Weird Al biopic releasing soon

The biopic craze has come for the King of Polka himself.

Victoria Grossman

Student Writer

If you’ve lived on this Earth for any period of time, you’ve definitely heard of Weird Al Yankovic. Known far and wide for his song parodies, the singer is getting his very own biopic. Weird Al has been in the game for nearly 40 years, and although his songs are comedy-based, he has earned some serious accolades, including five Grammy Awards. In any case, any movie about Weird Al is likely to be just that: weird.

The film stars Daniel Radcliffe, who is best known for his role as the title character in the “Harry Potter” movie franchise, but has also had roles in lesser films such as “Swiss Army Man,” “The Lost City,” and “Imperium.” Other cast members include Evan Rachel Wood and Rainn Wilson. The movie itself does not appear, at least from the trailer, to follow the true definition of a “biopic,” but instead will be, to no surprise, a parody of that genre. The teaser features dramatic and satirical moments woven between slapstick comedy bits, creating the exact opposite kind of film we saw in Baz Lurhmann’s “Elvis” earlier this summer.

There’s a lot to know about Weird Al, but what might surprise you most is that his most popular film, “UHF,” was filmed right here in Tulsa. Executive producer Gray Fredrickson, having previously worked on “The Outsiders,” opted to return to the area due to low production cost and ideal filming locations. A number of buildings downtown were used in the production, such as the OETA recording studio, Joey’s House of the Blues on East 61st Street, and First Christian Church on Boulder Avenue.

The actual plot of “UHF” appears to be quite… elusive. Yankovic plays George Newman, a dreamer type who comes to find himself in charge of a television station. As a result of his leadership, the station, predictably, falls on hard times and turns to a telethon to sell off its shares. Critics complained of a lack of characterization in the film, but Yankovic and other writers argued that because the film was supposed to mainly focus on parody sequences dreamed up by the main character, more plot development was unnecessary. The movie was mildly successful, making $6.1 million at the box office after having a budget of $5 million. As it turns out, Tulsa can count Weird Al among those who have found success on its streets.

Since “UHF,” Yankovic has continued touring with both his parodies and other, more polka-based songs. Having made appearances on several popular sitcoms, Weird Al has continued to stay a comedic presence in popular culture. This new movie will surely not be the last exploit of his career, but if it turns out to be, it seems like he’d be going out with a bang. The film, entitled “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” is making its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival November 4, and will then be available to stream on The Roku Channel.

“UHF” was releaed in 1989. courtesy wikicommons

In this weekly column, our Managing Editor Maddie Walters talks to musicians about their craft.

Maddie Walters Managing Editor

Music and Mayhem with Maddie kicks off its inaugural interview with New Jersey’s Modern Chemistry. Closing in on a decade as a band, Joe Zorzi and Brendan Hourican make up this alternative indie band that has toured with the likes of Taking Back Sunday, Motion City Soundtrack and Frank Iero. The duo recently celebrated a milestone as their breakout single from 2013, “Never Scared,” passed over one million streams on Spotify.

The band has kept themselves busy this year, releasing an EP in January titled “tomorrow, we wake up from the longest collective dream of our lives.” A product of the lockdown, this EP perfectly delineates the pandemic headspace, but is so much more than just a pandemic album.

“At first, we just wanted to put together a few songs and see what we could do with the restrictions of writing and producing at home. It ended up becoming such an important project to us,” says Zorzi. “ These songs are some of my favorites that we’ve ever released and I think it really shows how versatile we’d like to be.”

The long title, perhaps a callback to the extended titles of the emo genre, comes from a questioning of reality itself during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The band describes it best with “it felt like we were all suffering alone, but also together.”

Before their newest EP, the duo released three volumes of cover songs, most notably a haunting cover of Nirvana’s “HeartShaped Box.” The pair credits this series of covers with allowing them to learn more about music production and express their creativity in a new way.

In August, Modern Chemistry released their newest single “In a Way,” which Zorzi describes as the most vulnerable song he’s ever written. “It’s about that kind of hopeless feeling where you wish you could help or could have helped someone,” he says. Though he wishes nobody would have to go through something like this, he hopes those that do find solace in its message.

The band premiered their short film, “My Battery is Low and It’s Getting Dark,” on August 21 at a theater in Asbury Park, NJ. Doubling as a music video for two singles, the short film has the trippy vibes of a newage “2001: A Space Odyssey,” as Modern Chemistry seemingly appears to be the first band to play in space, or at least to fake a moon-landing.

“The band describes it best with ‘it felt like we were all suffering alone, but also together.’”

Hourican came up with the initial idea for the film before the duo brought it to their friend Benjamin Lieber, who the band credits as knowing how to bring grandiose ideas like this one to life. Lieber, along with Kris Khunachak (director of photography) delivered on the band’s hopes. “This really feels like us,” Zorzi says, “ I think people are going to really be impressed with how much we were able to do with just the four of us.”

“My Battery is Low and It’s Getting Dark” also serves as the title for the band’s upcoming album, releasing September 23. Diverging from their previous styles in “Never Scared” and even their last fulllength, “Everything in Gold,” their newest album promises a “full band feeling.”

“Music is a journey,” says Zorzi, “I think people are going to really like it. No matter what changes musically, I think anything me and Brendan do are [sic] always going to sound like the same band.”

“My Battery is Low and It’s Getting Dark” releases this month and can be found on all major platforms, including Bandcamp. Their short film can be viewed on their YouTube channel.

Actual best study spots on campus

If you’re looking for a study spot on campus, check out this all-inclusive list.

Erika Brock News Editor

Studying is a personal thing, and everyone has to figure out what works best for them when it comes down to it. Some people really don’t want to be bothered or to see another person at all while they’re working; others really want a space where they can sit with their friends and encourage each other to stay focused. After two years of studying here at The University of Tulsa, I’ve tested out my fair share of study spots here on campus, and each has its pros and cons. My list is subjective, do what works for you, but this is what I’ve found to be a good system

If you like to have people around for white noise, here are some ideas.

The basement of Keplinger - There is some foot traffic as people go to class or meet with professors, but students are typically respectful and aren’t too distracting. The other people sitting around you studying can also act as a motivator to continue working.

Upstairs in Stephenson, Rayzor or

Helmrich Hall - They’re decently quiet places, but people will often work on projects together, so there can be light conversation happening around you. It isn’t a noise-free zone, but the students there aren’t bothersome.

Then, there are some places that definitely aren’t ideal, but you can give them a try.

Your lecture right before the exam - I feel like this is self explanatory.

Allen Chapman Student Union (ACSU)

“After two years of studying here at The University of Tulsa, I’ve tested out my fair share of study spots here on campus, and each has its pros and cons”

for myself.

If you like to study in places where people won’t bother you, then try these places.

The stacks of the library - The bottom floor tends to be fairly quiet and people don’t frequent it as much during the semester. Around midterms and finals, it’s busier, but the students there are in the headspace to work.

An empty lecture room - This can get you in the mindset of class, and people really don’t go in these rooms unless they’re about to have class, in which case you’ll have to move. But otherwise, they are very empty.

The Mabee Legal Information Center

(law library) - Everyone is here to work, and if you’re not, the peer pressure of everyone else working will certainly motivate you. during lunch - It can be okay if you’re upstairs and can really ignore noise, but be prepared not to get a lot done.

Your dorm room - This may be a little controversial, but studying where you’re supposed to relax is incredibly difficult. I always find myself saying, “Oh, I’ll just take a five minute break,” and then five becomes 45 and I wonder why I didn’t finish everything I wanted to.

All in all, where you study is really about what works best for you, and these are just some suggestions. It doesn’t really matter where you study, just that some environments are better than others. It’s best to get into good study habits early, otherwise it can be hard to recover in a class you choose to slack off in the first couple of weeks. Good luck to everyone and hopefully this is a great semester!

There are many places students can choose to study at TU. courtesy utulsa.edu

Zach Sabel

Student Writer

The highly anticipated new “Lord of The Rings” show has now debuted, dropping its first two episodes on Sept.1. The series takes place in Middle-Earth’s second age, which puts it thousands of years before the events of “The Hobbit.” So far, general consensus has been pretty good from critics and fans alike, even with the storm of unwarranted criticism in regard to the diverse casting, with many anonymous users online complaining about non-white Elves and dwarves seen in the trailer.

The story mainly centers around Galadriel, with whom fans of the books and films will be familiar. This is a much younger Galadriel, one who is focused on snuffing out what she feels is a looming evil before it gains too much of a foothold in MiddleEarth. Other stories intertwine with this, such as Elrond’s journey to enlist the help of an old friend at the dwarven stronghold of Khazad-dûm, the elven ranger Arondir’s investigation of a mysterious incident in a human town, and (what i consider the best storyline of the first two episodes) the Harfoot Nori’s helping a mysterious look man who has fallen from the sky.

courtesy wikicommons “The Rings of Power” takes place before the events of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit.”

The fact there were so many stories to describe, however, is one of my first gripes with the show itself. It’s a sort of “too many cooks” situation, with many stories that can feel overwhelming or, in most cases, underwhelming to follow. A majority of the show so far is simply two people talking, with very little of the action or adventure that so many love about Tolkien’s world. I think this is why I’ve enjoyed the Harfoot storyline so much more than the others. It actually feels like a compelling story and interesting start to an adventure with a wellstruck balance of comedy and drama as Nori and her friend go against the traditions of their people. On the other hand, Galadriel, who seems intended to be the main focus of the show, comes off as rude and unlikeable through the first two episodes.

Hopefully this changes as the show progresses, but I’m not hopeful it will. She comes off as overdramatic at times. Elrond’s story is okay and seems like it could really be fun as it progresses;the chemistry between him and the dwarves with whom he interacts is clear and easy to notice. Arondir the elven ranger, on the other hand, feels way too understated compared to the other characters. He plays an elf as if he were a Vulcan in “Star Trek”. He shows very little if any emotion in situations that most certainly warrant an emotional response from him, which is unfortunate because the actual meat of his story seems really interesting. I still find myself interested in where the storyline will go.

There is also quite a bit of suspect acting throughout the show, and while the visuals and camera work are stunning and absolutely top notch, I wonder where all of the $60 million budget per episode went. There are definitely scenes that don’t look as good as I think they could, but the action where it is sparingly applied is very good. The orcs in the show look fantastic, and the brief look we get of the dark lord Sauron shows an epically evil character that I hope we get to see more of near the end of the first season. Since the show is just beginning, I will give it the benefit of the doubt as it ramps up that things will hopefully get ironed out, but as it stands I can’t really recommend the show unless you are an absolute die-hard “Lord of The Rings” novels fan. This is an important distinction, as I think those who are mainly fans of the Peter Jackson films will strongly dislike much of the series as these are very different actors and interpretations of the characters they love like Elrond and Galadriel. I’m certainly rooting for the series to get better as it goes on, but what I’ve seen worries me for the future of Tolkein adaptations.

“Three Thousand Years of Longing” leaves mixed feelings

New film “Three Thousand Years of Longing” leaves viewers both captivated and underwhelmed.

Ali Ghazimoradi

Student Writer

Director of “Happy Feet” and the “Mad Max” series, George Miller added to his mismatched cinematic tableau with “Three Thousand Years of Longing.” An immediate sense of maturity might come over the viewer as they realize this is not an exciting, trailer-making experience but instead an adult fairy tale with a story about stories. Idris Elba portrays a Djinn (non anglicized genie) released by Tilda Swinton’s character, a solitary narratologist. She’s unwilling to make the three wishes necessary to free the Djinn, knowing of the consequences that comes from every three wishes story and lacking desire herself. With the goal of sparking her desire, the Djinn tells the story of his captivity, really stories of desire, that span three thousand years.

The film realizes a fantastic feat in being something so different. There are so many weird and bizarre oddities that are not explained what they are or why they are there; instead, they just serve the purpose of adding to the magical world. To give an idea, the first story focuses on the Queen of Sheba (kin to the Djinn). King Solomon arrives to wed her, performing from a singing cello. The next story follows the Djinn to Suleiman the Magnificent’s court.

“You might have heard good writing reveals something about yourself; ‘Three Thousand Years’ portrays a different perspective.”

I was captivated. At times, shots are beautiful like a painting and punctuate the whole scene. The strong narrative and elements of magical realism feel like a novel, but the cinematic elements pale in comparison. The performance of the two leads, and really the only characters, feels underwhelming. I would rather read some of Elba’s lines than hear him perform them. This is a problem because he is the narrator for most of the movie. The third act takes place in the real world and completes the romance this film is supposed to be. I’m conflicted; on one hand, the romance is weak and could not carry its own narrative, but on the other, much of the commentary on the role of storytelling comes from this section. With no doubt, I think the film experience falls apart here. Nearly every scene ends with a cut to black successfully faking out an ending. The most egregious case was the word “three,” as if the title were being shown followed by “years later.” Messaging about anti-bigotry and cultural appreciation along with the 2020 pandemic during this act is coy but cluttering.

I left the theater feeling conflicted; the cinematic experience felt lackluster, but I had much to chew on. The film creates a mystery surrounding Swinton’s character, having me question the origin of the Djinn. The effect was thinking about the role of stories for us as people and what storytelling means for accepting yourself. You might have heard good writing reveals something about yourself; “Three Thousand Years” portrays a different perspective. That it indulges messaging about the bigotry that accompanied the 2020 pandemic and antiimmigration sentiments is noble in intent, but cluttered in practice. To end, this is a tough recommendation to give. Normally, when I really enjoyed a movie I have this immediate feeling afterwards, this case not so much, if at all. Consider watching it if you really enjoy storytelling or have an absolute fix for adult fantasy.

courtesy wikicommons The film was released in August 2022.

The Collegian team views and reviews a movie while getting uproariously drunk.

Note: All participants in the production of this article are either of legal drinking age or did not consume alcohol. Disparity in coherent prose should make as much evident. talist oppression of these moneyed pigdogs and start society over with the working class claiming right to the means of production, to the fruits of their labor. The chickens feel alienated from their egg laying. Just as we may feel alienated from our mundane occupations.

Kyle: This movie is a critique of industrialism. I think. None of us are watching this movie. It might also be an allegory for the Holocaust. Is this movie for children? I don’t understand this movie. Is it trying to compare eating meat with genocide? I’m really confused and a little disturbed. Also why are they all British? This is an incredibly confusing political argument. Is this communist now? What happened?

Jalen: Poultry in motion. If you’re not vegan don’t watch it.

Hayley: The only thing I remember from the last two hours is when Zach said that the older women on tinder age like fine wine. Also, the circumference of the chickens’ thighs rival Greninja’s.

Zach: They say it’s a chicken farm, but all I saw were sheep. I’ve never seen a stronger case for collective action, unity, and camaraderie in my life. If you know the character Babs, then you know the lie that perpetuates the super structure. If not for the lie of liberal ideology and democracy, the eyes of the working class would open and, in bloody revolution, we would kill the capi-

Religion is the opiate of the masses. Read kyle’s satire article. Wake up sheep.

Zach out.

Kyle: On second thought I can get behind that. I do appreciate a good old fashioned working class revolution. I am craving a chicken pot pie for some reason though. I love how tasty those microwaveable ones are. I really need to buy some of those. Whose Sam’s Club card can I steal?

Madison: You know, I feel like I watched this movie as a child, but I honestly have no recollection of anything that happened in the film. I will say I was super distrubed by the scene where Edwina gets her head chopped off with an ax. As our friend Stasha said, that was not called for because they could’ve wrung her neck. It seems the film just wanted to go with a more dramatic scene. Also, can we talk about Mel Gibson’s role in this film? He plays the Yankee chicken trying to help all the hens on the farm. This movie is clearly a commentary on WWII and the Holocaust, so riddle me this. Why would they cast an antisemitic man as the one who helps save the hens? Little messed up.