Freaky Tales (2024)

A loose anthology of four interconnected morality tales that take place in Oakland, California in 1987. The first has to do with neo-Nazis, the second with misogyny, et cetera. The third story features Pedro Pascal (with a fun cameo from Tom Hanks) that should have been expanded into its own feature film because it was by far the most interesting and ended just as it was getting good. The fourth one that links it all together was just eye-rollingly obtuse.

It tries really hard to be Pulp Fiction, but ends up being straight up poop.

1½ green glows out of 5

Abigail (2024)

A group of criminals kidnap a young dancer and hold her hostage at a lavish estate while attempting to extort her father for a huge ransom. When the girl informs them that he has no intention of paying, they get cold feet and attempt to leave, tripping the security system and sealing them inside the secluded manor which happens to contain an evil, mysterious presence within.

Oh, wait...you mean all the posters and promotional materials spoiled this initial twist? Yeah, the little girl just happens to be a vampire ballerina who delights in playing with her prey and picking them off one by one. This one doesn't do anything special, but it's fun if you're in the right mood for a rip-roaring horror-comedy.

2½ deadly pirouettes out of 5