Written and Directed by: Ryan Fleck & Anna Boden
Produced by: Anna Boden, p.g.a., Ryan Fleck, p.g.a., Jelani Johnson, p.g.a., Poppy Hanks, p.g.a.
Executive Producers Jillian Share, Jen Gorton, Charles D. King, James Lopez, Justin Bursch, Victor Moyers, Todd Anthony Shaw, David Weintraub
Cast: Pedro Pascal, Ben Mendelsohn, Jay Ellis, Normani, Dominique Thorne, Jack Champion, Ji-young Yoo, Angus Cloud, and Tom Hanks
LIONSGATE FILMS
FREAKY TALES is a multi-genre film written and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck. Set in 1987 Oakland, California, the film is a collection of intertwining stories that pay homage to the city’s music, movies, people, places, and memories. Real locations serve as the backdrop, and real Oakland personalities are woven into the narrative. Rapper Todd Anthony Shaw, better known as Too $hort, acts as the film’s narrator. He is also prominently featured throughout the movie, reflecting his immense popularity in Oakland at the time. Additionally, he plays a small role as a cop.
The film boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Pedro Pascal, Tom Hanks, Dominique Thorne, Jack Champion, Ji-young Yoo, Keir Gilchrist, and Ben Mendelsohn. It also features Angus Cloud in his final performance before his untimely passing.
Freaky Tales is divided into four chapters, each depicting wild stories of the people, culture, and music of 1987 Oakland. The film incorporates elements of supernatural embellishment, adding to its unique atmosphere.
Visually, the film plays like a mixtape through a grindhouse lens, complete with vintage videotape tracking effects. This aesthetic choice enhances the film’s authenticity and gives it a raw, nostalgic feel rather than the polished look typical of mainstream films.
Chapter 1 – Strength in Numbers (AKA The Gillman Strikes Back)
This chapter delves into the punk music scene and its surrounding culture. A trio of teenagers visits their favorite club hangout, only to find Nazi punks attempting to infiltrate it. Shot in a 4:3 aspect ratio, this segment captures the essence of the 1980s. It even features a fictional rendition of the real-life punk/ska/hardcore band Operation Ivy performing on stage. The story includes a budding romance between two of the teens, Tina (Ji-young Yoo) and Lucid (Jack Champion). Lucid gifts Tina a magical accessory before the club’s patrons engage in a bloody battle against the Nazis. This chapter has a strong SLC Punk! vibe and sets the film off on the right foot.
Chapter 2 – Don’t Fight the Feeling
The film goes back to widescreen format at this point (and for the rest of the film). This segment focuses on Entice (Normani) and Barbie (Dominique Thorne), a rap duo known as DangerZone, who are striving for their big break. While working at a diner, they grow tired of dealing with a rude customer (who appears in later chapters). They later get an invitation to perform on the same stage where Too $hort (played by DeMario Symba Driver) once performed. This leads to a rap battle with one of Oakland’s most famous rappers. While this chapter introduces an important character and adds to the film’s overall celebration of Too $hort, it feels somewhat disconnected from the rest of the film, making it seem like a filler segment.
Chapter 3 – Born to Mack
Arguably the strongest segment, Born to Mack stars Pedro Pascal as Clint, a hired thug who collects debts for bookies. Clint is on the verge of retirement, eager to start a new life with his pregnant wife. Without revealing too many spoilers, this chapter features gripping scenes between Tom Hanks and Pedro Pascal, showcasing both actors’ talents. The film truly hits its stride in the latter half, with Ben Mendelsohn delivering a masterclass in acting. Whenever Mendelsohn is in a movie, it’s a must-watch, and this performance is no exception.
Chapter 4 – The Legend of Sleepy Floyd
This chapter centers on real-life basketball player Eric “Sleepy” Floyd (played by Jay Ellis), with the actual Sleepy Floyd making a cameo appearance. The segment ties together elements from previous chapters, bringing the overarching story full circle. As Floyd plays the game of his life, leading the Golden State Warriors against the Los Angeles Lakers, an unexpected situation sets him on a path of revenge. This chapter has the most distinct grindhouse aesthetic and is closely linked to Born to Mack. It also features Angus Cloud’s final performance, while strong, it may not stand out as much as others due to the film’s packed narrative. Nevertheless, this chapter serves as a fitting conclusion to the film’s 1987 journey.
Final Thoughts
Freaky Tales is an uneven yet enjoyable film. While the stories feel loosely connected and the pacing is inconsistent, Boden and Fleck succeed in crafting an immersive portrait of 1987 Oakland. They honour the city’s personalities and even incorporate real figures into the film when possible. However, the film often feels like two different movies combined into one, making the multi-genre approach only partially successful.
The standout performances from Pedro Pascal, Tom Hanks, Dominique Thorne, and Ben Mendelsohn make the film worth watching. Additionally, Angus Cloud’s final role adds sentimental value. While Freaky Tales is far from perfect, it’s an intriguing and nostalgic ride that’s worth checking out.
FREAKY TALES IN THEATERS APRIL 4
