PFF31 Review: Weird: The Al Yankovic Story

WEIRD: THE AL YANKOVIC STORY (2022) (PFF31)

An insanely entertaining and hilarious film that will leave you gasping for air from laughing so much, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story is an appropriate parody of biopics that delivers the levity you want from a film like this. 

Weird purports to tell an unexaggerated version of the life of Weird Al Yankovic. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. The film takes absurd liberties with ridiculous claims of truth… and somehow it all works incredibly well. Daniel Radcliffe is clearly having a blast in the role, delivering a wonderfully committed performance that carries each and every scene. His scenes with his college roommates are reminiscent of Zoolander and oh so delicious. With films like this, those that are leaning into absolute stupidity, the filmmakers need to commit 100% or it simply won’t work. Writer/director Eric Appel went full throttle here and it paid off hugely. I found myself laughing hard and saying “this is so stupid” numerous times… such a fun experience!

From an affair with Madonna to interactions with a drug cartel, Weird is a wild ride. Evan Rachel Wood’s portrayal of Madonna is incredibly silly, yet fun, while Rainn Wilson was made for quirky roles like that of Dr. Demento. Add in a number of surprising, yet well placed cameos that keep you on your feet and you have a joyous romp unlike anything else released this year. I didn’t know that we needed this movie, or that I needed this movie, but I’m so glad it exists. For the sake of avoiding spoilers, just watch it!

Weird: The Al Yankovic Story is now playing in limited theaters and hits The Roku Channel Friday. 

Rating: 5/5

Photo from Empire Online