The Compleat Al

Video
1985
TV-PG
1h 42m

IMDb RATING

YOUR RATING

Fact and fiction are mingled in this mockumentary about the career of music parodist "Weird Al" Yankovic. In retelling his life story, the film includes several of his music videos, includin... Read allFact and fiction are mingled in this mockumentary about the career of music parodist "Weird Al" Yankovic. In retelling his life story, the film includes several of his music videos, including "Ricky" and "Eat It."Fact and fiction are mingled in this mockumentary about the career of music parodist "Weird Al" Yankovic. In retelling his life story, the film includes several of his music videos, including "Ricky" and "Eat It."

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.5/10

512

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

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User reviews8

7.5512

Featured reviews

9ptsia

why they made this? was always glad they did!

Saw this for the first time 33yr ago. I was 7, and getting to hear actual facts about his childhood made me feel I belonged a little more.

This documentary Is exactly the same as I had remembered it.. FUN, and WEIRD.

8ReelCheese

Fans Won't Be Disappointed

If you think "Weird Al" Yankovic is hilarious, you won't be disappointed by THE COMPLEAT AL. Not only does this rare mockumentary feature many of Yankovic's more memorable videos ("Like A Surgeon" and "I Love Rocky Road" among them), but they are inter-spliced with funny vignettes supposedly highlighting the parodist's rise to fame. Yankovic is not for all tastes, but his humor is harmless and imaginative enough that even non-fans will at least be lightly amused. Die-hard fans will love it not only for its content, but also for its relatively early look into Yankovic's now nearly three decade career. Suitable for all ages, kiddies will no doubt love the funny visuals.

10aanusze1

Al at his classic best.

This is a bizzare look at Al's "life", back when he still a hyper 20-something. The (real) home videos of Al as a kid are great, and the commentary from his (real life) parents gives a nice glimpse of just how Weird Al wound up as screwed up as he is. This video is a must own for any devoted Al-coholic.

3startrekfan-3

Much as I love Al...

Now, I won't deny that when I purchased this off eBay, I had high expectations. This was an incredible out-of-print work from the master of comedy that I so enjoy. However, I was soon to be disappointed. Apologies to those who enjoyed it, but I just found the Compleat Al to be very difficult to watch. I got a few smiles, sure, but the majority of the funny came from the music videos (which I've got on DVD) and the rest was basically filler. You could tell that this was not Al's greatest video achievement (that honor goes to UHF). Honestly, I doubt if this will ever make the jump to DVD, so if you're an ultra-hardcore Al fan and just HAVE to own everything, buy the tape off eBay. Just don't pay too much for it.

313Funbags

Disappointing

This movie is basically just all his videos and some stuff he did on MTV with short, mildly funny skits in between. I have been trying to like Al for my entire life and I never knew why I just really didn't care about him. Now I realize it's because he's not very funny.

Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
A book version of this video was published, titled "The Authorized Al". It followed the script for the most part, but included many extra stills that were either cut from the video, or only glimpsed briefly (e.g. the "Burgeropolis" architectural concept). It also had an appendix with the lyrics of every song on Al's three albums (at that time).

Quotes
Narrator: Weird Al: The man, the myth, the legend. Where will he go from here? What new worlds will he conquer? Who does he think he is? Will he continue to capture the hearts of millions? or will he fade into oblivion like some insignificant pest? How should I know?

Crazy credits
The usual warning about not copying the video tape you're watching appears, but then takes a turn for the humorous:

But if you do insist on copying this program, please be aware that the patented "copy-stop" R system developed by the National Association of Television Research Engineers will cause severe damage to your video-cassette recording device, accompanied by a bright blue-gray flash and strong acrid odor, which may in turn affect nearby houseplants and cause discoloration of fine upholstery. In addition, you may experience headaches, drowsiness, nausea, severe loss of memory, high blood pressure, nosebleeds, and the heartbreak of psoriasis. Household pets may develop similar symptoms including extreme personality disorders and occasional spontaneous combustion.

We're not kidding about this. Unlawful duplication of this program may result in local civil unrest, meteorological disturbances, and volcanic eruptions, causing the earth to fall out of its planetary orbit and plunge directly into the sun. The producers of this program assume no liability for any of the consequences resulting from your stupid, unthinking, greedy and careless attempt to deprive them of income. Thank you.

Connections
Edited into 'Weird Al' Yankovic: The Ultimate Video Collection (2003)

Soundtracks
Ricky
Written by Mike Chapman (uncredited), Nicky Chinn (uncredited) and 'Weird Al' Yankovic (uncredited)
Performed by 'Weird Al' Yankovic
From the 1983 self-titled album