REEL CRITIC:

With the recent spate of biopics about music legends such as Johnny Cash (“Walk the Line”) and Ray Charles (“Ray”), it was only a matter of time until a satire of the genre was produced.

In the newly released “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story,” virtually no thematic or cultural touchstone is overlooked, as all the self-indulgent excesses of such films are mercilessly skewered.

Written by Judd Apatow (“The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” “Knocked Up”), “Walk Hard” follows the story of Dewey Cox (John C. Reilly), a poor country boy whose life changes forever when he accidentally kills his piano virtuoso brother. Trying hard to live up to his brother’s dying wish for him to “be great enough for both of us,” Dewey sets out on a rock ‘n’ roll odyssey that encompasses nearly every musical cliché from Elvis to rap.

Dewey is forced to leave home at 14 after his “devil’s music” incites the teenagers to go crazy at his high school talent show. He immediately produces a No. 1 record, but is saddled with his high school girlfriend and now wife (Kristen Wiig), who is constantly telling him he will fail, and multiple children. Dewey soon succumbs to all the temptations of the road with the comic assistance of his drummer, Sam (Tim Meadows).

Just as in other films about famous musicians, Dewey rubs elbows with every music legend of the last 50 years. He tours with Buddy Holly and Elvis, meditates and drops acid with the Beatles, becomes a Bob Dylan clone, goes through a Brian Wilson “Pet Sounds” phase, and stars in a typical 1970s variety show a la Donny and Marie. Along the way he abuses every substance known to man and goes through bizarre and funny rehab routines.

A running joke throughout the film is the need for the actors playing famous musicians to identify themselves repeatedly. Some of these roles are hysterically and intentionally miscast, such as Jack Black as Paul McCartney and Frankie Muniz as Buddy Holly.

Eventually, Dewey walks away from music and settles down with his second wife and former duet partner Darlene Madison (Jenna Fischer) and the hordes of children from his many relationships. Dewey eventually fades into obscurity but becomes known again when rappers begin to “sample” his music in their videos. Brought out of retirement by this sudden exposure, Dewey brings the band together one last time to perform at a ceremony where he is to receive a lifetime achievement award.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the film, I don’t know if younger people unfamiliar with the characters and eras portrayed would find the story as humorous. The satire is right on target and John C. Reilly actually sings all of Dewey’s songs, some of which are surprisingly catchy. The trailers I have seen for “Walk Hard” portray the film quite well. If you are amused by these snippets, you will probably enjoy the film.

VAN NOVACK is the assistant vice president of institutional research and assessment at Cal State Long Beach and lives in Huntington Beach with his wife, Elizabeth.