies and this looks like another shitty modern parody movie. Maybe a little less scatalogical humor than the Epic Movie/Scary Movie/Date Movie movies but it still looks f'ing terrible.
-
I'm not trying to start a fight here, but you all do relieze he is also responsible for KICKING AND SCREAMING. I didn't relize that that until last weekend when I was watching it on TBS and I see a little soccer kid wearing a jersey that says APTOW on the back and I'm thinking "well maybe it's just a fun little shoutout" no, he produced hat piece o crap
-
Dec 06, 2007 12:56:54 AM CST
I submitted a review of this film to AICN a couple of weeks ago
by smiler2
But my review wasn't as blatantly positive as those above, so they didn't publish it. Makes me think that this site hasn't quite got the integrity/objectivity it claims to...?
Just thought you should know. -
The nude roadie had not been excised (circumsized, but not excised).
-
"2 things you need to know. 1 I am the king and the 2nd is...LOOK OUT MAN (karate chop) you see that? I can chop a man in half."
-
Do I even need to write a punchline?
-
Top Secret! is one of the best spoof movies ever and Val Kilmer is funny as hell in it.
-
The original Austin Powers was the best.
Readers Talkback
User Login
Top Talkbacks
- Whitney Houston 1963 - 2012 -- 325 total posts 322 posts
- New JUDGE DREDD post production footage pops up -- 106 total posts 106 posts
- HANNA's Saoirse Ronan to boss around seven little people -- 63 total posts 60 posts
- Does ‘SNL’ Rhyme With ‘Deschanel’?? Learn Which SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE Vet Hosts After Sexy Zooey!! -- 74 total posts 58 posts
- There's a STAR TREK video game that is going to lead into JJ's STAR TREK 2 apparently... -- 159 total posts 51 posts
- If the Behind the Scenes Pics of the Day drops her pen, pick it up, but don’t look at her legs or else it will be on your record. -- 47 total posts 41 posts
- AVENGERS enemy revealed as pink boardgame pieces... You might suffer some form of elation... SPOILERS!!! -- 161 total posts 34 posts
- To Commemorate The 3D Release Of STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE, George Lucas Wants You To Know...Greedo Shoots First!! -- 488 total posts 33 posts
- Friday Brings SWEEPS DAY NINE!! Gab Here About Tonight’s FRINGE!! Plus Einstein on TIM, Wiig On PORTLANDIA, MAHER, CLONE, GIFTED, GRIMM, SPARTACUS, SUPERNATURAL, GOLD RUSH And More!! -- 121 total posts 23 posts
- Here's The Red Band Trailer For Drafthouse Films' THE FP! -- 70 total posts 20 posts