Roku – Credits Rolling

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: ♥♥♥

Alexa, play New Year’s Day by Taylor Swift.

I am fully aware that some places haven’t hit fall temperatures, yet here I am watching my first holiday movie of the year.

Starring Emma Roberts and Thomas Mann, About Fate is the story of two people who believe in love, though they have never been lucky in it. Griffin is getting ready to propose to his Instagram influencer girlfriend Clementine (Madelaine Petsch) while Margot is hoping her boyfriend of three months Kip (Lewis Tan) will agree to come to her sister’s (Britt Robertson) wedding. But when none of their wishes come true, fate intervenes and they are thrust together on the last night of the year.

While the storyline may seem predictable and cliche, I honestly didn’t feel that way while I was watching it. There were some obstacles thrown in here and there that threw me off and at times nothing seemed to be going the way it was supposed to. The comedy wasn’t always strong, but the addition of Cheryl Hines as Margot’s mother was a welcome casting choice.

What made this film work so well was the chemistry between Roberts and Mann. The way in which their characters meet at Bennington’s and then are constantly thrown into each other’s path kept me on my toes. They seem to be made for each other with their love for Breakfast at Tiffany’s and the fact that they both live in the same apartment complex, just on opposite ends of the way.

Not a lot of people know about About Fate, but I am hoping to have changed that. It’s a feel good film that will keep you smiling and rooting for the main characters to get everything that their hearts’ desire. Plus, it takes place during one of the most wonderful times of the year, so who would argue with that?

Rating: ♥♥♥