Weird: The Al Yankovic Story is an hilarious movie starring Daniel Radcliffe, directed by Eric Appel, who has co-written the screenplay with the one and only ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic.
If we had to do a ranking of “moronic movies of the year” this one would be among the best.
Do we ever enjoy moronic movies!
Premise
Exploring every facet of ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic’s life, from his meteoric rise to fame with early hits like ‘Eat It’ and ‘Like a Surgeon’ to his torrid celebrity love affairs and famously depraved lifestyle, this biopic takes audiences on a truly unbelievable journey through Yankovic’s life and career, from gifted child prodigy to the greatest musical legend of all time.
Movie Review
If you like, as we do, movies that know how to laugh at themselves, this one is right up your alley. And, if you know how to appreciate eccentricity, within limits, you are going to love this film!
Is it the most moronic piece of the year? Probably. It is based on the true story of a guy who played the accordion and became a pop star, and even had a dalliance with Madonna, no less.
By the way, it gets even more surreal, as this is a remake of the same story directed by the same director. The first installment had Aaron Paul take on the lead role. And, the movie had the exact same title.
It does though, have a setback in the screenplay, and that setback is that, deep down, and if you look at it closely, it is in fact not as moronic as it appears, because it parodies the biopic genre itself, and that aspect makes us like it even more. We are, as it turns out, not alone in this World in thinking that it is a lower genre (there, it is said).
It is laden with cameos, and parodies of Dalí, of Warhol and, of course, of Madonna so well portrayed by Evan Rachel Woods.
Earworm songs aplenty and a very peculiar screenwriter, the artist himself making fun of his own life and his movie.
Last but not least, we have to mention the brilliant Daniel Radcliffe, who having become famous for a role he took on as a kid, and who since then has leeway to take on any role that pleases him. it seems that each movie he makes surpasses the previous one in weirdness. He can afford it, and he does a great job – he has already had his fair share of Hogwarts.
Chill, set aside the constructive analytical inclinations, forget about Cinéma vérité, and enjoy this nonsensical but hilarious movie.
Our Opinion
Moronic, silly, senseless…. We so enjoyed it!
About the Real ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic
Alfred Matthew “Weird Al” Yankovic (born October 23, 1959) is an American singer-songwriter, music producer, actor, comedian, writer, satirist, and parodist. Yankovic is known for his humorous songs that make light of popular culture and that often parody specific songs by contemporary musical acts. Since his first-aired comedy song in 1976, he had sold more than 12 million albums (as of 2007), recorded more than 150 parody and original songs, and has performed more than 1,000 live shows. His works have earned him three Grammy Awards among nine nominations, four gold records, and six platinum records in the United States. Yankovic’s first top ten Billboard album (Straight Outta Lynwood) and single (“White & Nerdy”) were both released in 2006, nearly three decades into his career.
Director
Eric Appel
Cast
 Daniel Radcliffe / ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic |  Evan Rachel Wood / Madonna |  Rainn Wilson / Dr. Demento |
 Toby Huss / Nick Yankovic |  Julianne Nicholson / Mary Yankovic |  Quinta Brunson / Oprah Winfrey |
 ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic / Tony Scotti |  Will Forte / Ben Scotti |  Patton Oswalt / Heckler |
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