Watch UHF

UHF is a quirky and irreverent comedy directed by Jay Levey, which takes place in the world of local TV programming. The film features 'Weird Al' Yankovic in his first leading role as George Newman, a daydreamer and unsuccessful job-seeker who gets his chance to run a struggling TV station, U62. The station is essentially a dumping ground for reruns, infomercials, and public access shows, but George sees it as his opportunity to make a real mark in the world of television.

Despite the resistance of his boss, R.J. Fletcher (Kevin McCarthy), who wants to buy out the station and turn it into a parking lot, George convinces his best friend Bob (David Bowe) to join him in creating a series of hilarious and absurd shows, including "Wheel of Fish," "Conan the Librarian," "Raul's Wild Kingdom," and "Town Talk with George Newman." With the help of a quirky crew of misfits and outcasts, including his love interest Teri (Victoria Jackson), George begins to turn U62 into a beloved local institution and a thorn in Fletcher's side.

The film is a loving homage to the world of independent TV programming and low-budget local shows, with many of its gags and parodies inspired by classic programs of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. In addition to the fictional shows created by George and his team, the film includes hilarious spoofs of everything from "The Beverly Hillbillies" to "Gandhi" to "Rambo," as well as an unforgettable parody of "The Exorcist" featuring a young Michael Richards (of "Seinfeld" fame) as a hapless janitor possessed by a mop.

But the heart of the film lies in its celebration of creativity, individuality, and the power of imagination to transcend even the most mundane or oppressive circumstances. George, Bob, and their crew are all outcasts who have been rejected by mainstream society in one way or another, but they find a sense of belonging and purpose through their shared passion for making people laugh and entertain them. Even as they face obstacles and setbacks, including a disastrous live telethon and a hostile takeover attempt by Fletcher, they remain committed to their vision and to each other.

"Weird Al" Yankovic, who also co-wrote the script with Levey, brings his trademark zaniness and musical talents to the role of George, imbuing him with a childlike wonder and an infectious enthusiasm that make him an endearing and relatable underdog. Victoria Jackson, a former cast member of "Saturday Night Live," delivers a charming and quirky performance as Teri, George's love interest and fellow creative spirit. And Kevin McCarthy, best known for his role in the sci-fi classic "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," imbues Fletcher with a deliciously evil and conniving edge that makes him a worthy antagonist to George and his team.

Overall, UHF is a wonderfully funny and entertaining film that never takes itself too seriously, but also manages to deliver a message of hope and inspiration. Its blend of snarky humor, nerdy references, and absurdism make it a cult classic that has only grown in popularity over the years, inspiring countless parodies and homages of its own. Whether you're a fan of "Weird Al," a lover of offbeat comedies, or just looking for a good laugh, UHF is definitely worth checking out.

UHF is a 1989 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 32.