Month: November 2022

Weird: The Al Yankovic Story

Published on by DanielaLeave a comment

If you were expecting a completely accurate biopic about Al Yankovic’s life, this is not it.

Weird: The Al Yankovic Story is a satire about the musician’s life. From when he was young and received his own accordion from a travelling salesman, to when he records his first hit and signs with a label, then ultimately continues on into superstardom, everything you never needed to know about Weird Al is right here (or not).

In all honesty, I probably would not have watched this movie if it wasn’t for Daniel Radcliffe. I’ve been a fan of his for as long as I can remember (and at one point I even had a solid case as to why the two of us should be together) and think he is such a breath of fresh air. Having completely broken the mould left behind from his Potter days, Radcliffe tends to choose roles that are usually off the beaten path. Although Yankovic himself approached him to star, Radcliffe did an amazing job. The fact that he learned how to play the accordion and had all the mannerisms down pat was just a plus. I almost wish he’d been the one singing too.

As for the story itself, it is completely and one hundred per cent batshit crazy. I mean that in the best way possible. Do not take anything to heart because it is all exaggerated on purpose. The fact that this is how Yankovic wanted it to be made it all worth while. At times I do wish we’d had more of an idea as to what was more real and what was fabricated, but after a while I wasn’t as bothered anymore. At least his most memorable songs made it into the film! While I may not be completely familiar with his work, I do know some of his hits such as Like A Surgeon and I Love Rocky Road.

Another reason why this film is so fun is because of its colorful cast of characters. Evan Rachel Wood is the perfect choice for Madonna. From her looks to her little quirks, I just wish they’d given her the chance to sing too. To have Rainn Wilson as Dr. Demento, a mentor of sorts for our lead and Quinta Brunson as Oprah Winfrey was just the cherry on top of one of the most crazy array of cameos I have ever seen.

Overall, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story was exactly what you’d expect it to be: weird. I may not have learned anything new about Al, but I don’t think that was the point. At the end of the day, it all came down to being true to who you are and I think that was perfectly illustrated.

Rating: ♥♥♥

Enola Holmes 2

Published on by DanielaLeave a comment

Lovable detective Enola Holmes (Millie Bobby Brown) is back and this time she’s got her own business up and running. Following in her brother Sherlock’s (Henry Cavill) footsteps, she intends to stand out from the crowd, though that may not be as easy as she thought. But when a young girl comes into her shop and asks for Enola’s help to find her sister, everything changes. Something far more complicated than it seems, Enola must turn to her family and friends to solve the case.

Millie Bobby Brown was, once again, a force to be reckoned with. The absolute charisma and charm she brings to Enola is mesmerizing. Not only does she shine every time she is onscreen, the predicaments she constantly finds herself in take the audience on constant twists and turns that leaves them wondering how it will all come together. Similarly, I have always felt like Henry Cavill was a good fit as Sherlock. I liked that we had a bit more of him this time around.

The returns of both Helena Bonham Carter as Eudoria Holmes and Louis Partridge as Tewkesbury was a welcome treat. In addition, the newcomers that were introduced to help flesh out the story were perfectly casted. David Thewlis was menacing as villain Grail and Sharon Duncan-Brewster was enigmatic enigmatic as Mira Troy. It was also fun getting to know Serrana Su-Ling Bliss and Hannah Dodd who played Matchstick Girls Bessie and Sarah respectively.

Speaking of the Matchstick Girls, the way in which their significance was woven into the film was such a brilliant move. Having the opportunity to learn more about them was not only fascinating to me, it was also very inspiring. I didn’t know anything about them prior to watching, but as soon as the film was over, I continued on with my research. I loved how Enola Holmes shed some light on this incredible step for women everywhere.

The original Enola Holmes film was such a home run for me, I wasn’t sure how its successor would hold up. I’m so happy to report that it was just as good, if not slightly better in certain ways. With Enola growing older, I feel like she’s not only becoming more relatable, she is also becoming a role model for women of all ages. The film is super fun with many hijinks along the way. It is definitely one of the best things that Netflix has ever gotten their hands on.

Rating:  ♥♥♥♥