News

Prior to his work on the hit 1989 sitcom "Seinfeld," comedian and actor Michael Richards might have been best-known for his amazing performance in the same year's cult comedy "Uhf," playing the hapless, heroic janitor Stanley Spadowski. Others may also recognize him for playing a violent murderer in "Problem Child," or the slapstick butler Fejos in "Transylvania 6-5000." Of course, those who were watching the ABC stand-up series "Fridays" back in 1980, would already have known Richards for his comedy. By the time "Seinfeld" appeared in his path, Richards was already an experienced performer. 

"Seinfeld," of course, made Richards a millionaire and a household name. Playing the role of Cosmo Kramer netted him three Emmys, and it led to high-profile roles in studio comedy films like "Airheads," and "Trial and Error." He would remain popular until an infamous 2006 incident at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood, California, wherein he aggressively berated hecklers with racial epithets.

The Sooner State is well represented on the silver screen, with a cinematic legacy that goes back more than a century. In fact, it began shortly after Oklahoma's founding as the 46th state in 1907. The first movie set and filmed in Oklahoma was probably "The Bank Robbery" in 1908, made in Cache, Oklahoma by two lawmen and a photographer. Proving indisputably that there's no business like show business, the cast included the lawmen, a former outlaw, and even the infamous Chief Quanah Parker, war leader of the Kwahadi ("Antelope") of the Comanche Nation. This scenario proves why storytellers have always been drawn to The Sooner State –- it's a wild, weird, and wonderful place, as rich with stories as it historically was with oil.

"The Bank Robbery" was probably the first movie set in Oklahoma, but it was certainly not the last. Not by a long shot. But we're only considering...

For the bulk of his career, Leslie Nielsen was best known for his stern, dramatic roles. His tall stature and low voice had casting directors offering him parts as commanders, leaders, and even heavies. Many might recall Nielsen's stone-faced turn in 1956's "Forbidden Planet" as the captain in "The Poseidon Adventure," or playing a cop in the 1972 cop drama "The Bold Ones: The Protectors." In 1977's "Day of the Animals" he plays a manly outdoorsman who loses his mind and, quite darkly, declares insane dominion over animals and women. Some might recall that he can hold his breath a long time, as he declared in "Creepshow." Many will be shocked to witness Nielsen beat and assault Barbra Streisand in the 1987 drama "Nuts." 

However, Nielsen did appear in a handful of comedies, most notably, playing Dr. Rumack in the Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker farce "Airplane!" The parody proved that he had a talent for deadpan comedy,...

When it comes to recalling the shenanigans from Seinfeld, who can forget Michael Richards’ portrayal of Cosmo Kramer? With his eccentric antics and impeccable physical comedy, Kramer was thus hailed as one of the most iconic characters in the show. Therefore, while Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David were the masterminds behind the show, it was Richards’ chaotic performance that led audiences to come back for more.

Michael Richards as Cosmo Kramer in Seinfeld | image: NBC

But here’s the fun part—Michael Richards’ offbeat, slapstick genius earned him more than just laughs. Upon breaking down the earnings from the 180 episodes of Seinfeld, the lovable weirdo appeared to rake in some jaw-dropping numbers for his role in the ’90s sitcom. Eventually, that salary led the actor’s net worth to propel and stand at a staggering $30M as of 2024.

How Much Did Michael Richards Earn from Seinfeld?

Remember Michael Richards’ Cosmo...

“The Nanny” star and SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher has joined the cast of Josh Safdie’s table tennis movie “Marty Supreme.” She will play the mother of Timothée Chalamet’s character.

Starring alongside Chalamet and Drescher are Gwyneth Paltrow (in her first on-screen movie role since 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame”) and Tyler, the Creator (in his film debut). Odessa A’zion also stars alongside magician Penn Jillette (of Penn & Teller), investor and “Shark Tank” personality Kevin O’Leary (aka Mr. Wonderful) and “Bad Lieutenant” filmmaker Abel Ferrara.

From A24, “Marty Supreme” follows Chalamet as a young ping pong pro. Plot details are scant, but the studio is touting the film as a “fictional work set in the world of 1950s ping pong culture.” Variety broke news of the project, which is currently in production, in July.

Drescher is best known as the star of the CBS sitcom “The Nanny,” which ran from...

“Weird Al” Yankovic has lined up a massive 2025 tour that promises to feature his biggest hits alongside fan favorites and live rarities. Visiting a total of 65 cities, “The Bigger & Weirder 2025 Tour” also teases an elaborate production including a giant video wall, multiple costume changes, and an eight-piece backing ensemble featuring Yankvoic’s original band. The 7-foot sad clown Puddles Pity Party will serve as the special guest throughout the tour.

The “Bigger & Weirder” tour officially kicks off on June 13th with five nights at The Venetian Theatre in Las Vegas. Subsequent stops include New York City, Toronto, New Orleans, Austin, and Nashville. See the full list of dates below.

Get Weird Al Yankovic Tickets Here

A Live Nation ticket pre-sale begins Wednesday, September 25th (use access code Setlist), with a public ticket on-sale taking place on Friday, September 27th at 10:00 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster.

“This is kind...

Breast cancer survivor Victoria Jackson just revealed some sad news to her fans. The former Saturday Night Live comedian has developed a new problem, and she said she only has a few months left to live. It isn’t the breast cancer returning, though. She has an inoperable tumor in her windpipe.

Here is what Victoria said about her condition and how much longer she has to live.

Victoria Jackson Has Inoperable Tumor

Victoria Jackson took to social media to let her fans know that she is dying. The breast cancer survivor has a new medical affliction. Victoria says that she has an inoperable tumor in her windpipe.

Victoria Jackson on SNL | YouTube

According to the comedian, “They cannot operate and cut out the marble in my chest that is laying on my windpipe, and eventually would suffocate me to death.” Then, Victoria revealed what her treatment entailed. “They’re giving me a magic pill.

Saturday Night Live alum Victoria Jackson shared an update on her health with her fans, and though it wasn't good news, she couldn't help but inject some humor into the announcement. Jackson made the announcement herself in a video posted on Instagram.

In the video, Jackson revealed that she now has an inoperable tumor in her windpipe. She explained that medical professionals "cannot operate and cut out the marble in my chest that is laying on my windpipe, and eventually would suffocate me to death." With her next steps, Jackson said she would be taking a "magic pill" which would "shrink the marble, hopefully." The pill is "based on Ribociclib," which is meant to slow or stop cancer growth.

View this post on InstagramA post shared by Victoria Jackson (@victoriajacksonofficial)

Related A British Version of Saturday Night Live Is In Development

A British version of NBC's long-running comedy variety...

Parenting is one of the toughest challenges any human being could face; now imagine the infant is bigger than a house and can shoot lasers out of their eyes. This chaos is only a portion of what the characters in Ultraman: Rising face and Tokyo will never be the same. Here to talk about the hardships of Kaiju parenting are the directors of Ultraman: Rising, Shannon Tindle and John Aoshima, and featured members of the cast, Tamlyn Tomita, Gedde Watanabe, and Christopher Sean.

During our time with the cast and creators of Ultraman: Rising, we delved deep into everyone’s Ultraman history to determine if they felt pressure to honor the beloved superhero’s legacy. We also discuss the wonders of parenting and how you don’t need to have kids to act like a guardian to someone or something. The actors also share valuable lessons they learned while making...

The same year he was cast to play the iconic character Kramer on the sitcom Seinfeld, Michael Richards could also be seen on the big screen in the comedy Uhf – which was a financial disappointment at the time of its release in the summer of 1989, but has gone on to gather a huge cult following over the years. Musician “Weird Al” Yankovic plays the lead role of George Newman, who is put in charge of the Uhf television channel Channel 62, with Richards in the supporting role of janitor-turned-host Stanley Spadowski… and for a while, it looked like Richards would be playing Stanley while dealing with a case of Bell’s palsy.

As Richards writes in his memoir Entrances and Exits, “Before the Seinfeld pilot, I star in three pilots: Herndon (1983), Help (1984), and Slickers (1985). All three are offered to me. The second pilot, Help, is retooled and called Marblehead Manor, and...

This means something…This is important. That’s right, a beloved favorite of decades past is coming to 4K – no, not Close Encounters of the Third Kind but Weird Al’s Uhf, the cult staple that marked Yankovic’s first major big screen appearance and writing credit. And to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Uhf, Shout! Factory has put together one of the most fun releases in recent memory. So grab your mop and head on over to Uncle Nutzy’s Clubhouse!

This Uhf 4K comes with two 18” x 24” posters (one for the original artwork and another with an exclusive design); a retro prism sticker modeled after vending machine stickers of the ‘80s and ‘90s; a Spatula City fridge magnet; a stress relief toy modeled after an old school remote; and a Smell-o-Vision sticker set, with scents timed to match with sizzling burgers, Stanley’s mop and, yes, the Wheel of Fish.

Before the 2000s, Seinfeld stood at the top of TV shows, making its cast members incredibly wealthy and famous. Jerry Seinfeld was the first TV star to command a paycheck of $1 million per episode for the sitcom. The show still continues to fund the bank accounts of its cast members, including Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jason Alexander, and Michael Richards. A recent report suggested that Jerry Seinfeld has even joined the elite billionaire club.

Seinfeld is one of the biggest American sitcoms ever

The sitcom, created by Larry David and Seinfeld, ran for nine seasons from 1989 to 1998. The show about ‘nothing’ became a favorite among critics and topped the ratings chart for years. WGA voted the show as the second best-written TV series after The Sopranos.

Seinfeld Cast Salaries — Jerry Seinfeld Made Much More Than Others

Seinfeld cast negotiated a 300 percent salary hike

Before the final season of Seinfeld, NBC reached...

The episode of The Black Sheep covering Ghoulies Go to College was Written and Narrated by Andrew Hatfield, Edited by Brandon Nally, Produced by Lance Vlcek and John Fallon, and Executive Produced by Berge Garabedian.

Ok, I’ve thought about this long and hard, discussed with my local priest and therapist, and after much internal strife, I’ve decided it’s time. You hear a lot about rip-offs for franchises, particularly the big ones. We have Jaws rip-offs, Exorcist rip-offs, Halloween rip-offs, and more. What you don’t hear a lot about, and good lord do they exist, are the multiple rip-offs of Gremlins. Gremlins got its own incredible sequel and then finally this year its very own animated show that is… fine… it’s fine. But with Gremlins profitability came the clones. We got the fun and good with the Critters franchise, the bad with both Munchies and Hobgoblins,...

There’s a lot to watch on Prime Video in October and, as you may have guessed, there’s spooky stuff galore in amongst Prime’s usual rotation of extensive library content.

In the movie Totally Killer, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina star Kiernan Shipka travels back in time to the 1980s to stop a serial killer. Then there’s Make Me Scream, a Halloween special that challenges celebrities to “a gruesome game of terror.” Renfield will also be streaming on the service for anyone who’s been dying (muahahaha!) to catch the Nic Cage Dracula film.

Outside of Prime Video’s more creepy fare, Shazam! Fury Of The Gods will debut, Upload will be back for a third season, and new film Awareness should scratch your sci-fi itch. Meanwhile, for Frasier heads – those who consider themselves utterly Frasier-pilled – all eleven seasons of the Cheers spinoff show will be streaming at the touch of a button.

If you’re looking for a complete list of every new movie and TV show coming to Amazon Prime Video in October, you’ve come to the right place. This month kicks off with a slew of great library additions, from James Bond films to relatively new releases (“Shazam! Fury of the Gods” and the Nicolas Cage Dracula movie “Renfield”) and beyond.

There are also some high-profile originals landing in October. The third season of the sci-fi comedy series “Upload” arrives on Oct. 20, while Oct. 6 marks the release of the Prime Video original film “Totally Killer,” a fun slasher set in the 1980s that stars Kiernan Shipka.

Check out the full list of what’s new on Amazon Prime Video in October 2023 below, followed by a complete list of new arrivals for Freevee in October as well.

Arriving October 1

Frasier, Seasons 1-11 (1994)

Hit, Season 3 (2020)

A Fish Called Wanda (1988)

A Guy Thing...

Fewer and fewer films are receiving physical media releases nowadays, so there's always cause for celebration when a media company deigns to do what media companies used to do as a rule and release one of their movies to Blu-ray.

The latest recipient of this all-too-rare honor is "Weird: The Al Yankovic Story." This is somewhat surprising given that The Roku Channel skipped a theatrical release and sent the film straight to its streaming platform. Yankovic had requested a limited, Oscar-qualifying theatrical run, but Roku preferred to focus on the Primetime Emmys, which paid off with nominations for Daniel Radcliffe (Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie) and Yankovic himself. While I would've loved to see Yankovic vie for a Best Original Song Oscar, Roku probably made the right call here.

But thanks to Shout! Studios, fans will at the very least own their own physical...

In Hollywood it only takes one role to turn you into an icon, and one moment to take it all away. Long before cancel culture was a phrase, one iconic celebrity had a meltdown of epic proportions that helped usher in the age of the viral video. As many TV stars have found out, life after a hugely successful show can be quite tough for some. With Julia Louis-Dreyfus winning countless Emmy’s, Jason Alexander returning to his stage roots and Jerry Seinfeld continuing his legendary stand up career, its time we find out what happened to the other member of Seinfeld’s iconic cast: Wtf Happened to Michael Richards? Ya know… Kramer!

But as always we must begin at the beginning and the beginning began on his birthday July 24, 1949 in Culver City, California. After starting on the stand up circuit in 1979, Richards career would take off when he was...

“The Help” is coming to Freevee on June 1. The top-notch cast includes Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Jessica Chastain. The plot focuses on two black maids who work in white homes in Jackson, Mississippi, in the 1960s. Stone plays a writer who wants to help the women chronicle the hardships they face, so their injustices are exposed nationwide. “The Help” chronicles real-life conditions in the Deep South, while celebrating female friendship and empowerment.

Watch the trailer for “The Help”:

Also streaming on June 1 is the hit dystopian thriller “The Hunger Games,” turned into a four-film franchise, starring Jennifer Lawrence. In the first, the nation of Panem pits one girl and one boy from 12 tribes to fight to the death each year in the games. There can be only one survivor. The story is written from the perspective of a 16-year-old girl, who takes her sister’s place...

Renowned producer Gray Frederickson, best known for his work on “The Godfather” trilogy and “Apocalypse Now,” has died, TheWrap has confirmed. He was 85.

Frederickson was born on July 21, 1937, in Oklahoma City. In pursuit of a career in the entertainment industry, he moved to Hollywood where he would eventually co-executive produce “The Godfather” and “The Godfather Part II.” He also worked as a production manager for franchise. The Academy Award-winning producer’s other work includes “Apocalypse Now,” “Uhf,” “Ladybugs,” “The Outsiders” and more.

Frederickson, a proud Oklahoman, was celebrated via Twitter by Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt.

Also Read:

‘Supernatural’ Actress Nicki Aycox Dies at 47

“Gray Frederickson has passed away, and we send our deepest condolences to his family. To win the Oscar for Best Picture is one of the greatest accomplishments in modern culture, and as such, Gray is one of the most accomplished people to have ever come from our city,...

Weird: The Al Yankovic Story star Daniel Radcliffe says shooting a scene where a fictionalized Weird Al Yankovic goes on a drug trip and hatches from an egg is the second strangest thing he’s ever done onscreen.

In a new interview with The New York Times, Radcliffe compared the scene to his work in Swiss Army Man, noting that “maybe only Paul Dano riding me like a Jet Ski in Swiss Army Man comes close to the weirdest thing I’ve ever done.”

The actor, who was hand-picked to...

Daniel Radcliffe is strapping on his accordion as parody artist “Weird Al” Yankovic in the new trailer for “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.”

“Weird” is set to premiere on Roku’s free streaming channel Nov. 4, but it will screen a bit earlier as the opening film of the Toronto International Film Festival’s Midnight Madness programming series on Sept. 8.

Billed as the “untold true story” of Yankovic, the film explores the life and career of the parody musician, including his “torrid celebrity love affairs and famously depraved lifestyle.” A parody of the biopic genre, the film tells a more fictionalized narrative of Yankovic’s rise to stardom, featuring many of his early hits such as “Like a Surgeon” and “Eat It.”

In addition to “Harry Potter” star Radcliffe as Yankovic, the film also features Evan Rachel Wood as Madonna; Quinta Brunson as Oprah Winfrey; Rainn Wilson as broadcaster Dr. Demento...

Daniel Radcliffe isn’t the only one transforming for the upcoming biopic, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story. In a new first-look photo, Quinta Brunson is seen in character as the iconic Oprah Winfrey.

In the photo, the pair are in a closet surrounded by the Hawaiian-style shirts favored by the parodist musician “Weird Al.” The actors appear amused, with Radcliffe sporting a frizzy wig and a CD-adorned long chain, as Quinta wears a classic dress befitting the talk-show host she portrays.

“Let’s get #weird,” Brunson wrote Tuesday on Twitter and her Instagram Story,...

Quinta Brunson channels her inner talk-show host to portray Oprah Winfrey in Roku’s “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story,” starring Harry Potter himself, Daniel Radcliffe, as the frizzy-haired musical parodist.

The movie is billed as “the unexaggerated true story about the greatest musician of our time.” “Weird,” which has a runtime of 108 minutes, is slated to premiere on the free, ad-supported Roku Channel this fall.

Brunson is the latest cast member announced for “Weird,” which in addition to Radcliffe stars Evan Rachel Wood as Madonna; Rainn Wilson as radio broadcaster Dr. Demento; and Julianne Nicholson and Toby Huss as Yankovic’s parents, Mary and Nick.

Brunson recently made Primetime Emmy Awards history with three nominations — for comedy series, lead actress in a comedy and writing for a comedy series — for ABC’s “Abbott Elementary,” which she created, executive produces and stars in. She is the first Black woman to earn...

Daniel Radcliffe inhabits the frizzy-haired, mustachioed persona of “Weird Al” Yankovic in the new teaser trailer for the Roku original film about the parody artist, which is coming to the platform’s free streaming channel this fall.

Roku released the teaser for “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story,” produced by Funny Or Die and Tango, at its 2022 NewFronts presentation Tuesday. Yankovic co-wrote the film’s script with Eric Appel, who is also directing. The movie will stream on the Roku Channel this fall, with no release date set yet.

“Anyone got an accordion?” Radcliffe as Yankovic says dramatically in the trailer (watch below).

The teaser also shows the “Harry Potter” star bare-chested on stage taking a swig from a bottle of… something, and then spitting it into the air.

The movie is billed as a “untold true story” of Yankovic, documenting “Weird Al’s” rise to fame with early hits like...

Filming on the “Weird Al” Yankovic biopic starring Daniel Radcliffe is underway, and Rolling Stone has an exclusive first look at some of the film’s surprise casting, including Evan Rachel Wood in the role of Madonna.

Yankovic notably parodied Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” in 1985, crafting “Like a Surgeon” with Madonna’s blessing; she allegedly also came up with the spoof’s title. (The following year, he created a faux interview with the Material Girl, using footage from a preexisting Madonna interview paired with his outlandish questions.)

In addition...

“White and Nerdy” doesn’t capture just how glorious of a transformation this is.

The first look at Daniel Radcliffe as five-time Grammy winner “Weird Al” Yankovic is already giving us a curly-haired mullet, bright tropical print tee, and, of course, a rocking mustache. Radcliffe made headlines when he was cast as the titular comedy musician in the Roku Channel’s “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.”

“Wearing the Hawaiian shirt is a huge responsibility that I don’t take lightly,” Radcliffe said in a press statement about taking on the role. “I’m honored to finally share with the world the absolutely 100-percent unassailably true story of Weird Al’s depraved and scandalous life.”

Produced by Funny or Die and Tango, “Weird” began filming in February 2022 with a script by Yankovic and Eric Appel, who also directs and executive produces.

The official description for the film promises that the biopic “holds nothing back,...

John Paragon, an actor, director and writer most familiar from his disembodied, teal-faced role of Jambi the Genie on Paul Reubens’ Pee-wee’s Playhouse, died April 3 in Palm Springs of unknown causes. He was 66.

Paragon’s death, only recently made public, was confirmed to Deadline by the Riverside County Coroner.

In addition to his work with frequent collaborator Reubens — he also voiced Pterri the Pterodactyl on Playhouse — Paragon is remembered by Seinfeld fans as Cedric, half of the couple Bob and Cedric who appeared occasionally to browbeat Michael Richards’ Kramer. In the famous episode “The Soup Nazi,” Paragon and actor Yul Vazquez, as Bob, stole an armoire that Kramer was guarding for Elaine (Julia-Louis Dreyfus).

Paragon was, like Reubens, a member of the Los Angeles comedy troupe the Groundlings, and contributed to the writing of early stage performances featuring the Pee-wee Herman character. The Jambi character carried over from the...

The saga continues, featuring Adam Rifkin, Robert D. Krzykowski, John Sayles, Maggie Renzi, Mick Garris and Larry Wilmore with special guest star Blaire Bercy from the Hollywood Food Coalition.

Please support the Hollywood Food Coalition. Text “Give” to 323.402.5704 or visit https://hofoco.org/donate!

Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode

Key Largo (1948)

I Don’t Want to Talk About It (1993)

Camila (1984)

I, the Worst of All (1990)

The Wages of Fear (1953)

Le Corbeau (1943)

Diabolique (1955)

Red Beard (1965)

Seven Samurai (1954)

Ikiru (1952)

General Della Rovere (1959)

The Gold of Naples (1959)

Bitter Rice (1949)

Pickup On South Street (1953)

My Darling Clementine (1946)

Viva Zapata! (1952)

Panic In The Streets (1950)

Yellow Sky (1948)

Ace In The Hole (1951)

Wall Street (1987)

Women’s Prison (1955)

True Love (1989)

Mean Streets (1973)

Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)

The Abyss (1989)

The China Syndrome (1979)

Big (1988)

Splash (1984)

The ’Burbs (1989)

Long Strange Trip (2017)

Little Women (2019)

Learning To Skateboard In A War Zone (If You’re A Girl) (2019)

The Guns of Navarone...

Throughout the course of my time covering conventions for We Got This Covered and previous sites I’ve worked for, I’ve stressed how I think it’s important for those of us in the geek community to attend events of varying sizes. Be they large, small or something in between, you’re bound to meet a favorite celebrity of yours, stumble across a rare comic book or collectible, and will no doubt make a few new friends along the way.

That said, I ventured back to the Commonwealth Commerce Center in Jackson, Michigan this past Saturday to take in MeggaXP V: The Fifth Experience. Considering how 2016’s offering remains one of my fondest con memories, I’ve made it a point to attend James Seagraves’ events whenever I can.

Though every vendor, crafter and comic creator had been condensed to one showroom this time around, there was still a lot to go over.

With a new Ghostbusters movie on the way and the 1984 film celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, there's never been a better time to put on a proton pack and start searching for ectoplasm, and Fright-Rags is getting into the spooky spirit with their new Ghostbusters apparel collection that includes shirt designs, socks, and enamel pins!

You can check out the Ghostbusters collection below, as well as Fright-Rags' apparel for The Devil's Rejects and Uhf, and visit their website for more information!

Press Release: "Fright-Rags is here to save the world with Ghostbusters merchandise commemorating the beloved film's 35th anniversary, along with apparel from The Devil's Rejects and Uhf.

Who ya gonna call for the best Ghostbusters designs? Fright-Rags has four exclusive shirts, a pair of socks, and blind box enamel pins. Catch Slimer, Zuul, Stay Puft, and more with randomly inserted pins in ghost trap packaging.

While fans await...

Plenty of movies are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Ghostbusters II and Tim Burton's Batman were some of the biggest releases in summer 1989. But one movie would change comedy forever. Okay, it wouldn't really. But at the time, Weird Al Yankovic fans were extremely excited to see the King of Parody make his first foray into feature films with Uhf. Though a major bomb for Orion Pictures at the time, the comedy has gone onto to reach cult status.

Making a long-lasting career out of spoofing the biggest song hits of the day, Weird Al Yankovic decided to turn his attention to 80s movies, giving us a hybrid parody movie in the style of Airplane and Naked Gun that was contained within its own unique and original story. After losing yet another job, George, played by 'Weird Al' Yankovic himself in his...

At the age of 61, Fran Drescher has started doing stand-up — and she doesn’t want to do it like a man.

“When I do my half hour,” she told IndieWire, “I want to go deeper into life experience, and find the humor in the darkness and despair. I think there’s a shift in female comics, and the way they tell stories, that include things they’re passionate about — whether it’s sexual orientation or health or relationships. I think as women, we’re starting to develop our own style and not just be like the men. That’s what I aspire to be.”

Drescher’s decades-long resume contains many fascinating roles — writer, actress, sitcom star, diplomat, activist — and now, stand-up comedian, a pursuit that’s technically new to her.

So she’s looking to the modern state of the format, as pioneered by comics like Hannah Gatsby. A woman...

Al Yankovic can be described in a lot of ways besides "Weird." Most people know that he's a chart-topping singer-songwriter, a director-producer, a top-notch parodist, an author and a die-hard polka enthusiast. Even those who have followed his career closely, however, may have forgotten he was, for a brief moment, the host of a short-lived children's television show.

The Weird Al Show debuted on CBS on September 13, 1997 as part of their Saturday morning lineup. Each episode began with the all important "today's lesson" before viewers were invited into Yankovic's underground...

Weird Al Yankovic has composed the theme song for the upcoming DreamWorks animated superhero adventure Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie. The movie, based off of Dav Pilkey's best selling children's book series, isn't set to hit theaters until June 2nd but today DreamWorks has shared "Weird Al" Yankovic's perfect theme song. Yankovic proves that he was born to sing a song about a superhero that only wears underwear and a cape.

"Captain Underpants Theme Song" basically sets up the movie, mentioning key details including that the students only need to snap their fingers to hypnotize their principle turning him into his alter ego, Captain Underpants and his call of "Tra La La." Yankovic calls him the "waistband warrior" and then sings that it's "wedgie power time," while also calling him "the freaky bald dude in his underwear." The two and half minute song is catchy and perfect for...

It's time to take out that second mortgage. Cause you're not going to want to miss out on this. One of the greatest musicians of all-time is ready to unleash a beast of a box set. And it's perhaps one of the coolest pieces of music memorabilia released in the last decade. Over 40 years in the making, The Weird One is finally ready to bestow the world with his entire life's work. And it's quite a glorious thing to behold.

Yes, 'Weird Al' Yankovic is finally giving fans a career-spanning box set that includes every single one of his studio albums and a ton of cool extras. There are 14 vinyl albums included in this Accordion-Shaped collectible. And it is aptly titled 'Squeeze Box: The Complete Works of "Weird Al" Yankovic'.

Any true fan doesn't need to be told that the accord is Al's instrument of choice. Legacy Recordings...

This September, Cartoon Network will expand the interactive world of “Mighty Magiswords” with its television debut. Building on the original 15-second series that launched on the “Cn Anything” app last year, the TV series will continue to follow the adventures of Prohyas and Vambre, a brother-and-sister team of “warriors for hire” who embark on quests to add to their collection of trusted Magiswords. The series’ guest stars include Weird Al Yankovic (“Uhf”), Jack McBrayer (“30 Rock”), Dave Coulier (“Full House”), Tom Kenny (“SpongeBob SquarePants”) and more.

Read More: Emmys 2016: ‘Steven Universe’ and ‘Bob’s Burgers’ Show Off Animation’s Softer Side

The premiere episode, “The Mystery of Loch Mess,” will follow the warriors on a mission to locate missing deliverymen only to find themselves captured as pets. In the next episode, “Squirrelled Domination,” a rare food enthusiast sends the warriors on a mission to gather five golden acorns.

The series...

Some fans have waited over 40 years for this next item. And it doesn't disappoint. Parody King and Pop Music legend 'Weird Al' Yankovic is finally getting his own action figure! In fact, he's getting several. But today, we have a look at the flagship launch of this new line, which shows the legend in his prime.

Neca is bringing a whole line of 'Weird Al' Yankovic action figures to a store near you later this year. We don't have an exact street date. Nor do we have any confirmation on which 'Weird Al' figures we may see. Though, the fan outcry for a Fat action figure based on the hit single from the comedian's seminal 1988 release Even Worse sounds like a sure thing.

The first 'Weird Al' Yankovic figure comes with two different custom-made heads. The first is vintage Al with his short afro, glasses and mustache.

It gets harder and harder each and every year to find that perfect gift for the one you love. Thanksgiving is over, so its time to get a jump start on your Christmas shopping today! We've collected all of the biggest and best Blu-ray and DVD releases available this year in one convenient place. Whether you're hunting for Dad, Mom, a cousin, your kids or that long distant Aunt whose been living in a commune for the past three years, you simply can't go wrong with the gift of movies, or a favorite TV show. From the biggest Hollywood blockbusters to a few cult favorites, and even a very obscure release for that one snobby cinefile on your list, we have everyone covered...Even you! Take a look, and discover that finding the perfect gift really isn't that hard. Not when everyone loves a good film! Here is the best...

Now here’s a real cinematic oddity. You can describe Uhf in any number of ways: hubristic misfire, beloved cult classic, amiable shaggy dog as harmless as it is corny. All of them apply, and in fact the stories surrounding the movie are actually more interesting than the movie itself. But as forgettable as it is, its core sweetness makes it terrific comfort food for the right sort, and while you may not love it, hating it seems like an act of needless cruelty. Hit the jump for my full Uhf Blu-ray review. The film arose as the brain child of “Weird Al” Yankovic who, having conquered the world of novelty parodies, soon turned his attention to film. He plays George Newman, a standard-issue dopey dreamer who can’t hold onto a job and struggles to find outlets for his creativity. His life changes when his uncle inherits an old...

Uhf is making it's Blu-ray debut this week just in time for it's 25th Anniversary. And while the comedy has garnered quite a cult following over the past two decades, it was a substantial bomb upon it's release in 1989. So much so, it derailed star 'Weird Al' Yankovic's music career for a short time. Even with such a tumultuous history, fans have been clamoring for a sequel ever since. The king of parody, however, doesn't want anyone holding their breath for a folllow-up.

Even though 'Weird Al' Yankovic is experiencing a career high at the moment, having released his latest album Mandatory Fun this past summer, which went onto becomes his first ever #1 selling album on the Top 200 Billboard Charts, a milestone not reached for a comedy album since 1963, the musician and comedian has no immediate plans to curb that success into a second attempt at a film career.

When Weird Al Yankovic's Uhf was released back in 1989, the idea of doing a sequel was rather preposterous, given the film's underwhelming performance at the box office. But now that the movie is considered a cult hit, does that mean there's a chance that we could ever see Uhf 2? While some fans might want the answer to that question to be "yes," the movie's writer and star is serving up up a hot plate of disappointment. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Uhf's release, Weird Al Yankovic sat down to talk about the film's legacy with Yahoo!, and towards the end of the conversation the idea of a sequel was pitched to the famed comedy singer/songwriter. But while Yankovic does have fond memories of the production and the movie itself, it turns out the idea of Uhf 2 isn't something that he is necessarily personally interested in. Said the artist,...

Lest you think movies aren’t an advertiser’s dream, here’s a new supercut from our pals at Screen Junkies that features some of the funniest ads for fake products. Yes, only in movieland can you buy "Alpa Chino's Booty Sweat Energy Drink" — or the caffeinated beverage from Chino’s distant cousin, "Dunkaccino." (We'll never let you live that one down, Al Pacino.) As technology improved, the phony advert seemed to become a popular gag in cinema. But maybe we have "Weird Al" Yankovic to thank. His 1989 film Uhf featured some hilarious fake commercials for stuff like Plots 'R Us Mortuary Service, Gandhi II, Conan the Librarian and Spatula City. The fictional ad is usually humorous, but sometimes it...

Read More...

Have you been yearning for a completely bonkers, risk-taking comedy on the level of Weird Al Yankovic's 1989 cult classic, Uhf? Well, look no further than Kristen Wiig's wonderfully wackadoo Welcome to Me, which premiered at this year's Toronto Film Festival. Although maybe don't make that comparison to Wiig. I did just that when I ran into her the night of the premiere, and she immediately turned cold and her publicist shooed me away with a dismissive wave of her hand.Talking to my fellow reporters before the festival, they all seemed to have developed an allergy to seeing Kristen Wiig films at Toronto. I don't blame them; there's been a pattern. The past two Toronto film festivals, still glowing from her post-Bridesmaids heat, Wiig debuted consecutive attempts to branch out into more serious indie fare, with rather dreary results. In Girl Most Likely, she was a failed...

Hello all, Margaret here to ask: in our Year of the Month, 1989, did anyone guess what cultural endurance "Weird Al" Yankovic would have?   By all rights he should have faded into obscurity after his surprising burst of mainstream popularity in the late 80s. Yet somehow, not only has he enjoyed a steady career these past 25 years, Weird Al is actually almost hip right now, coming off of 8 ultra-viral music videos, a spot in this year's Emmy telecast, and a #1 album on the Billboard chart. Capitalizing on this moment in the sun, Weird Al recently announced plans to write (and possibly direct) a second film. His first, released in 1989 during that early burst in popularity, was the critically maligned cult classic Uhf. [more...]  ...

The most amazing thing about "Weird Al" Yankovic in 2014 is that "Weird Al" Yankovic is still relevant in 2014. Color me surprised. I love "Uhf" as much as the next person, but if you would've asked me 20 years ago (when I was...5?) whether the satirical musician would still be making news this deep into the 21st century I probably would've answered "no." Which isn't to say I'm not glad he's still around - if nothing else, his new batch of music videos (8 clips in 8 days) prove he's still got the chops to pull off a killer music parody more than 30 years after he burst onto the scene with the 1979 "My Sharona" lampoon "My Bologna." So which of the new clips are A-grade "Weird Al" and which are merely decent filler material? Check out our full (definitive?) ranking of all 8 videos in the gallery below, then let us know which are your...

From a suburban werewolf to a farmer who plants people, Scream Factory will continue to deliver cult horror films to viewers’ doorsteps throughout this Summer of Fear. Those attending Sdcc next week will get a taste of their terror treats firsthand at booth #4248, where a number of Blu-rays will be available, as well a limited edition t-shirt, posters, and an “inside look” panel that will include special announcements and sneak peeks of upcoming Blu-ray releases.

The panel, titled An Inside Look at Shout! Factory, Shout! Kids and Scream Factory, will take place on Friday, July 25th, 2014 at 7pm in Room 23Abc. In addition to exclusive panel announcements, a Comic-Con exclusive blood-red Scream Factory t-shirt will be available at their booth, as well as a free 2014 button pack, collectible keychains, screen wipes, and more. Also available at booth #4248 will be the following batch of Scream Factory Blu-rays, each one coming with...

“It preys on human fear. It feeds on human flesh.” Scream Factory has officially announced their August 5th release of Without Warning to Blu-ray & DVD. The cover art and special features on this first-ever home media release of Without Warning should excite fans of the 1980 sci-fi thriller.

“The hunting season has begun. Earth is the new hunting ground for an alien life form that preys on human fear and feeds on human flesh. Beyond any known terror, mankind is about to become the next endangered species in the 1980 sci-fi horror cult classic Without Warning, also known as It Came Without Warning, from celebrated exploitation filmmaker Greydon Clark (Joysticks, Satan’s Cheerleaders). A non-stop ride into extra-terror-strial mayhem, this highly sought-after sci-fi creature thriller stars Oscar® winners Jack Palance (Batman) and Martin Landau (Ed Wood), Tarah Nutter (Bitter Harvest), Christopher S. Nelson (Roller Boogie), Cameron Mitchell (Blood and Black Lace), Neville Brand...

Released in 1980, the low-budget sci-fi horror flick Without Warning has faded into relative obscurity over the course of the last several years, never managing to find itself on any home video format. That all changes this summer, when Scream Factory breathes new life into a lost and undiscovered gem. Read on for full release details!

From the Press Release

The hunting season has begun. Earth is the new hunting ground for an alien life form that preys on human fear and feeds on human flesh. Beyond any known terror, mankind is about to become the next endangered species in the 1980 sci-fi horror cult classic Without Warning, also known as It Came Without Warning, from celebrated exploitation filmmaker Greydon Clark (Joysticks, Satan’s Cheerleaders). A non-stop ride into extra-terror-strial mayhem, this highly sought-after sci-fi creature thriller stars Oscar® winners Jack Palance (Batman) and Martin Landau (Ed Wood), Tarah Nutter (Bitter Harvest...

In honor of the 2014 summer movie season, Team HitFix will be delivering a mini-series of articles flashing back to key summers from years past. There will be one each month, diving into the marquee events of the era, their impact on the writer and their implications on today's multiplex culture. We start today with a look back at the summer of 1989. In many ways, 1989 is a fascinating case study for the direction populist filmmaking was already in the process of taking. Never before had so many sequels descended upon the multiplex. Franchises were exploding in the wake of "Star Wars." Twenty-five years later, well, the more things change, the more they stay the same, I guess. As a 7-year-old living in small-town North Carolina, those franchises sucked me in that summer. It was a formidable few months for me, and so when we decided to crank out a Summer Movies Flashback series this year,...

If you.re like MGM, you.ll agree that cinema just doesn.t have enough remakes of thinly veiled biopics that aren.t biopics. In that respect, you should be happy to know that their upcoming update of 1980.s The Idolmaker has landed a director with his own history of music-infused filmmaking. Footloose director Craig Brewer will stand at the helm for an all-star trio of producers: Justin Timberlake, Hawk Koch, who produced the original, and Rocky producer Gene Kirkwood. (Fun fact: Kirkwood also produced the remake-defying Uhf!) Even though it isn.t clear in Variety.s story in what capacity this remake is coming, Brewer is a strong choice for the job. He bumped a lot of car trunks with his 2005 breakout drama Hustle and Flow - a film that is infinitely rewatchable to me for some reason - and followed that up with the bluesy Southern drama Black...