Newstalk ZB Review: Me Before You, Warcraft, Deadpool and NZIFF 2016

Newstalk ZB Review: Me Before You, Warcraft, Deadpool and NZIFF 2016

Busy slot this week.

As well as talking Tickled and Wilderpeople's US releases with Jack Tame, there's a look at ME BEFORE YOU, WARCRAFT at the cinemas, Deadpool at home, and the news out of the NZIFF 2016 which launches Monday!

Take a listen below

http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/saturday-morning-with-jack-tame/audio/darren-bevan-me-before-you-warcraft/

New Zealand Film Festival 2016 Trailer special

New Zealand Film Festival 2016 Trailer special

100 pages of Film Festival goodness is unveiled on Monday night, with the annual New Zealand International Film Festival unveiling its 2016 line up.

But there are already details of some films out there - so here's a collection of trailers for what lies ahead!


Poi E Story of our song

 Captain Fantastic

 The Greasy Strangler

 The Lure clip
 

 Everybody Wants Some
 Green Room
 
 Lo and Behold: Reveries of the connected World
 Paterson clip
 
 Swiss Army Man Elle
 I Daniel Blake
 Le Ride
 
 Life Animated
 
 Zero Days
 

Finding Dory: Film Review

Finding Dory: Film Review

Cast: Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O'Neill, Hayden Rolence, Ty Burrell, Diane Keaton, Eugene Levy
Director: Andrew Stanton, Angus MacLane

That Finding Dory doesn’t quite repeat the magic of Finding Nemo will really not be a surprise to many.

This parable about living with disability and those around the person with the disability trying to cope and fearing for their future is obvious from the start.

Flashing back to when Ellen DeGeneres’ little blue fish Dory was more or less just a set of big eyes, the story concerns itself this time with her quest to find her parents – when she remembers she has them.

With shards of memory dropping giving her an idea of where they now reside, Dory sets out on a desperate quest to rejoin her brood. Dragging along Nemo and Marlin (Rolence and Brooks respectively) for the ride / swim, Dory finds herself in another world of adventure when she lands up at a marine life institute.

Separated from Nemo and Marlin, Dory befriends Hank an octopus (played by Modern Family’s Ed O’Neill) who’s desperate to stay in the centre, rather than being returned to the sea, as per the marine world’s MO.

There’s no disputing the colour on show on Pixar’s latest is evocative and reminiscent of the greatness that was life under the sea in Nemo. And there’s no disputing the fact that this time around, the critters at the Marine Life Institute are a marvel to behold; once again, the animation is top notch.

But there’s a slight nagging feeling that this sequel doesn’t quite embrace enough of the darkness that is inherent in the story to ensure the heart strings are duly tugged. Perhaps it’s evident of the fact we have a lead character who always forgets, except when she doesn’t, and that the story’s stop-start potential ending feels too rushed and keen to ensure a crowd-pleasing finale and a rote chase sequence.

DeGeneres is a delight though as Dory; her infectious goofiness keeps proceedings brisk and pacy. Equally her interaction with the increasingly grumpy Hank is fun as well – in fact, a lot of the laughs of the film come from Hank’s racing around the institute and blending into the surroundings.

Finding Dory follows a lot of the similar trajectory of Finding Nemo in terms of peril for our protagonists and there’s certainly enough to keep the youngsters amused (though the last 20 minutes saw the little one I was with losing some focus and shifting around in his seat as the darker edges came to the fore).

Pixar’s proven with the likes of Inside / Out and Toy Story 3 that it can do darkness well, so it’s a shame that Finding Dory’s story strays away from where its inherent strengths could have lain. It’s still a good solid family film that entertains as much as it can – and its pre-short film Piper about a seabird finding his sea legs and filling his belly is photo-realism with a side of adorable thrown in as well.

NZIFF 2016 Opening Night Film is....

NZIFF 2016 Opening Night Film is....

WORLD PREMIERE OF POI E ANNOUNCED AS NZIFF OPENING NIGHT

NZIFF today announced the World Premiere screening of Poi E: The Story of Our Song at the Civic Theatre in Auckland on 14 July.

The film has also been confirmed for NZIFF Opening Night in Wellington on Friday 22 July, Christchurch on Thursday 28 July and Dunedin on Thursday 4 August.

Written and directed by Tearepa Kahi (Mt Zion), Poi E takes the audience on a laugh-and-cry emotional journey as it lays out the hard-scrabble context from which the song was born and the relationships which shaped the song and propelled it forward.

“As irresistible as the song it celebrates, Kahi’s documentary explores the many tributaries that flowed into the mashup of pop music, traditional waiata and bop that first took New Zealand by storm in 1984. The film, told largely in Dalvanius’ own words, is brimful of music and frank and funny testimony from numerous participants in the song’s richly peopled history. Taking a lesson from the man himself, Kahi draws the next generation into the story, ably assisted by Taika Waititi, who provides Stan Walker, aged 25, with essential information about what life was like beforePoi E,” says NZIFF Director Bill Gosden.

Tearepa Kahi’s career includes the 2013 NZ box office success Mt. Zion starring Stan Walker. He is also a current member of the NZ Film Festival Trust board.

“After viewing this wonderfully entertaining film for the first time it was incredibly hard to continue through the correct channels and not phone Tearepa directly to tell him how impressed I was. No one who sees this film is going to believe any strings were pulled to give it pride of place on our 2016 programme. The staff and trustees of NZIFF congratulate fellow trustee Tearepa Kahi on his awesome film.” says Gosden.

Read more about Poi E at:

http://www.nziff.co.nz/2016/film/poi-e/

Mirror’s Edge Catalyst: PS4 Review

Mirror’s Edge Catalyst: PS4 Review

Released by EA

Platform: PS4

I’d never played the original Mirror’s Edge, but having played in the BETA for Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst, I was intrigued to see where this game would go.

Meshing the visuals of Blade Runner and the much under-appreciated Remember Me through a white sheen, the look of this game is sleek and sophisticated; it’s one that feels futuristic and malleable as you parkour your way around the open world.

Starting with Faith being released from juvie and meeting up with her former running mates, the story follows a relatively predictable path of breaking into places and a conspiracy involving Faith and some behind the scenes shenanigans with hackers.

But the real joy of Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst is the free world city that she has to traverse through to achieve various missions, side quests and challenges.

Running and vaulting around the city of Glass, Faith’s got the moves aplenty to keep her going – and to deal with combat. I don’t recall such a game having so much use of the L1/ L2 buttons on the PlayStation controller as I bounded from one wall to another and leapt through the air. Hurdling under obstacles, leaping over them, bolting sideways on walls is all good fun and relatively smooth, though occasionally, dizzying thanks to the first person view of the game.

Initially, it takes some time to adjust to the movement’s mechanics and the need to work the buttons in the right order to produce a free-flowing fracas in a fight situation. That coupled with the runners’ vision (a red ghosting system gives you clues as to where to go, but they’re not always the most helpful), give the game an ease of access for any casual player who just wants to pick it up and run.

Cut scenes are beautifully executed too, with the graphics of the next gen console shining through.

Unfortunately though some of the dialogue is a little emo 101 and the flow is occasionally interrupted by the scenes. But they’re relatively short and never stop from getting you engaged back in the free-running around the City of Glass.

Combat’s simplicity itself, but it really works best when it’s chained with running and taking on the bad guys of Kruger Sec as you pummel them while free-running. It’s a neat combo trick and while you can simply stand and bash them, they adapt, meaning you need to mix it up; it’s simply executed and when it works, it feels like liquid gaming.

Overall, Mirror’s Edge Catalyst is a high powered visually good looking game that lives up to its futuristic promise. There are some rougher edges in this smooth Blade Runner world, but when it all comes together, the flow and momentum are contagious, and much like Faith and her team, all you want to do is keep on running.

NZFF 2016 Even more titles unveiled

NZFF 2016 Even more titles unveiled

The New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF) today announces 13 titles that will screen in the World Strand of the programme with the support of new sponsor 2degrees.

NZIFF annually hand picks an international selection of films to feature in the World Strand, the largest section in the catalogue. Close attention is paid to films lavished with praise or box office success in their countries of origin, as well as films that have struck programmers as highlights from a year’s worth of intense viewing that ended only three weeks ago in Cannes.

 

As I Open my eyes

“Though we aim to be as international as possible, we don’t believe in token representation. This year nineteen countries are represented in this section. We’ve been really struck by the strength of the latest Italian, Spanish and French cinema in particular,” says NZIFF director Bill Gosden.

The World Strand at NZIFF is sponsored for the first time in 2016 by 2degrees.

“2degrees is proud to be partnering with the New Zealand International Film Festival for 2016. This is our first year as sponsors and we are excited about supporting such a fantastic line up of films in the World Strand across New Zealand.” says 2degrees Chief Marketing Officer Roy Ong.

The 13 films announced from the World Strand of the programme today:

Everybody Wants Some!!

Richard Linklater follows Boyhood by recalling his own first days at college in this hilarious, deeply relaxed comedy about male bonding, set in the bars, discos, parties and frat houses of 1980 Austin.

“It’s an effortless cult classic, delivered by a master of the form.” — David Sims, The Atlantic

http://www.nziff.co.nz/2016/film/everybody-wants-some/

Captain Fantastic

Renaissance man Viggo Mortensen steals the show as a solo father whose idealistic way of raising his six children off the grid comes under attack in this energetic, comedic drama.

“Viggo Mortensen… in a role that feels designed by the movie gods.” — Dan Mecca, The Film Stage

http://www.nziff.co.nz/2016/film/captain-fantastic/

Truman

Argentine Ricardo Darín and Spaniard Javier Cámara are beautifully paired in the most garlanded Spanish film of the year, a warm and humorous drama of male friendship shaded with imminent mortality.

“Ricardo Darín and Javier Cámara take Cesc Gay and Tomàs Aragay’s superb screenplay and offer an acting masterclass in Truman, a low key, character driven buddy movie laced with black humour and emotion.” — Clive Botting, Huffington Post UK

http://www.nziff.co.nz/2016/film/truman/

Perfect Strangers

A gathering of old friends accepts the challenge to share all incoming calls and messages. It’s a game you won’t want to emulate at your next dinner party, but dammit, you’ll be thinking about it.

“Remakes will be rampant of this discomforting dramedy where friends play a game reading aloud incoming cell phone messages at a dinner party.” — Jay Weissberg, Variety

http://www.nziff.co.nz/2016/film/perfect-strangers/

Suburra

This bloody, brutal crime saga boasts the epic sprawl of the mob classics it emulates, but with a lurid energy all of its own. With a throbbing score from electronic heavyweights M83.
“Suburra drops the viewer directly into a miasma of corruption… [and] will command your attention all the way to its bloody and operatic finale.” — Michael Jaconelli, The Skinny

http://www.nziff.co.nz/2016/film/suburra/

 

Everybody Wants Some!

The Daughter

The most lauded Australian drama of the last year, this bold, superbly acted debut from acclaimed theatre director Simon Stone reimagines Ibsen’s The Wild Duck in a contemporary small town.
“Australian director Simon Stone, along with big names Geoffrey Rush, Sam Neill and Miranda Otto, take Ibsen’s The Wild Duck to dark new places.” — Tara Brady, Irish Times

http://www.nziff.co.nz/2016/film/the-daughter/

As I Open My Eyes

Tradition butts up against progress in Leyla Bouzid’s debut, a musically charged French-Tunisian film that follows a young woman in a band as she navigates familial and cultural strictures on the eve of the Jasmine Revolution.

“A great film. A film with heart and passion, one that can color one’s dreams and inspire one’s days.” — E. Nina Rothe, Huffington Post

http://www.nziff.co.nz/2016/film/as-i-open-my-eyes/

Things to Come

Isabelle Huppert essays a self-possessed woman confronting unexpected changes in her life and work in Mia Hansen-Løve’s heartfelt and perceptive portrait of middle age.

“No festival should be without a superb Huppert performance, and Mia Hansen-Løve’s insightful, literate and moving drama gives her sterling material to work with.” — Jonathan Romney, The Observer

http://www.nziff.co.nz/2016/film/things-to-come/

Thithi

From India’s southern state of Karnataka, this award-winning comic gem made by first-time director Raam Reddy charms with its easygoing naturalism, evocative setting and colourful cast of characters.

“Raam Reddy’s bold, vibrant first feature is closer to Émile Zola than it is to Bollywood.” — New Directors/New Films

http://www.nziff.co.nz/2016/film/thithi/

The Innocents

Based on a true story from post-World War II Poland, this satisfying drama follows a young female French doctor who finds herself caught up in the lives of nuns, traumatised and shamed by their wartime suffering.

“Anne Fontaine’s finest film in years observes the crises of faith that emerge in a war-ravaged Polish convent.” — Justin Chang, Variety

http://www.nziff.co.nz/2016/film/the-innocents/

After the Storm

A formerly successful novelist tries to reconnect with his ex-wife and young son in this affectionate, shrewdly observed drama of family life from Japan’s unassuming master, Kore-eda Hirokazu (Our Little Sister).

“Even long-standing fans of the Japanese filmmaker might be taken aback by the supreme subtlety of his latest, achingly beautiful ode to the quiet complexities of family life.” — Robbie Colin, The Telegraph

http://www.nziff.co.nz/2016/film/after-the-storm/

Julieta

Spanish auteur Pedro Almodóvar (All About My Mother) returns to his roots with another satisfying female-centric emotional drama, cutting between past and present to explore the loves and regrets of his anxious heroine.

“Julieta is a guilt-soaked pleasure… it’s like an unexpectedly dry martini in a dazzling Z-stem glass.” — Tim Robey, The Telegraph

http://www.nziff.co.nz/2016/film/julieta/

Personal Shopper

Kristen Stewart reunites with Clouds of Sils Maria director Oliver Assayas to play a young American in Paris, buying haute couture for her celebrity boss, and seeking contact with the spirit of her dead twin brother.

“Personal Shopper is affecting, singular and a great showcase for Kristen Stewart.” — Josh Cabrita, We’ve Got This Covered

http://www.nziff.co.nz/2016/film/personal-shopper/

NZIFF is run by a charitable trust and encourages lively interactions between films, filmmakers and New Zealand audiences in 13 towns and cities around the country. The full NZIFF programme will be available from Tuesday 21 June and tickets on sale from Friday 24 June from Ticketmaster for Auckland. Wellington programme will be available from Friday 24 June and tickets on sale from Thursday 30 June via nziff.co.nz. NZIFF 2016 dates are:

Auckland 14 – 31 July

Wellington 22 July – 7 August

Christchurch 28 July – 14 August

Dunedin 4 – 21 August

Further regional dates, along with ticketing information can be found at nziff.co.nz.

Warcraft: Film Review

Warcraft: Film Review

Cast: Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster, Toby Kebbell, Daniel Wu
Director: Duncan Jones

If Warcraft ever had an obstacle to over come, it's set out right at the start - a way in for those non familiar to the genre.


While the games and novels have been massive for years, the idea of a CGI fantasy helmed pic is a hard sell  to non-fans (even ones like us blessed with the Lord Of The Rings and Hobbit series) and unfortunately Duncan Jones' flick will do little to convince those who don't know their orcs from their wizards to sign up.


Half the problem lies in an info dump at the start which is confusing, exposition heavy and tries to create a breathing world that you can embrace right away. But it is muddled and drops so much that the rest of the plot somehow manages to be flimsy in its wake.

Loosely, Warcraft is about a horde of orcs invading Azeroth, a kingdom of humans and another world through a portal because their's is dying.

But the humans, led by Travis Fimmel's fighter Lothar and Ben Foster's magician Medivh, the guardian of their lands won't stand for it.

However, with one of the Orc chiefs Durotan (a mo-capped Kebbell, the unsung star of the piece)  unsure of his magician Orc leader's choices and with betrayals aplenty, the fight may not be as straightforward as expected...

With too many action and bloodless fight sequences that are both brash and noisy, as well as difficult to care about, WARCRAFT's cod fantasy and slightly ropy dialogue makes this FX fest something of a drudge.

It's a shame as the visuals are reasonably impressive on an IMAX setting, with castles and kingdoms looking as good as anything Peter Jackson has ever crafted, and giving the lands a sense of being.

Equally, the first close up of troubled Orc Durotan bristles with sharp contours of skin and detail popping out and feeling realistic, rather than a rote CGI creation.

But it's the human elements and story which unfortunately don't shine here.

Blessed with too little character and a rushed execution, Warcraft barely finds space to breathe or time to invest in the emotional journeys. 

Be it Paula Patton's out of place female Orc slave being set up as a potential love interest, Travis Fimmel's supposedly broken warrior, Dominic Cooper's fey king or Ben Foster's scenery chewing and mumbling Guardian, these are once over lightly protagonists that do little to sell their oh-so-familiar story arcs.

It's a shame because the conflicted Orc chieftain, as well as a warlord unwilling to embrace the archaic honour code to subjugate their own are interesting threads worthy of growth. But they wither on the CGI vine, unloved and left out in favour of the old fantasy deus ex machina, magic.

Plus emotional moments which should fuel the plot's momentum and deepen the character engagement feel rushed and less than effective in the final third.

The fact Warcraft will satiate large swathes of its core game fans (of which there are billions who've invested countless amounts of time in the World of Warcraft second world) is not necessarily a good thing. 

The fact the story is frustratingly inconclusive and a desperate grab for new franchise is yet another slap in the face after 2 hours of soulless CGI drudgery that revels in nothing more than sound and fury.

Ultimately, Warcraft is neither magical nor engrossing as a saga, or the first part thereof: it's a formulaic fantasy film that's neither fantastic nor thrilling, and is dangerously close to an over-long, unexciting game of Dungeons and Dragons.

Shots from E3 2016

Shots from E3 2016 

Unless you've been living under a rock, you would know that the annual E3 gaming Expo is underway.

Thanks to Gavin of Pursuit PR and the XBox team who are there, here are some shots from the floor at E3 of the people, the games and the experience!

Some of the highlights include Halo Wars 2 and Forza Horizon 3!

To watch the XBox E3 showcase, click here

To watch trailers from the XBox E3 unveils, click here!

And to catch all the action, head to Twitch for XBox live streaming

Me Before You: Film Review

Me Before You: Film Review

Cast: Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin, Charles Dance, Janet McTeer, Stephen Peacocke, Matthew Lewis, Jenna Coleman
Director: Thea Sharrock

The Fault in Our Stars, If I Stay, Last Cab to Darwin; there have been a growing number of cinematic entrants to the pantheon of doomed love and illness literature in the past few years.

The latest contender, Me Before You, taken from Jo Jo Moyes' book and adapted by the author, is the most current addition to the cinematic experience that is kryptonite to many - the weepie.

Buoyed by likeable (and bankable) stars Emilia Clarke (she of dragons and Thrones fame) and Sam Claflin (he of Hunger Games fame), large swathes of this story are forgiven their cliches because of the chemistry between this duo.

Claflin plays Will Traynor, an aristocratic castle-dwelling guy who lives life to the full, has it all and in a sequence before the credits, has it all taken away and is paralysed from the neck down when hit by a motorbike. Trapped in a chair in a small town, his life as a quadriplegic his future. 

Enter Game of Thrones' Emilia Clarke as the eccentric small town girl Lou Clark, a perpetually perky, expressively eye-browed, quirkily dressed potential carer, whose life is a struggle to help her family and make ends meet. Initially reticent and hostile to Lou, Will finds her perkiness wears him down - and the two begin to form a friendship.

However, in the background, a dark secret is waiting.

Meshing the Intouchables with an English sensibility and a different performance from Clarke, this fairy tale story of the guy in the castle in the village is exactly what you'd expect from the genre.

Wrapped in portions of humour - some appropriate, some not - and blessed with two chalk and cheese leads that you actually manage to care about even though it's a story you've seen a million times before, Me Before You is a twee journey that dawdles a little on its way to its eventual destination.

The problem is that the struggle for Will never feels real and a story decision over assisted suicide feels narratively necessary for the film and book's USP rather than the cinematic catharsis. It's no discredit to Claflin at all, whose subtle performance is perfectly in keeping with the genre and shows his bitterness at times, but merely the writing which lets him down.

He's not alone though, as the film is packed full of underwritten and underused supporting characters that hardly feature except when it suits proceedings. (Step forward, Matthew Lewis aka Neville Longbottom and Lou's boyfriend) 

Inevitably the Hollywood trappings and tropes of the genre forbid the darkness from seeping into this rom-com-sick-lit piece, and it's a shame that the final portion of the film actually lacks some of the emotional heft it could have achieved. (Though there were some women at the screening with wet eyes). 

Still in a film where one of the leads has never seen a subtitled film or where another is constantly apparently in pain but never glimpsed, it's to be expected of Me Before You. 

Shoe-horning in melodrama at the end and washing everything over with a twee brush and a MOR soundtrack is to be expected, and ultimately, Me Before You works within the confines of its genre, 

However, it means this mix of wannabe optimism, bizarre take on the reality of being disabled and predictable formulaic fare is what you'd expect - but given its euthanasia edges and the debate of a right to die storyline, those involved fudge the most interesting kernel of the piece in favour of a quirky and mawkish rom-com.

Marguerite: Film Review

Marguerite: Film Review

Cast: Catherine Frot, Andre Macon, Sylvain Dieuaide, Christa Theret
Director: Xavier Giannoli

Hollywood's already brought us this tale and in a relatively short space of time in the form of Florence Foster Jenkins starring Meryl Streep, but this French version of the same story is an eminently classier version.

This time it's 1920s Paris and it's the story of Marguerite Dumont, a wealthy woman who's a patron of the arts and opera. Imbued with the delusion that she's a good singer, her tone is less than aurally pleasant.

However, when a journalist Lucien Beaumont writes a review of her performance, Dumont misinterprets the barbs within and furthers her delusion of singing to the masses. So, deciding to organise a concert for others to enjoy, Dumont's dysfunctional belief deepens...

Marguerite is a different beast to the all together fluffier Florence Foster Jenkins.

Dividing the story up in to five chapters and setting the whole thing in some sumptuous period details is mightily beneficial.

Unlike the delayed gratification of its Hollywood counterpart, Marguerite wastes no time in showing off Dumont's dismal drone which helps make the film a different beast. Admittedly, there is still no fuller explanation as to why Dumont was encouraged to sing and why no-one took the time to be honest with her, but there are subtleties in this version that hint at the adage of never being cruel to someone face to face.

Interestingly, the film digs deeper into the after effects of Dumont's delusion, with a hospitalisation chapter hinting at a breakdown that doctors are trying to treat. There's a sympathetic touch deployed by Giannoli that's involving, and a tone that's set which is more endearing than a straight out laugh fest.

Unfortunately, if Frot delivers a stronger performance and a more heartbreaking approach in a slightly over-long film, some of the other side plots don't fare as well.

Theret is impressive as the singer brought in early on and a side-plot involving her career and potential relationship with Dieuaide's Beamount is torn asunder from the narrative with a few lines thrown in that make no sense and lead to too much for the audience to draw on.

Macon as the husband and Denis Mpunga as Mandelbos the house servant present nuanced turns as carers for Dumont; the former realising too late the damage his indulgence and laissez-faire attitude have wreaked. Elsewhere Mandelbos is clearly devoted to Dumont and it becomes his way into the film for the rest of us.

Ultimately, Marguerite's folie a deux attitude is more successful than Frears' broader take on the subject. Thankfully, a restrained performance from Frot, covered in earnestness and heart make her Dumont a character not a caricature (an important difference that Frears overlooked) and consequently makes Marguerite a film that gives more of a psychological take on an enigmatic subject.

Though admittedly, if I never hear a mangled version of The Queen of the Night aria again in my lifetime, it'll be too soon.

E3 2016 - Sony Press conference

E3 2016 - Sony Press conference

It's here - the E3 2016 Sony Press Conference kicks off from 1pm today.

Make sure you're tuned in!

XBox E3 trailers 2016

XBox E3 trailers 2016

UBISOFT E3 live press conference

UBISOFT E3 live press conference

Watch live video from Ubisoft on www.twitch.tv

Filmed in Supermarionation: Blu Ray Review

Filmed in Supermarionation: Blu Ray Review

Rating: PG
Released by Madman Home Ent

An exhaustive (and occasionally exhausting) look at the work of Gerry Anderson and his team, Filmed in Supermarionation is a doco that will appeal to any child of the 60s or lover of Thunderbirds.

But if you're an outsider to these phenomena (not sure how that is even possible) it may leave you a little cold.

Using the hook of an interview between Parker and Lady Penelope, the doco takes some of the puppeteers and interview with Gerry Anderson to tell you how it all came to be. Blending footage, with behind the scenes shots proves to be quite the tonic for fans and it's a surprise how far back the company goes - from a Western to roots as film-makers, no stone is left unturned here.

And that's potentially one of the problems of the two hour piece.

It's a little too in-depth and feels occasionally like a bit of a drag. Some expeditious editing could have been employed to ensure the doco didn't hit some lows, even if they are inevitable. There's no doubting the blast of nostalgia and the welcome exposure to those behind the scenes leaves a lot to salivate over, but Filmed in Supermarionation's run time is more of an insidious villain than anything Captain Scarlet ever faced.

All in all, there's no denying Filmed in Supermarionation represents an important look at the TV history that Gerry and Sylvia Anderson and their team created - it's just a shame that in some ways, this doco is more for lovers of the genre rather than casting a wider net to appeal to many more.

Xbox E3 press conference 2016

Xbox E3 press conference 2016

Watch live video from Xbox on www.twitch.tv

Microsoft Corp. unveiled a new family of Xbox One devices, a host of new Xbox Live features and the biggest lineup of games in Xbox history. Head of Xbox Phil Spencer underscored the Xbox team’s commitment to building a future of gaming beyond console generations and inviting gamers to play without boundaries.

Xbox is working to bring Xbox Live to all devices and networks — PC, console, virtual reality and mobile — to create a unified experience where all gamers are welcomed, respected and supported. The new Xbox Play Anywhere program lets gamers buy a game once and play it on both their Windows 10 PC and Xbox One console with shared progress, game saves and achievements. Every new Microsoft Studios title shown at the Xbox E3 2016 Briefing will support Xbox Play Anywhere, with more titles on the way.

“Gamers have never had more choice in how and where they play,” Spencer said. “We are bringing our biggest games lineup ever to Xbox One and Windows 10, uniting gamers across networks onXbox Live and expanding the Xbox One family of devices with the addition of Xbox One S and “Project Scorpio” to give gamers more choice in how and where they play. There’s never been a better time to be an Xbox gamer.”

Introducing the Xbox One family of devices

The new lineup of Xbox One hardware and accessories delivers unprecedented choice and level of personalization for gamers. All Xbox One devices will play current and future Xbox One games as well as titles in the Xbox One Backward Compatibility program, and all accessories will work across every console in the Xbox One family as well.

Xbox One S. Debuting a sleek new design and “robot white” color, the new Xbox One S is the smallest and most compact Xbox ever. The 40 percent smaller console has an internal power supply and supports 4K Ultra HD for Blu-ray movies and content streamed from partners like Netflix and Amazon Video. High Dynamic Range (HDR) support for video and gaming delivers richer, more luminous colors in games like “Gears of War 4.”¹ 

“Project Scorpio.” Coming holiday 2017, “Project Scorpio” will be the most powerful console ever created, with 6 teraflops of GPU delivering a premier console gaming experience including true 4K gaming and high-fidelity virtual reality. “Project Scorpio” will join the Xbox One family and coexist alongside Xbox One and Xbox One S and all of your Xbox One games and accessories are compatible.

New Xbox Wireless Controller. We’ve enhanced comfort with a textured grip and introduced a sleek, streamlined design in white. Added Bluetooth radio gives you easy wireless connection to your Windows 10 PCs and tablets.² The new Xbox Wireless Controller will be available worldwide starting in August.

Xbox Design Lab. Now fans can create their own official, one-of-a-kind Xbox Wireless Controllers with more than 8 million color variations to customize the controller body, D-pad, thumbsticks, ABXY buttons and more. Each controller is handmade to order and shipped directly to fans. 

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller – “Gears of War 4” Limited Edition. A pro-level controller designed in collaboration with The Coalition, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller – “Gears of War 4” Limited Edition features laser-etched claw marks and a battle-weathered design, telling the survival story of a confrontation with the Swarm. 

Uniting gamers through Xbox Live

The goal of Xbox Live is to cultivate a safe, fun and reliable online community, where all types of gamers are welcome, respected and supported. Team Xbox announced a slew of new features to break down barriers between gamers playing on different devices and make gaming more accessible for all.

Clubs on Xbox Live. A new way to connect with gamers and create private communities with people who have similar play styles, personal interests and values.

Looking for Group on Xbox Live. Like a “want ad” for multiplayer, Looking for Group on Xbox Live is the easiest way to seek out players who are available — and qualified — to jump into your multiplayer match right now.

Arena on Xbox Live. A new online tournaments platform designed for everyone, from novice to aspiring pro, Arena on Xbox Live brings competitive gaming to Xbox One and Windows 10 devices. Sign up for tournaments directly through the Xbox UI or the Xbox app and play for prizes and bragging rights.

Cross-play. Gamers on Xbox One and Windows 10 can now play select multiplayer games together. “Gears of War 4,” “Forza Horizon 3,” “Sea of Thieves” and “Scalebound” all support cross-play between Xbox One and Windows 10 PC, and now “Minecraft” players on iOS, Android, Windows 10 phone and Windows 10 devices can all join together in cross-device multiplayer fun.

Cortana on Xbox One. We’re bringing the popular digital assistant Cortana to Xbox One, featuring familiar voice commands available on Windows 10 devices and new gaming-specific scenarios for Xbox One. Cortana will initially launch on Xbox One in the U.S. and U.K. with additional markets coming soon after.

PC games (Win32) in Xbox Live. With the Xbox update coming this summer you’ll see the top PC games on Xbox Live, with more added every month. Use the Xbox app to see what PC games your friends are playing, view game clips and upload your own, and message and voice chat with friends across game.

Language Region Independence. Based on overwhelming fan feedback, we’re enabling Language Region Independence to give gamers even more control over their Xbox experience and how they engage with their Xbox One. Language Region Independence gives gamers the freedom to choose any supported language on Xbox One, regardless of their location.

Biggest lineup comes to Xbox One and Windows 10

Xbox premiered a wide range of games launching in 2016 and beyond for Xbox One and Windows 10, including a mix of exclusives, blockbusters and independent games through the ID@Xbox program.

·         “ARK: SURVIVAL EVOLVED” (FIRST ON XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10). The wildly popular indie game from Studio Wildcard has sold over 1 million copies on Xbox One via Game Preview, and is soon coming to Windows 10. Stranded naked, freezing and starving on a mysterious island, you must hunt, harvest, craft items, grow crops and build shelters to survive. Learn how to tame, train, breed and ride dinosaurs and primitive creatures living on the ARK as you forge new paths across the beautiful open world in this large-scale survival game. Team up with hundreds of players online, play split-screen locally or brave the island on your own.

·         “BATTLEFIELD 1” (ELECTRONIC ARTS). Featuring some of the largest, most dynamic battles in FPS history, experience the dawn of all-out war across war-torn France, in the sand dunes of the Arabian Desert, and in the skies over London — only in “Battlefield 1.” Join in massive 64-player battles and experience unexpected Only in Battlefield moments during a time where the old world was destroyed, giving way to the new one. Play it first, exclusively on Xbox One with EA Access beginning Oct. 13. Available worldwide on Xbox One and Windows PC on Oct. 21, 2016.

·         “DEAD RISING 4” (WORLD PREMIERE). Developed by Capcom Vancouver, “Dead Rising 4” marks the return of photojournalist Frank West in an all-new chapter of one of the most popular zombie game franchises of all time. With an unmatched level of weapon and character customization, ambitious new features including new zombie classes and EXO Suits, “Dead Rising 4” delivers a heart-pounding experience as players explore, scavenge and fight to survive in an epic open-world sandbox. Available Holiday 2016 on Xbox One and Windows 10.

·         “FINAL FANTASY XV” (SQUARE ENIX). “FINAL FANTASY XV” is the highly anticipated action RPG and 15th mainline entry in the iconic “FINAL FANTASY” franchise. Set in an enthralling world where fantasy meets reality, players will join Crown Prince Noctis and his comrades on an epic journey of brotherhood, love and despair as they unravel Noctis’ destiny and take up arms against the nefarious Niflheim empire. With a captivating cast of characters, breathtaking visuals, open world exploration and action-packed real time combat, “FINAL FANTASY XV” is the ultimate “FINAL FANTASY” experience for fans and newcomers to the series. Available worldwide for Xbox One on Sept. 30, 2016.

·         “FORZA HORIZON 3” (XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10 EXCLUSIVE — WORLD PREMIERE). The best-selling racing franchise returns with “Forza Horizon 3.” Race and explore the rugged wonder of Australia with your friends in over 350 of the world’s greatest cars as you win millions of new fans and build the world’s greatest automotive festival. As the new boss of the Horizon Festival, you can modify every aspect of race events, and how you get to the finish is up to you. Available worldwide as an Xbox Play Anywhere title on Sept. 27, 2016.

·         “GEARS OF WAR 4” (XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10 EXCLUSIVE). A new saga begins for one of the most acclaimed video game franchises in history. After narrowly escaping an attack on their village, JD Fenix and his friends Kait and Del must rescue the ones they love and discover the source of a monstrous new enemy. “Gears of War 4” returns the franchise to the dark tone and intensity of the original and includes split-screen and online co-op, the next generation of the five-player favorite, Horde Mode, 60 frames-per-second Versus multiplayer, and stunning visuals powered by Unreal Engine 4. Available worldwide as an Xbox Play Anywhere title on Oct. 11, 2016.

·         “GWENT” (WORLD PREMIERE OF CLOSED BETA ON XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10). “Gwent,” the hit card game from CD PROJEKT RED’s game of the year — “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” — is now its own standalone collectable card game. Inspired by player feedback, with new rules and mechanics, “Gwent” puts players and their style of play, and not only their cards, in the center of the action. In “Gwent,” You are the Wild Card.

·         “HALO WARS 2” (XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10 EXCLUSIVE). The best-selling console real-time strategy (RTS) of all time is back! Developed in partnership by 343 Industries and Creative Assembly, “Halo Wars 2” is an action-packed RTS on the biggest Halo battlefield ever. Get ready to lead armies of Spartans and other Halo fighting forces like Warthogs, Scorpions and exciting new units in a brutal war against a terrifying new enemy, The Banished. Available worldwide as an Xbox Play Anywhere title on Feb. 21, 2017.

·         “INSIDE” (FIRST ON XBOX ONE). Developed by Playdead, “INSIDE” is the long-awaited follow-up to 2010’s groundbreaking digital hit “Limbo.” Featuring Playdead’s trademark dark art, emotion and game craft, this adventure puzzler ships June 29, 2016, and is available for pre-order now. To celebrate the launch, “Limbo” will be free to all Xbox players from June 13‒20.

·         “MINECRAFT” (REALMS AND ADD-ONS). Mojang and Microsoft showcased cross-device multiplayer between iOS, Android, Samsung Gear VR and Windows 10 devices, made possible with Monday’s launch of the “Friendly Update” for “Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition” Beta and “Minecraft: Pocket Edition.” With Xbox Live and the “Minecraft Realms” service, Windows 10 and mobile Minecraft players can host their own multiplayer worlds on private, cloud-based servers and play with friends 24/7, even when the original world creator is offline. Starting today, players with Xbox Live accounts can try “Minecraft” Realms on mobile and Windows 10 free for one month through the “Minecraft” app. The team also announced new game add-ons coming this fall that will let players modify their in-game worlds to customize key game elements and create their own maps and minigames.

·         “RECORE” (XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10 EXCLUSIVE). From legendary video game creator Keiji Inafune and Armature Studio LLC, the team behind the “Metroid Prime” series, comes “ReCore,” an action-adventure game masterfully crafted for the modern generation. Play as Joule, one of the last remaining humans, and forge friendships with courageous robot companions to lead them on an epic adventure through a mysterious, dynamic world. Available worldwide as an Xbox Play Anywhere title starting Sept. 13, 2016.

·         “SEA OF THIEVES” (XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10 EXCLUSIVE). Developed by Rare, the legendary creators of “Perfect Dark” and “Banjo-Kazooie,” “Sea of Thieves” is an immersive, shared world adventure game filled with pirates, unexpected dangers and loot for the taking. Be the pirates you want to be, share adventures with friends, and set your own rules, roles and goals in a world where every sail on the horizon is another crew of players with unknown intent. “Sea of Thieves” offers an experience that will evolve over time, landing in players’ hands early and growing based on feedback from the community.

·         “STATE OF DECAY 2” (XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10 EXCLUSIVE, WORLD PREMIERE). The next installment in the fan favorite “State of Decay” franchise immerses you in an all-new multiplayer zombie survival fantasy. Players work together to build lasting communities where choices made shape an interconnected world and form a unique experience every time. Available worldwide as an Xbox Play Anywhere title in 2017.

·         “SCALEBOUND” (XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10 EXCLUSIVE). From critically acclaimed developer PlatinumGames Inc. and renowned Game Director Hideki Kamiya, “Scalebound” brings epic adventures and battles at enormous scales across the beautiful and dangerous open world of Draconis. Customize main hero Drew and your dragon, Thuban, to suit your playstyle as you battle legions of soldiers and massive monsters solo or cooperatively with up to three additional friends on Xbox Live. Available worldwide as an Xbox Play Anywhere title in 2017.

·         “TACOMA” (FIRST ON XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10). It is the year 2088, and humanity has taken to the stars. You step aboard the abandoned space station “Tacoma,” the facility’s Augmented Reality technology your only connection to the crew that once lived here. What happened to them — and what role did the station’s AI overseer, ODIN, play? Discover the truth in “Tacoma,” Fullbright’s follow-up to the genre-defining story exploration game “Gone Home,” when it comes to Windows 10 and Xbox One next year.

·         “TEKKEN 7™” (BANDAI NAMCO ENTERTAINMENT INC.). An engrossing story intertwines the past, present and future fates of fan-favorite characters in “TEKKEN 7.” Known for revolutionizing the fighting genre through both its hard-hitting gameplay and diverse cast of characters, “TEKKEN 7” introduces enhanced fight mechanics alongside a slew of new combatants to ensure that your next fight won’t ever be your last. Available worldwide for Xbox One in early 2017.

·         “TOM CLANCY’S THE DIVISION™ – EXPANSION I: UNDERGROUND” (UBISOFT®). Dive into the underbelly of New York to save what remains in Underground, the first expansion for “Tom Clancy’s The Division.” Explore the randomly generated mazes of subways, tunnels and sewers to fight deadly enemies and recover powerful loot. Experience an all-new incursion and find the latest weapons, gear and more. Available first on Xbox One and Windows PC beginning June 28.

·         “WE HAPPY FEW” (FIRST TO CONSOLE ON XBOX ONE). Developed by Compulsion Games, “We Happy Few” is coming to Windows 10 and Xbox One this summer. In a dystopian, mod 1964 England that lost World War II, the citizens of Wellington Wells are taking a happy drug called “Joy,” and living in denial of their grim existence and a terrible past. Can you survive among them once you stop taking your Joy become a “Downer?”