Movie Review – Freaky Deaky

Chris Mankowski (Billy Burke) is an ex-bomb squad expert, disgraced and relegated to the sex crimes division. He falls for Greta Wyatt (Sabina Gadecki), who recently fell victim to rape. The suspect, Woody Ricks (Crispin Glover), is a ridiculously wealthy movie producer, more concerned with his misplaced marijuana than rape allegations or schemers chasing his fortune. Mankowski’s pursuit of the well-connected producer lands him a suspension from the force with no authority to bring justice or compensation for his love interest. Meanwhile, criminal couple, Skip Gibbs (Christian Slater) and Robin Abbot (Breanna Racano) are out to assassinate Woody for his hefty bankroll. Donnell Lewis (Michael Jai White), Woody’s assistant and chauffeur may also be plotting against him, or at the very least modifying the Will to his own benefit. If one thing is for certain….someone’s getting blown up.

Freaky Deaky is an eccentric crime romp from filmmaker/producer, Charles Matthau. He faithfully adapts the picture from an Elmore Leonard (Get Shorty, Jackie Brown) novel of the same name. The movie is set in 1970’s Detroit, a period credited with rampant crime and arson, the FBI’s “most dangerous city in America”. The late 60’s / early 70’s politics don’t play into Freaky Deaky’s back story (the novel is set in the 80’s), but the era’s notorious drug abuse, shag furniture and hair-do’s are relentless, to the point of excess. In the opening sequence, a drug dealer with a sweet Afro is bathing in a bright green shag bathtub, complete with corny porn music to back up the scene.

A fantastic cast includes the likes of Christian Slater, Billy Burke, Michael Jai White, Crispin Glover and numerous cameos. Burke’s familiar deadpan performance is overshadowed by a stand-out Michael Jai White. White, best known for his expert martial arts, fits comfortably in this comedic role. There are fantastic dialogue exchanges synonymous with Leonard films, but also frequent one-liners that fall flat. This duality can be distracting at times.

eOneFilms sent us an exclusive clip featuring an exchange between Mankowski and Donnell. Mankowski hustles Donnell as he removes a bundle of dynamite from Woody’s pool.

Freaky Deaky makes its debut to DVD this February 26th, 2013. The DVD is presented in 16×9 aspect ratio with 5.1 digital surround, and also includes a “making-of” featurette. Grab it in stores or on iTunes today. Check out Freaky Deaky on Facebook.