Weird: The Al Yankovic Story Review: Overly Weird, All Parody, Not Quite a Hit

For a movie that promotes itself as being a satire on Weird Al’s life, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story is all that and more. If you are familiar with Weird Al in the slightest you will enjoy the extreme liberties it takes with the telling of his life.

Don’t go into this film thinking you are going to get an honest representation of who he is and where he comes from because that is just not his style. With Al Yankovic being a writer and producer of the movie it should come as no surprise that this film takes on the vibe of two lies and one truth. 

So, can you believe any of the film depictions of events in his life? Probably best not to.

A Grain of Salt and A Mound of Fun

If you look at this film as another one of his parodies then you are going to walk away from it the most satisfied. After all, there is quirky good laughs around every corner.

The outfits are very 80s and very Weird Al, which is good. If the movie had been too stiff and too serious fans of his work wouldn’t like it.

Evan Rachel Wood takes a phenomenal turn as Madonna which is a performance that is truly unexpected. Honestly, I found her better than the actual Madonna — I mean Wood’s take on her involves taking over for Pablo Escobar.

Let that sink in for a moment. This film has a story plot involving Madonna taking over for Pablo Escobar, a drug kingpin. This has to be a parody because it’s so outlandishly funny.

That’s not even the best part of the whole Madonna part of this film because to involve her you have to talk about the elephant in the room — by that, I mean Weird Al.

Daniel Radcliffe Knocks Another One Out of the Park

When it was announced that Daniel Radcliffe would be taking a spin as Weird Al, I honestly wasn’t convinced. Then I thought about all the unique, quirky roles he has done over the course of his career and I got excited to see what he would do with this.

It’s interesting to see him take on a diva, party boy persona as Weird Al for two reasons. One, Weird Al has never really been that kind of person — see the above mention of perfect parody — and two because of Radcliffe’s public acknowledgment of his journey with sobriety. 

I know, I know he’s playing a character, but it’s still a bit jarring to see him do scenes like that considering his personal history. 

That being said, it’s hilarious to see Daniel Radcliffe as Weird Al not only act like a complete jackass with Madonna as his sidekick but also kill a few people along the way. Namely, his murder of Pablo Escobar with a medallion representing one of his platinum records.

Every moment Radcliffe is onscreen is a masterclass in acting. He shows us just how seamlessly he slips into Weird Al and makes us believe that he’s truly this iconic, satirical king. 

One of my favorite scenes is when Al is brought to this celebrity party for the first time and wipes the floor with all these artsy greats. The guest list itself is insane. It’s one of the first moments of the film where you can see just how inflated this telling of his story really is.

Writing Leaves a Little to Be Desired

While this film is fun and punny and ridiculous, there is still a bit of an issue with the writing. There are moments when the dialogue is so juvenile it’s cringy. 

I’m mostly talking about any scenes that include Weird Al’s parents or talk of his parents. It’s even worse whenever Weird Al talks with his “dementor,” as the narrative calls him, Dr. Demento (played by the talented Rainn Wilson). 

There is just something I can’t quite put my finger on about the writing overall that falls just short of the mark. I can’t tell if it’s simply the unimaginative dialogue or if it’s something more overall. 

It’s a talented cast of actors for all the roles — big or small — so why do I find myself wanting a bit more out of the story as a whole?

The ending is definitely a choice that is made and not necessarily a choice that I agree with, but it’s hard to say if that affects my feelings about the film or if it’s a combination of everything I’ve mentioned.

Stray Thoughts:

• I am a little put off by Lin Manuel Miranda being in this — sorry guys I’m not a fan
• Quinta Brunson as Oprah?! YES PLEASE FOREVER!
• Despite its flaws the “stories” behind such hits as “Eat It” and “Amish Paradise” had me dying from laughter.
• I want to attend a Polka Party.

What did you think of Weird: The Al Yankovic Story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Weird: The Al Yankovic Story is now streaming on Roku Channel.

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