Computers, Technology, Gaming Systems, and Software
Be it an Android or Xbox or PC, this is the place for all things electronic and technical.
251 topics in this forum
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Next Level Racing wheel stand
by Beez- 5 replies
- 2.8k views
Last winter I bought a Logitech G29 wheel and pedals and a stand from Next Level Racing. The stand is all steel and highly adjustable. There is a tray just in front of the pedals that you put the wheels of your office/desk chair in which effectively holds the chair in place. The stand is very solid almost like a piece of gym equipment. The wheel and pedals bolt to the stand with provided bolts and are very secure. Next Level also sells a racing chair that will bolt to this stand for an even more complete unit. I may get that at some point but the office chair works well enough that I may never go that far. For sure I will get VR for racing at some point. Fo…
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PS5 SSD
by Smurf- 1 reply
- 819 views
So I purchased the Western Digital WD_Black SN850 NVMe SSD, 1Tb 2280. It has a listed read speed of up to 7000 MB/s though the PS5 itself maxed out at 6552 MB/s read speed. After formatting the ssd it said there would be 850+ GB of free storage, but in reality I can use 1.1Tb which is approximately 250Gb more than expected. Also this is very important get one with a built on heatsink, this is recommended by PlayStation to have on the SSD, so don't cheap out and get one that doesn't come with a built on heatsink as it most likely will burn out over time, but if so you can buy an after market one just shop around and install A.S.A.P. I transfered a 66Gb …
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Unreal Engine 5.2 update
by Smurf- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 651 views
This has got to be the best game engine out right now, I hope a GTA type game 🎮 gets created on this engine, after all completion breeds excellence. It also save months of development with all the tools that it has on it and more that will be developed in the future as well. You can forget about the old days when you need a green screen and a capture performance studio. Now you can use down to an iPhone to do video capturing for facial expressions and movements more accurately for character models. And then they can transfer a character models movement and facial expression to a completely different model not needing the performance from a different person, so basically i…
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Corsair HS65 Surround Headset
by Smurf- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 622 views
The Corsair HS65 Surround Headset is the most ergonomic good sounding 7.1 Surround sound, balanced headphone in the highs, mids and lows that I have ever had the privilege to listen to. Even the max output volume level, from the volume on the left side of the Headset is more than enough for my fellow audiophiles out there, so of course music is a must 'But' the mic must be in the downward position when using your phones and various devices, or it will pause whatever audio or video that you're listening to on YouTube or simply auto switch the sound to that device built-in speaker. To top it off when you wear glasses it doesn't really affect you, the comfort its still…
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Play PS5,4,3,2&1 ON PC ps+ required
by Smurf- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 588 views
Maybe 🤔 I should sell the PS5 & just hook the laptop to the TV, & buy an outdoor waveform 4x4 antenna with some 50db sma to ipex cables for my T-Mobile 5G gateway. A N41 band would be golden if the tower is close.
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King Kong Pro 2 Controller
by Smurf- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 665 views
The controller is called the King Kong pro 2 by Guilikit. It's very innovative technology from back in the Dreamcast days back in the 90's, and should be in all controllers made today just for the accuracy, but if your controller don't break then they won't have you in a position to buy a new one.
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- 1 follower
- 144 replies
- 19.1k views
It’s always good to show off your little corner of happiness where you get to escape from the world and game. As I’m currently living alone I get to do what I want in terms of my gaming area. I keep moving things around but I think I’m almost set up now for gaming alone and the rare occasions when I’m feeling social. I keep complaining that I’m sat too far from my TV and now you can see why. I’m going to have to invest in a gaming chair I can stick in the middle of the room. Its tricky finding the balance between sitting the ideal distance from your TV and having room to play VR. This is my actual gaming rig. Sony 49” 4k TV, PC, hom…
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Laptop recommendations needed
by JustHatched- 2 followers
- 7 replies
- 831 views
I need to get new laptop, mine quit sometime ago and I am solely using my work laptop for everything which is fine but at some point I will have to do my sh*t off my own computer. I don't need gaming power as I don't game with a PC, I hate my wifes ASUS, I have always had HP's but don't have to have one. What I want is one thats not so thin it feels like I will break it, with keys and a mousepad that don't feel blending in with the surface with decent memory. Thoughts?
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PS4 Wireless Headset Options 1 2
by Smurf- 4 followers
- 36 replies
- 4k views
The PS4 itself does not currently have drivers to accommodate a pairing between a Wireless Headset and its self. It uses bluetooth 2.1 EDR (meaning its a secured an Enhanced Data Rate when pairing). The USB, Digital Optical Out on the console and the 3.5mm Headphone Jack on the controller/ TV/ monitor are the only options left, by using some type of compatible dongle/ transmitter to transfer and receive chat, in game audio and mic audio. The results will vary among the lot or it will simply recognize it as a unsupported device. My question to you is which compatible PS4 Wireless Headset are you using, how is it connected and rate your experien…
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Unable to sign into PSN
by BryannosaurusRex- 3 followers
- 8 replies
- 2.2k views
Hi all, I don't seem to be able to sign into PSN on my PS4. I was having poor internet connection the other day and couldn't sign in. Every time I've tried since I get the same. Even with a LAN cable and decent download and upload speeds. I've reset my router several times. I keep getting the message: This feature is temporarily unavailable. Please try later (CE-41489-6) The help and advice info is getting me nowhere! Anyone know a solution or have any advice? Thanks
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Google Stadia 1 2
by Smurf- 3 followers
- 34 replies
- 4k views
This is a game changer. Pro's Play : Its technology is more powerful than that of a PS5. Game Client & Sever are in the same location at the Google Data Center encypedso latency will be low. (EG. My ps4 latency is 63-85ms vs Geforce Now its 6-38ms their Game Client & Sever are in different locations hence higher ping). No special Expensive Consoles needed, play on almost any devices (Support is coming to Nvidia Shield, though you could currently side load the app). Play with Keyboard & mouse. Any controller even the new ps5 & Xbox Series X/S controllers if you so desire will work, if the battery dies in o…
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- 6 followers
- 106 replies
- 10.3k views
A copy and paste from this site >> https://www.theverge.com/2019/4/16/18401209/sony-playstation-5-details-8k-graphics-ray-tracing-ssds-ps4-backward-compatibility According to Mark Cerny, who served as the lead system architect for the PS4, the new console isn’t just a spec-boosted upgrade of the PS4, like the PS4 Pro was. There’s entirely new hardware inside the PlayStation 5, including an eight-core CPU based on AMD’s third-gen Ryzen line built on the chip company’s latest 7nm Zen 2 process and a custom GPU based on AMD’s Radeon Navi hardware, which will bring ray-tracing graphics to a game console for the first time. The end result of all those hardwar…
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Nvidia GeForce Now, Free or $10
by Smurf- 2 followers
- 6 replies
- 1.6k views
Nvidia GeForce Now Beta period is now over. If you have games on Uplay, Origin, Steam or on Epic Games Store, select games from these services will work with Nvidis GeForce Now streaming platform. Plus having all 4 accounts on these store fronts isn't a bad idea of having when it comes to games that are on sale or for free weekly. So you now have the option of buying a high spec gaming PC or laptop & installing & play those games, or using a cheap Mini PC, low end laptop, mac or PC & streaming the game on Nvidia GeForce Now for free or usd$5 a month conditions apply. It supports rtx ray tracing, no mention of 4k or hdr support for a $5 monthly fee. …
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Xbox Game Pass & MS rewards
by Smurf- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 816 views
Xbox Game Pass Play the library of games, also stream it on Android Devices & Studio Titles on Release day you have to download &install the games. Xbox Game Pass for PC Play the library of games, also stream it on Android Devices & Studio Titles on Release day. Google & 'Use Can I Run It?' to test if your PC meets the requirements because you have to download & install the games. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Play the library of games, also stream it on Android Devices, Studio Titles on Release day & Xbox Live Gold. Claim the monthly games presented for having Xbox Live Gold. P…
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What TV do you have?
by Fido_le_muet- 0 replies
- 722 views
Hey crew! I need your help! It's Black Friday season and I'm on the market for a new TV. I've been researching different models for a few weeks now and my choice is made. I'm setting my eyes on a 65" Sony XH90. Anyone has that TV and could give me his opinion? What TV do you guys use and are you planning to get a new TV to go along our new consoles? I'm open to alternatives to the Sony if some of you know are a bit tech savvy. My budget is around 1000€. I saw a Samsung Q80 as well that is similar to the Sony but a bit more expensive. I don't want to jump to OLED yet, too afraid of the burn-in problem.
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Video Editing Software
by DavidCore89- 2 followers
- 13 replies
- 1.2k views
Yeah, as the title says, I'm looking for a noob-friendly video editing software. Just for some basic editing. A lot of the free software doesn't allow exporting, and if they do, it's super low quality. Thanks.
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PS4 controller test
by Lann- 1 follower
- 3 replies
- 808 views
As i have felt a bit behind in alot of our racing lately i tested my controllers on this site; https://gamepad-tester.com/ My main controller was at about 80% on R2, same with the other "older" one. The two newer ones (that the kids use) was at 100%. The one i use on my other console, that i use mainly for doing stuff alone like hotlapping or creating, was 100% as well. So... SRL watch out! 😋
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PS4 Memorial
by Smurf- 1 follower
- 3 replies
- 1.1k views
MEDIC! As the sun sets on the Playstation 4 console,😢 what memories will you take with you from moments in game, the games you played or the console itself, any last words?
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WIFI Problems!
by zztop911- 2 followers
- 3 replies
- 835 views
I've had my old PS4 in my bedroom on wifi for a couple years. I haven't changed a damn thing. Seemingly after the last PSN update, I can't get connected to my wifi. It's stupid as hell. The console is actually connected to the internet because the browser will work. I've searched on the PS website and filtered YT for recient vids and unfiltered. Nothing worked! I'm not asking for tech. I'm asking if anyone has had the same problem.
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Amazon Luna Cloud Gaming
by Smurf- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 692 views
USD$50 WIFI Controller to connect to their servers. Request Early Access Here https://www.amazon.com/luna/landing-page
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Xbox Series S Reveal & Launch Date
by Smurf- 2 followers
- 13 replies
- 2k views
rumored to be $300 & $500 for the X version.
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Wireless Display Zero Latency
by Smurf- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 733 views
This is a great 0 latency device for a gamer & has much more user case potential. Its posible that you dont have to spend hundreds extra on low latency Monitors or Tv's as seen in the video below, but transfer speed from 1 device to another needs some work. It works through a HDMI Connector or a USB Type C, this is a kick Starter at the moment of this post. Kickstarter Campaign
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WiFi 6
by Smurf- 1 follower
- 1 reply
- 854 views
Highly doubt the new consoles will have the Wifi AX standard, but would be shocked if it did. Maybe this is something that's useful to you if a service provider in your area supports it.
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App
by Firebear926- 3 replies
- 1.1k views
Has there ever been talk of a app for xdbx?
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- 1 reply
- 1.2k views
Will also be downloading this because I'm a crazy mfer...I will chronicle each of my "intents", wish me luck. https://www.randonautica.com/ DO YOU BELIEVE IN THIS? Just did my first search and my intent was "money"....its sending me to a lighthouse!!! LMFAO!! I'm not renting a boat to go out there. But imagine if i did and found cash on the floor on the island....that would be way too much of a coincidence. Hahahaha. If any of you download the app too...keep us up to date with you discoveries too!!
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Recent Activity on RSCnet
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249Rate the Last Film you Watched 2: Electric Boogaloo
Operation Mincemeat (2021) dir John Madden A WWII film focussing the efforts of British intelligence to trick Germany into thinking an upcoming major operation was going to happen somewhere else, so that they diverted defending forces away from the actual location. The basics are a true story. The characters are mainly the real people who were involved. It has a great ensemble cast. The main characters are two officers working for MI5, one from the navy and one from the air force, played by Colin Firth and Matthew McFadden, with Kelly MacDonald and Penelope Wilton playing their civilian assistants. It also features Johnny Flynn as the young Lt. Ian Fleming who narrates some scenes in a style that could well have been passages from his James Bond novels. You could, at a big stretch, almost class this as Bond film since it features characters referred to as M (head of MI5, Jason Issacs) and Q-branch (the gadget inventor, James Fleet). Simon Russel Beale also puts in a great performance as Winston Churchill. I have heard of Operation Mincemeat, knew the basics of it, that Ian Fleming was involved and what the outcome was. I don't think it's a spoiler to say the plan worked, as various characters in the film say that if it doesn't the allies won't win the war. The plan was to take the body of recently deceased man, a Welshman living rough in London called Glyndwr Michael, dress him in an officer's uniform, attach a brief case containing fake, but apparently top-secret documents, and then release it from a submarine such that it would wash up on a Spanish beach. Spain was neutral in WWII but under the regime of the Fascist, pro-n*zi, General Franco. So British intelligence knew that the contents of the brief case should find their way into the hands of German agents, before being returned to Britain, and thus the fake information would find it's way to Berlin. The operation they were planning for was the allied invasion of Italy, then Germany's ally. The fake information was one part of bigger plan to convince the Germans it was occupied Greece that was going to be invaded. The subsequent invasion of Italy is one of the lesser known parts of the war. Much is made, quite rightly, of the D-day landings, but that was not the first invasion of German controlled Europe, it was this invasion of Italy, nearly a year earlier. So it's nice to see a film about this aspect of the war, because there aren't very many of them. The film shows the meticulous level of detail the agents went to, creating a whole fake identity, Major William Martin, along with personal letters, a photo of a fiancé, etc. The plot does come across somewhat unbelievable at times and includes a completely unnecessary romantic sub-plot. Even if some of that is what actually happened, the way the films portrays this comes across as if the producers wanted to “s*x it up” and add these elements in because they thought the story of the planning and execution of the operation was not interesting enough. I was all set to give this a lower score than I did, but the last 30 mins or so redeemed it a little. What I found really interesting was, after the the plan had been put into action, the role British diplomats in Spain then had to play to make sure that the brief case of fake documents did indeed end up in German hands. Because after all the detailed and careful planning, it could have easily been undone by a Spanish official simply handing the brief case straight back to Britain, as was technically the correct thing for a neutral country to do, but not what they were supposed to do according to the pro-German Fascist regime in charge. There's almost none of the action you usually get in war films, until right at the end when we see an American infantry sergeant, a minor character introduced earlier, on board a landing craft, storming a Sicilian beach which was taken and held with relatively light causalities. All due to the success of Operation Mincemeat diverting German forces hundreds of miles away. 6 / 10- 1
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249Rate the Last Film you Watched 2: Electric Boogaloo
What I Watched This Week #179 (June 2-8) Escape from Alcatraz dir. Don Siegel/1979/1h53m Clint Eastwood stars in this prison break drama based on the true story of the only man to escape from the famous prison island off the San Francisco coast, Frank Morris. This film takes its time, much like Eastwood's performance style it's understated, deliberate and measured, with none of the melodrama of something like The Shawshank Redemption. The plot is simple, Eastwood arrives at the prison, spends some time scoping it out, then enacts his plan. It's the little things that give weight to this film, particularly the character of Doc (Roberts Blossom), who quietly represents the unshakeable human yearning for freedom with his portraits and the symbolic use of chrysanthemums. At times the pace of the film does undercut some of the urgency of the escape attempt, but I did like the ambiguous ending that doesn't tell you what happened to Frank after he got past the prison walls. 7.5/10 Rhinestone dir. Bob Clark/1984/1h51m I was scrolling through Sylvester Stallone's filmography and came across this, and knew that I had to watch it just to make sure that it's real. Rhinestone stars Dolly Parton as aspiring singer Jake who needs to get out of her crummy contract at the titular New York country music club. To do this she makes a bet with the manager, Freddie (Ron Leibman), that she can turn anyone into a country singer. The person chosen is tone deaf cab driver Nick, played by Stallone. To do this she takes him back home to Tennessee for some real country experience. Stallone also co-wrote this based on the song Rhinestone Cowboy. Really, it even says so in the opening credits. This whole thing is like a fever dream, especially the scenes where Stallone sings by howling like a demented gibbon. He plays his role like an overactive child with attention issues. Parton is just as sweet and charming as she always is, and the moments when she gets to sing are obviously excellent. I also liked Richard Farnsworth as Parton's father. This is not a good film, but it is a bizarre film, and it has its charms. 6/10 The Hustler dir. Robert Rossen/1961/2h14m Paul Newman stars in his iconic role of pool hustler Fast Eddie Felson who is on the fast track to self destruction as he becomes obsessed with beating the best pool player in the world, Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason). This is a film in three distinct acts. The first and third are Felson's showdowns with Fats which bookend a tragic romance between Felson and Sarah (Piper Laurie), a depressed alcoholic. This is a bleak film about addicts and losers, yet there is beauty in the direction that makes this world of smoky pool halls cool and alluring. It also helps that Newman is incredibly handsome. The two pool games between Eddie and Fats are the showpieces here and are given the attention they deserve, with Eddie losing even when he wins, that's just the kind of man he is. Gleason is great as Eddie's opposite, someone totally calm and in control of their emotions. Laurie is heart breaking as Sarah, with only one inevitable outcome for her. Rounding out the main cast is George C. Scott as Bert, the sleazy and manipulative pool hall owner. As a standalone film this is excellent, but wouldn't it be good if we caught up with Eddie let's say twenty five years later? 9/10 Lime's Co-Film of the Week! The Color of Money dir. Martin Scorsese/1986/1h59m Martin Scorsese's The Color of Money catches up with Fast Eddie Felson (a returning Paul Newman) twenty five years after the events of The Hustler. He's now making a decent living off of whiskey, but when a hotshot young pool player, Vince (Tom Cruise), catches his eye he wants back in the hustling game. Without the context of The Hustler this is still a fantastic film full of Scorsese's trademark moves, but with the added history of the character a whole new tragic dimension is added. Eddie is a man full of regrets, so when he sees a chance to recapture his glory days he'll do anything he can to grab it, his old instincts kicking in almost instantly. He's there to use Vince, and he's open about it. But Vince is no d*mmy, even though he may act like it, and with his more emotionally mature girlfriend Carmen (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) he may end up teaching Eddie a thing or two. This has a much different vibe to the previous film, very fitting for the time it was made, and the pool scenes are edited violently by Scorsese's long time editor Thelma Schoonmaker, almost like they're fight scenes. This is a Scorsese film I've not seen before, and didn't really have any interest in before watching The Hustler, but I think this is one of his best works of the decade, only The King of Comedy is better in my opinion. Combined with The Hustler this is an epic, four hour rise and fall and rise and fall and maybe rise again story that spans decades. And it all ends on a high note with a brilliant one liner and a classic Scorsese freeze frame. 9/10 Lime's Co-Film of the Week! Bottom: Exposed dir. Adrian Edmondson/2024/1h30m This made for TV documentary covers the creation, production, reception and legacy of one of my all time favourite shows, Bottom. Written and performed by the late, great (he said so himself) Rik Mayall (seriously, his autobiography is called Bigger Than Hitler, Better Than Christ) and Adrian Edmondson (director of this documentary), Bottom was a BBC comedy that ran for three series in the 90's and was violently crude, obscene, anarchic, absurd and offensive, and one of the funniest things I've ever seen, with slapstick fight scenes that would make Chaplin blush and a sound effects guy straight out of the Looney Tunes. The documentary itself is fine if very standard, featuring interviews with cast, crew and fans, but the real gold is when Edmondson is talking about Mayall, the two being lifelong friends since university. It gets quite emotional at points, which Mayall would have f*cking hated. One of my favourite memories is going to see the Bottom live show with my dad in 2003, their last of five live tours, and even though it's the worst of the five (my favourite is split between 2 and 3), it was amazing being so close to such raw, unfiltered energy. If you've never seen Bottom before, watch it, because the main thing I took from this documentary and seeing all the clips from the show, is that it's been too long since I've seen it. 7/10 La Cage aux Folles dir. Edouard Molinaro/1978/1h32m This French comedy stars Ugo Tognazzi as Renato Baldi, owner of drag club La Cage aux Folles, with Michel Serrault playing Albin, aka Zaza, his partner and star performer. When Renato's son Laurent (Remi Laurent), who the couple have raised since he was a baby, comes home he has some big news. He's getting married. But unfortunately the parents of his girlfriend are in politics, on the conservative side. The very conservative side. So he asks his father and Albin to tone things down a bit while they are visiting. I think this film has aged pretty well considering it was made in the 70's, and while it does rely heavily on stereotypes it never comes across as mean spirited. Tognazzi is good in the lead role, being pulled between his partner, his son and his own identity, with Serrault stealing every scene he's in as a flighty drag queen. The highlight of the film is the climactic dinner party between the two sets of parents with Albin showing some real depth and character here. A little dated but still with a pure heart, I can't wait to compare it with the American remake (see next review). 8/10 The Birdcage dir. Mike Nichols/1996/1h59m Robin Williams and Nathan Lane star as drag club owner Armand Goldman and his partner and star performer Albert in this American remake of La Cage aux Folles. The plot remains basically unchanged from the French original, just with some extra time to let Williams and Lane shine. Considering he's playing a gay drag club owner Williams gives a fairly understated performance, with really only one instance of that classic over the top exuberance. All of that is left to Lane, who is hilarious here. My only real problem with this film, same as the original though I didn't mention it in my review, is that their son, Val (Dan Futterman), is an unappreciative *sshole. Thankfully that doesn't take too much away from this, and the presence of Gene Hackman as republican senator Kevin Keeley, his future father in law, really alleviates this, with him getting to exercise his comedy muscles (and he looks great in drag). This is a slice of fabulous fun and, thanks to the lead duo of Williams and Lane, is better than the original. 9/10- 2
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249
Rate the Last Film you Watched 2: Electric Boogaloo
What I Watched This Week #178 (May 26-June 1) Welcome to the Dollhouse dir. Todd Solondz/1995/1h28m This darkly comic coming of age story stars Heather Matarazzo as Dawn Wiener, a bullied twelve year old whose parents don't seem to care. One day, the school's meanest bully, Brandon (Brendan Sexton III), threatens to r*pe her when classes are out. Dawn actually turns up voluntarily to this meeting, just glad that someone is paying attention to her, and so starts a weirdly sweet relationship between two outcasts (he doesn't by the way, you know, just if you were worried). This all sounds incredibly bleak, but this is a very funny film in the same awkwardly stilted way as something like Napoleon Dynamite, big Midwest Indie vibes. This also feels very authentic, and that is largely due to Matarazzo's performance which always comes across as natural and real. Sexton also does well with a character that could be totally unlikeable, but he brings some real sympathy and nuance to him. This film does excellently to be edgy without it being there just for shock value. And I love that we end on what seems to be a small note of hope for Dawn, because she deserves it. I hope she had a wonderful life. 9/10 Lime's Film of the Week! Sinners dir. Ryan Coogler/2025/2h18m The latest film from the team of director Coogler and star Michael B. Jordan sees him playing twins Smoke and Stack, returning to their hometown in the deep south during prohibition in order to open up a juke joint, somewhere for their incredibly talented blues musician cousin Sammie (Miles Caton) to play. But trouble comes not from the Klan, but from a group of vampires led by the enigmatic Irishman Remmick (Jack O'Connell). This is a film of two halves. The first is pretty much devoid of any horror elements save for a short prologue. Instead it really focuses in on the characters of Smoke and Stack, and everyone they round up to help them run their club. Among them old bluesman Delta Slim (one of my perennial favourites Delroy Lindo), Smoke's estranged wife Annie (Wunmi Mosaku) and bouncer Cornbread (Omar Benson Miller). But what really gets the film's attention is the music. This is a real celebration of the blues and Black music and culture, with Caton, a musician in his first film role, giving the best performance out of a cast of seasoned professionals. The whole film seems to pivot on a crucial scene halfway through where Sammie is giving a performance in the club and he is joined by spectres of Black music both past and present. Native Africans from thousands of years ago performing alongside DJ's and rappers from the future. It's really beautiful and marks the high point of the film for me. After that is when the horror kicks in, which works less well for me. The interactions between the characters is still really well written and performed, but it's the actual action that is lacking, which is a shame because the fight scenes in Creed, again directed by Coogler and starring Jordan, were near perfect. If that side of the film matched the dramatic side then this would be an instant classic for me, but as it is I still highly recommend this. 8.5/10 Finding Dory dir. Andrew Stanton/2016/1h37m In what feels like a totally unnecessary sequel we return to the world of Pixar's near perfect Finding Nemo, but this time my least favourite part of that film, annoying sidekick Dory (Ellen DeGeneres), takes centre stage. Here the forgetful fish has a sudden moment of clarity and remembers her parents (Diane Keaton, Eugene Levy), and sets out on an epic quest to find them. I'm still not a huge fan of the character, but thankfully she's been toned done slightly from the original, a huge relief given the increase in screen time she has. It also helps that this is a well written film, not one of Pixar's best, but it still had me invested. And the flashbacks to a baby Dory and her parents and just so incredibly sweet that I couldn't help but root for her. I also really liked the new character of Hank (Ed O'Neill), a surly octopus who just wants to be left alone. It's a testament to Pixar that they can make a whole film about one of my least favourite characters of theirs and still have me enjoy and be moved by it, and I don't need to say it but I will, the animation is absolutely stunning. 7/10 The Morricone Duel: The Most Dangerous Concert Ever dir. Karsten Andersen/2018/1h11m (no trailer for this, so here's a performance of The Ecstasy of Gold from The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly) This concert film captures a tribute to legendary composer Ennio Morricone by the Danish National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sarah Hicks. Most famous for defining the sound of the western thanks to his scores for Sergio Leone's Dollars trilogy (A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More, and The Good, The Bad and The Ugly), which is all represented here, this also features pieces from other films he scored such as The Untouchables, Once Upon a Time in America, and his two Tarantino scores for Inglourious Basterds and The Hateful Eight. There are some works not composed by Morricone here, like the Orchestral Suite from The Godfather by Nino Rota and Sonny Bono's My Baby Shot Me Down (presumably for the Tarantino connection as this was used in Kill Bill), but I would've preferred them to stick with Morricone as he has such a huge and varied body of work, the scope of which I don't think is fully represented here. The musicianship, being a national symphony, is world class, so if you have a half decent sound system crank it up and enjoy. The presentation is simple, but there are a couple of nice touches like some hanging corpses around the venue, and simple graphics projected on to screens symbolising the films being played. 7.5/10 Baldwin's Ni- dir. Horace Ove/1968/46m (no trailer again, so here's a clip) This provocatively titled documentary (the title is explained by the subject himself in the above clip) is the first work from acclaimed director Horace Ove, who would make the first feature length film by a Black British filmmaker with Pressure in 1975. Here he documents a short lecture and Q and A session in London given by American writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin, with some short comments at the end by comedian and fellow activist d*ck Gregory. Speaking with a quiet, polite intensity he expounds on the differences in race relations between the UK and the US, his own personal history, what steps need to be taken next, and what role, if any, white liberals have in the civil rights movement. Baldwin is a thoughtful, intelligent, engaging, witty speaker and the forty five minutes spent with him here just flies by, leaving you wanting more. It's so refreshing to see a civilised, mature, grown up discussion about such subjects considering the state of political discourse these days, which just seems to all devolve into shouting matches on social media. A simple and bare bones film, but when you have a subject like Baldwin you don't need anything else. 9/10 Lost in Starlight dir. Han Ji-won/2025/1h36m This Korean animation is set in the near future and tells the story of literally star-crossed lovers, astronaut Nan-young (Kim Tae-ri) and downbeat musician Je-i (Hong Kyung). Their brief romance is tested when she gets a place on a mission to Mars, following in the footsteps of her late mother. This is rather melodramatic at points, but it's also very sweet and tender and genuine, which helps ground it even in the futuristic setting. The world is well designed with it feeling not too far fetched, like it's attainable for 2050, and the animation is crisp and gorgeous, the use of space imagery being particularly pretty. The cross cutting between Nan-young on her mission and Je-i trying to get his music career back on track on Earth is well done, with the distance between them bringing them closer together, but it is all quite predictable. 7/10 A Single Life dir. Joris Oprins, Job Roggeveen, Marieke Blaauw/2014/2m This Dutch animated short has a simple yet fairly well executed premise. A woman has a mysterious vinyl record that, when skipped back and forth, can transport her to different points in her life. This leads up to a dark punchline that's perhaps the best thing about this. I like the style of the set here but I find the character design quite ugly and off-putting, and feel like this could have been expanded to something more emotionally hefty rather than as a setup for a gag. This feels like a practice run for something substantial with more to say, but as it is it's still an entertaining couple of minutes. 6.5/10- 2
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