Wed Apr 09 14:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Bay Area’s 80s Underdogs Take Center Stage in “Freaky Tales”
**Oakland, CA** – Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden’s new film, “Freaky Tales,” is a vibrant, if occasionally chaotic, homage to 1987 Oakland. This R-rated action-comedy-horror-martial arts mashup tackles themes of misogyny and racism head-on, weaving together four loosely connected stories featuring punks, rappers, skinheads, and corrupt police.
The film follows a diverse cast of characters as they navigate the era’s unique challenges. Highlights include a punk rock battle against neo-Nazis, a high-energy rap battle featuring Dominique Thorne and Normani, and a compelling performance by Pedro Pascal as a former enforcer trying to escape his violent past. The film culminates in a bloody, over-the-top finale involving a robbery gone wrong and a memorable, if slightly bewildering, cameo.
While praised for its energetic visuals and clear affection for its setting, “Freaky Tales” has been criticized for its loose narrative structure and reliance on pop culture references over deeper script development. Despite its flaws, the film’s revolutionary spirit and strong performances make it a worthwhile, if unconventional, cinematic experience. “Freaky Tales” is now playing in theaters.
First Piper 