Pedro Pascal in the movie “Freaky Tales.” (Sundance Institute)
I’ve been a fan of Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden since their debut feature, “Half Nelson,” sent an arrow through the heart of the inspirational-teacher yarn. Still, nearly 20 years later, I can say that I’ve anticipated none of their six collaborations as much as “Freaky Tales.” Perhaps it’s because, five years after “Captain Marvel,” I’m eager to see them return to their indie roots. Maybe it’s because they’ve once again attracted a sublimely unpredictable cast, including Pedro Pascal (“The Last of Us”), Jay Ellis (“Insecure”), pop star Normani and Angus Cloud (“Euphoria”). Most of all, though, I suspect it’s because “Freaky Tales” — featuring interconnected stories of teen punks and Nazi skinheads, rap duos and NBA ballers set against the backdrop of the directors’ Bay Area stomping grounds — has been tipped as their most raucous, crowd-pleasing film yet. If their off-key, overlooked masterpiece “Mississippi Grind” is any indication, “Freaky Tales” may well be the next iteration of Boden and Fleck at their loose and lived-in best. — Matt Brennan