"Let’s Duet in ways that make us feel good…Let’s Duet." Once you hear this song, it’ll be stuck in your head all day; especially if you’re the type of person who ran out and bought the soundtracks after watching Ray or Walk the Line. You might think about doing the same after watching the hilarious new comedy Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.

Walk Hard was co-written and produced by Judd Apatow (The 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up, Superbad) who now establishes himself as the current undisputed king of comedy. This film is a send up for the recently Oscar-nominated biopics chronicling the lives of Ray Charles and Johnny Cash and the results are an absolute riot.

Dewey Cox (John C. Reilly) is a poor southern boy who accidentally kills his brother with a machete; drawing the ire of his father. Kicked out of the house at age 14, he explores his passion for music and quickly rises to the top of the charts. However, success leads to trouble in the form of drugs, affairs, broken sinks and yes, more drugs. Over the years, Dewey’s musical journey brings him in contact with Elvis and The Beatles and he goes through phases inspired by Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan and Brian Wilson. He even ends up in a hip-hop video. It’s all a lot funnier than it sounds and is much better than the lame commercials you may have seen.

Walk Hard is a lot like Airplane in that it works as a series of funny skits loosely held together by a central narrative. This concept is usually hit or miss (see last summer’s Hot Rod) and Walk Hard occasionally drags at moments. It probably could have used a little trimming but when it’s clicking, it’s fantastic, especially if you enjoyed Ray and Walk the Line.

John C. Reilly (Talladega Nights) shines in his biggest comedic role. His comic sense is perfect and he has no trouble carrying the film. Co-star Jenna Fischer (The Office) is equally good as Dewey’s one true love and favorite back-up singer Darlene. Fisher and Reilly have great chemistry and they sparkle together. The pair is supported by Saturday Night Live veterans Tim Meadows, Kirsten Wiig and Chris Parnell. Also look for hilarious cameos by White Stripes rocker Jack White and actor Jack Black. I’m sure there’s a joke in there somewhere.

Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story is a total surprise. It would have been easy for this spoof to degenerate into a complete mess but it succeeds. It isn’t perfect and runs a touch too long, but it’s very sunny and good natured. If you need a good laugh this holiday, you can’t go wrong here.

4 out of 5

Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story
Rated R for sexual content, graphic nudity, drug use and language