UHF

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UHF

PG-13

1989

1h 37m

Comedy

Sci-Fi

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

64%

Tomatometer

25 Reviews

77%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

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.

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Critics Consensus

UHF is bizarre, freewheeling, and spotty, though its anarchic spirit cannot be denied.

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Glenn Lovell

San Jose Mercury News

Jan 21, 2026

It is entertaining and funny enough to ensure the video satirist an encore performance as a small-town bungler named George Newman.

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Noel Murray

The Dissolve

Nov 10, 2014

3/5

It's agreeably goofy, and it feels like something anyone could do, even if that's not the case.

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Jan 1, 2000

1/4

This is the dreariest comedy in many a month, a depressing slog through recycled comic formulas.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Jul 7, 2024

2.5/4

The film largely works because of Yankovic’s personality and because of the parodies.

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Brian Costello

Common Sense Media

Aug 12, 2019

4/5

Goofy '80s comedy is still funny but has dated stereotypes.

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Austin Trunick

Under the Radar

Nov 22, 2014

8/10

The individual parts may be greater than the sum of the whole, but man, are those parts funny.

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Erik B

@Atma-X Oct 27, 2026

I love this movie, and I always will...but I for sure get why people didn't know what to do with it. It feels like Al wanted to make a movie version of his music - i.e., a parody of film tropes as well as specific movies...but there's maybe not enough of that to actually sell it. Still, this was an early love of mine and with "Weird Al" being one of my favorite artists, this one always hits. AEB says: Al at his weirdest, and a great love story.

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Robert P

@Superbad Oct 25, 2026

UHF is a 3.5 Star Movie!

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Jason H

@RT50328122 Sep 16, 2026

Filmed in my hometown, Summer 1988. I am in the crowd scene at the end, although you can't see me.

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Hayden T

@RT84200025 Sep 4, 2026

A really good funny movie weird Al did a good job at this movie 10 out of 10

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Chris S

@Janomi Aug 26, 2026

UHF has plenty to like because it feels completely built around "Weird Al" Yankovic’s comedy voice. It is silly, random, parody-heavy, and proudly stupid in a way that feels honest to him. The movie works best when it stops trying to be a normal story and just lets his imagination run wild. The fake TV shows and commercials are the most memorable parts. "Wheel of Fish," "Conan the Librarian," "Gandhi II," "Spatula City," and "Raul’s Wild Kingdom" give the movie its strongest identity, almost like a channel-surfing sketch comedy experiment. Michael Richards brings bizarre energy to Stanley Spadowski, making him strange, innocent, unpredictable, and perfect for the anything-goes tone. The underdog story gives the chaos just enough structure, but the humor is very hit-or-miss. When it lands, it is hilarious; when it misses, it can drag.

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Brody F

@Brody_Wan_Kenobi Jul 28, 2026

This movie combines classic Weird Al fun with a genuinely good story. The film switches from the main story to brief TV satire segments, but it all feels natural and never confusing. Also this movie’s soundtrack is great. The characters are funny and likable like George, Bob, Pam, and of course Stanley Spadowski.This movie is truly an underrated hidden gem. Essential for any Weird Al Yankovic fan. I will definitely watch again, this time I won’t forget to make myself a Twinkie Weiner Sandwich.

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Jay Levey

Director

Weird Al Yankovic

George Newman

Victoria Jackson

Teri

Kevin McCarthy

R.J. Fletcher

Michael Richards

Stanley Spadowski

David Bowe

Bob

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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.

Director: Jay Levey
Producer: John W. Hyde, Gene Kirkwood
Screenwriter: Weird Al Yankovic, Jay Levey
Distributor: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Production Co: Imaginary Entertainment, Cinecorp Production
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy, Sci-Fi
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 21, 1989, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 5, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $5.6M
Runtime: 1h 37m
Sound Mix: Surround

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