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MOVIES & TV

James Gunn

Gunn began his career at the grimy cult studio Troma Entertainment, where he wrote movies like Tromeo & Juliet (1997) and Terror Firmer (1999), before rising up the ranks to become one of Hollywood’s biggest power brokers as the Co-CEO of DC Studios. His cinematic voice is unmistakable - some of his trademarks are: Soundtrack Gunn’s films have become synonymous with thumping soundtracks, which usually have a strong affinity for the ‘80s. His use of popular hits placed strategically throughout his films elicits an emotional reaction from his audience - whether happy, sad, or just downright pumped! Tongue-in-cheek dialogue Characters in all of Gunn’s films speak facetiously. Moments of great peril are often cushioned with comical quips, insults, or self-deprecation, with villains falling victim to ridicule and humiliation. Unlikely heroes Gunn wrote the two live-action Scooby-Doo movies from the early 2000s, as well as Zack Snyder’s Dawn of the Dead remake (2004), and has also directed films such as Slither (2006), and the R-rated superhero flick Super (2010). These, and his Marvel and DC movies, all feature unexpected or implausible heroes saving the day. A motley crew of Spider-Men/Women/ Spots/Punks/etc swing their way to physical media in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse , while Nic Cage and Nick Hoult vamp it up in Renfield . And don’t miss Michael Keaton squeezing himself back into the Batsuit for the highly anticipated DC movie The Flash . On The Radar

AUGUST

STACK’s ROVING REPORTER

What’s one of your all-time favourite films, and why? One of my new favourites is Mad God . It is a masterpiece of a cinematic roller coaster. A pure love note from Phil Tippett to the stop motion artform that is weird, dark and macabre. What’s one of your all-time favourite TV series, and why? Oh my goodness, The Good Place ! It’s so well thought-out and written, and the characters take you on such a journey. It’s also one that really makes you feel attached to the cast.

JESSICA WEGUELIN @ JB Armadale, WA

What’s the best thing about working at JB? The people. We’ve got a really amazing team here, and being the counter specialist I get to do what I love, which is helping people. What’s a movie you saw as a child that has left a lasting impression on you? The first Rugrats movie. I remember the scene where Tommy and Dill are fighting for the blanket, and they rip it apart instead of sharing – and it broke my little heart. My mum always said I was inconsolable.

The Good Place

What have you been watching lately that you’d recommend? Death in Paradise ! It’s one of the best whodunits around, and it is delightful, dramatic and so much fun. I used to watch it with my mum when the new season would come out, and we would always be so close to guessing who it was.

PRE-ORDER NOW

After several turbulent years of stops and starts, the third instalment of the Tron franchise is back in development. Titled Tron: Ares , the film is spearheaded by Oscar-winning actor Jared Leto, with Evan Peters having recently signed on to co-star. No plot details have been revealed, and it’s still unknown whether Jeff Bridges, Olivia Wilde, or Garrett Hedlund will reprise their roles. Norwegian director Joachim Rønning (2017’s Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales ) is set to direct, with a tentative 2025 release date. IN DEVELOPMENT

Regarded as one of the greatest martial arts movies of all time, Enter the Dragon remains one of the most influential action movies ever made. Not only did it popularise the fight tournament subgenre while exploiting the popularity of spy movies like James Bond, but it has also influenced most fight flicks since. The image of Bruce Lee sporting bloody claw marks across his torso has become iconic, and has practically single-handedly kept the poster industry in business.

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AUGUST 2023

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