It’s Been Weeks Since I Watched Freaky Tales, And I’m Still Thinking About That Random Tom Hanks Scene

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After watching Freaky Tales about a few weeks back, as it became available among new and recently released movies on streaming platforms in 2025, there’s been something lingering in my thoughts. Contrary to what you might expect, it’s not the lack of discussion around Pedro Pascal’s movie or the film’s excessive violence that’s captivating me. Instead, it’s Tom Hanks’ unexpected appearance halfway through this grisly anthology film that has left an impression.

This brief yet stirring scene, which took me off guard, might not be the most impactful in the 2025 action movie that everyone should catch up on, but it does offer a crucial instance that echoes the film’s central themes. Moreover, its presence revealed an intriguing fact about one of my long-admired actors I was previously unaware of.

Tom Hanks Playing A Movie Rental Clerk Is Honestly Some Of His Best Work In Years

In the third and nearly concluding chapter of Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck’s anthology film titled “Born to Mack,” Tom Hanks makes an early appearance. This installment focuses on Pedro Pascal’s character, Clint, as he strives to resolve outstanding matters before his wife is due to give birth to their child. At a movie rental store in Oakland, Clint attempts to join a private poker game in the backroom, where he encounters Hank, a stylish movie enthusiast and clerk who tests him on stories about underdogs.

Despite having limited screen time, excluding the amusing end credits sequence, Tom Hanks delivers one of his finest performances in years. He’s sharp-witted, hilarious, and shrouded in a captivating enigma. The twice-honored Academy Award recipient seems to be thoroughly enjoying himself at the desk, and the viewing experience was equally enjoyable for me.

His Conversation With Pedro Pascal’s Character Had Me Laughing, But Also On Edge

The event I’m referring to is actually a flashback that occurred after a distressing incident, and honestly, I wasn’t sure what this entire conversation would bring. It was simultaneously amusing and nerve-wracking to watch Hanks’ character launch into an extended discussion about underdog stories, given the film itself is a compilation of tales about individuals overcoming the odds. To be frank, I couldn’t tell if he’s a good guy, a bad guy, or just an eccentric individual who enjoys discussing films.

This blend of mounting tension and offbeat humor transforms the scene into an enjoyable spectacle, whether you’re experiencing it for the first time or revisiting. It leaves a peculiar sensation that lingers strangely, and the scene manages to evoke this feeling perfectly. It’s strange to laugh heartily while simultaneously holding your breath in anticipation, yet this scene achieves just that.

I Thought All The Tom Hanks References In The Beginning Were Just Random Conversations

In an earlier scene from “Freaky Tales”, before a band of tough guys attack a group of young rebels at Gilman Street, two characters were engaged in a chat about the movies “Splash” and “Bachelor Party”. At first, I believed this discussion was merely incidental, but it turns out that scene held more significance than initially perceived.

Apart from setting up Hanks’ arrival approximately 30 minutes later, this discussion also acknowledges his connection to Oakland, as the actor – who hails from the East Bay area – had a job at the stadium and the Oracle Arena (nearby Golden State Warriors’ home), according to SF Gate. This detail ties up nicely.

You can watch this wild Tom Hanks scene and the rest of Freaky Tales with an HBO Max subscription.

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2025-09-05 12:08