Freaky Tales opens with the declaration that Oakland in 1987 was wild. That sets the tone for the film’s four bizarre chapters, which play out like a web of interconnected urban myths shrouded in a mysterious green light. Freaky Tales is impossible to confuse with your typical 1980s film; it’s a twisted, fantastical trip back in time that blends comedy and exaggerated action with serious — and, unfortunately, timely — themes of racism, misogyny, and the power of community.
The first chapter, “Strength in Numbers,” plunges us into a confrontation between a violent Nazi gang and punk rockers. This intro chapter is like stepping into a gritty comic book or an ultra-violent, stylized adaptation of the classic Batman TV series. Freaky Tales finds a weird way to emphasize the stark moral difference between the punkers fighting hatred and the ridiculously evil Nazis.
“Chapter 2: Don’t Fight the Feeling” shifts focus to aspiring rappers Danger Zone-Barbie (Dominique Thorne) and Entice (Normani)—whose day job at an ice cream shop brings them into contact with a predatory cop (Ben Mendelsohn). An invitation to open mic night showcases the talented women who have the genuine skills and the strength to overcome misogynists.
Chapter 3: Born to Mack takes a darker turn with Clint (Pedro Pascal, The Last of Us), a debt collector ready to leave his violent past behind for his pregnant wife. This chapter has the biggest emotional impact, delving into themes of redemption and the devastating consequences of past deeds. Pedro Pascal delivers a captivating performance as the world-weary Clint, and the unexpected appearance of a big-name cameo as a quirky video store clerk adds a touch of meta humor. The green light thingy pops up randomly throughout Freaky Tales, and in Chapter 3, it is seen in an antagonist who may have supernatural powers.
Freaky Tales requires a lot of patience, but the final chapter, “The Legend of Sleepy Floyd,” makes it all worth it. Chapter 4 pulls all the different threads together, culminating in an over-the-top ballet of violence led by a reimagined version of former NBA star Eric “Sleepy” Floyd as a katana-wielding vigilante.
Freaky Tales is jam-packed with creative energy as if writer/directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck (Captain Marvel) had a jumble of disparate story ideas floating around and found the most bizarre way possible to tie them together. Occasionally, the film’s ambition outstrips its execution. However, even in those instances, something compelling is happening that keeps the audience invested. And by the final chapter, the strange green glow, which remains unexplained, begins to grow on you.
Ultimately, Freaky Tales truly embodies its title. It is daring, bizarre, and chaotic, with a style that epitomizes pure, unfiltered weirdness. For those ready to accept the unexpected, the payoff will be worthwhile.
GRADE: B
Rating: R for language throughout, drug use, sexual content, slurs, and strong bloody violence
Running Time: 1 hour 47 minutes
Release Date: April 4, 2025
Studio: Lionsgate
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