STACK #166 Aug 2018

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YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO CINEMA, DVDs, GAMES & MUSIC

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ISSUE 166 Aug ’18

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DEADPOOL 2 • SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON 2018

THEKOOKS • TASH SULTANA • TROPHY EYES

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Contributors

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Founder Nic Short Editor-in-Chief Paul Jones Film & DVD Editor Scott Hocking

Music Editor Zoë Radas Staff Writer Alesha Kolbe

Issue 166 AUGUST 2018

Creative Director Michelle Black DVD Consultant Kerrie Taylor Games Consultant Andre Eivik Music Consultant Mike Glynn Marketing Manager Fleur Parker Chief Contributors Bob Jones , Gill Pringle Contributors Amy Flower, Jeff Jenkins, Simon Lukic, Billy Pinnell, Jonathan Alley, Denise Hylands, Simon Winkler, Adam Colby, Tim Lambert, Jake Cleland, Holly Pereira, Samantha Baldry, Rebecca Fawcett-Smith, Jake Cleland Social Media Manager Sally Carlier-Hull Production Manager Craig Patterson

WELCOME It’s like a revolving door here at STACK sometimes. Following our trip to Los Angeles in June to cover the Electronic Entertainment Expo, our film editor promptly threw his clothes and laptop into a bag and made a beeline for San Diego Comic-Con, swapping an icy Melburnian winter for the Californian heat. Consequently, we’ve dedicated six whole pages to the coverage to bring you every key announcement, plus a candid behind-the-scenes look at the most important pop culture convention in the world. But wait, there’s more. Do you like gaming? Enjoy watching esports? Have no idea what esports are? Well, either way we’ve got you covered. JB Hi-Fi has thrown its support behind the Melbourne Esports Open (MEO), a two-day event that will squeeze itself in during the AFL bye weekend on the 1st and 2nd of September, before the finals kick off in earnest. So, to both demystify and inform, the games team have put together a six-page section (it’s the month for six-page sections!) on what we can expect, a word from the ESL boss, a guide to esports, and a handy glossary if you don’t know your MOBAs from a Meta. And speaking of video games, the run-up to Christmas this year for triple-A releases is the best that we can remember for quite some time. We’ve compiled a guide to the war for Q4, highlighting all the games you’ll want to be playing over the next four months. Paul Jones, Editor-in-Chief

Correspondence STACK 33 Jessie Street, Richmond, VIC 3121

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Disclaimer STACK is published by Scribal Custom Pty Ltd (ACN 092 362 135). © Copyright Scribal Custom Pty Ltd, 2018 All rights reserved. All material appearing in this publication is copyright unless otherwise stated or it may rest with the provider of the supplied material or advertisement. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Scribal Custom Pty Ltd. No responsibility is accepted for accuracy of advertisements or information. Whilst care has been taken in the research and preparation of this publication, the publishers, writers or anyone else associated cannot accept any responsibility for any loss, injury or hardship arising from the content contained herein or reliance therefrom, howsoever caused, and it remains your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of any such content. Views expressed are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher or the editor. By the very nature of this publication, things change daily and we cannot take responsibility for any changes or inaccuracies that occur subsequent to going to press.

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Issue 166 AUGUST 2018

Extras Pages 10 / 24–29 / 30–31

Music Pages 53 – 75

Games Pages 1– 25

Cinema Pages 14 – 20

DVD & BD Pages 32 – 52

14 THE MEG If the 25-foot shark in Jaws wasn’t enough to keep you out of the water, this one’s three times the size. Aussie star Ruby Rose survived to tell the tale. 16 BOOK CLUB We caught up with Jane Fonda and the distinguished female cast of this new comedy. 18 THE FLIP SIDE Renowned British actor, comic and stage performer Eddie Izzard ventured Down Under for this sophisticated rom-com. 20 REVIEWS Ant-Man and the Wasp, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, plus a peek at what’s also screening in August.

32-33 AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR

YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO CINEMA,DVDs, GAMES&MUSIC

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ISSUE 166 Aug ’18

All Marvel movies lead to this! We explore the interconnectedness of the MCU. 34-35 DEADPOOL 2 Kiwi teenager Julian Dennison takes his acting career up a notch with a supporting role opposite the Merc with a Mouth. 36 THE GOOD DOCTOR We spoke with TV’s new favourite medic, Freddie Highmore. 38-39 I FEEL PRETTY Rambunctious comedian Amy Schumer is back for another barrel of laughs in her latest flick. 40 SHARK ATTACK The Meg swims into cinemas this month, so what better time to look at why it’s never been safe to go back in the water. 42-50 REVIEWS Avengers: Infinity War, Deadpool 2, Breath, I Feel Pretty, Truth or Dare, The Death of Superman, Life of the Party, The Death of Stalin, The Midnight Man, The X-Files: S11, The Good Doctor: S1.

GAMES

ISSUE 166 Aug ’18

6PAGE SPECIAL INSIDE

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THEKOOKS • TASH SULTANA • TROPHY EYES

DEADPOOL 2 • SANDIEGO COMIC-CON 2018

WorldofWarcraft:Battle FORazeroth

THEKOOKS • TASH SULTANA • TROPHY EYES

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10 EXTRAS Avengers: Infinity War fun facts; whatever happened to David Cronenberg; must-see film and TV for August. 24-29 SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON 2018 Extensive coverage and all the highlights from the biggest pop culture convention on the planet. 30-31 BOB J Our resident film historian looks back at the classic John Wayne western, The Searchers (1956).

56-62 INTERVIEWS + BULLETINS We chatted new music with Trophy Eyes, Tash Sultana, Loose Tooth, The Kooks and more. 64 GATEWAYS: BOB DYLAN Jonathan Alley investigates the backcatalogue of the “voice like sand and glue,” ahead of Dylan’s upcoming Australian tour. 66-67 THE GRANDE PARADE Jake Cleland examines the rise of Ariana Grande, from Demon Hunter to Pop God. 70-74 ALBUM REVIEWS Phantastic Ferniture, Mitski, Loose Tooth, Tirzah, The Screaming Jets, Underworld and Iggy Pop, Trophy Eyes, Blood Orange, Human Nature, Troye Sivan, Diesel, Harvey Mandel and more.

6-7 WORLD OF WARCRAFT World of Warcraft returns with its seventh expansion, Battle For Azeroth . We found out everything you need to know. 8-13 ESPORTS With the Melbourne Esports Open coming to Melbourne next month, we take a deep dive into esports and what the competition will look like. 14-17 COMING SOON It’s looking like a stacked Q4 for games; we have a look at what’s coming soon. 22 OUT THIS MONTH World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth, F1 2018, Madden NFL 19, Overcooked 2 , and more.

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© 2018 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.© 2018MARVEL. © 2018 Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC. All Rights Reserved. TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX, FOX and associated logos are trademarks of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation and its related entities.

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STACK SELECTS Must-see film and TV this month

avengers: infinity war

FUN FACTS

Avengers: Infinity War crossed $1 billion at the worldwide box office within 11 days of release.

Both Mark Ruffalo and Tom Holland were given misleading information about the film during production to avoid spoilers leaking.

Josh Brolin – who plays Thanos – also appears in Deadpool 2 as Cable.

This is the first Avengers film not to be directed by Joss Whedon.

DEADPOOL 2 "It feels bigger" – and it is! A blockbuster sequel every bit as crazy as the original.

Infinity War is the first in a two-part finale to close out the first three phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man) and

Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange) have both played Sherlock Holmes.

TheWakandan war cry 'Yibambe' is Xhosa for 'hold strong.'

AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR The ambitious and awesome culmination of 10 years of Marvel universe-building.

Revered by cult movie fans and championed by critics, this Canadian filmmaker introduced us to the term 'body horror'. His preoccupation with disease, hallucination, unconventional medical practices, and mutations of the body and mind can be found in all their grotesquerie in films like Shivers (1975), Rabid (1977), The Brood (1979), Scanners (1981), Videodrome (1983) and of course The Fly (1986), his most commercial and successful film that transformed Jeff Goldblum into a vomiting insect. He also achieved the impossible by bringing William Burroughs' 'unfilmable' novel Naked Lunch to the screen in 1991, and gave us one of the finest Stephen King adaptations in The Dead Zone (1983). His later work detoured from the biological to the psychological in Spider (2002) and A Dangerous Method (2011), and he reivented the crime thriller with A History of Violence (2005) and Eastern Promises (2007). Cronenberg's last film was the dark Hollywood exposé Maps to the Stars in 2014, and according to frequent collaborator Viggo Mortensen, has had difficulty getting projects financed and is considering retirement from filmmaking. The death of his wife in July 2017 would also explain his absence, and he's been writing books – his first novel, Consumed , was published in 2014. Here's hoping we haven't seen the last of this unique auteur. Whatever happened to... DAVID CRONENBERG

BREATH Life's a beach in Simon Baker's assured adaptation of Tim Winton's novel.

THE DEATH OF STALIN The demise of the Soviet despot told as a biting political and historical satire.

• Check out the range of Cronenberg classics at JB Hi-Fi

THE GOOD DOCTOR: S1 Young Freddie Highmore is terrific as the autistic savant turned surgeon.

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STACK ROVING REPORTER

Music Coordinator Joel Curran when STACK checks in with him. "But people are still finding their way here." The ongoing revamp hasn't prevented locals from indulging in TV period dramas, which Joel says are a popular choice at JB in The Glen. "Shows like Outlander , Call the Midwife , and ABC/BBC titles all move really well. And also the recent release Endeavour has been popular. "Of the new release movies, The Greatest Showman has

been the biggest seller recently, because it's a musical." This would suggest that customers in Glen Waverley comprise an older demographic? "It is a slightly older demographic," confirms Joel, "but we also have a lot of tech- savvy customers, so 4K is doing really well here too." Joel adds that Avengers: Infinity War is the most requested of the upcoming movie releases; Marvel transcends the generation gap! Having been with JB for seven years, Joel loves the merchandising aspect of the job and predicting what will sell well, as well as making recommendations to customers – some of whom can take a bit of convincing. He also makes a point of flagging critically acclaimed films on the shelves with a 'Critics Choice' tag. It's also not surprising sometimes as it's getting out of control and I end up with loads of discs just sitting in boxes," he says. "I used to pretty much watch everything, but there's just not enough time and life's too short for that now, so I'm more selective." He does, however, single out horror as a favourite category. "I'm always interested in seeing innovations in the genre. I'm looking forward to seeing what they do with the new Halloween and Suspiria ." to discover that he has an extensive disc collection at home. "I have to rein it in

DVD BEST- SELLERS for JULY 2018

SHOP TALK

N estled in The Glen Shopping Centre in Glen Waverley, south-east of Melbourne, JB Hi-Fi continues to trade amidst the chaos of an extensive redevelopment of the centre. "We're in a kind of limbo at the moment," says Movies and

1 Ready Player One 2 Pacific Rim Uprising 3 Blockers 4 Love, Simon 5 The Greatest Showman 6 Tomb Raider (2018)

7 Rampage 8 12 Strong 9 Renegades 10 A Quiet Place

Joel Curran at JB in The Glen Shopping Centre, Victoria

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Freddie Highmore plays a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, who joins a prestigious hospital's surgical unit. RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 15 SPECIAL OFFER: Pre-order and enter online for your chance to win 1 of 3 Medical Coats signed by star Freddie Highmore. Competition closes 11.59PM AEST 12/08/18.

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Ruby Rose (far left), Li Bingbing,

doing stunts, and working with a great cast.” A film of this scale also came with its own unique challenges, not least shooting for long periods in an aquatic environment. “We were in the water for a long time, especially during the last week or two of production. I didn’t know how much more water I could take,” she laughs. “It was intense. But when we finally wrapped those scenes, I wanted to be back there in the water because it is exciting, despite the physical challenges of always being cold and wet. It helped a lot that we had a great crew and cast. I would go back into that water right now. “We trained in an Olympic-sized pool with several diving boards at different heights above the water,” she continues. “We had to become stronger swimmers, swim in our clothing, and learn to dive. I had so much fun doing all the diving and jumping, that everyone quickly realised that I could easily handle those kinds of stunts, and I think I ended up doing more action than was initially planned for me.” As for working with the meg

Jason Statham, Cliff Curtis and Page Kennedy (front left)

If the 25-foot Great White shark in Jaws wasn’t enough to keep you out of the water, you’re about to meet one that’s three times the size in The Meg . Aussie star Ruby Rose survived to tell the tale.

T he prehistoric monster shark known as ‘megalodon’ was believed to be extinct, until one turns up off the coast of China in The Meg – the new action-horror- thriller based on the 1997 novel by Steve Alten and featuring an international cast including Jason Statham, Li Bingbing, Rainn Wilson, Winston Chau and Cliff Curtis.

itself, a mostly CGI creation, Rose says that computer visualisations proved invaluable in providing context between the size of the meg and a boat or human. “I also looked at drawings and photos from newspaper and magazine articles. The design team also created an animatronic shark – or about half a shark – including its head, tail, teeth and eyeball. It was pretty gruesome – and that head was huge. I didn’t want to be in the water with that shark, believe me.” Fortunately, audiences will be able

Australia’s own Ruby Rose also comes face to face with the meg, as part of a rescue team dispatched to save the crew of a sunken deep- sea submersible following a close encounter with the creature. Playing the sassy scientist and brilliant engineer Jaxx Herd, Rose says it was a role she was able to sink her teeth into.

I didn’t want to be in the water with that shark, believe me

to get up close and personal with the monster meg from the safety of a dry cinema seat, with Rose promising a big action-thriller spectacle and popcorn movie. “It also has some interesting things to say about marine life, the food chain, and the environment,” she adds. “So, along with all this epic entertainment, there’s a viewpoint about the ocean that will really resonate.”

a megalodon. Also, ‘megalodon’ seemed like such a cool name for an animal.” Rose describes working on The

Meg as one of the most enjoyable

experiences she’s had on a film. “It was really special. For me, these kinds of films are the most enjoyable ones to work on. Being Australian, I love the water, the marine ecosystem – and sharks. It was fun filming in New Zealand, in the ocean, on a boat, and

“She’s a strong character and a bit of an outcast, and I appreciated her passion for the ocean. I also enjoyed working with the technology and computer programs Jaxx uses in the film. I even changed up my tattoos for the character. I decided Jaxx would have tattoos, but they would be deeply rooted in her obsession with the ocean. I had tattoos made of an octopus, whale and shark. It brought her whole look and feeling together.” The Melbourne-born actress, whose action credentials include xXx: Return of Xander Cage and John Wick: Chapter 2 , was already familiar with the titular menace, having been obsessed with megalodons and dinosaurs as a child. “I couldn’t fathom their size. I was always drawing them in school, and when I would do a classroom presentation, it was always about

The Meg is in cinemas on Aug 16.

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a little weird if I came back at 95. I left, not because of Ted Turner, but because I wasn’t enjoying it anymore. So now I’m enjoying it a lot and I like that I’m an old woman who looks good for her age and can give a different perspective to people on age, and Book Club is a perfect movie for that.” Bergen, whose Book Club character dips her toe into online dating, shudders at the notion of trying it in real life. “I’ve been married almost 20 years and it's not on my horizon. I don’t even know how I feel about friends of mine doing it, but I guess it’s a necessary evil. I feel like face-to- face contact is undervalued.” Presently single after ending her eight-year romance with music producer Richard Perry last year, Fonda is open to possibilities. “I should do it just to see what would come up. But I would be afraid that some people who hate me would pretend to be some nice guy who would come and murder me! So I can't! But I know people who’ve met their soulmates. It’s a very real thing. And when you get older, with life today, you can’t go to bars; you don’t have time and its not safe, so it’s a great way to meet new people,” she says. The secret to lasting love is simple, according to Steenburgen. "For me it was marrying Ted Danson! What’s not to like?" she asks. “I think a sense of humour is vital in a man,” adds Bergen, who was 17 when she first met Fonda. “I think we’re all so in awe of Jane and who she is.” “Jane is in a league of her own and a total utter inspiration to be around,” says Steenburgen, who hopes that the four will remain friends.

BY THE BOOK STACK caught up with the distinguished female cast of the new comedy, Book Club . Words Gill Pringle F our life-long friends have their sexuality reawakened when their book club decides to tackle Fifty Shades of Grey . Such is the premise of rom- com Book Club . Not such a Book Club was filmed before the #MeToo and #TimesUp, movements, which all the cast are excited about, although “We work because we all enjoy working,” argues Bergen. “Because life doesn’t end, it deepens and you accommodate it.” Even more unusual is the fact

Ageism is sadly prevalent among both men and women

Steenburgen points to the other silent “ism” which draws a

shocking premise in itself but, when you consider the ages of its four female stars, this is groundbreaking stuff. “A film with four women is rare enough – but a film with four old women is even more rare; like lightning in a bottle,” laughs Mary Steenburgen who, at 65, is the youngster of the quartet. “Equally rare was the fact that we all had our own unique story arc. Women our age are used to playing somebody’s dotty old aunt or the annoying mother-in-law, but to have four leads of our age with four different compelling stories, that never happens to us,” adds Steenburgen, who co-stars with living legends Jane Fonda, 80, Candice Bergen, 72, and Diane Keaton, 72. “There’s this cult of youth and, as you get older, the idea that you’re still sexually active is disgusting to people,” scoffs Fonda, so luminous she is single- handedly redefining what it is to be 80. “One of the things I love about Book Club is that you see these older women who are still willing to get it on.”

that Book Club offers a chance for its female leads

line beneath even the most glittering careers. “Ageism is sadly pervasive among both men

to be romanced by younger men; Fonda paired with Don Johnson and Keaton with Andy Garcia. Having once announced her retirement from acting, Fonda is amazed to find herself with such a rewarding career, also starring in award-winning TV series, Grace and Frankie . “I cannot believe that, at my age, this is even happening with me. And I left the business for 15 years!” Now that she’s back, she has no plans to retire again. “It would be

and women. Its not confined to Hollywood or to women. It’s a sad thing we do in our culture where we assume a diminishment,” she adds. “In many ways, that was the biggest thrill for me about this movie – that all these women were still searching and thinking about sex and romance and friendship. It's really sad that we are assumed to only have a certain shelf-life for our humanity.”

Book Club is in cinemas on August 23

SHADES OF JANE

BARBARELLA (1968) She was the iconic Queen of the Galaxy in Roger Vadim's sci-fi camp classic.

KLUTE (1971) Playing a high class hooker stalked by a former client, she won her first Oscar for Best Actress.

COMING HOME (1978) As carer to a bitter Vietnam vet (Jon Voight), she received her second Academy Award.

ON GOLDEN POND (1981) She starred alongside dad Henry in Mark Rydell's sentimental exploration of old age.

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SIMONE BUCHANAN

JOHN JARRATT

MELISSA TKAUTZ

BILL MOSELEY

NATHAN JONES

HUGH SHERIDAN

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elements to it. I love playing darker characters; I’ve learned how to do that and feel that’s what I can bring,” says the actor who most recently played the manipulative Prince of Wales in Victoria & Abdul , as well as Dr. Gideon in the TV series Hannibal . “Henry allows one to play, in a romantic kind of way, the sort of Cary Grant side of oneself. To be funny, offhand and relaxed, and also show that he’s completely screwed up and emotionally immature.” He adds that working with director Marion Pilowsky was also a factor in signing on. “I decided I liked her five minutes after I met her. The fact that she’s come from producing and distributing into directing is unusual. I’m very fascinated by that; it’s a part if filmmaking that I need to know and she’s come through that into the more creative side with directing. “She allowed me a certain leeway and didn’t quite know what I was going to do next – I wasn’t quite sure what I was going to do next! So I had certain latitude in some scenes.” As an actor playing an actor, how much of himself did Izzard invest in the character of Henry? “Henry is me – I have that ego that he’s got,” he admits. “Hopefully I control it better, and I’m more emotionally mature. Henry’s not even sensing what he’s doing or the implications his actions will have. So I just cherry- pick the parts of myself I want to lean into and which ones to switch off, and let him be fun and flip. “I liked being able to improvise; stay in the moment but play around with the moment. Emily plays a character that is close to herself, so I give her the space to lay into me, or I can lay back into her.” Shooting in Adelaide, Hahndorf and the Barossa Valley region, Izzard reveals that the cast initially embarked on a winery tour as a character-bonding exercise. “I pushed for that on the first weekend we got there. If we’re going to do a film about a wine trip, let’s go do it! Filmmaking is so close to just real existing, so to go and do it and then film another version of it is a wonderful thing.” And so, he adds, was the Shiraz. The Flip Side is in cinemas on August 30

THE FLIP SIDE Renowned British actor, comic and stage performer Eddie Izzard tells STACK that his character in this sophisticated Aussie rom-com is a lot like himself. Words Scott Hocking T he directorial debut of Marion Pilowsky, The Flip Side brings a comedic edge and a boxes – it’s a road movie (during which copious amounts of wine is consumed), a culture clash, and a ‘visitors from hell’ comedy. “It’s like an Australian Notting reacted very nicely and positively – that’s why I’m here talking to you.” As to what attracted the celebrated British comic, film, TV and stage performer to a little indie

distinct South Australian flavour to the subject of female ambivalence. Emily Taheny plays Ronnie, a struggling Adelaide restaurateur whose brief but intense affair with an egotistical British actor, Henry (played to perfection by Eddie Izzard), stirs conflicting emotions when their paths cross five years later. Arriving for a promotional tour with his flirtatious French girlfriend Sophie (Vanessa Guide), Henry seizes the opportunity to seduce Ronnie once again, even though she’s now in a relationship with Jeff (Luke McKenzie). “Emily’s and my character have this really messy relationship. I think everybody’s probably had that one relationship that got away – one good relationship that should have happened but never did,” Izzard tells STACK . “It’s bittersweet. Even though her boyfriend is there and his girlfriend is there, this is the relationship that should be the right one.” A sophisticated rom-com, The Flip Side also ticks several other

Hill mixed with Sideways , and wine in the middle of it,” offers Izzard. “It’s not so much a love triangle as a love quadrangle that’s going on, and it seems to work very nicely. “It’s designed for more of a female audience but I think it will work well with guys, too, who like quirky romantic comedies. I think people will be laughing at it and be intrigued by it. Test audiences have

film Down Under, Izzard says it was the opportunity the character presented. “I’ve come into my career in such an odd way that I’m not necessarily an easy fit. I’m older and with a varied background, so the roles that come to me are often unusual," he explains. "I’ve pushed not to do comedy and this has distinct comedic

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ANT-MAN AND THE WASP RELEASED: July 5 DIRECTOR: Peyton Reed CAST: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Peña, Michael Douglas RATING: PG

SCREENING IN AUGUST 2018

Size does matter.

When we last saw Scott Lang/Ant-Man (Paul Rudd), he was being held prisoner for aiding Captain America during the airport battle in Civil War . Now he’s under house arrest for violating the Sokovia Accords, and trying his best to look after his daughter Cassie, whilst still supporting best friend Luis (Michael Peña) in his new security business. Meanwhile, as known associates of Lang, Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) and Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) are on the run. Knowing that Scott was able to enter the Quantum Realm and return alive has given them hope that Janet (Hank’s wife and Hope’s mother) could still be trapped in there – and may be alive.

Attempting to create a machine that will allow them to enter the Quantum Realm and bring Janet back, their plans are disrupted by the mysterious Ghost (Hannah John- Kamen). Where does she fit in, and what’s her connection to Hank’s past? Following in the footsteps of the first film, Ant-Man and the Wasp is still very much a comedy – with some heist and chase action thrown in. With Lilly donning the wings of the Wasp, fight choreography is now a lot more complex, and many of the action scenes are remarkably well staged. The scaled sequences have also been improved, and the special effects are so great, you’ll forget you’re watching tiny shrunken people kicking over pots and pans. This is a sequel that improves in almost every way on the original film, with more action, more size-changing, and best of all, more Wasp. If you’re wondering where Ant-Man and the Wasp fits in with the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the two post-credits scenes will help you out there, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for these pint-sized heroes. Alesha Kolbe the shining star of the show. Almost all the faves from the first movie variously pop up, as does Cher, playing Sophie’s grandmother and adding some welcome professional vocals with her take on the Australian number one spot-crushing ‘Fernando’. As you’d expect, that’s far from the only ABBA song to punctuate proceedings. The song content again varies between sudden story- related outbreaks and the odd big production number. The story injections generally feel more forced than the original though, and sometimes there’s too much talk and not enough song. This occasional wobbliness of the story is intriguing, for there are some impressive writing types on-board. With Richard Four Weddings and a Funeral Curtis and Ol The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Parker (who also directs) we expected something much tighter, as certain scenes do drag on. All of that being said, if you ABBA-solutely worshipped at the altar of the original Mamma Mia! then you now have more to adore, and you’re sure to love this merry and bright spectacular more than that day you got Arrival on cassette when you were a kid. OK, maybe not quite that much… Amy Flower

The sixth in the series will see Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team (Alec Baldwin, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames) hooking up with some familiar allies (Rebecca Ferguson, Michelle Monaghan) and racing against time to fix the fallout from a botched mission. A moustachioed Henry Cavill is also onboard as an enigmatic CIA agent who will clash with Hunt. It's Tom Cruise vs. Superman on Aug 1 . MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FALLOUT

RELEASED: July 19 DIRECTOR: Ol Parker CAST: Lily James, Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan RATING: PG MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN

In this stand-alone sequel to the 2014 thriller, a teen finds a laptop only to discover a cache of disturbing files that the previous owner will do anything to get back. Logging on Aug 9 . UNFRIENDED: DARK WEB

How can you resist?

The first Mamma Mia! , based upon the crazy- successful, officially sanctioned musical, brought delirous waves of joy to cinemagoers of all ages who were in touch with their inner dag. It was a phenomenon, bolstered by both a superb cast and, of course, the incredible musical legacy of pop kings and queens ABBA. So, can it be repeated? Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again weaves two tales – the origin story of how Donna met the three dads and, back in the now, her daughter Sophie’s quest to reopen the hotel and deal with her own impending arrival. Lily James stars as young Donna, and really is

After a plague wipes out 98 per cent of America’s children, the survivors develop incredible powers and form a resistance movement to fight for their very futures. Enter their minds on Aug 16 . THE DARKEST MINDS

The creepy internet meme that became an online urban legend comes to the screen. A group of teenage girls foolishly attempt to uncover the fact behind the myth on Aug 23 . SLENDER MAN

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SELECTED FILMOGRAPHY

Female Filmmakers

1987 NEAR DARK

1990 BLUE STEEL

A former artist turned visual supremo filmmaker, this Oscar-winner can more than hold her own in a male-dominated arena. K athryn Bigelow was the first woman in the history of the Academy Awards to win the KATHRYN BIGELOW

1991 POINT BREAK

A gritty western/horror hybrid, Near Dark is not just one of the best vampire films ever made, it also challenged genre conventions, which Bigelow would continue to do throughout her career. Along with Near Dark , her next three films Blue Steel (1990), Point Break (1991) and Strange Days (1995) – the latter produced and co-written by her ex-husband, James Cameron – further revealed her commitment to visual, action- driven storytelling. While her films never flinch from depicting violence, Bigelow doesn't condone it, rather perceiving it as a fact of life. She's interested in presenting the truth, and the social environment that can lead to violent acts. Bigelow considers filmmaking a great opportunity to comment on the world we live in, and is unafraid to tackle topical and challenging material – millennial angst in Strange Days (1995), the Iraq War in The Hurt Locker (2008), the assassination of Osama Bin Laden in Zero Dark Thirty (2012), and racism in Detroit (2017). "Once you've opened the window on topical material, its very hard to close it," she has said. "Holding up a contemporary mirror is more attractive to me now than ever."

either respond to it or you don't. There should be more women directing; I think there's just not the awareness that it's really possible. It is." Born in 1951 in San Carlos, California, Bigelow was an avid student of painting, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1972 before earning a masters degree in film theory and criticism. Her first foray into filmmaking was the short film The Set-Up (1978), and she followed that three years later with her feature debut, The Loveless – a biker movie starring Willem Dafoe. However, it was her second feature, Near Dark (1987), that made critics, audiences and Hollywood sit up and realise that a ferocious new talent had arrived on the scene.

1995 STRANGE DAYS

Oscar for Best Director (for her 2010 war drama The Hurt Locker ) – a fact that speaks volumes about the disparity between male and female directors in Hollywood. Indeed, Bigelow has spoken out on numerous occasions about the difficulties facing female filmmakers; her most famous quote on the subject appearing in MIT's newspaper The Tech in 1990. "If there's specific resistance to women making movies, I just choose to ignore it as an obstacle for two reasons: I can't change my gender, and I refuse to stop making movies. It's irrelevant who or what directed a movie, the important thing is that you

2002 K-19: THE WIDOWMAKER

2008 THE HURT LOCKER

It's a travesty. I feel like it's trending in the right direction, but it's painfully slow, and where's that inequity coming from? That's a big and complicated sociological question. – Kathryn Bigelow, on the lack of female filmmakers in Hollywood

2012 ZERO DARK THIRTY

2017 DETROIT

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COL L E C T OR ’ S ED I T I ON I NC LUDES ‘ MY S T RUGGL E I I I ’ E P I SODE SCR I P T !

*WHILE STOCKS LAST

© 2018 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved. © 2018 Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC. All Rights Reserved. N E W T O B U Y O N B L U - R A Y T M A N D D V D A U G U S T 1

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SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON STACK ’s fourth consecutive 2018

visit to the mother of all pop culture conventions was every bit as rewarding as our first, albeit much busier. Words Scott hocking

SDCC 2018 felt bigger than last year; the Exhibit Hall fuller; the crowds more difficult to navigate; the exclusive merchandise even harder to acquire; the Wi-Fi networks more congested; and the sheer amount of events and activities threatening sensory overload. But the sense of excitement and

cosplayers, or simply soak up the atmosphere out front. Fortunately, the Con snakes its tentacles deep into the streets surrounding the Convention Centre and Downtown, where a plethora of off-site activations and events await. And of course there is the annual zombie march and a passing parade of cosplayers en route – from rudimentary cardboard Transformers and thrift shop Jedi robes, to 3D-printed Master Chief suits. SDCC 2018 was a non-stop experience this year for STACK . With our inner geek engaged and frozen margaritas to assuage the heat and humidity, we navigated the four hectic days of panels, press conferences, interviews and copywriting with aplomb – living and breathing Comic- Con with the endurance of a veteran and the enthusiasm of a first timer.

community was, as always, palpable; attendees united in their passion for pop culture, Pop Vinyl, comic books, superheroes, anime, movies and television series. The major difference

this year was the closure of Harbor Drive in front of the San Diego Convention Centre to better facilitate foot traffic, increase security, and to stop the riders of San Diego’s ubiquitous shared scooters from crashing into attendees. (These things are everywhere, and we can only hope they don’t make their way Down Under.) The other notable change was restricting access to the Convention Centre area to Comic-Con badge holders only – a bit of a downer if you just want to check out the

We met new Doctor Who Jodie Whittaker in the grounds of the historic Hotel del Coronado; chatted with the stars and directors of Spider- Man: Into the Spider-Verse ; breakfasted among The Walking Dead ’s stars and producers; sipped Scream cocktails at the Scarediego horror night; felt goosebumps when the Godzilla: King of the Monsters trailer roared into the legendary Hall H; and consumed far too many burgers. And we simply had to share it all with you across the next five pages…

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WE’RE PUSHING THE ENVELOPE

Warner Bros.’ Hall H presentation revealed that the future is looking brighter for the DCEU, with the vibrant fantasy Aquaman and family comedy Shazam ! – and of course, the return of Wonder Woman.

J ames Wan’s Aquaman could be the breakout film the DCEU needs if the footage screened at Comic-Con is any indication. Wan explained how he wanted a more unique look for his DC movie, describing it as “playing more like a science fiction/ fantasy film than a superhero movie.”

very important part of our movie.” Despite being only three weeks into production, Jenkins was eager to unveil some footage, albeit in a rough-cut, featuring armed goons on the wrong end of the Lasso of Truth in a 1980s shopping mall. Gadot described 1984 as a whole new movie, not a sequel, with the WW stories sticking to comic book canon, while Jenkins clarified the film’s ‘80s setting. “I grew up in the ‘80s, and this has its own look and feel. It was mankind at its best and worst. To have Wonder Woman in that period of time that was us at our most extreme is wonderful. She is now at her full powers and we’re raising the bar.

Aquaman opens on Boxing Day, and with no competition from Star Wars , looks set to steer the DCEU back on course. Shazam! also looks to buck the trend of bleakness set by prior DC films, with its comedic tone and childish superhero. With a focus on family-friendly hijinks, it could well be DC’s equivalent of Ant-Man . Chuck star Zachary Levi throws himself into the role of the super-powered adult (well, physically) incarnation of 14-year- old Billy Batson (Asher Angel), whose powers are bestowed upon him by the eponymous wizard. “This is complete wish- fulfillment,” he told the audience, “this 14-year-old me that got to put on a cape and fly. This whole movie is about wish-fulfillment.” Levi calls Shazam! the type of hero the world needs right now. “I love that I got to be that child. That there’s still optimism in him; that’s why the wizard picked him, because of his heart.” Currently in post-production, Shazam! punches into cinemas April 2019. Hall H loves Wonder Woman, with director Patty Jenkins, Gal Gadot and Chris Pine greeted by rapturous applause as they took to the stage to present follow-up Wonder Woman 1984 . How Pine’s character,

in her introductory scene, while telling Wan: “The bigger the better, come on James, give it to me. That’s why I’m doing this movie.” Momoa, who almost stole Justice League from the rest of the ensemble, calls his solo film “a beautiful origin story,” and he could also be stealing roles from Dwayne Johnson if Aquaman is

Jason Momoa, Amber Heard and Nicole Kidman

a hit. His only regret in hindsight was wearing denim. “They look like leather pants but they’re not.” Patrick Wilson, who plays Aquaman’s half-brother and nemesis, Orm, praised Wan’s commitment to story and character, having worked with the director previously on

The first trailer revealed the undersea kingdom of Atlantis as a vibrant combination of Pandora, Middle-earth, Asgard and The Little Mermaid on steroids. Moreover, Wan also debuted footage exclusive to Hall H, featuring a fluid rooftop chase sequence that demonstrates his dynamic flair for action. Joining Wan and Jason Momoa on the panel were Amber Heard, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Addul-Manteen and Nicole Kidman, making her Comic-Con debut. Kidman, who plays Aquaman’s mother, Queen Atlanna, recalled lying on a rock being drenched by massive waves

Patty Jenkins, Chris Pine and Gal Gadot

“The thing that mattered to me the most is I wanted to make great movies in my lifetime, and I found myself saying I have these characters I love and this world that I love and we can make a movie about something completely new, pure, strong and as unique as the first one.”

the Insidious and Conjuring films. “You guys are going to be so thrilled we’re pushing the envelope here.”

Steve Trevor, survived the events of the first movie, was an elephant in

the room that wasn’t addressed. However,

Jenkins stressed that “[Chris] is a

Wonder Woman 1984 is due November 2019.

Shazam!

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FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD T here was something wonderfully absurd about The cast reveals what we can expect from the new chapter in the Potterverse. their relationship,” adds Law, who plays a much younger version of the Hogwarts’ headmaster. Law says that part of the magic of joining the Potterverse was the storytelling of J.K. Rowling, and the pace with which it reveals changes in character.

GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS Ezra Miller in full pink Toadette cosplay sitting alongside Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne at the Comic-Con press conference. But it didn’t distract the star, or the assembled international media who had gathered to quiz the cast on how and where The Crimes of Grindelwald fits into J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World. With the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) at large and gathering followers, Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) enlists the help of Newt Scamander (Redmayne) to thwart Grindelwald’s plans to raise pure blood wizards up to rule over non-magical beings. “There is nothing more joyous than arriving on one of these sets. It’s imagination on steroids,” says Redmayne of returning to the role of Newt. “I love the relationship between Newt and Dumbledore [in the sequel]. Newt is entirely his own person and part of this film is a master/ apprentice thing. Newt is aware he’s being manipulated by Dumbledore, but can’t help but love him.” “It felt like were able to explore the similarities between Newt and Dumbledore with

“I felt like I knew the books pretty well, but the script is specific to this point in the character’s life. “We all know what happens to Albus in the Harry Potter stories, and there are aspects hinted at [in The Crimes of Grindelwald ]. The opportunity to tell one chapter of what is to come is extraordinary for an actor. To take your time and feel you’re in it for the long game is a luxury.” Stepping into Hogwarts for the first time was a magical moment for the actor. “When you have a relationship with a set or a place that has history, it’s extraordinary.” Of returning to the world of Fantastic Beasts, Alison Sudol, who plays Queenie Goldstein, says it was wonderful to come back, but also a little intimidating. “On the first film there was a sense of camaraderie and protection because nobody knew these characters. Now they do, there’s

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

more pressure. Certain aspects of Queenie were welcomed – so how do I make her evolve and maintain her essence, and allow her to go in the direction she needs to go?” Miller, returning as Creedence Barebone, promises the sequel will go even further into dark and terrifying worlds, and drops a teaser on the Fantastic Beasts themselves: “Niffler is back and may have babies…”

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is in cinemas on November 15.

Ezra Miller

Jackson Jr., who plays Chief Warrant Officer Barnes, also reveals himself as a Godzilla nerd. “I had the action figures as a kid. It’s

always been a part of my life, and to be part of a Godzilla film, and this one in particular with the monsters we bring in, is awesome. We jam-packed them into what I call ‘the pay- per-view of monster movies.’” While Dougherty confesses a soft spot for Rodan – “he’s always been the underdog – Jackson can’t wait for the audience to see his favourite: Godzilla’s nemesis, the mighty King Ghidorah. “There is nothing like a villain you love to hate, and there is nothing like that three-headed monster. To finally see him modernised and not a guy in a suit, I promise it should be the thing of nightmares.”

which opens with the characters played by Millie [Bobby Brown] and Vera witnessing one of Mothra’s unveilings. You first meet her in an ancient temple, which is very much a part of her mythology.” Mythology plays a major part in the story, adds Dougherty, revealing the monsters are referred to as ‘titans’. “I felt that was the appropriate name for them, because titans were the first gods. If we did discover giant monsters hibernating in the bowels of the earth, it would be like that. There’s an automatic mystery to that term.”

Writer-director Michael Dougherty promises an epic clash of the titans in this monster-sized sequel.

“I ’ve been a fan of Godzilla my Michael Dougherty. “Some of my earliest memories are watching Godzilla movies.” That makes him the perfect man for the job of bringing the big lizard back to the screen in Godzilla: King of the Monsters . Only this time, he’ll have company. As teased at the end of Kong: Skull entire life,” admits writer-director

Island , the sequel to 2014’s Godzilla reboot adds iconic Japanese kaiju Mothra, Rodan and the three-headed King Ghidorah to this growing screen MonsterVerse, with stars Vera Farmiga, Millie Bobby Brown and O’Shea Jackson Jr., caught up in the face-off between these colossal beasts. “I was very faithful to the original films,” says Dougherty. “Mothra is portrayed as a goddess in this film,

Godzilla: King of the Monsters is due in May 2019.

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