'Weird: The Al Yankovic Story' Review:

This review was made possible due to an advance screening of Weird: The Al Yankovic Story provided by Roku for coverage. Weird: The Al Yankovic Story streams on The Roku Channel Friday, November 4, 2022.

Weird is an absurdly hilarious fictionalized biopic, which would work for no one but the accordion-wielding king of parodies himself.

Following the story of Weird Al himself, Weird picks up with a young Al discovering his love of the accordion, as we follow him to stardom. It’s at the point of fame, however, when the plot takes a turn to a fictionalized version of the story, which takes turns that I don’t think anyone could’ve predicted.

Daniel Radcliffe shines in the titular role, bringing passion and an enticing energy throughout the entire runtime of the film. His portrayal of Al pairs perfectly with Evan Rachel Wood’s inevitably iconic performance of Madonna, which both aid the story’s narrative in a way that expands on the original idea from 2010.

Although the film lacks the bombardment of parody songs that one may expect, the few that were included were great choices, as they allowed the plot to move on, but maintain the charm and overall feel that the film brings.

One of the highlights of the film is the massive amount of cameos, ranging from Quinta Brunson as Oprah Winfrey to cameos from Patton Oswalt, and more familiar faces. The plot does drag toward the end of the second act and only picks up at the film’s conclusion, but doesn’t feel too stretched out.

Overall, for a film that was shot in 18 days, Weird is incredibly impressive, and is a film that people won’t believe is real unless they see it for themselves.

Weird: The Al Yankovic Story streams exclusively on Roku, Friday, November 4th.