Freaky Tales

As "Freaky Tales" (2024 release; 108 min.) opens, iy is "Oakland 1987" and we start the first of 4 chapters in the movie. After watching a movie in the local movie theater, punkers get into a tussle with Nazi skinheads, upending the punkers' DIY show. The punkers are tried of it and after much internal debate, the punkers decide to fight back... At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie.

Couple of comments: this is the latest from co-directors, co-writers and co-producers Annan Boden and Ryan Flick ("Captain Marvel"). The movie is based in part on Fick's growing up in Oakland in the late 80's but then the story becomes a reimagination how things COULD have gone, rather how things actually went. The 4 chapters are slightly interconnected, but they can just as well be viewed independently from each other. Chapters 1 and 2 are ok, but the movie really finds its groove in Chapter 3, starring Pedro Pascal in a masterful performance as a local enforcer who desperately wants to get out of his life-in-crime. Tom Hanks has an equally delightful scene as the video store clerk. The movie features a TON of music from the late 80's, and reminded me how poorly the music of that era has aged (but of course there are always exceptions). By the time it's all over, I was surprised how much I actually enjoyed the movie (even with the 80's music).

"Freaky Tales" was shot on location about 3 years ago, then premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival (almost 20 months ago), then got a very brief US theatrical release in April of this year. It's now streaming on HBO Max, where I watched it the other night. This is currently rated 74% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, which sounds about right to me. If you are in the mood for an imaginary take on Oakland 1987 that nonetheless comprises elements of truth, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

This movie is basically what you would get if you asked an A. I. social media algorithm to make a movie about 1987.

Nothing makes sense. There's no plot, obviously no research was done into any of the content, character development is non existent, its initial vehicle seems to be racial rage bait disguised as some elementary form of political commentary that comes off like a teenager being interviewed at a pot rally.

But seriously though, how old were the people who came up with this nonsense? It's pretty apparent they were never around in 1987, never mind California.

This could have been a 20 second Tik Tok video.

Presented in a 4:3 aspect ratio, this film in its presentation emulates an old videotape. Cut-off titles and all. Clearly shot on digital video, I still appreciated the Betamax (not VHS) artifacts. But it finds Inspiration from many direct to VHS (mostly horror) films from the 80's. The "tales" (as in Tales from the Crypt, etc.) in the title promises multiple story segments and this promise is kept. But rarely did period pieces overlap so perfectly with their segments. Worst case: 3 or more short films added together by a narrator. Not here however.

At the same time, it's impossible to view this and not see this as being inspired by the Grindhouse format from Quintin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez. Both in "retro pulp" and violence terms.

Any criticism? Yep. For non-Americans the second segment is not that interesting. We found ourselves "sitting it out" this part on the strength of the first (imperfect) segment. Only to be rewarded by the third segment. International audiences will be unlikely to make it to the third segment. Thus my "Hizzle for Zhizzle" in the title of this comment. We are Dutch, so associate this subject matter at best with "Do The Right Thing" (and at worst with "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air".

Pedro Pascal "did some acting" and the other well known actor... from Forrest Gump... Tom Hanks... they are in this. Pascal did a descent job. A good one in fact.

This is a film you should see if you remember 1987. And like violence and stuff. Or if you enjoy well made pulp-films.

I can see why the reviews on this movie are mixed. It is a bit disjointed and has some gaps in the story. As an East Bay native who got into the punk scene around when the first chapter is set, I know this is based on real life events. The punk rockers running the nazi skinheads away from their club/community space, 100% happened. Creepy cops harassing young POC women, that happened (undoubtedly still does). I got a cassette tape of Too $hort's 'Freaky Tales' when I was 12 years old, and when my mom heard half a verse in that song she destroyed that cassette. This is a fictional version of Bay Area realness. Nothing but love for the Bay.

These are the tales of four strangers whose lives were unknowingly intertwined and changed on a freaky night in Oakland in 1987 when NBA history was made.

This movie is hard to describe or even summarize without spoiling it. The story is told through four chapters, each from the perspective of one of the four individuals. The movie has violence, drama, cameos, and a smidge of history. The story becomes clearer over the one-hour and forty-six-minute runtime, but it is a wild ride throughout. It is an interesting and unique watch, especially when going blind. Stream it when available, if you are intrigued.