WTF Happened to UHF?

Last Updated on January 23, 2023

I​n 1989, a movie was released that changed how all films were made in the future. It brought together an exceptional cast, used state-of-the-art special effects, and gave us characters that were poignant and flawed. This movie was the Weird Al-starring vehicle UHF.

Directed by Jay Levey, who wrote the screenplay with Weird Al, UHF has the following synopsis: After losing yet another job, George (Weird Al Yankovic) wonders if there is any career that can handle his outrageous personality. When George’s uncle (Stanley Brock) hands him the deed to a local TV station, George creates a series of television shows based on social satire and hyperactive humor, with the help of his best friend, Bob (David Bowe). However, a rival station’s bitter CEO (Kevin McCarthy) tries to destroy George’s wacky programming, forcing him to fight back.

Weird Al’s comedic parody style was on full display for all to see in UHF. Anyone that listened to his albums could immediately see his influence on the screen. The film has become a certified cult classic to generations of fans everywhere. While audiences now can appreciate Al’s eccentric brand of comedy, his style wasn’t always understood. A movie studio bet on the film to save their company, and Weird Al clashed with executives over how the film was marketed.

Grab yourself a Twinkie Weiner Sandwich, a box of Yappy’s Dog Treats, and let’s find out exactly What Happened To This Movie, written by Brian Wolford, edited by Cesar Gabriel, and narrated by Mathew Plale.