Sundance Review: FREAKY TALES is a Wild Genre-Bending Underdog Spectacle
If you're up for a wild and unpredictable cinematic experience, then Freaky Tales is your ticket to a crazy journey. Set in the gritty streets of 1987 Oakland, this supernatural anthology film weaves together four interconnected bizarre stories that will leave you both bewildered and thoroughly entertained. With its unique blend of genres and influences, this film takes you on an unpredictable ride.
The creative minds behind Freaky Tales, Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden, have a reputation for delivering fresh narratives and complex characters, and this film is no exception. It's a nostalgic tribute to the '80s, weaving elements of “pulp, pop, comic books, anthology horror, Old Testament wrath, and kung fu by way of a bloody crescendo that leaves no appendage unsevered.”
The story introduces us to a group of underdog heroes, each empowered by a supernatural force looming over Oakland. Their battles encompass themes of bullying, corruption, racism, misogyny, and even a feud with the Lakers. 'Freaky Tales' becomes a resounding anthem of solidarity, celebrating Oakland's countercultural and multicultural spirit.
The movie's four stories are a rollercoaster of weirdness, randomness, and at times, extreme violence. At times, it veers into wildly violent territory, and it's thrilling to watch. The narrative unfolds through four distinctive tales: Teen punks battling Nazi skinheads to defend their turf, a rap duo jumping in on a rap battle to make a name for themselves, Pedro Pascal plays a violent loan shark debt collector looking for redemption, and a badass basketball star named Sleepy Floyd that goes on an epic mission of bloody revenge at the end of the film.
The fourth and final chapter of the story was one of the coolest freakin’ things in the film! It was an epic fight scene and there’s no doubt audiences are going to love the bloody madness! It’s pretty exhilarating and it will leave audiences in awe. I also loved the first story in the film that involved the punks battling the Nazis.
The movie also features one of the craziest and most unexpected cameos that I’ve ever seen in a Sundance Movie. I don’t want to spoil who it is, but I’m sure other reviews already have. It was pretty damn funny.
However, one aspect of the film that might leave some viewers puzzled is its supernatural element involving a mysterious green glowing storm brewing above Oakland which empowers its main characters with a spirit of righteous retribution. While this element adds a unique layer to the narrative, it can feel somewhat unnecessary, distracting from the otherwise compelling storylines. The film might have been even better without it, relying solely on its strong characters and engaging plot.
Freaky Tales is a wild and unconventional cinematic journey that promises a unique and bonkers move-going experience. It pays tribute to the underdog and celebrates Oakland's unique spirit. Despite occasional narrative detours, the film's energy, memorable characters, and sheer entertainment value make it a movie worth checking out.
If you're in the mood for something out of the ordinary and a whole lot of fun, Freaky Tales should be on your list.