A collection of 4 interconnected narratives varieties the spine of “Freaky Tales,” marking writer-directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck’s return to their story-driven roots after the billion-dollar success of “Captain Marvel.” It’s a homecoming of kinds for the filmmakers behind “Half Nelson” and “It’s Type of a Humorous Story,” who channel their love for 1987 Oakland, California, in a movie that pays homage to their influences. The title, impressed by the Too $hort music, is a transparent nod to town’s wealthy cultural historical past, whereas the movie itself attracts inspiration from classics like “Repo Man” and, maybe most clearly, “Pulp Fiction.”
As with most anthology movies, the outcomes are blended. Some segments shine whereas others falter, and if a specific chapter doesn’t click on, you’re left ready for the following one to take over. The free connective tissue tying all the things collectively is a mysterious inexperienced glow that emanates from varied objects across the metropolis—bus stops, microphones, weapons, and even the Oakland A’s uniforms. Followers of NBA star Sleepy Floyd (performed by “Prime Gun: Maverick’s” Jay Ellis) will doubtless take pleasure in a subplot involving his infomercial selling meditation and thoughts management, however the significance of the inexperienced gentle stays murky.
This glowing phenomenon weaves out and in of the tales, although its objective is hit-or-miss—particularly for audiences unfamiliar with Oakland’s lore. As a substitute, “Freaky Tales” appears extra excited by exploring oppression and the way racism and homophobia stay related points at this time. That is evident from the primary story, wherein a bunch of punk rockers finds themselves in a brutal avenue brawl with skinheads—a sequence that feels plucked straight from “The Warriors.” The scene is well-shot, and who doesn’t love an excellent Nazi beatdown? However like a lot of the movie, it doesn’t quantity to a lot past its surface-level thrills.
The second story focuses on real-life rap duo Hazard Zone, made up of Barbie (Dominique Fishback) and Entice (Normani). Their arc serves as a free origin story, chronicling their rise to fame as they carry out alongside Oakland legend Too $hort (who additionally narrates the movie). But, simply as they appear poised for achievement, that ever-present inexperienced glow reappears—suggesting, maybe unintentionally, that their achievements are tied to some supernatural pressure fairly than expertise and perseverance. It’s an intriguing concept, however the takeaway is unclear.
The strongest of the 4 narratives options Pedro Pascal as a fixer-for-hire on the verge of fatherhood, struggling beneath the load of his money owed. Going through one final job earlier than calling it quits, his story delivers the movie’s most compelling moments. Early on this section, a video retailer clerk (performed by an A-list actor in a cameo too good to spoil) delivers a passionate monologue concerning the energy of cinema. The scene offers “Freaky Tales” an vitality it sorely wants, providing a glimpse into what the filmmakers might have been aiming for all alongside. Some might discover it overly cheeky or misplaced, however I admired its boldness.
Lastly, all the things circles again to the skinheads from the opening chapter and a corrupt cop, performed by a sneering Ben Mendelsohn. Sadly, he isn’t given a lot to do past scowling on the digital camera. This ultimate act makes an attempt to tie all the things collectively, bringing Sleepy Floyd’s meditation and mind-control program into focus. However by this level, if audiences aren’t experiencing some degree of tonal whiplash, it might be a miracle.
At simply over 105 minutes, “Freaky Tales” juggles music, films, reminiscence, and tradition with an formidable however usually scattered method. Facet ratios shift with out motive, characters stay underdeveloped, and the movie’s vibe is extra fleeting than immersive. Boden and Fleck deserve credit score for his or her stylistic dangers, however too usually, fashion overtakes substance. And with the story slipping via their fingers, one has to ask: What are we even doing right here?
FREAKY TALES opens in theaters Friday, April 4th.