Review of UHF (1989) by Spencer S — 12 Mar 2013

'Weird Al' Yankovic is primarily a comedic songwriter and parody musician, but in his first instance of movie stardom, he shines brighter than ever. During the eighties the absolute best parody films were made, including Leslie Nielsen's "Spy Hard" and "Naked Gun", Mel Brooks' History of the World Part One, and a bevy of other films that were both cheesy and highly enjoyable.

Yankovic is best known for his re-workings of popular songs, and here he takes stabs at other films, including "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Treasure of the Sierra Madre" and "First Blood.

" Besides all the mentions of famous films, there are some very original laughs to be had with Yankovic's off brand and zany humor. His acting is surprisingly focused and his character comes off as charmingly befuddled throughout.

Besides a controlled performance from Yankovic there is a highly talented cast assembled: Fran Drescher pre-Nanny fame shows up as the outspoken secretary turned reporter, Michael Richardson pre-Seinfeld busts out as a kooky janitor turned children's TV show host, and Victoria Jackson plays Weird Al's responsible girlfriend.

The premise of the film isn't all that out there, as Weird Al plays George Newman, a down and out man at the middle road in his life eventually getting the manager's position at a local UHF station.

He makes the station popular with weird shows that generate a lot of buzz, but he has to stop the maniacal competitor who is trying to buy the station out from under them. It's sweet, spontaneous, and pretty much the epitome of classic comedy film, so if you haven't given it much credence beforehand, do so now.