Superman director's forgotten film fans called 'best zombie movie ever'
A look at his lesser known films including Battle Royale with adults
The DC cinematic universe is set for a reboot as Superman soars back onto the big screen, this time under the direction of filmmaker James Gunn.
Gunn and his new studio are aiming to emulate at least some of the success he experienced while working on Marvel projects. However, Gunn's early filmography provides ample evidence as to why he's the right choice for the job.
Throughout his career, Gunn has demonstrated an ability to effortlessly merge genres, from horror to sci-fi and action adventures, always with a sharp focus on visuals and emotionally charged musical moments. While it remains to be seen where Superman and Gunn's future DC titles will rank among his other works, here's a brief rundown of his early films as writer, director or both.
Super
Super was shut out by Kick-Ass the year it was released
(Image: IFC )
Super featured Rain Wilson, fresh off his fame from The Office, as an average bloke who's had a less than stellar life. He decides to reinvent himself as a superhero and tackle crime when his wife, a recovering addict, leaves him for another man, reports the Mirror.
That other man happens to be a drug-dealing Kevin Bacon, complete with a gang of henchmen. Crimson Bolt, lacking any actual superhuman abilities, resorts to brutal violence in his quest to rescue his wife from the clutches of a drug dealer.
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While promoting Superman, Gunn stated that he didn't believe he'd ever made a superhero film before. While some might argue that Super fits the bill, the protagonist doesn't possess any real superpowers.
The film is now regarded as a dark cult classic, despite having received mixed reviews when it first came out. It graced some cinema screens in 2010 but was somewhat overshadowed by Kick-Ass, which was released the same year and shared a similar theme of deconstructing the comic book superhero trope.
A fan commented: "I love how this movie is messed up and it's exactly why I like it. it's definitely not for everyone. The main characters are sadistic and delusional. While the movie challenges the moral stuff in superhero genre by putting it into the real world context in a sick, disturbing manner, still doesn't take itself too seriously."
Super can be rented on Apple TV and Amazon Video.
The Belko Experiment
The Belko Experiment is one of Gunn's lesser known films
(Image: Orion )
In 2017, Gunn wrote the screenplay for The Belko Experiment during a break from his Marvel commitments. The film aligns with the darker, more violent style of his earlier works.
The plot revolves around eighty Americans trapped in their corporate office as part of a lethal experiment where an unseen voice commands them to kill each other to survive.
A viewer remarked: "Underrated film, this idea has been done before but The Belko Experiment executes the movie better than its predecessors in my opinion. Reminds me of Battle Royale but in an office setting with adults."
The Belko Experiment is available for streaming on Prime Video.
Dawn of the Dead
Fans hail it as one of the best zombie movies
(Image: Universal )
Another entry from Gunn's earlier work saw him take on screenwriting duties before eventually stepping behind the camera as director. Following his script work on the live-action Scooby-Doo adaptation (yes, that actually happened), Gunn was commissioned to write the screenplay for a reimagining of a zombie horror classic.
Fascinatingly, whilst Gunn penned the 2004 version, it was Zack Snyder - the very filmmaker he would later succeed as the creative figurehead for DC's film universe - who helmed the project.
The plot mirrors that of the original, following survivors of an outbreak that transforms the infected into cannibalistic zombies as they seek sanctuary in a shopping centre. Beyond confronting the walking dead, the group must also contend with internal conflicts.
This updated version introduced swifter, more ferocious zombies. One enthusiast described it as an 'instant classic' whilst another declared: "24 years later, still no other film can top this masterpiece. The best zombie film ever created in my opinion."
Dawn of the Dead is streaming on Netflix soon.
Guardians of the Galaxy
The first Guardians is Gunn's highest rated feature film
Numerous comic book enthusiasts and cinema-goers could hardly be blamed for being puzzled when it was revealed this relatively unknown group of characters would receive their own blockbuster. Let alone that Gunn would be the one to bring it to life.
However, the filmmaker stunned both audiences and reviewers with his vibrant and humorous cosmic escapade. This picture continues to be Gunn's most acclaimed feature on Rotten Tomatoes, boasting a 92% rating despite spawning two follow-ups.
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The Guardians of the Galaxy might have shed their obscurity, but it's important to recall that even among ardent fans, they weren't always household names. Viewing this film, it's completely understandable why James Gunn was chosen to take on Superman and his Justice League comrades.
A fan expressed their admiration by saying: "Guardians of the Galaxy is pure Marvel magic packed with humour, heart, stunning visuals, and a killer soundtrack. Every time I rewatch it, my mood instantly lifts. James Gunn turned this into a musical-action masterpiece."
Guardians of the Galaxy is streaming on Disney+.
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