Weird will be released by Shout! Factory on December 12, 2023.

Weird Al — considered the king of spoof-songs — is a musical icon. Children of the 80’s and 90’s memorized his lyrics and recited them back-and-forth to one another on the school-yard. So, it’s fitting that the self-proclaimed weirdo finally get a bio-pic worthy of his strangeness. If you’re expected a by-the-numbers biographical depiction, in-line with the likes of Walk The Line or Ray, you will be in for a hilariously off-the-walls surprise.

Weird Plot

Alfred Yankovic (Daniel Radcliffe) is a young boy who dreams of writing and singing his own parody songs. Unfortunately for young Al, his overly-controlling father forbids it. Al follows his dreams, fueled by an unmatched skill with an accordion, to become the most successful parody artist of all time. Oh, and he has a passionate relationship with Madonna, hilariously portrayed by Evan Rachel Wood (Westworld).

The Critique

Also Read – Weird: The Al Yankovic Story Review: All You’d Want From a Weird Al Movie

Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone) continues to distance himself from the role that made his a star, often choosing parts in smaller films that lean into absurdity. He’s been a flatulating corpse in Swiss Army Man, an over-the-top crime-lord in The Lost City, and now Weird Al Yankovic. It’s a career path that is reminiscent of Elijah Wood’s, drastically detouring following massive success in a critically lauded franchise.

From the early moments of the film, it’s undeniable that this isn’t a straight forward biopic. It’s a satire, spoofing the life of a man who made millions on spoofs. It’s a meta, self-parody in the best possible way. Many fans, myself included, feared the film would never find a physical media release as a Roku original movie. But now, thanks to Shout!, we have the hilarious adventure, presented in beautiful 4K, and our physical-media collections are better for it.

In a world over-flowing with musical biopics sticking to a paint by numbers approach, it’s refreshing to see one break free from the mundane and expected tropes.

The Special Features

The new release boasts and impressive array of special features. Perhaps my favorite is the audio commentary from Weird Al himself and director Eric Appel, giving all sorts of hilarious insights and behind the scenes looks.

We get an interview of both Weird Al and Daniel Radcliffe from Late Night With Seth Meyers, a Variety interview Radcliffe, Evan Rachel Wood and Eric Appel, and an interview with Weird Al and Eric Appel from The Wrap.

But no special feature line-up would be complete with out a “Making Of” featurette. Don’t worry, we’ve got that too, along with Weird: The Al Yankovic Story trailers, deleted scenes and more.

Would I Recommend This Purchase? Daniel Radcliffe as Weird Al? Yeah… I’d recommend it.

Is It Worth a Blind Buy? Depending on your sense of humor, yes. But be prepared for a silly viewing experience.

8/10

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