Customer Reviews

Freaked

5 star:		(40)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Anchor Bay Entertainment just gave Fangoria Magazine the exclusive scoop on the final details of its FREAKED two-DVD special edition (now set to street July 12), along with the dual-layer cover art. Alex Winter and Tom Stern's outrageous monster comedy will be presented in 1.85:1, 16x9-enhanced widescreen (Fango got an advance peek at the transfer, which looks great), with Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround audio. The first disc will contain the following extras:

* Audio commentary by Winter and Stern
* A conversation with co-writer Tim Burns
* Deleted scenes
* Hijinx in Freekland, a collection of behind-the-scenes footage
* FREAKED art gallery
* Theatrical trailer
* DVD-ROM original screenplay

The second disc will include:
* FREAKED: The Reehersel Version, a full-length cast rehearsal of the film, including Keanu Reeves sans Dog Boy makeup, with scenes and dialogue that never made it into the final film
* There Are No Weirdos Here, early script readings of selected scenes, featuring actors Winter, Megan Ward, Michael Stoyanov, Derek McGrath, Lee Arenberg and John Hawkes
* It's the Troll, terrifying footage of young actor Alex Zuckerman developing the character of Stuey Gluck
* Under Construkshen, behind-the-scenes video showing the creation of the Freek Land set
* Behold...The Beast Boy, footage of Winter's makeup transformation into a hideous mutant freek
* Two short films by Winter and Stern, SQUEAL OF DEATH and THE NYU SIGHT AND SOUND PROJECT

The set will also come with a "freekish" booklet containing liner notes and photos.

This is going to be AWESOME!!! I've been waiting years for this to be released on DVD. Pre-order NOW!

In 1993, there was a changing of the guard at 20th Century Fox and one of the film casualties was a little gem called "Freaked" (aka "Hideous Mutant Freekz"). I recall the film being released in one theater in L.A. (the Laemmle Sunset 5 in West Hollywood) and it lasted maybe a week. Entertainment Weekly voted it one of the 10 best videos to be released that year. Thanks to HBO, it has become a minor cult-classic and deservedly so.

If you haven't heard the plot, here goes... Ricky Coogin (Alex Winter), a former child star of the TV series "Baker's Dozen" and the film "Ghost Dude", has been tapped to be a spokesman for EES (Everything Except Shoes) to promote an experimental fertilizer called Zygrot-24, which has been banned in the U.S. and Europe. Coogin and his sexist buddy Ernie (Michael Stoyanov, "Blossom") travel to Santa Flan (named for the patron saint of creamy desserts), where they meet up with feminist protester Julie (the very lovely Megan Ward, "Encino Man"). The three stumble across Freek World, run by Elijah C. Skuggs (played to perfection by Randy Quaid). Skuggs, as it turns out, is a mad scientist who has been using Zygrot-24 to create freaks for his sideshow (played by Keanu Reeves, Mr. T and Bob Goldthwait, to name a few).

I don't want to give too much away. This is one of those films that you'll either love or hate. I will say that there are constant sight gags, so many that required viewing is almost required to catch them all.

It has always been my wish that this film would one day be discovered. Here's hoping that Anchor Bay promotes the hell out of it.

Freaked is the answer to that old question, "What ever happened to that Alex Winter guy?" Granted he hasn't really done much since this, but he makes a rather impressive and memorable film as both lead actor and co-director.
I'm a bit surprised that more cult fans aren't aware of this film. It's zany as all hell, has some notable actors and boasts some impressive creature FX.
Alex Winter is Ricky Coogan, a former child star and all around snotty jerk. He agrees to be a spokesman in South America for a fertilizer called Zygrot-24. When Coogan and his buddy land in South America and pick up a feisty activist, they find themselves at a freak emporium run by Elijah Skuggs(Randy Quaid in full whacko mode). Skuggs uses the Zygrot-24 fertilizer to make the freaks he displays. Coogan and his buddies become the latest victims. Coogan's now the "Beast Boy", and becomes the star attraction. He also becomes a kind of leader for the group that consists of The Bearded Lady(Mr.T), A living sock puppet(Bobcat Goldthwait), a literal Cow-Boy, an uncredited Keanu Reeves as the dog boy, and many more. Coogan is pursued by a loud big eared boy who is his number one fan, who becomes instrumental in bringing down Skuggs and the evil corporate schmucks who want to change the human race with Zygrot-24. The head of the corporation is played by the always reliable William Sadler. The film is told through a series of flashbacks that Coogan is telling as a guest on a talk show hosted by Brooke Shields.
Needless to say, this movie is wacky, very wacky. Very cartoonish and off the wall. Some of the zany humor and kinetic camera techniques are quite prevalent now in movies and tv shows, but this was most likely ahead of it's time in 1993. Too bad nobody watched it.
Alex Winter impresses and surprises as co writer and co director with his off the wall and quite quirky sense of humor. He even spoof's himself by making Coogan the star of a series of films called, "Ghost Dude". Winter must have had some kind of budget for this film considering how many actors he lured into it and the monster effects with are quite impressive. Yes, they are obviously phony, but I think it's supposed to be to a certain degree anyway. The Beast Boy makeup is quite good.
I'd highly recommend this if you haven't already seen it and could use a good laugh. I only wish Winter would have continued on this path coz if this is a prime example of his film making talents, he could be one of the leading cult directors now. Hope he makes another movie.

In 1994 I was plagued by the realization that I had not answered the age-old question: "How many feminist does it take to screw in a light bulb?" I figured if anyone could help me out maybe the god of cinema could help me. Unfortunately, all of Buster Keaton's films are silent. Then one afternoon in my television broadcasting class, I stumbled across the answer. I discovered Alex Winter and Tom Stern's FREAKED. The answer to my question and many more were now answered.

Alex Winter (Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure) plays Ricky Coogan, a Hollywood action comedy star, sent to Santa Flan (named for the Patron Saint of Creamy Deserts) South America to be the spokesperson for a "controversial new fertilizer called Zygrot-24." He and His Buddy Ernie (Michael Stoyanov, TV's "Blossom") go there to check it out. There they meet Julie (The Under-appreciated Megan Ward, PCU) an environmental protestor whose come to Santa Flan to "Pelt Ricky Coogan with Cow [Dung]." The three of them meet up with Elijah C. Skuggs (Randy Quaid, in one of the best performances of his life), proprietor of "Freek Land." And he turns them into freaks. Ricky, Ernie, and Julie join up with Skuggs' other Mutant creations, including a Bearded Lady (Mr. T, "Rocky III"), The Human Worm (Derek McGrath, Inherit the Wind), and Sockhead, the human Sock Puppet (Bobcat Goldthwait, Blow). Also, look and see if you can spot Keanu Reeves (The Matrix Reloaded), I won't even tell you who he is.

This is a great comedy. Sure the plot is paper thin, but like all great silly comedy's this one has real moxie (no, not the drink that tastes like tree bark). Jokes fly left and right and most if not all of them actually work. (Hey Rob Schnieder, watch this movie please!) I especially enjoyed the freaks Hollywood Squares, The origin of the freaky hammer, and finally another age-old question is answered, How many Milkmen can you have on one route? The answer is twelve, now thirteen that's just crazy.

Randy Quaid is incredible in this film. He embodies the villain with such force and style. He plays the character so straight; it's really great. Any lesser actor would have turned him into a cartoon. It's a shame his performance is so rarely seen. It's too bad the film got such lousy treatment from 20th Century Fox. (I say this and I mean it, so don't beat me up) His performance is Oscar caliber, I mean it, I'm convinced it one of the greatest comic performances of the 90's.

Alex Winter and Tom Stern (MTV's The Idiot Box) do a great job keeping the jokes coming. I also likes the small details, the quick jokes you don't even realize you looking at. For instances there is a tribute to Ray Harryhausen, in the appearcence of the Cyclops from THE SEVENTH VOYAGE OF SINBAD, followed by Gumby and Pokey well doing something they shouldn't be doing. I didn't realize this until I watched for the third or fourth time. Great Stuff!

But not only that. The film has some really great visual and make-up effects. Screaming Mad George (who made me sick with his hideous make-up effect in Society) ups the ante with his freak make-up. They all look amazing, especially Ricky Himself and Cowboy. Gene Warren JR's (Terminator 2: Judgement Day) visual Effects team also does a bang up job. This film was made at the end of the golden age of real-life visual effects, I doubt computers would have improved this film at all.

FREAKED also has one of the best musical soundtracks I've ever heard. It's also a shame that the album was never released, original music by Henry Rollins, George Clinton, The Butthole Surfers, and Blind Idiot God, make for a really great soundtrack.

This film was caught in an upheaval when 20th Century Fox named a new president. Fortunately the studio allowed it to be finished, but then the studio forgot about it, barely getting a theatrical release, and then being dumped out onto video. What a shame, The film has never been released on DVD or Laserdisc either.

Did I mention that it also contains some of the best cameo's from early 90's, late 80's B-List Celebrity's Brooke Shield's (After Sex), Morgan Fairchild (Teddy Bears' Picnic), Calvert Deforest (Late Night with David Letterman), and David Bowe (UHF) all make an apperance.

If you're looking for a great night, Grab all your friends together, brew a big pot of CAFÉ BUSTILLO, and watch this movie. FREAKED is grade A+ Cult Classic fun.

Now my statement to 20th Century Fox: GIVE THIS MOVIE THE DVD RELEASE IT DESERVES. Thank You.

Despite being one of the most overlooked and underpromoted films upon its release in 1993, most of the cult following for FREAKED never saw the film until much later. This hysterical debut feature from Tom Stern and Alex Winter began life with plenty of promise: a funny script, two talented up-and-coming comedy directors, a great ensemble cast, plenty of shock value, and even cross-promotion merchandising (HIDEOUS MUTANT FREEKZ action figures made their way to stores before the film's title was changed, and are now considered valuable collectors items). However, the film was shuffled into obscurity thanks to a change in the corporate leadership of Twentieth Century Fox. FREAKED had only a limited theatrical release and little fanfare when it finally hit home video.

FREAKED is the tale of one-time child actor (and full time jerk), Ricky Coogan (Winter) who makes a Faustian deal with the EES (Everything Except Shoes) Corporation to promote a dangerous chemical fertilizer, Zygrot 23, in the South American country of Santa Flan. Joined by his horn dog buddy Ernie (Michael Stoyanov) and perky environmentalist Julie (Megan Ward), the trio happen upon a freak show only to become part of the act thanks to the handiwork of evil Elijah C. Skuggs (Randy Quaid), a crazed ringmaster who creates new freaks using--what else--Zygrot 23.

And that's just the first act of the film! If you're at all familiar with Winter and Stern's earlier short films (SQUEAL OF DEATH), then you may have an inkling as to what a treat FREAKED is. The humor is extremely twisted and the sight gags and jokes just keep coming. Once transformed into freaks, Ricky, Ernie, and Julie befriend a cast of characters that include psychic trolls, Rastafarian eyeballs with legs, down-trodden wrenches, a giant worm, a woman played by Mr. T (playing himself, only female), and Bobcat Goldthwaite playing a freak with the body of a man but the head of a sock-pocket. The freaks must band together to escape from Skuggs and stop the spread of Zygrot 23 before the world is overrun by more freaks. The movie boasts cameos from Keanu Reeves, Brooke Shields, Morgan Fairchild, Butthole Surfers frontman Gibby Haines, and Calvert DeForest (AKA Larry "Bud" Melman).

I, and a lot of other comedy fans, have been waiting a very long time for this AMAZINGLY FUNNY film to make its way to DVD. I have watched my VHS copy of this film so many times, that I am nervous every time I pop it in because I fear it will snap! Yes, I like this film that much.

Freaked is a gem of an film that most people don't know about. If you are a fan of films like Blazing Saddles, Airplane, Shakes The Clown, Spaceballs, than you are going to love Freaked. It's absolutely hilarious. Made in 1993, the film wasn't a huge success in the theaters, because it was simply too odd for a studio to know how to market. But Freaked really found its legs on video. Of course it did! From the team who brought us Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventures, Freaked is a smart combination of a creature feature and a slapstick comedy.

The costumes and creature design for Freaked are unparalleled. With characters like Dog Boy (Keanu Reeves), and The Giant Nose, Toad, Sockhead (Bobcat Goldthwait) and Mr. T in drag as The Bearded Lady, the film is a visual delight. The opening sequence is one of my favorite of all times. A wild melting mayhem of stop motion photography, the title sequence pounds away to a driving Henry Rollins theme song that sets the tone of the film off just right.

I can not recommend this film enough. It's fun, entertaining and will leave make you a fan like me. Sit back... relax... and enjoy the FREAKshow...

Make no mistake, this is one of the funniest movies you'll ever see. The timing and the ridiculousness of bringing puns to life and absolutely dwarfing horrendous situations is unmatched in any film I've seen before or since.

Alex Winter (the less commercially successful half of Bill and Ted) co-wrote and directed this outrageous comedy about a conceited Hollywood prettyboy named Ricky Coogan who tries to woo a gorgeous environmental activist (played by CPU's Megan Ward) with the help of his best friend and all three end up transformed by radioactive waste into freaks for a sideshow run by an evil Randy Quaid. Mr. T plays the bearded lady in a role even more surprising than Benicio Del Toro's stint as The Dog-Faced Boy in Big-Top Pee Wee. Brooke Shields plays the talk show host who recounts the life of the ill-fated Coogan and his crew.

I can't justify my only grievance with this film, which would be that it has poor video and audio quality, because the only copy I own of this is a 3rd-generation VHS. I'm sure the DVD will be remarkably better.

I haven't seen this movie in a few years, but decided to write a review solely on the excitement I felt after learning it's being released on DVD next week. Check this out, it's brilliant!!!

Okay, I'll admit I have a stake in this- I'm the co-writer/director. But if you like Freaked, please petition Fox home video to put it out on DVD. Fax Kelly at (310) 369-5262. If enough people bug them, maybe they'll put it out.

If you like your movies funny-- like pee your pants funny-- FREAKED is a must have. Mine has now found a home on the shelf right next to Harold And Kumar go to White Castle, Super Troopers, Airplane, Young Frankenstein and Old School.

I love this DVD. The movie itself is a cult classic. One of my favorites and the extras are awesome! I've never seen anything like it!! There is full cast read through of the film with all the actors (in various stages of freak make-up and costume)-- Keanu Reeves included. It's really cool to see which jokes made it in and which ones didn't make the cut...

If you haven't seen this yet... yer in for a treat!

Written and directed by Alex ("Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure") Winter, this is a one-of-a-kind fantasy par excellence! Incredibly surreal creature effects (ala Big Daddy Ed Roth) by FX maestro Screaming Mad George are only one of the highlights of this over-the-top comedy in which fictitious (and sickeningly popular) child star Ricky Coogan (Winter) has been tapped to act as the celebrity spokesman for a multinational toxic chemical company. His best pal, Michael Stolchinoya (sp?) from TV's "Blossom" and more importantly "Mom & Dad Save The World," and Megan Ward, all wind up mutated by evil redneck carnival barker Elijah C. Skuggs (Randy Quaid), and join forces with the bizarre cast of other mutations created by Skuggs. Watch for an uncredited Keanu Reeves as Ortiz The Dog Boy.