Many months ago, it was revealed that Daniel Radcliffe would be portraying Weird Al Yankovic in a biopic to be presented on Roku. Listen, I am a fan of the Harry Potter films so of course I was interested in this film, but not for that obvious connection. I have watched other things that Radcliffe has been in after the Potter franchise and could NEVER disassociate him from Harry. When looking at Previews, I felt that Weird could actually be the thing to break that glass ceiling, and luckily I was right: that afro won.
Radcliffe is supported by Rainn Wilson as Dr. Demento and Evan Rachel Wood as Madonna. This film also features many cameos such as Al Yankovich as Tony Scotti, Qunita Brunson as Oprah Winfrey, Conan O’Brien as Andy Warhol, Jack Black as Wolfman Jack, and Lin Manuel Miranda (jumpscare) as a doctor. Weird is very upfront as being mostly non-fictional with many story lines that simply go off the rails. Starting at Yankovic’s childhood, Weird showcases Weird Al’s odd and quick path to fame. Intertwined are dramatic improve-like scenes that add comedy and make sure you know that this is not a true depiction whatsoever. Yankovic was so deeply involved with the making of this film being its producer, so I know it has his blessing and I think I can give it mine.
I must say that I was intrigued to watch this film because 1. it was free (!) and 2. its cast includes actors that I genuinely love like Radcliffe, Wilson, and Brunson. I honestly had never watched anything produced by Roku before this point and am greatly surprised by its creativity. Yes Weird Al was big at the time, but this is for sure a risky film for today’s audience. Its comedic, improvisational format I think greatly accompanies the subject as it really comes off as a film to enjoy not greatly analyze. Could it have been better quality? Of course, some of the sets are akin to a high school play. Would it have been better as a theatrical film with a bigger budget and more at stake? Maybe, but it is really hard to say. In my eyes Weird‘s back-end issues do not in anyway overshadow its content.
Starting with Radcliffe’s performance, I think the actor does a fantastic job personifying this iconic and niche culture icon. His voice is very similar (although does sound like Phineas from Phineas and Ferb) to Yankovic’s and his physicality matched perfectly (besides Radcliffe being a bit more fit). While he does not truly sing in the film, his energy and acting is spot on. Wilson’s portrayal of Dr. Demento is so well done and funny. The The Office star really gives it his all to add the necessary whimsical and cooky elements of the character. Wood plays a pretty solid Madonna, I love Brunson as Oprah, and oddly gave interest to O’Brien’s Warhol–it is just so oddly perfect.
Unlike other biopics like Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocketman, and Judy, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story does not feel exploitive or off-putting. There is no speculation on certain events or rumors because it is intentionally non-accurate! In this version of Al’s story, the man literally goes from nothing to fame in one hour and then hooks up with Madonna within a week. Radcliffe’s Yankovic kills people, does some questionable things, and somehow dies in an unfortunate circumstance in 1985. The actual Yankovic is in the movie so obviously none of it is true but that is why it is funny. There is always a running joke for the last 2/3 of the film which keeps the audience engaged and intrigued.
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story does not take itself seriously in the best way, creating a new genre of biopic where not everything has to act as though it is accurate. Its mindless and creative energy is a nice outlier in today’s movie scope. If you find yourself bored literally just type the word Roku into Google and you will be watching the film within two clicks. It is time to get out of reality and into parody!
References:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17076046/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt
https://www.wired.com/story/weird-al-yankovic-movie-cameos/