Freaky Tales 4K 2024 Ultra HD 2160p

The first episodes are boring templates; I almost fell asleep. The background becomes the main source of narrative, and the illusory, energetic style causes outright yawning. The most interesting episode is with Pedro Pascal; everything else is banal, boring chaos. The film finds it difficult to focus on anything; it is for everyone and no one. It references films from the 1980s, but in a pop culture way and without refinement. I find it difficult to fall in love with this “love letter” to an era. If you are looking for a coherent plot, this is not the film for you.

The first 40 minutes are chewed-up clichés: punks against neo-Nazis, rappers against the system, blah blah blah... The background tries to replace the plot, but the neon and soundtrack are crutches for the narrative limp. The only breakthrough is the episode with Pedro Pascal, where revenge is served without postmodern sarcasm.

The film has neither depth nor novelty, only soulless scenery — aesthetics for aesthetics' sake. All the episodes are empty stylization, without compelling characters and their drama. In essence, it is a kaleidoscope of colorful glass pieces without meaning. Yes, only the episode with Pedro Pascal is emotionally engaging with its classic revenge — this once again proves that classic plots are stronger than experiments. In my opinion, it is nostalgic self-copying without clear ideas, just an artistic homage. At festivals, such films seem unusual, bold, innovative, but when watched at home, they are meaningless, a hundred times retold 'boredom'. Without Pedro Pascal, this kaleidoscope would be lost among thousands of new films. It's visual fast food; if you remove the neon, the soundtrack, and the nostalgia for the 80s, all that remains is emptiness.

But you may object:

Aren't all genre films based on clichés?

For many, nostalgia for the bygone 80s is the soul!

What if chaos is the intention?

Maybe you're focusing too much on one actor, Pedro Pascal?

Yes! And you'd be right! But for nostalgia, I'd rather rewatch RoboCop (1987); Cliffhanger (1993); Die Hard (1988); Rain Man (1988); The Deer Hunter (1978); Pulp Fiction (1994); Home Alone (1990); Ghostbusters (1984); Pretty Woman (1990); The Terminator (1984). I've already forgotten this movie, I don't remember the sets or the style.

Freaky Tales is like a neon poster: bright but disposable. You can hang it on the wall to show off your taste, but to look at it thoughtfully is just a waste of time.

The creators are not trying to make a parody, a drama, or even just an exciting action movie. It's a hodgepodge of references.

Pascal is the only one who deserves a frame. The rest is waste paper covered in nostalgia sauce.