I’ve mentioned this countless times throughout my years of film criticism: not every movie needs to be narratively and thematically profound, impacting audiences so deeply with philosophical messages that their lives are forever changed. Cinema is, among many things, entertainment. So, it’s no surprise when films like Freaky Tales emerge, blending genres, tones, and all kinds of stories with a singular focus on keeping the audience engaged through constant fun.
Filmmaking duo Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck (Captain Marvel) deliver a narrative divided into four interconnected stories in a tribute to 1980s cinema. Drawing from real locations and true events in Oakland, California, Freaky Tales follows punk teenagers fighting neo-Nazis, a female duo striving for recognition in the hip-hop world, a hitman seeking redemption, and a famous basketball player on a mission of vengeance.
All these plotlines are connected by details – some more relevant than others – but Freaky Tales isn’t primarily concerned with delving deep into themes of rebellion, cultural expression, justice, or even nostalgia, which all fall under the broader umbrella of classic underdog stories. The potential to explore the resilience of minorities against societal norms, violence, and systemic barriers is evident at every turn, yet Boden and Fleck prioritize hyper-stylized entertainment over thematic depth.
What sets Freaky Tales apart is its bold genre fusion. The movie seamlessly blends elements of action, comedy, thriller, and sci-fi, with splashes of horror and surrealism, creating a true cinematic melting pot. The result is a visually, tonally chaotic experience, yet one that remains consistently intriguing. The filmmakers’ ability to transition between these styles without losing momentum is one of the film’s most impressive traits.
Whether this decision is the right one depends on each viewer’s experience, but personally, I have to give credit to the filmmakers for their impeccable execution and commendable dedication to their vision. Freaky Tales sustains itself through fascinating references, homages, and even cameos within its stories, yet any doubts about its overall narrative efficiency are obliterated by its absolutely insane climax. It goes all-in with extreme bloodshed, complete with ’80s-style blood-spraying contraptions and exploding dummies, in a long action sequence packed with stunts and excellent camerawork.
Narratively speaking, Freaky Tales isn’t particularly cohesive, but it compensates for the simplistic interconnections between its different storylines with technical flourishes that will appeal to cinephiles and simple entertainment that will satisfy audiences looking for a popcorn-worthy spectacle. The pulsating score by Raphael Saadiq & Yancey Sukoshi also deserves praise for amplifying the movie’s high-energy levels, along with a memorable soundtrack – most notably featuring Metallica’s For Whom The Bell Tolls.
In terms of performances, the standout is likely Jay Ellis (Top Gun: Maverick) as Sleepy Floyd, largely because the climax is practically all his. Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us) has become one of those actors who can execute his roles to perfection, and his career has proven that the tough guy archetype is one he masters. Normani shines in her feature film debut, while Dominique Thorne (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever) brings fantastic charisma, with the rap battle between the two actresses standing out as one of the movie’s most captivating moments.
Final Thoughts on Freaky Tales
Freaky Tales delivers exactly what it sets out to: a hyper-stylized, adrenaline-fueled spectacle bursting with energy and ’80s cinema tributes, without any grand thematic pretensions. While its narrative lacks cohesion and more substantial development of its themes and characters, it more than makes up for it with its frenetic pace, distinctive visuals, and pure entertainment value that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. With charismatic performances, an electrifying soundtrack, and an utterly chaotic finale, Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck present a film that, while not for everyone, will undoubtedly find its audience among genre cinema and nostalgia fans.
Rating: B
Freaky Tales is now playing in theaters.
Learn more about the film, including how to buy tickets, at the official website for the title.
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