Total Film Magazine Issue 196 preview

The Badass Issue

This month, we’re celebrating all things badass. If it’s cool, muscular, igniting an explosion or firing a gun, we’ve got it covered.

So it’s fitting that Expendables Sly, Arnie, and JCVD are leading the pack, returning for a sequel that promises more bangs, more story, and more ‘80s action icons.

Also, you may have already heard that Total Film is now available on your iPad. Try out our brilliant new interactive iPad edition ! Read about the key features of Total Film 's interactive iPad edition right here .

Fans of the good old-fashioned paper edition need not worry – this version ain’t going anywhere! Like the look of that coverline-free, subscribers-only cover? Well, subscribe to Total Film magazine then!

The Expendables 2

The Expendables tore up a decent chunk of the box office in 2010, but left some die-hard fans of ‘80s action movies underwhelmed.

With a new director ( Con Air ’s Simon West) and some new muscle (Jean-Claude Van Damme, Liam Hemsworth, Yu Nan), the sequel is set to bring old-school action on an all-new scale.

Will these musclebound lunks prove to be the real heroes of summer? We catch up with West, Stallone and more, to see if this dirty dozen have what it takes to compete with this year’s young guns.

Total Recall

“If I'm not me, then who the hell am I?”

The Expendables 2 isn’t the only film this month that harks back to an action icon’s ‘80s glory days. But did Arnie’s uber-violent sci-fi classic really need a remake?

Colin Farrell and Len Wiseman make the case for their new take, which goes back to the original Philip K. Dick short story (while retaining the three-boobed lady), and Jessica Biel and Kate Beckinsale get their future-heads on…

The Bourne Legacy

As the Bourne franchise prepares for an overhaul, we take a look back at what made the original, Matt Damon-starring trilogy such a genre-invigorating, game-changing influence.

And we bring it bang up-to-date by talking to the incumbent superspy Jeremy Renner about taking on the mantle.

And if that’s got you in the mood for more high-octane espionage antics, this issue features a rundown of the 50 Greatest Bond Moments Ever, as voted for by you…

Mila Kunis

Meg speaks up…

Seth MacFarlane’s muse talks to TF about joining the director in his big debut Ted , their easy on-set relationship, and her future in film (which includes playing a witch in Sam Raimi’s Oz The Great And Powerful ).

Kelly Macdonald

Voicing Pixar’s first ever princess was a potentially daunting task that called for a formidable female presence, and Kelly Macdonald brings her Scottish sass to the lead role in Brave , helping to craft a character who’s fierce, feisty and utterly believable.

Boardwalk Empire star Macdonald talks about her humble beginnings in the industry, and her constant striving to find out where her next job is coming from.

Keith Lemon

Keith Lemon steps into our studio for a photoshoot that’s got to be seen to be believed.

The Celebrity Juice star, who’s getting a big screening outing this summer in Keith Lemon: The Film , doesn’t have any place in our badass issue, right? Well, he made sure that he fitted right in, by bringing his dress-up box and transforming himself into some of moviedom’s most iconic tough guys.

Buzz and Agenda

Joseph Gordon-Levitt heads up this month’s Buzz , getting road rage in ‘courier bike thriller’ Premium Rush . We chat to director David Koepp, who talks about the perils of shooting bicycle-based action.

Plus, 10 things we know about Iron Man 3 , censor-baiting posters, hardcore sequel Machete Kills, Hugh Jackman on Les Mis , Mia Wasikowska, Resident Evil: Retribution , and all your favourite regulars.

And don’t miss the first appearance of Buzz ’s brand new columnist, Alex Zane. He gives his views on the Hollywood news in Citizen Zane, and we want you to get involved in the conversation.

And in Agenda , Mad Mikkelsen talks villains, Kara Tointon and Xavier Samuel front our Talent shoots, and Anthony Hopkins discusses his formidable career.

Screen and Lounge

Grabbing the front row seat in Screen this month is Seth MacFarlane’s filthily funny Ted . The Family Guy man makes his live-action directorial debut with the story of a boy who wishes his bear to life, without considering the consequences. Every new cinema release, from Magic Mike to The Lorax , via The Amazing Spider-Man , gets the TF scrutiny.

Comedy’s the word in Lounge too, with surprise hit 21 Jump Street leading the home entertainment reviews. Check out our verdict on every new release, as well as our views on the hottest games, books and soundtracks.

Steven Soderbergh The Total Film Interview

Currently whipping cinemagoers into a frenzy with male-stripper drama Magic Mike , Soderbergh has had one of the most diverse careers of any Oscar-winning director, churning out super-slick blockbusters and experimental indies with a dizzyingly prolific workrate.

Settle down for a fascinating chat, covering his entire career, his future projects, and that impending retirement…