Freaky Tales Punk Movie Review

There's a new punk movie and it's set in the East Bay!

Ok, the whole movie isn't about punks, but about a fourth of it is, and it's a really accurate representation and takes place around Berkeley/Oakland, mainly at the legendary 924 Gilman punk club.

The movie is called Freaky Tales and I highly recommend it for anyone from the East Bay. ​Freaky Tales is a 2024 American action-comedy anthology film directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck.

Set in 1987 Oakland, California, the movie intertwines four interconnected stories that delve into the city's vibrant subcultures and historical events. These narratives include teenage punks attending an Operation Ivy show at Gilman, a female rap duo's rise at Sweet Jimmie's, a ruthless debt collector seeking change, and a revenge tale involving NBA Warrior's star Eric "Sleepy" Floyd.

So you have four different chapters, each slightly connected to the others but also a solo story that really represents different cultures that exist and existed in Oakland.

The ensemble cast features Pedro Pascal as the debt collector, Ben Mendelsohn, Jay Ellis, Normani in her film debut as Entice—a member of a girl group navigating her journey to stardom—Dominique Thorne, Jack Champion, Ji-young Yoo, and Angus Cloud. Notably, Oakland rapper Too $hort serves as an executive producer and narrator, emphasizing the film's deep connection to the city's culture.

Along with all the actors, a ton of Bay Area natives make cameos. This includes the real Too $hort, Tom Hanks, Tim Armstrong (of Rancid/Operation Ivy fame), NFL player and Oakland native Marshawn Lynch, and others.

The soundtrack is also killer and includes Bay Area bands The Avengers, Operation Ivy, and Jewdriver.

The movie is fun, but the way the filmmakers capture so many details of Oakland in the 80s is really special. The Gilman set specifically was recreated in an amazing way. You have the rules stenciled at the front door, you have the basketball hoop in the club, you have the daytime membership meeting. Was the pacifist supposed to be Larry Livermore of Lookout Records fame? There's so much there and it feels really authentic. As someone who spent many weekends volunteering at Gilman and going to shows in the Bay Area, everything felt right.

For those interested in a film that captures the essence of 1980s Oakland through a blend of music, culture, and interconnected narratives, "Freaky Tales" offers a unique cinematic experience. It's silly, surreal, and a lot of fun. Also, this film is a must see for anyone who hates Nazis.

Even if this movie doesn't do great at the box office, I guarantee it's going to become a cult classic.