It’s impossible to make a biopic about the life of Al Yankovic in a proper way. That’s why it’s important to get crazy with it. Eric Appel, director and co-writer, did exactly that. Weird: The Al Yankovic Story With the King of Poloka Parody. They realized that truth was not what people want in musical biopics. They want drama, addiction, sex, mighty highs, and crushing lows — all the cornerstones of the subgenre (and many great Behind the Music episodes). Fronted By Danel RadcliffeIn the lead WeirdThis is all delivered on a wild road of humor and mayhem that’s both hilarious and very funny.
The film’s World Premiere was held at the 2022 Toronto International Film FestivalYankovic, Appel and Appel both revealed the origin of Weird: The Al Yankovic StoryWas the 2013 Funny or Die sketchImagine this movie in the form a parody trailer. Yankovic performed many scenes from the sketch at his concerts over the past decade. Parents disapprove of their sons’ “weird” interests. Yankovic played the role of a disdainful record executive and Madonna seduced. This sketch idea can be sustained in a feature-length film. Nope.
Weird: The Al Yankovic StoryEnjoy parodying musical biopics
Don’t get me wrong. WeirdHe has a lot fun with the clichés and biopics that rock stardom inspires. Weird Al (Daniel Radcliffe), is reimagined to be a creative genius who achieves success at the expense of alcohol abuse, bullying his bandmates and shouting at anyone who opposes his vision. His fictional road of adversity has everyone doubting him — from his conservative parents to a college punk band, record execs, and famous disc jockey Wolfman Jack (played here by a swaggering Jack Black). He’s got his bandmates and Evan Rachel Wood, the Material Girl, by his side. This sets up scenes of rock & roll decadence, tension rising, and epiphany moments to some of Yankovic’s greatest hits. “My Bologna,” “Eat It,”And “Amish Paradise.”
Like Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story Weird The mockery escalates to 11 with Weird Al making absurd claims about his success such as claiming that he has more hits than The Beatles, and being considered for James Bond. Conan O’Brien is just one of many stars who have emerged as icons in this ’80s setting. Andy WarholTo Quinta BrunsonOprah Winfrey. This makes a pool party scene at Dr. Demento (Rainn Wilson), into an amusing game in which you call out cameos or costumes. However, the most memorable scenes are about Weird Al’s big music moments.
The best of these might be the creation of “My Bologna,” which gleefully mocks moment-of-inspiration narratives with a ludicrously literal interpretation. The band quickly gathers, creates the track and is not just an overnight success but a 24-hour success. This sets them up for an outrageous, apartment-trashing celebration. Then comes the charting. Our hero is swept into exile, driven by the desire to win over his parents. These moves can be compared to movies such as Elvis, Bohemian Rhapsody, And Rocketman.Radcliffe, however, makes Weird Al’s role his own.
Evan Rachel Wood, Daniel Radcliffe, and Evan Rachel Wood shine in Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.
Radcliffe’s life has been a blurred memory. Harry PotterYou’re missing some of the most hilarious comedic moments of this century. This English actor has done nothing but laugh at the absurdities of comedy, such as the hilarious horror romp. Victor HugoThe eye-popping action-comedy Guns AkimboThe brilliant anthology comedy series. Miracle Workers, The brilliant and the utterly bizarre Swiss Army Man,He played a reanimated body whose rancid farts made it a rotting Jet Ski.
With this résumé, Radcliffe’s casting as Weird Al was almost inevitable. In Weird, Radcliffe leans into the comedy stylings of Gene Wilder, who played every joke — no matter how hysterical — with intense sincerity. This sincerity is what makes Radcliffe unique. Weird work. Radcliffe not only mocks Weird Al for our amusement but also low-key mocks the A-listers who seek Oscar attention by resurrecting iconic figures of the music business with thirsty portrayals. Radcliffe plays every scene as if it could be included in the bombastic Best Actor sizzle video. This is a direct mocking of Yankovic’s mission to ridicule popular music. It’s also hilarious to see Radcliffe shout at his bandmates, “weird one,” with his snarling lips.
Yet, Evan Rachel Wood is a scene-stealer. She brings a unapologetic giddiness and a completely bonkers Madonna to the stage. Madge’s mid 80s accent, mixed of street smarts, and bubble gum pop is a breeze for her. Radcliffe is her clingy girlfriend. She smilingly holds on to Radcliffe in a sequin-cape elegance, shimmering even when there are no lines. Wood is now given new Madonna terrain to explore in the third act. With a charm so captivating, it almost overpowers the movie’s meandering. Almost.
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story It is parodying too much.
Other than mocking musical biopics WeirdHe also pokes fun at other genres. There are shades of coming-of-age dramas when a teen Al thrills his peers with his accordion skills at a secret polka party — only to be brought home by frowning police officers. Toby Huss, his father’s stern disapproval of accordion-related matters feels like a riff to the wrathful blue collar values that would stifle this dancing hero. Billy Elliot.
The third act is the final. Weird Yankovic’s tale is so real that Yankovic gives up on it. Yankovic takes Yankovic hostage and the story turns into fight scenes, intrigue international, and a brutal showdown with a infamous kingpin. It’s a tough pivot that bets its audience wants lunacy and nostalgia about all things outrageously ’80s. However, the twist is so intense viewers may be disconnected from the emotion of the story’s core in this action-packed tangent. I found this bit to be a bit confusing. However, Yankovic and Appel deserve props for creating a rock ’n’ roll ending that could not possibly be called predictable.
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story This watch is amazing and strange.
It stumbles on its comedy convictions in the final act. WeirdThis is a hilarious mix of funny allusions and dare-to be stupid jokes. It also has wacky songs and earnest nostalgia. It will change your perception of the music industry and Weird Al. It is unlikely. Is it going to change how you view Madonna? Weirdly, maybe. Is it worth your time to watch this wacky comedy? Yankovic’s parodies are fun to sing along to, if you have.
Weird Yankovic’s fans will be delighted by its hilarious absurdity.
