Among the Sundance regulars that I know, there’s been no question asked more than “Where the **** is Freaky Tales at?” Last year’s opener, a wild nostalgic hodge-podge of an Oakland comedy from Park City royalty Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden (Half Nelson, Sugar, Mississippi Grind) has sat on the shelf for too long, mostly because its rights belong to Lionsgate and…well, you know the kind of 2024 they had. Finally, the film is going to hit theaters next month and it should be an easy favorite for indie and genre fans alike who are looking for something quirky with a bit of everything.
Freaky Tales is an anthology film set in 1987 Oakland, CA, with each connected story taking place in real locations during one very special night. The crazy array of vignettes give you punks vs. neo-Nazi fights, rap battles, an NBA star’s roller coaster evening, corrupt cops, Bruce Lee-style martial arts, and so much more.
And if you’re an old school rap fan who recognizes the movie’s title, you won’t be surprised to know that rap legend Too Short is both an exec-producer and an actor. The film’s impressive ensemble includes Pedro Pascal, Ben Mendelsohn (he’s been in every Fleck and Boden film), Jay Ellis, Normani, Dominique Thorne, Jack Champion, Ji-young Yoo, the late Angus Cloud, Keir Gilchrist, and Tom Hanks.
Without giving anything away I’ll just say that Hanks is incredible in this. He’s only funny like this nowadays when he guests on SNL.
SYNOPSIS: Set in 1987 Oakland, Freaky Tales is a multi-track mixtape of colorful characters — an NBA star, a corrupt cop, a female rap duo, teen punks, neo-Nazis, and a debt collector — on a collision course in a fever dream of showdowns and battles. Executive produced by hip-hop pioneer Too $hort, and featuring an all-star ensemble including Pedro Pascal, Ben Mendelsohn, Jay Ellis, Normani, Dominique Thorne, Jack Champion, Ji-young Yoo, Angus Cloud, and Tom Hanks, this pulpy blend of explosive action, edgy humor, gory kills, and sly twists and turns makes for one wild ride.
Freaky Tales finally hits theaters on April 4th.
