STACK #241 November 2024

YOUR

TO MOVIES, TV, MUSIC, GAMING & TECH

ESSENTIAL GUIDE

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ISSUE 241 NOV ’24

STACK Issue 241 NOVEMBER 2024 “You can’t fix a broken wagon wheel, but you can use the parts to make a new one.” © Home Box Office, Inc. HBO® and related service marks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc

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CONTENTS

ISSUE 241 NOV 2024

MOVIES & TV 6 Intro/Take 5/Filmmaker's Signature/On the Radar/ In Development/Bob J's Film Buff's Bafflers 7 Merch of the Month/Charts & Socials 8 Cinema: Gladiator II / Wicked 10 House of the Dragon: Season Two - Interview with Matt Smith 12 Yellowstone: Season 5, Part 1 14 Trap : M. Night Shyamalan's latest thriller 15 Bob J: Looking back at The African Queen 16 Happy birthday Kitty: Hello Kitty turns 50 18 New from Imprint Films 20 New to 4K 22 Out this month 24 The latest anime and board games TECH 26 Tech tips and editor's pick 48-52 Smart lighting for indoors and outdoors 56-60 All you need to know about PC Intel chips 62-68 How to choose the best haircare tech 70 Get artwork on your wall with the Hisense Canvas TV 72 5 things we love about the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 74 New tech at JB this month MUSIC 76 My first album/ STACK Exchange 78 Paul Kelly returns with a new album 82 The Cure and Adam Harvey 84 Willie Nelson and Sarah Blasko 86-87 New music coming to JB this month 90 Another four must-have albums for your record collection 92 Rock ‘n’ roll stories with Stuart Coupe GAMING FLIP MAG AND READ FROM BACK 3 Take 5/Chart/Q5 30-36 Smart home security solutions 38-46 How to automate your home

WELCOME

Following up a global phenomenon like Game of Thrones was always going to be a big ask, but fortunately spin-off series House of the Dragon took on the challenge with gusto and delivered a debut season that was every bit as complex and epic in scope. Drawing from author George R.R. Martin’s hefty book Fire and Blood , which chronicles the downfall of the warring House Targaryen some 200 years prior to the events of Thrones , House of the Dragon has enough material to fuel the series for many seasons to come – and, more importantly, it turns the rather stuffy source (written in the style of a historical document) into gripping viewing. The first season set up the events that will ultimately lead to the Targaryen civil war known as the ‘Dance of Dragons’, and season two raises the stakes even higher following the cliffhanger killing of Queen Rhaenyra’s son. Strategies are devised, armies are on the march, battle lines are drawn, and new dragon riders must be rallied. The second season also doubles down on the scheming, politicking, and wonderful dialogue that’s integral to both shows, and isn’t afraid to mercilessly dispatch key characters unexpectedly. Fans can also look forward to an epic dragon battle sequence that brings the fire and blood. The success of House of the Dragon is also a result of some quality casting, including Matt Smith as the morally bankrupt Prince Daemon Targaryen, and this issue

we catch up with the former Doctor Who to discuss his character. Let the Dance of Dragons begin… Paul Jones, Editor-in-Chief

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Social Media Manager Glenn Cochrane Production Manager Craig Patterson Correspondence STACK editor@stack.com.au

Founder Nic Short Editor-in-Chief Paul Jones Tech Editor Scott Hocking

Marketing Manager Fleur Parker Chief Contributors Gill Pringle, Bob Jones Contributors Jeff Jenkins, Simon Lukic, Billy Pinnell, Denise Hylands, Simon Winkler, Jake Cleland, Holly Pereira, Bec Summer, Dan Nicholson, Michael Irving, Jacqui Picone, Stuart Coupe, Trista McConville, Chris Mobbs, Michael Caverzan, James O’Connor

Games & Online Editor Amy Flower Movie & TV Editor Glenn Cochrane Creative Director Gary Siewert Movies Consultant Kerrie Taylor Games Consultant Sachi Fernando Music Consultant Mike Glynn

4 LEGO Horizon Adventures Q+A 6 Mario & Luigi: Brothership preview 8 Farming Simulator 25 Q+A 10 PS5 Pro preview 12 Razer Kraken V4 gaming headsets/ Wolverine V3 controllers 14 PowerA controllers 16-17 Out this month/Fast Forward/ Wham, bam, game exam!

RATINGS GUIDE

Parental guidance recommended

Recommended for mature audiences

Not suitable for people under 15. Under 15s must be accommpanied by a parent or adult guardian

Restricted to 18 and over

General

Disclaimer STACK is published by Scribal Custom Pty Ltd (ACN 092 362 135). © Copyright Scribal Custom Pty Ltd, 2024 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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STACKPresents

Taylor Sheridan, who we dub Hollywood’s cowboy, is known for his groundbreaking work in film and TV. The Texan wrote Sicario and Hell or High Water , and created hit shows like Yellowstone , Mayor of Kingstown , and Tulsa King . With Yellowstone Season 5 Part 1 arriving, let’s explore his trademarks. Morality Moral ambiguity is foundational to much of Sheridan’s work, evident in the actions of the Dutton family in Yellowstone and Benicio del Toro’s assassin in Sicario . Characters frequently confront difficult choices, compelling them to navigate the grey areas between right and wrong, often abandoning their own ethics. Rugged landscapes Most of Sheridan’s stories are set against rugged or arid landscapes that enhance narratives and provide a sense of belonging for his characters. Titles like Yellowstone and Wind River illustrate how the scenery is as integral to humanity as the characters themselves. Violence and consequence Violence and its consequences align closely with his themes of morality, forcing characters to confront the harsh realities of their actions. From the infamous “Train Station” in Yellowstone , where individuals disappear without a trace, to the criminality in Hell or High Water , where violence stems from economic hardship, his narratives reveal the complex interplay between choice and consequence. TAYLOR SHERIDAN

What’s a movie you saw as a child that has left a lasting

NOVEMBER

impression on you? Harry Potter. I had a strange childhood and those movies were my escape. I’d close my eyes and imagine I was at Hogwarts. To this day, Harry Potter marathons make me happy. What’s one of your all-time favourite movies, and why? Other than Harry Potter, it would be Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl . Jack Sparrow has the greatest entrance in cinematic history, plus I LOVE the behind-the scenes stuff on the Blu-rays - invaluable for a film student. What’s one of your all-time favourite TV series, and why? The Blacklist with James Spader, I first started watching it because I recognised him from Boston Legal and I got hooked on it. The opening in season one really pulls you in. What have you been watching lately that you’d recommend? I’ve been trying to watch movies I wouldn’t normally watch, particularly older movies. I recently watched the Smokey and the Bandit trilogy. It was actually pretty good.

’ s ROVING REPORTER

BRITNEY SPAULDING @ JB Loganholme, QLD

What’s the best thing about working at JB? The team, definitely the team. Since starting at JB, my professional and personal life have both improved. I’ve made many friends, and the company has given me so many opportunities to progress. It’s been an amazing experience so far.

On The Radar

As we barrel towards the end of the year, December comes stacked with massive titles, including the long-awaited return of Beetlejuice, the terrifying rural thriller Speak No Evil , and the latest epic instalment of the Transformers franchise.

QUIZ

Q3 Who portrayed the teenager in I Was a Teenage Werewolf (1957)? Q4 In which movie did Elvis Presley play a mixed race Native American? Q5 Which MGM film, based on a Broadway musical, featured the song “You Can’t Get a Man with a Gun” ? Q6 In 1992 and 1994 respectively, who played the character Admiral James Greer? Q7 On whose original

story was the 1968 musical fantasy Chitty Chitty Bang Bang based? Q8 In which James Bond film did the actress Deborah Kerr portray Agent Mimi (alias Lady Fiona)? Q9 “To survive a war, you’ve gotta become war” is a famous quote from which 1985 movie character? Q10 Only three traditional westerns have won ‘Best Picture’ Oscars - titles please.

PRE-ORDER NOW IN DEVELOPMENT

*not final artworks

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) was a groundbreaking film that follows two drag queens and a transgender woman travelling across Australia to perform at rural venues. It explores themes of identity, friendship, bigotry, and culture. The film’s

Q1 Which was the only X-rated movie to win a ‘Best Picture’ Academy Award? Q2 Who made cinematic history by becoming the very first woman to win an Academy Award for ‘Best Director’?

global success earned it an Academy Award for ‘Best Costume Design’, solidifying its status as a cultural touchstone. Now, 30 years later, director Stephan Elliott and the original cast are returning for an all-new adventure set in Australia and abroad, promising to be a fun, uplifting, timely and extravagant new chapter.

OCTOBER 2024 (Issue 240) ANSWERS - A1. American Graffiti A2. Diana Rigg in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service A3. James Dean for East of Eden and Giant (1955, 1956) A4. Joan Crawford A5. The Godfather (1972) A6. Full Metal Jacket (1987) A7. Casablanca (1942) A8. 2002 - Denzel Washington (‘Best Actor’); Halle Berry (‘Best Actress’), Sidney Poitier (‘Honorary Award’) A9. Vin Tanner (Steve McQueen) in The Magnificent Seven A10. The Hucksters - Deborah Kerr

NOVEMBER 2024

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THIS MONTH at

EXTRAS

STACK SOCIAL

Join us on social media and stay updated with the latest news, reviews, and monthly competitions. See exclusive unboxing videos, the newest movie trailers, gameplay videos, and red carpet pics from film premieres. Make sure you get involved and follow us on: STACK Magazine stackmagazine @stackmag @STACKMag STACKPresents What you've been loving on socials this month: Imagine unearthing a lost Walkman cassette player. What tape would be inside it? That’s the question we put to social media and the response was hilarious. From “songs ripped off the radio” to the classic compilation Throbbin’ ‘84 ! And if you’re thinking “What’s a Walkman?”, then you’d better ask your parents.

Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary merch!

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In November 1984, director Wes Craven revolutionised horror with A Nightmare on Elm Street , introducing the iconic Freddy Krueger. Blending slasher elements with surrealism, the film follows a malevolent spirit that haunts teenagers in their sleep, tormenting them with his bladed glove. It launched a franchise juggernaut, resulting in six sequels, a spin-off, a remake, a television series, and video games. At one point, even Freddy Krueger show bags were sold at agricultural shows across Australia.

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Can you guess the movie? Hamlet with singing cats

The Lion King

A happy birthday to MARTIN SCORSESE who turns 81 on November 17 Undeniably one of cinema’s most influential and towering figures, Martin Scorsese shows no signs of slowing down and projects. The movie-making machine has given us some of the greatest films of all time, including Taxi Driver (1976), Raging Bull (1980), Goodfellas (1990), and last year’s powerful Killers of the Flower Moon , and we can’t wait to see what he does next. STACK ’s fave celebrity quote: “At what age do you tell a highway it’s adopted?” - Zach Galifianakis is currently developing three feature films and a handful of television

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1 DESPICABLE ME 4 2 BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE 3 LONGLEGS 4 A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE 5 IF (IMAGINARY FRIENDS) 6 THE BIKERIDERS 7 FURIOSA 8 REACHER: SEASON 2 9 THE GILDED AGE SEASON 2 10 THE CROWN: SEASON 6

1 BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE 2 FURIOSA 3 TWISTER 4 LONGLEGS 5 A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE 6 CALIGULA: ULTIMATE CUT 7 DUNE: PART TWO 8 AMERICAN PSYCHO/ AMERICAN PSYCHO 2 9 THE RING (2002) 10 ROSEMARYS BABY (1968)

1 BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE 2 DESPICABLE ME 4 3 LONGLEGS 4 A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE 5 MAXXXINE 6 FURIOSA 7 REACHER: SEASON 2 8 DUNE: PART TWO 9 HORIZON: AN AMERICAN SAGA - CHAPTER 1 10 THE BIKERIDERS

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CINEMA FEATURE

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D irected by Jon M. Chu, the epic musical fantasy features Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, along with Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard. Set in the Land of Oz, largely before Dorothy Gale’s arrival from Kansas, the plot covers the events of the musical's first act, following green-skinned Elphaba’s studies at Shiz University and the beginning of her path to becoming the Wicked Witch of the West, alongside an unlikely friendship and rivalry with her roommate, who later becomes Glinda the Good. For Chu, landing the job of directing Wicked has been a long journey - more than two decades earlier, having accompanied his mum Ruth to an early workshop of the musical in San Francisco in 2003. Wicked - Part 1 is the first of a two-part film adaptation of the stage musical of the same name, which in turn was based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 book and characters from L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz . Words Gill Pringle WICKED

T he first film won five Oscars - including 'Best Actor' for Russell Crowe - and the legendary director suggests that the sequel may be even better, if that’s possible. “It’s well worth the wait. It’s possibly even more extraordinary than the first,” teases the director responsible for some of the most beloved films, including Bladerunner, Alien, Thelma & Louise, American Gangster, and The Martian . While still editing the film in London, Scott spoke via Zoom at this year’s CinemaCon, showing footage to a breathless audience at Las Vegas’s Caesar’s Palace - an apt setting for the Roman drama. Rather wittily, the hotel’s famous naked Roman statues, scattered throughout the resort, had their modesty covered with bronze shields bearing the legend Gladiator II . Joining Scott on the Zoom stage was Paul Mescal, 28, who plays the central role of Lucius Verus, the son of Crowe’s Maximus and Connie Nielsen’s Lucilla. “Working on this film was one of the standout moments in my life to date. Getting to go to work every day and have Sir Ridley Scott behind the camera is a good day's work in any context,” said the Irish actor, who rose to fame in the TV miniseries Normal People , going on to star in Aftersun and The Lost Daughter . With Austin Butler, Miles Teller, and Richard Madden all in the running for the role of Lucius, Scott was convinced following a meeting with Mescal that he would be up to gladiator duties thanks to a childhood spent playing Gaelic football. It didn’t hurt that Paramount executives had also seen Mescal’s performance in a London revival of A Streetcar Named Desire , reporting back about how female audience members had responded ecstatically to Mescal’s shirtless scenes. Set two decades after the events of his historical epic Gladiator , Ridley Scott re-enters the arena with his long-anticipated sequel, Gladiator II . Words Gill Pringle GLADIATOR II

Director Jon M. Chu with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande

“People have different relationships with Wicked ,” says the Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights, and Step Up director. “But Wicked had a real impact on me as a young filmmaker. I went with my mom, who had just gone through chemotherapy. Every weekend when I was growing up - even though we were five crazy kids - she would take us to the theatre, opera, or musical in San Francisco. Despite his passion, Chu doesn’t believe the film would have been possible without his two leading ladies. “We wouldn't make the movie if we didn't find two people who could embody what this movie and what the songs deliver,” he says. “So when you find two singers like Ariana and Cynthia, you just know it's destiny. There’s just a spiritual connection between these two. We went through such a journey together, with them going into very personal things in their life to find the truth in these two characters,” he adds.

Gladiator II is in cinemas November 14.

Wicked is in cinemas on November 21.

NOVEMBER 2024

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MOVIE FEATURE

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American novelist and TV writer George Raymond Richard Martin - aka G.R.R.M. - is best known as the author of the epic fantasy novels A Song of Ice and Fire , inspired by the War of the Roses , The Accursed Kings and Ivanhoe . Famously adapted into the award-winning TV series Game of Thrones and its prequel series House of the Dragon , the 78-year-old author has been dubbed as “the American Tolkien”. A conscientious objector during the Vietnam War, he first began selling sci-fi short stories at age 21, later moving to Hollywood where he wrote TV scripts for a Twilight WHO IS GEORGE R.R. MARTIN?

Zone reboot, Beauty and the Beast , and Max Headroom . Refusing to work at the

In a career defined by four seasons as one of the most likable Doctor Whos in the show’s storied history, you can’t blame Matt Smith for wanting to embrace his inner evil occasionally. Words Gill Pringle

pace demanded by TV, he is still writing two highly anticipated books in the A Song of Ice and Fire series.

R eturning to his role as morally bankrupt Prince Daemon Targaryen in the second season of House of the Dragon , the fact that Daemon is married to his niece seems like the least of his sins. “He’s an absolute madman!” laughs Smith, 42, confessing to a sneaking admiration for his twisted, scheming character who is married to his brother’s daughter Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, portrayed by Emma D’Arcy. “What I quite like about Daemon is that he flies by the beat of his own drum and that his moral compass is his own. I admire his conviction in his mistakes and his actions. For better or worse, he does them anyway,” says the actor, who also portrayed cold-blooded killer

Charles Manson in the crime drama, Charlie Says (2018). Based on George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood , the series - set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones - tells the story of House Targaryen. By far the most famous among House of the Dragon ’s large ensemble cast, Matt smiles resignedly when you ask if his character’s distinctive long silvery white hair might afford him some kind of anonymity, “Umm, no,” he says flatly. Unlike brunette Emilia Clarke who rose to fame as flaxen-haired Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones , Smith is already a household name - and it would take a lot more than a

blonde wig for him to pass unnoticed. Ask him what star sign he imagines Prince Daemon might be, and he becomes animated. “I am a Scorpio in life but Daemon is definitely a Scorpio. There’s no doubt about that,” he says. While audiences watched the slow death of Paddy Considine’s King Viserys Targaryen in the last season, Smith still misses the actor who portrayed his brother. “The way he died was so horrendous, and we were right there next to it, seeing him sort of decompose,” he says of Paddy’s character, who suffered a gruesome season long deterioration before finally succumbing to leprosy, but not before losing an eye, half his face, and most of his hair. The king’s death further results in fracturing the uneasy marriage between Smith’s Prince Daemon and D’Arcy’s Princess Rhaenyra. “They can't unburden themselves room constantly that they’ve sort of weaponised against each other and it's quite uncomfortable for them both. “But I personally believe there is a very deep from this sort of shadow, and I think there's this elephant in the

Matt Smith

• House of the Dragon - Season 2 is out Nov 20

sense of love between the two of them, which is challenged in many

quarters, and it's tested,” he hints.

Check out the range of House of the Dragon Pop! Vinyl available at JB.

10 NOVEMBER 2024

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MOVIE FEATURE

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THE YELLOWSTONE UNIVERSE

Yellowstone ’s first spin-off prequel series, 1883 - starring Sam Elliott with country stars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill - lasted just one season

Yellowstone ,TV’s biggest drama, has become an industry juggernaut. After a long delay, Season 5, Part 1 has finally arrived, offering a final chance to see Kevin Costner’s imposing ranching patriarch, John Dutton - whether he rides off into the sunset, or just heads to the governor’s office. Words Gill Pringle C reated by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson, Range , he was eager to return to the director’s chair, inspired by America’s enduring love for the genre. And so, the megastar, who was initially contracted to appear in only three seasons, decided to hang up his Dutton boots. THE YELLOWSTONE EMPIRE the neo-western series premiered on TV six years ago, instantly becoming a hit largely thanks to its star Kevin Costner as Yellowstone ’s imposing patriarch, John Dutton. But Dutton’s three squabbling adult children quickly captured hearts too - namely Kelly Reilly’s out-of-control Beth Dutton, Wes Bentley’s scheming and despicable Jamie Dutton, and Luke In season five, John Dutton takes on the role of Montana’s reluctant governor, determined to protect his ranch at all costs. However, Market Equities - the company from the previous season aiming to buy out

(intentionally, according to Sheridan). The story was chronologically the first of several prequels

in Sheridan’s Yellowstone universe, focusing on a generation of the Dutton family during the Old West as they crossed the country before settling the land that would become the Yellowstone Ranch. A second prequel series 1923 - starring the Duttons during the time of Prohibition and the Great Depression. The third projected sequel in the series, 1944 , brings the fortunes of the Dutton family and their ranch closer to recent history, although no cast has yet been announced. 6666 is envisioned as a standalone series that - unlike the others - doesn’t focus on the Duttons. Founded when the Comanches still ruled West Texas, no ranch in America is more steeped in the history of the west than the 6666, also known as the Four Sixes. We’ve seen glimpses of the iconic ranch in Season 4 of Yellowstone , as well as through Jimmy’s POV in the first half of Season 5. The Madison : Originally set to star Matthew McConaughey, he has since left the project, and Michelle Pfeiffer will now take the lead. The show will apparently act as a sequel to Yellowstone , set in the present day, following a New York family who settle close to the Duttons. Lawmen: Bass Reeves : A standalone miniseries starring David Oyelowo as the titular lawman, the story is based on the life of the first African American deputy US Marshal, west of the Mississippi River, who allegedly captured over 3,000 of the most dangerous criminals without ever being wounded. Also featuring Dennis Quaid and the late Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren - focused on an intervening generation of

Grimes’ dreamy cowboy Kayce Dutton, who follows his heart to marry a local Native American girl. Joined by an excellent ensemble cast, the show was as popular as it could get. After years spent filming on the breathtaking plains of Montana and Utah, surrounded by cattle and horses, Costner’s inner cowboy was reawakened. His 1991 western Dances with Wolves had earned seven Oscars, and after 2003’s Open

landowners to build an airport - isn't backing down. They've called in reinforcements to dismantle the Dutton empire. But fans shouldn't despair at the series coming to an end in the forthcoming Season 5, Part 2, because series creator Taylor Sheridan has created a sprawling Yellowstone

• Yellowstone: Season 5 - Part 1 is out Nov 6

universe consisting of sequels, prequels, and spin-offs.

WHO IS TAYLOR SHERIDAN?

Sheridan, 54, began his career as an actor on shows Veronica Mars and Walker, Texas Ranger , his most notable role being as David Hale on Sons of Anarchy . But, after deciding to try his hand at writing, he made his

splashy debut as a screenwriter on Denis Villeneuve’s Sicario (2015), receiving multiple award nominations. Going on to write the sequel to Sicario , he was Oscar-nominated for 'Best Original Screenplay' for

Hell or High Water (2016). Also co-creating

crime thriller series Mayor of Kingstown and Tulsa King , his greatest success has been with the Yellowstone franchise.

JUST ANNOUNCED! LANDMAN , starring Billy Bob Thornton

Donald Sutherland, the show was executive-produced by Sheridan.

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MOVIE FEATURE

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M. Night Shyamalan isn’t the first filmmaker to direct his daughter in a major motion picture. Here are a few examples of dads who have given their daughters a leg up that you may not know about. DADDY’S LITTLE GIRL

Hayley Mills

Inspired by his eldest daughter Saleka - a successful concert pianist and R&B singer - filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan hopes his latest horror movie, Trap , will appeal to film fans and music lovers. Words Gill Pringle S tarring Saleka as the film’s pop star Lady Raven, Shyamalan transports audiences into an immersive concert experience A KILLER TRAP

John Huston directed Anjelica Huston in films such as A Walk with Love and Death (1969) and The Dead (1987).

Steven Spielberg directed Sasha Spielberg in films such as The Terminal (2004), Munich (2005), and The Post (2017). Dario Argento directed Asia Argento in films such as The Stendhal Syndrome (1996), Opera (1987), and Mother of Tears (2007). Martin Scorsese directed Francesca Scorsese in The Aviator (2004), The Departed (2006), and Hugo (2011).

Ron Howard directed Bryce Dallas Howard in a bunch of movies including Apollo 13 (1995), How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), and A Beautiful Mind (2001).

where Josh Hartnett’s serial killer attends the show with his teen daughter. As security guards abruptly lock down the arena, he realises too late that the entire event is a trap laid by police to catch him. “So, my oldest daughter is a musician, and as we went around the country and different places where she's playing in concerts, we were talking about the immersive quality of going to a concert,” says Night, explaining how he first conceived the idea for Trap . “And you see a kind of culture now and how immersive that is for all these people that get swept up in the [concert] experience together. And so, she and I were talking for a long time about how to combine these two things: coming to the movies and the feeling of being at a concert,” he told a rapt audience at CinemaCon in Las Vegas a few months ago, which STACK attended. "Saleka ended up signing at Columbia Records, and has a wonderful career, and she's also a concert pianist. And so we were talking about all aspects of this, and I said: 'What if we did something together like you could take music and that experience and then you add something like a thriller to it?' “And so, after talking about this for years, we suddenly got this idea. And we said, ‘Let's do this, this is going to be amazing!’ I think my job is to make the most provocative, unusual movies for audiences so that they're riveted and they're laughing and screaming and gasping - and they want to be together when they do that.”

M. Night Shyamalan and Saleka

Old and also his TV horror series Servant . And while making her acting debut in Trap , she also wrote 14 songs for the film. As for her celebrated father, M. Night Shyamalan's passion for filmmaking began when he was given a Super 8 camera at the age of eight, and he's never looked back. His provocative thriller The Sixth Sense (1999) - starring Toni Collette and Bruce Willis - brought him international acclaim 25 years ago, leading to further intriguing movies including Unbreakable (2000), Signs (2002), The Village (2004), Split (2016), and Glass (2019). As for Josh Hartnett, the Black Hawk Down (2001) and Pearl Harbor (2001) star finds himself back in demand following his recent

Josh Hartnett and Ariel Donoghue

Featuring Alison Pill, Ariel Donoghue, and even former child star Hayley Mills, making a rare appearance, the film shows the disturbing fallout as the concertgoers realise they’re at the centre of a dark and sinister event. Having grown up watching horror movies with her family, Saleka, now 28, studied

role alongside an all-star cast in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer (2023), as well as serving up the laughs

with John Travolta and Kevin Hart in comedy Die Hart (2020-present). His twisted performance as a serial killer dubbed “The

classical piano as a child but later pursued a singing and songwriting career, going on to open for acts Boyz II Men, Baby Rose, and Summer Walker.

• Trap is out Nov 6

She began musically collaborating with her dad in 2021, writing songs for his film

Butcher” in Trap will surely keep audiences guessing..

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FEATURE MOVIE

Fun facts about The African Queen

Ranked as the 65th greatest film of all time by the American Film Institute. Lauren Bacall was on location serving as den mother to the crew, while her husband (Bogart) was filming. Walt Disney based his Jungle Cruise attraction at Disneyland on The African Queen , which was his favourite film of all time. It was the first colour film for both Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn In a sign of the times, censors objected to aspects of the original script, including characters cohabiting without being married. John Huston made no money from the film on account of distancing himself from the production company which was being sued for fraud. John Huston had large crates marked ’Medical supplies’ shipped to the Congo. They were filled with whisky and gin. Clint Eastwood’s White Hunter, Black Heart (1990) was based on a novel by The African Queen scriptwriter, Peter Viertel, who based the story on his experiences on location in Africa. In the 1930s, Columbia Pictures initially planned to make The African Queen with Hollywood couple Charles Laughton and Elsa Lanchester. Instead, they produced The Beachcomber (1938), which shares the same story. The Beachcomber was later remade in 1954, starring Glynis Johns. Lanchester and Johns would later appear together in Mary Poppins . John Wayne and Katharine Hepburn’s 1975 movie Rooster Cogburn is certainly derived from The African Queen plot, and is a perfect example of Hollywood recycling their older productions.

Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn deliver Oscar-winning performances in the 1951 jungle adventure, directed by the great John Huston. Words Bob J

German gunboat with homemade torpedoes. During their perilous journey, the totally mismatched couple fall in love. Huston decided to film in Africa primarily because he wanted to experience big-game hunting. At first, he adamantly refused to shoot the film in colour, as all of his previous movies had been shot in monochrome. However, once he experienced the lush green tropical jungles of Uganda, he was immediately converted to the idea of a Technicolor film. As he began shooting the film, sure enough as with the two previous movie productions, most of the cast and crew rapidly became ill with dysentery, especially Kate Hepburn who continually vomited between scenes. Bogart was practically mutinous throughout the shoot, continually complaining about the depressive humidity, the flies, and the snakes, describing the location ”an absolute stink hole”. Yet, ironically, Bogart and Huston were the only two who didn’t fall ill throughout the shoot, probably due to both of them just eating canned food and swilling bottles of imported Scotch whisky. But despite the extremely harsh conditions, it didn't stop both stars from delivering superlative performances that deservedly won Bogart his only 'Best Actor' Oscar.

Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart.

T he first Hollywood feature movie to be filmed entirely in Africa was the 1931 MGM release Trader Horn . The problems encountered at the African locations were overwhelming, where cast and crew contracted malaria and dysentery as well as being plagued with locust, tsetse fly, and ant invasions. Over the next two decades, Hollywood’s ”jungle” movies, including the Tarzan series, were shot in Southern California, Florida, or on studio backlots. In 1949, however, MGM decided to film King Solomon’s Mines using Technicolor for the first time in an American feature filmed entirely in Equatorial Africa. But after four gruelling months of filming with both cast and crew suffering various bouts of sickness and heat stroke, director Andrew Marton requested the studio to allow them to return to Hollywood to finalise the production. The movie rights for C.S. Forester’s novel The African Queen had been purchased by Warner Bros in 1947 with the intention of starring David Niven and Bette Davis in the main roles. But instead, it was decided to shelve it. Enter film producer Sam Spiegel who, along with movie director John Huston, bought the movie rights from W.B. in 1950 and persuaded Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn to take the lead roles.

Set in German East Africa at the beginning of World War I, British Reverend Samuel Sayer (Robert Morley) and his chatterbox spinster sister Rose (Hepburn) are devastated when German colonial troops destroy the village they used as their mission station. The appalling event results in Original poster art

Humphrey with his Oscar

the Reverend dying of a heart attack and the grief-stricken Rose becomes determined to seek her revenge. She's rescued by the usual once-a-month visitor, the gin soaked low-life river rat Charlie Allnut (Bogart). Rose with her sophisticated charm manages to persuade a reluctant Allnut to join forces and together steer his battered tugboat, the African Queen, downriver to sink a

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Moe anthropomorphism That’s quite a mouthful, although keen anime fans will know all about it. Hello Kitty falls under the Japanese art form of Gijinka, a type of moe anthropomorphism where human traits are given to animals or inanimate objects. While it shares roots with classic anthropomorphism seen in Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Pluto, and Donald Duck, Gijinka is more deeply embedded in fan culture and often features characters with stronger animal traits. Its popularity has grown significantly with the rise of comic conventions and digital media, with notable examples including Pokémon, Digimon, and Sonic the Hedgehog.

It’s hard to imagine living in the modern world and not knowing who or what Hello Kitty is. Words Glenn Cochrane F rom plush toys to decal stickers, apparel and designer clothes, Hello Kitty is the global pop-cultural sensation that’s been bringing smiles to generations of people for 50 years. The cute character has its origins in footwear of all things, and was created (ahem, born) in 1974 by Japanese designer Yuko Shimizu. She was tasked by Sanrio entrepreneur Shintaro Tsuji to design a fun character for his merchandise after he discovered that whimsical items, like rubber flowers, boosted sales of his sandal line.

Kitty sensation Wherever you are in the world, there’s Kitty... be it in department stores, libraries, or food courts. Her face is everywhere and the sheer magnitude of her popularity might as well have her say “Kerching” rather than “meow”. In fact, her cultural impact can be likened to that of Barbie, with her global revenue estimated to be $ AU11 billion, putting her above other media properties such as Star Wars and second only to Pokémon. Some of the many products and industries Hello Kitty is associated with across 130 countries include television, music, hospitality, fast food, transport, comics, video games, automotive, fashion, stationary, wine, electronics, telecommunications, tourism, theme parks, footwear, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and sports.

Yuko created a simple white cat with a red bow and no mouth, which symbolised the “Kawaii” (cute) popular culture that swept across Japan during the 1970s. She describes the character as being British, and the singular drive behind it was to promote social communication. Hello Kitty’s first appearance was on a small coin purse, and she has since gone on to become a big brand juggernaut, influencing art, fashion, consumer products, and more.

Yuko Shimizu Hello Kitty designer

Hello Kitty's first apperance.

Identity crisis In recent years, a misconception has circulated that Hello Kitty is actually a little English girl, much to the surprise of consumers. If that were true, what’s with the whiskers? Fortunately, Sanrio - the company that owns the rights to Hello Kitty - clarified the misunderstanding, confirming that Hello Kitty is an

Family business Hello Kitty also goes by the name Kitty White, and she’s not alone in this world. Throughout the years we have been introduced to several members of her family, as well as her boyfriend, Dear Daniel. Say hello to her twin sister Mimmy, father George, mother Mary, grandfather Anthony, grandmother Margaret, and pets Charmmy the cat and Sugar the Hamster. Oh, and Kitty also has a superhero alter ego called Ichigoman.

anthropomorpised character, meaning, like Mickey Mouse, animal with human traits.

she is an

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Get ready for some of the most exciting physical media releases of the year! Imprint Films is launching four epic new 4K editions, including two worldwide firsts, packed with a mother lode of brand-new and archival bonus content. Words Glenn Cochrane

THE NEVERENDING STORY (1984) This might be the most exciting release of the year! The NeverEnding Story , one of the most beloved films ever, is getting an exciting 4K release! Imprint Films is pulling out all the stops with this limited edition five-disc box set, featuring both the American theatrical and German extended cuts. It’s packed with new bonus content, including a feature-length documentary, new featurettes, 70 minutes of deleted scenes, audio commentaries,

THE ADVENTURES OF PRISCILLA, QUEEN OFTHE DESERT (1994)

Stephan Elliott’s seminal Australian classic and Academy Award winning The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is making its worldwide 4K debut, fully restored by Imprint Films under Elliott’s supervision. This 30th anniversary limited edition three-disc set comes in an exclusive 3D lenticular hardbox, packed with bonus content, including new interviews, audio commentaries, featurettes, the documentary Between a Frock and a Hard

and more. The set comes in stunning replica storybook packaging, complete with a 1984 press kit, a full-colour matte laminated poster, lobby cards, and a lenticular hard case.

Place , outtakes, and an exclusive booklet. With Elliott and the original cast preparing for the long-awaited sequel, now is the perfect time to pick up this stunning release.

CONVOY (1978) “Looks like we’ve got us a convoy!” Sam Peckinpah’s second-to-last film, Convoy , is getting a beautifully curated three-disc collection, featuring a new 4K restoration of both the theatrical cut and the 115-minute extended cut, with five extra minutes of footage. This cinephile's delight is packed with fresh bonus content, including audio commentaries, lost scenes, featurettes, behind-the-scenes photos, and a feature-length documentary. Starring the late Kris Kristofferson, Ernest Borgnine, and Ali MacGraw, Convoy is a must-have for any serious movie collection.

A BRIDGETOO FAR (1977) Making its worldwide 4K debut, Imprint Films proudly presents a three disc box set of Richard Attenborough’s classic war film A Bridge Too Far . Featuring an all-star cast including Sean Connery, Michael Caine, Gene Hackman, Laurence Olivier, Elliot Gould, James Caan, Ryan O’Neal, Edward Fox, Anthony Hopkins, Robert Redford, and Liv Ullmann, this release is packed with bonus content. It includes new interviews, featurettes, a trivia

track, documentaries, an exclusive booklet, and much more.

Also released this month… YEAR OFTHE DRAGON (1985) Standard Edition

• Pre-order the new Imprint range, out on December 4 for a limited time only, while stocks last.

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Words Amy Flower

TO CATCH A THIEF Cary Grant and Grace Kelly star in one of legendary director Alfred Hitchcock’s most loved romantic thrillers. Based on the (Grant) who sets out to prove his innocence when suspected of a string of heists along the French Riviera, while also finding time to romance an oil-rich widow’s 1952 novel by David Dodge, it tells of a retired jewel thief

DISC OF THE MONTH

GHOST

T he movie that made pottery wheels super-sexy, and one of the highest grossing romances of all time, Ghost now

daughter (Kelly). This cinema classic comes to us in restored, native 4K with both Dolby Vision and HDR10, accompanied by Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio. Out November 6

THE AFRICAN QUEEN The latest in StudioCanal’s

makes its way to 4K Ultra HD. If you’ve somehow missed it, the story centres on a banker named Sam (Patrick Swayze) and his girlfriend Molly (Demi Moore). Attacked by a mugger, Sam doesn’t survive, however his spectral self sets out to protect Molly from further harm via a medium (Whoopi Goldberg). Expect native 4K with Dolby Vision and HDR10, along with a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack. Out November 6

excellent Classics Remastered series, they really don’t come much more classic than this! Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart star, in a WWI-set tale of the sister of a British missionary in Africa, and the slovenly – but strangely appealing - steamer captain who offers to return her to

civilisation, and out of German harm’s way. This lovingly restored disc features native 4K vision with Dolby Vision/ HDR10, and an authentic DTS-HD Master Audio mono mix. Out November 13

Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze

STARDUST (2007) Boasting an incredible ensemble cast – Claire

WORLD WAR Z Who doesn’t like a bit of Brad Pitt action? There’s plenty on the menu in this thrilling horror-soaked tale based on the novel of the same name by Max Brooks. Pitt plays Gerry Lane, a former UN investigator who enters a race against time looking into

But wait, there’s more! With Smile 2 recently creeping out cinemagoers, 4K collectors also have reason to grin from ear to ear come November 6, as they’ll be able to add 2022’s originator Smile (native 4K, Dolby Vision/ HDR10, Dolby Atmos) to their collections…

Danes, Charlie Cox, Sienna Miller, Ricky

Gervais, Rupert Everett, Peter O’Toole, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro, Ian McKellen – this captivating romantic fantasy adventure, based on the 1998 Neil

Continuing the horror theme, director George Franju’s 1960 black and white classic Eyes Without a Face (aka Les Yeux Sans Visage ) also arrives on November 6 this month (native 4K, Dolby Vision/HDR10, DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0)… With Christmas around the corner, it’s time to add to our festive 4K collections, and November 6 also sees the arrival of 1985’s Santa Claus: The Movie (native 4K, Dolby Vision/HDR10, DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0), starring Dudley Moore and John Lithgow… Gamers – and fans of action television – should note down November 13, as that’s when the two seasons of Halo , based on the hit Xbox game series, hit Australian 4K shelves (native 4K, Dolby Vision/HDR10, Dolby Atmos).

Gaiman book, is set to delight 4K Ultra HD fans. The tale of a magical kingdom and catching a falling star heads to the format boasting a native 4K transfer that features Dolby Vision and HDR10, with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 on sound duties. Out November 6

a virus that’s causing a sudden worldwide zombie apocalypse. The brains behind this release are delivering us Dolby Vision enhancement (HDR10 too), which is coupled in the sound department with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. Out November 6

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BORDERLANDS Boasting an all-star cast including Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Jamie Lee Curtis, Borderlands is non-stop excitement set on the dangerous planet of Pandora, where a group of misfit heroes embark on a quest to recover a powerful alien technology. The energy levels of this flick are out of this world.

MAYHEM From the twisted mind of director Xavier Gens ( Frontiers ) comes Mayhem , a brutal action thriller about an ex-con boxer trying to build a peaceful life in Thailand, only to become the target of a vengeful crime lord. What follows is an extreme and bone crunching campaign of revenge that doesn’t relent until the movie’s final frame. CLASSIFIED From action movie director and stalwart Roel Reiné ( Death Race 2 ), and starring Aaron Eckhart ( Olympus Has Fallen ), the film is about a veteran CIA hitman who has been following orders from classified newspaper ads and discovers that his division was shut down years ago. Now he must uncover who has been pulling the strings all these years. IT ENDS WITH US Blake Lively plays Lily Bloom, who navigates the challenges of love and trauma while grappling with an abusive relationship. The blend of emotional depth and romance makes for a gripping exploration of resilience and self empowerment and a memorable viewing experience. KNEECAP A musical biopic unlike any other, Kneecap follows the real-life rise of the Irish-language rap group Kneecap, who became icons of cultural rebellion in their home country. Starring the real group members themselves, the film also features Michael Fassbender and is a chaotic, raw, and hilarious rags-to-riches journey that boasts provocative performances by the band. 6/11/24 Horror 6/11/24 Action 13/11/24 DRAMA

Sci-Fi

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THE CROW Bill Skarsgård plays Eric Draven, a man brought back from the dead to avenge the murder of his fiancée, played by pop star FKA Twigs. From the director of Snow White and the Huntsman , this new interpretation of The Crow is a darker, more modern take on James O’Barr’s gothic comic book. MAFIA MAMMA Catherine Hardwicke’s Mafia Mamma , starring Toni Collette, has finally arrived on physical media. The story of a mild-mannered suburban mum who becomes the head of a mafia empire in Italy is one of the year’s most outrageous comedies, and is guaranteed to drop jaws. BLINK TWICE Actress Zoë Kravitz makes her directorial debut with this subversive psychological thriller starring Channing Tatum. It follows a waitress and her friend who are invited to a tech billionaire’s private island for a week of spoils, only to find themselves caught in a terrifying plot of mind games, drugs, and manipulation. 13/11/24 Action/Adventure 6/11/24 Comedy

Thriller

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DRAMA

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THE LATEST

Words Michael Caverzan

OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB

THE GREAT CLERIC In The Great Cleric , a salaryman is gunned down right before he’s due for a big promotion and wakes up in another world in the body of that this world can be a little rough on those with the gift – healers are much sought after, but easily exploited. It’s not all gloom and doom, as this is a lighthearted affair, with charming animation and character designs, and a main character that never underestimates the value of hard work. It’s pretty funny, too. Blu-ray | Nov 6 Luciel, a teenager with a knack for the healing arts. The only catch is

TRIGUN STAMPEDE Using slick 3D, Trigun Stampede is a fresh

Haruhi Fujioka joins the boys of the titular club as a way to repay them after an expensive vase is broken. The trouble is that Haruhi is a woman, so she goes undercover and has to entertain the

adaptation of the classic manga that hits all the high notes while carving its own path. Vash the Stampede, an outlaw wanted for acts of extreme violence, has

many people on his trail. When two reporters track him down, they quickly realise he’s not the terrorist he’s been made out to be, but a laid-back, peaceful man. However, his twin brother Knives is a different story – and the threat he poses may force Vash to take action. This collection is packed with bonus features, including interviews, featurettes, and more. Blu-ray | Nov 6

patrons of their Host Club in disguise, all while dealing with the antics of the boys that she works with. There’s a reason most anime fans have heard of this 2000s anime; it’s a bit of a time capsule, but one that has not dulled with age. There’s an inherent campiness to it all, but it remains a good time. Blu-ray | Nov 6

A strategic card game where players control pets with unique abilities, the aim is to gather resources and outmanoeuvre opponents. The gameplay involves using pet powers to gain advantages, disrupt rivals, and manage resources, blending tactical decision-making with direct player interaction. Its accessible rules make learning easy, while the strategic depth keeps experienced players engaged. The game’s charming artwork and light-hearted theme make it visually appealing and enjoyable for all ages. Unpredictability rules supreme and adds excitement, ensuring no two rounds feel alike. It’s an excellent choice for casual and moderate gamers who appreciate a balance of strategy and spontaneity, offering plenty of engaging moments and friendly competition in a quick-paced format. POWER HUNGRY PETS Ages 7+ 2-5 players

Y ou need to be right on the ball with this fast-paced game designed to test players’ quick thinking and communication skills. The premise is simple: speak on a given topic from the cards for 60 seconds without saying “umm,” “uh,” or hesitating. It sounds easy, but the pressure ramps up the further you get into the game, making it super challenging and extremely funny. The game encourages lively conversations and sharpens public speaking skills in a fun setting. It’s ideal for parties or family gatherings and keeps everyone engaged. It’s easy to learn, has a good game length to keep players interested, and, most importantly, you won’t stop laughing from go to woe. YOU CAN’T SAY “UMM…” PARTY GAME 4-10 Players

PARTY GAME

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