Weird: The Al Yankovic Story movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Weird: The Al Yankovic Story

This quirky comedy movie is now available to stream online.

RATING: TV-14

LENGTH: 1 hour 48 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: A

IN A NUTSHELL:

Roku presents a funny, insightful movie about Weird Al Yankovic. The movie won “The People’s Choice Award” at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival. The film was written by Weird Al himself, along with the director, Eric Appel.

THINGS I LIKED:

If you’re expecting a real biopic about Weird Al Yankovic, think again. When has he ever been serious? This movie perfectly illustrates his playfulness. The film, itself, is a master parody. The film uses tropes from other biopics and turns them on their head in a comical way. It truly represents what Weird Al is all about.
I think one of the reasons why we all love Weird Al Yankovic is because he is quick to not take himself seriously and embrace his goofiness.
The movie is fun and feels like a party. Be prepared to laugh.
Daniel Radcliffe did a fantastic job as Weird Al.
It’s really fun to see a bunch of the cultural icons of the 1970s and 80s.
Josh Groban cameo! Yes! Lin Manuel Miranda! Woo! Jack Black! Yay!
The cast includes Julianne Nicholson, Rainn Wilson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Diedrich Bader, and so many more.
Wow, the casting for the young Al Yankovic was spot on. Kudos to Richard Aaron Ander.
Keep watching during the final rolling credits to see photos of the real Al Yankovic…well, some of them are Photoshopped…but still. We also get to see another funny scene.
The movie mentions the “Yankovic Bump.” It’s a real thing, though not to the level shown in the movie. Many artists have seen an uptick in sales after Yankovic released a parody.
Fun fact: The end credits feature an original song by Weird Al Yankovic. The lyrics point out a specific person in the credits (production manager for Funny or Die Savvas Thomas Yiannoulou), reference the song credits, and include a reminder that the song itself is technically eligible for Oscar consideration.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Most people will be frustrated that the only option to view this movie is on Roku with ads.
Some viewers will be surprised that this isn’t an actual biopic of Al Yankovic.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Young kids won’t know, recognize, or appreciate the many personalities from the 70s and 80s.
A lot of the humor will fly over the heads of young viewers.
We see a shirtless man.
Lots of alcohol and cigarettes.

THEMES:

Celebrate who you are
The power of music
Not taking yourself too seriously
Supporting your friends’ dreams

FUNNY LINES:

“Please just stop being who you are and doing the things you love.” – mom
Weird Al: You… you think you’re going to stop me from playing? You’ll see. One day I’m going to be the best… Well, perhaps not technically the best, but arguably the most famous accordion player in an extremely specific genre of music!

INTERESTING LINES:

“Life is like a parody of your favorite song. Just when you think you know all of the words, Surprise! You don’t know anything.” – Weird Al Yankovic
“You will never find true happiness until you accept who you are.” – Weird Al Yankovic