Holiday Gaming Gift Guide: 'Borderlands 4,' 'Civilization VII,' 'Mafia: The Old Country,' 'Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds'

If you're looking for the best gift for the gamer on your list, I'd advise steering away from the newest releases and checking out the slate of games that came out earlier in the year. You are likely to find more than a few price breaks, and the titles have been upgraded with updates and DLC for several months, making them a far superior product from the one that was first released.

With that focus in mind, here are my picks for the best games to stuff into stockings of those you love this year:

FOR THE ACTION FAN: 'BORDERLANDS 4'

When Borderlands 4 first launched on Kairos, it delivered the signature billion-gun chaos we expected, but was hampered by instability and performance hiccups, particularly on PC. Fast-forward a couple of months, and the game is no longer just good—it’s excellent, proving that Gearbox learned valuable lessons in post-launch commitment. The initial technical snags have largely been smoothed out through consistent weekly hotfixes and patches, resulting in a dramatically smoother, more stable experience across all platforms.

The true highlight, however, is the commitment to the endgame. Initial complaints about loot consistency and build variety have been thoroughly addressed. Smarter loot drops, a dedicated Legendary Loot Indicator on the combat radar (a glorious quality-of-life fix!), and crucial Class Mod adjustments mean that farming now feels genuinely rewarding, not frustrating. Furthermore, the first Seasonal Mini-Event, “Horrors of Kairos,” was a riot, adding fresh Legendary gear and a challenging, limited-time environment that successfully bridges the gap between major DLC packs.

With the first free Bounty Pack, “How Rush Saved Mercenary Day,” now available for all players, and the redesigned, progression-based Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode keeping the difficulty scalable, Borderlands 4 has cemented itself as a premier looter-shooter. If you waited for the dust to settle, now is absolutely the time to dive in. This is the prime Borderlands experience: explosive, massive, and beautifully supported.

FOR THE STRATEGIST: "CIVILIZATION VII'

After a strong but slightly controversial launch, Civilization VII has found its true footing, cementing itself as a deep, rewarding, and visually stunning entry in the legendary 4X series. Firaxis Games has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to post-launch support, refining the interface, balancing the divisive three-age system, and, most importantly, injecting rich, free content that completely overhauls the maritime game: the Tides of Power Collection.

This collection—available free for a limited time—isn't just a minor patch; it’s a massive broadside of content that focuses on naval expansion and coastal power. It introduces the Republic of Pirates and Tonga as new civilizations, and Blackbeard (Edward Teach) as a leader whose pirate-focused mechanics allow your fleet to engage in profitable, non-war piracy. Naval units are now fundamentally split into specialized melee and ranged types, turning sea battles from simple jostling matches into genuinely strategic engagements. New wonders like the Great Lighthouse and Nan Madol dramatically empower coastal settlements, finally making maritime empires feel as viable and distinct as land-based ones.

The sheer value of the Tides of Power update, coupled with continuous balance and quality-of-life fixes, transforms Civ VII from a solid strategy game into an essential one. If you initially held off due to complexity or early feedback, now is the perfect time to hoist the sails. The deep strategic possibilities and the joy of seeing your civilization transition between eras—now supported by a wealth of free, high-quality content—make this the best iteration of the classic "one more turn" loop yet.

FOR THE BAD BOY: 'MAFIA: THE OLD COUNTRY'

Mafia: The Old Country has always excelled as a deeply cinematic experience, transporting players to the rugged, sun-drenched beauty of early 1900s Sicily. Focusing on the rise of Enzo Favara, the core 12-hour narrative is a gripping, tightly wound crime saga, rich with betrayals, forbidden love, and phenomenal voice acting that makes the story feel like an interactive classic Italian film. The atmosphere, from the period-accurate automobiles and horseback travel to the stunning vistas of the Valle Dorata, remains unparalleled in the genre. However, the initial game’s rigid, linear structure often left players wanting more ways to simply exist in its beautiful, detailed world—a problem the new Free Ride Update fixes completely.

This massive free content drop transforms the post-game experience from a simple "Explore" mode into a robust, replayable sandbox. It introduces a comprehensive series of optional activities, including multi-tiered combat challenges, stealth assassinations, and thrilling point-to-point car and horse races scattered across the map. These challenges not only encourage deep exploration of areas previously only seen during missions, but they also reward players with Dinari currency, which can be spent on a massive trove of new weapons, outfits, and period vehicles.

Perhaps the most impactful additions are the new immersive features. The ability to activate First-Person Driving is a series-first, drastically increasing the realism and challenge of races and casual drives alike. Furthermore, the Cinema Siciliano visual filter—which gives the entire game a stunning, black-and-white, vintage Italian film look—is a sublime touch that elevates the drama. By providing meaningful content and long-requested features that enhance both the narrative and sandbox modes, Hangar 13 has proven its commitment to The Old Country. This update ensures that Enzo Favara’s journey won't end when the credits roll.

FOR THE SPEED FREAK: "SONIC RACING: CROSSWORLDS'

Sonic Racing: Crossworlds delivers on the promise of hyper-fast, chaotic arcade competition while adding a layer of strategic depth the genre desperately needed. Moving away from previous team mechanics, Sonic Team has distilled the best elements of the series’ racing history, creating a pure, adrenaline-fueled experience that immediately places it on square footing with Mario Kart World as the premier choice in modern kart racing.

The headlining feature, the CrossWorlds mechanic, is nothing short of brilliant. After the first lap, the leading racer dictates the second lap's destiny, launching the entire pack through a Travel Ring into one of several distinct, short-form "CrossWorlds"—entirely new tracks that splice into the race. This dynamic change transforms every race into an unpredictable three-lap journey, rewarding adaptability and ensuring that mastery relies on strategic thinking, not just luck.

Complementing this innovation is the deeply satisfying Gadget System. Racers can equip multiple perks, allowing for meaningful character customization that transcends simple cosmetic changes. Want a faster boost recharge, better handling off-road, or the ability to hoard power-ups? The Gadget Plate allows players to engineer highly specific builds that cater to individual play styles, adding an RPG-like element to the pre-race prep.

With a huge roster of characters, vehicles that fluidly transform across land, sea, and air, and an abundance of high-octane tracks pulled from 35 years of Sonic history, Crossworlds is a confident, feature-complete package. The controls are tight, the sense of speed is exhilarating, and the chaos is perfectly balanced. This isn’t just a great Sonic game; it’s one of the best kart racers ever made, ready to take the crown.

Publishers provided review codes.

Hot on Home Video: 'The Conjuring: Last Rites,' 'Him,' 'Five Nights at Freddy's: The Ultimate Collector's Edition,' 'Scarface: The Ultimate Collector's Edition'

THE CONJURING: LAST RITES

For fans of the long-running franchise, The Conjuring: Last Rites 4K Ultra HD disc set is an absolute must-buy, providing a beautiful technical presentation for Ed and Lorraine’s final central case. The 2160p transfer with Dolby Vision is fantastic, perfectly preserving the film's intended dark, atmospheric, and moody aesthetic. The deep, inky black levels and subtle shadow detail are crucial in maximizing the terror, ensuring that the unsettling visuals hiding in the gloom are rendered with impressive clarity.

The Dolby Atmos audio track is equally powerful, delivering a masterclass in immersion. Dialogue is clean, while the low-frequency effects (LFE) are genuinely impactful, turning every ghostly thump and floor creak into a visceral event that rattles the room. While the film itself is a heartfelt, nostalgic coda for the beloved characters, this 4K release elevates the experience, making it the definitive way to witness the Warrens' last rite.

HIM

The 4K Ultra HD release of Him is a solid technical achievement, although it ultimately serves a truly awful film. The movie itself is a narrative disaster, suffering from a derivative, padded script and painfully unengaging characters; its predictable third-act twist leaves the viewer cold and unsatisfied. Thankfully, the technical presentation is flawless, a high point that almost justifies owning the disc.

The 2160p transfer with Dolby Vision is reference quality. Detail is razor-sharp, and the HDR grading utilizes a wide, vibrant color palette and deep black levels that give the film a stunning pop, despite the on-screen misery. The Dolby Atmos audio track is equally impressive, delivering a dynamic, aggressive soundscape that will give your sound system a workout. While the cinematic content is a cynical release, the pristine A/V quality makes this disc a valuable addition for technical enthusiasts.

FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY'S: THE ULTIMATE COLLECTOR'S EDITION

The Five Nights at Freddy's Ultimate Collector's Edition is an absolute triumph of packaging that elevates a middling cinematic adaptation into a shelf-worthy collectible. The film itself is disappointingly cautious, pulling its punches to achieve a PG-13 rating. It focuses too heavily on Mike's backstory, sacrificing genuine scares and the game's inherent tension for a plot that only occasionally clicks into gear. It’s fan service, not essential horror, but perfectly watchable.

However, the physical presentation is reference quality for collectors. Housed in a fantastic Freddy Fazbear's pizza box, the set includes an exclusive 4K SteelBook, a quality IconArt metal poster, and a numbered certificate of authenticity. These physical goodies alone justify the price. Furthermore, the on-disc bonus features are great, offering solid, bite-sized making-of featurettes, including a fantastic look at how the Jim Henson Creature Shop brought the practical animatronics—the best part of the movie—to terrifying life. This is a must-buy for franchise loyalists and physical media enthusiasts, despite the film's flaws.

SCARFACE: THE ULTIMATE COLLECTOR'S EDITON

The Scarface Ultimate Collector's Edition is the definitive tribute to Brian De Palma's iconic 1983 crime epic. This release successfully merges technical excellence with lavish, over-the-top physical media, perfectly mirroring Tony Montana's own taste for excess. The film's 4K Ultra HD transfer is stunning, boasting a rich, cinematic grain structure and vibrant HDR color grading that makes the lurid pastels and neon lights of 1980s Miami truly pop. The audio, remastered with an immersive DTS:X track, brings every dramatic shootout and Giorgio Moroder synthesizer cue to life with incredible depth.

Beyond the reference-quality A/V presentation, the set excels in presentation. Housed in a premium faux-leather collectible box featuring Tony's "TM" insignia, it includes an exclusive SteelBook and a high-quality IconArt metal poster—a display piece worthy of Montana's mansion. The extensive bonus features are ported over and include the invaluable 35th Anniversary Reunion with Pacino, Pfeiffer, and De Palma. This collection is essential for physical media enthusiasts and the only way a true fan should own this American crime classic.

Studios provided review screeners.

Game Review: 'Silent Hill 2' Remake on Xbox Series X/S

 

The shadow drop of Bloober Team’s Silent Hill 2 remake on the Xbox Series X/S console is more than just a late port; it’s the end of a year-long console exclusivity agreement that finally brings one of the most critically-acclaimed survival horror stories to the Microsoft ecosystem. For the large player base who watched from the sidelines during the initial PlayStation 5 and PC launch, the question is simple: was it worth the wait, and how does the game perform on Microsoft's current-gen hardware?

The short answer is yes, and remarkably well, considering the engine.

Konami tasked the Polish studio Bloober Team—known for titles like Layers of Fear—with the unenviable job of updating a masterpiece. The core narrative, following James Sunderland’s harrowing search for his deceased wife in the titular town, remains intact. The remake succeeds primarily by committing to the original’s themes of psychological guilt and repression. The oppressive atmosphere, which is the true star of the original, is meticulously rebuilt here using Unreal Engine 5, featuring ray tracing and a modern soundscape that weaponizes every distorted radio static and creature groan against the player.

Crucially, the game adopts an over-the-shoulder perspective and features modernized combat, moving away from the deliberate clunkiness of the 2001 classic. While this was a contentious point for purists, the change effectively translates James’s vulnerability to a contemporary audience, making every encounter with a Lying Figure or Mannequin a tense resource-management exercise, not just a static test of timing.

The Series X/S version lands amid ongoing industry conversations about next-gen optimization. On the Series X, players are presented with the standard choice: a Quality Mode targeting 4K resolution at 30 frames per second (FPS), and a Performance Mode aiming for 60 FPS. Technical analyses suggest that while the visual quality modes are dynamic and frequently sit below native 4K, the Performance Mode often delivers a more consistent 60 FPS experience than its competitor console. For a game that relies on tight combat cues and smooth navigation of dense, foggy environments, prioritizing that higher frame rate is the pragmatic choice.

For the user, the timing of this release is a significant win. Not only does it arrive supporting Xbox Play Anywhere—bundling the console and PC versions together—but Konami launched it with an aggressive 50 percent discount, effectively turning the Series X/S debut into a high-value purchase. This final delivery of Silent Hill 2 to the Xbox faithful ensures that no player is left out of experiencing what many still consider the pinnacle of horror storytelling, now gorgeously rendered and technically sound on their preferred console. It’s a successful product launch that marks the completion of the remake's cross-platform journey.

Publisher provided review code.

Game Review: 'Jaleco Sports: Bases Loaded' And 'Jaleco Sports: Goal!'

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Nintendo Entertainment System in the United States, Rock It Games has delivered a genuine gift to retro sports fans: the simultaneous re-launch of two of the platform’s most beloved sports games, Jaleco Sports: Bases Loaded and Jaleco Sports: Goal!, each packaged with their Super Nintendo sequels, for just $7.99 a pop on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5. This isn't just a nostalgic curio; it’s a masterclass in how to revive a classic, adding quality-of-life improvements that make these games feel fresh and vital today.

First up is the baseball diamond, with the package featuring the original 1988 NES Bases Loaded alongside Super Bases Loaded (SNES 1991). The NES original, developed by the esteemed Tose, was revolutionary for its time, known for its unique TV-style presentation that brought the pitcher-batter matchup right up close—a huge leap in realism for 1988. With 12 teams and 30 uniquely skilled players, the game offered genuine strategic depth that resonated with players, making it an overnight bestseller. The SNES sequel amplified this, introducing an all-new center-field TV perspective, five difficulty levels, and a "radar" feature to track fielders, ensuring that both the 8-bit charm and the 16-bit evolution are represented here.

Taking to the pitch, Jaleco Sports: Goal! (NES 1988) and Super Goal! (SNES 1992) remind us why this series was a top-tier soccer sim before FIFA dominated the scene. The original Goal! was celebrated for its innovative gameplay, featuring 16 international teams competing for the World Cup and uniquely rated players across essential skills like speed and dribbling. The NES version’s Shootout mode alone could justify the price of admission. Super Goal! took the formula to the next level with full-field radar views, 24 international teams, instant replays, and strategic options like four defensive formations, proving the series was always pushing the envelope.

As Michael Devine, CEO of Rock It Games, put it, "We're adding a bit of Rock It's curating magic to these rereleases." That magic is evident in the new features: players can seamlessly switch between the NES and SNES versions of both games anytime. You can activate Retro CRT Mode for that ultimate 90s TV look, or, most critically, utilize a brand new save feature that lets you save your progress at any point—a welcome modern convenience for games that required a serious time commitment. The addition of monthly leaderboards and, for the Goal! package, the incredibly useful Rewind the Action feature, turn these retro experiences into accessible, competitive titles.

Whether you're looking to recapture the glory days of 8-bit sports or experience some of the most advanced sports titles the NES and SNES had to offer, these Jaleco Sports collections are a triumph of preservation and modernization. They offer immense value and a fantastic walk down gaming memory lane.

Publisher provided review code.

Game Review: 'Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection'

 

The act of pressing pause on Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection isn't simply stopping a game; it’s stopping a cultural phenomenon—a brutal, pixelated inflection point in the history of interactive media. Digital Eclipse’s meticulous collection of the foundational MK titles, spanning the original arcade cabinets, bizarre handheld oddities, and the infamous spin-offs like Mythologies: Sub-Zero, is not just a package of retro fighting games. It’s an unflinching sociological archive that forces us to reckon with the competitive, often emotionally simplistic, pathology of early 90s digital masculinity.

In a culture increasingly seeking more resilient, authentic, and collaborative identities, Mortal Kombat remains the ultimate performance of traditional, aggressive male posturing. The Fatality, after all, is not just a move; it's a dramatic, zero-sum declaration that your opponent’s entire existence has been invalidated. This collection preserves that feeling with arcade-perfect precision, thanks to the addition of rollback netcode, which ensures that modern online duels are as sharp and unforgiving as they were next to a sticky cabinet twenty-five years ago. The technical fidelity here is exemplary, but the feeling it evokes—that high-stakes, chest-beating adrenaline—is what truly defines the experience.

What makes this release genuinely compelling, however, is not the flawless emulation of Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, but the meta-narrative provided by the interactive documentary features. Digital Eclipse, in its role as curator and chronicler, doesn't just present the finished product; it pulls back the curtain on the developers themselves. We are given access to the vulnerability and humanity of creators like Ed Boon and John Tobias as they discuss the sheer, accidental magnitude of what they birthed. This access offers a profound contrast: the creators engaging in dialogue and reflection, while their creation is solely concerned with terminal, unsparing confrontation.

The inclusion of the genuinely broken oddities, particularly the platforming failure Mythologies: Sub-Zero and the awkward Special Forces, serves a critical purpose. These games, clunky and frustrating as they are, represent the inevitable difficulty in translating the raw spectacle of violence into something with genuine narrative or emotional complexity. They reveal the messy, often embarrassing, attempts to make sense of the carnage outside the confines of the tournament square.

Ultimately, the Legacy Kollection stands as a vital cultural artifact. It provides the definitive way to play the games that shaped an entire generation’s perception of competitive play. More than that, it forces us to look at the genesis of digitized violence—a space where we, as players, could safely practice a hyper-masculine ideal of dominance, evasion, and absolute finality. It begs the question: how much of that primitive performance is still embedded in our current emotional code? It's a must-own for historians, critics, and anyone still searching for the roots of their own competitive drive.

Publisher provided review code.

Game Review: 'Call of Duty Black Ops 7'

 You know, the interesting thing about the Call of Duty: Black Ops series is that it always promises high-octane spectacle, but what it delivers—or at least, what its best iterations deliver—is a kind of grim, cold exhaustion. The moral ambiguity isn’t just window dressing for the set pieces; it’s the actual theme. Black Ops 7 is the first game in the sub-franchise to truly ditch the historical Cold War for a full-on near-future Cyber Cold War, and the result is less a thrilling spy caper and more a meditation on digital alienation.

Look, this isn't the simple, gritty realism of the classic titles. Set in 2042, the conflict is fought not over borders, but over control of global data streams. You play Agent Kilo, an operative for a shadowy international security collective known as 'Aegis'. The campaign drags you through beautifully rendered, neon-soaked ruins of neo-Tokyo and the desolate, sand-choked server farms of the Central Asian steppes. What’s fascinating here is the sheer ugliness of the future, despite the polish. The tech—the neural hacks, the optical cloaking—feels intrusive, not empowering. The game doesn't let you forget that you're just a highly specialized piece of meat running code. The story, which revolves around recovering a terrifyingly effective algorithmic weapon called 'Scythe,' is genuinely engaging, if a little overwrought with conspiracy tropes. The moments of quiet betrayal, where you question your handler's motives, are where the writing truly shines.

Mechanically, the gunplay is predictably tight. The developers have nailed the feeling of the next-generation kinetic weapons. Every trigger pull feels precise and weighty. However, the introduction of the 'Chrono-Shift' mechanic—a short-range teleport tied to a cooldown—is the element that makes multiplayer fundamentally different. It forces a faster, more vertical game, but I found it often disrupted the careful, tactical rhythm that makes Black Ops campaigns so effective.

Aesthetically, the game is a masterclass in mood. The sound design alone deserves praise; the subtle, glitching synth score during stealth segments and the sudden, deafening chaos of an inevitable firefight perfectly capture the anxiety of surveillance. Yet, while the aesthetic is strong, I wish the level design had been less linear. A true espionage thriller, even a futuristic one, benefits from player agency, from giving the player space to breathe and choose their approach. Too often, Blac Ops 7 feels like a tightly choreographed stage show, which is a shame given the compelling narrative premise.

Ultimately, Black Ops 7 is a solid, well-made entry. The campaign, while short, is a gripping cyberpunk tale, offering more food for thought than your typical annual military shooter. The multiplayer will, of course, dominate the zeitgeist for the next year, but the real takeaway here is the atmosphere of surveillance and paranoia. It's a game that asks, "What if the Cold War never ended, it just went internal?" For fans looking for a compelling story wrapped in a glossy, high-budget package, this is easily recommendable. Just be prepared for the moral fog that comes with the territory.

Publisher provided review code.

Hot on Home Video: 'Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas 25th Anniversary Edition,' 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'

 

DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS 25TH ANNIVERSARY DEDITION

The 25th Anniversary Edition of Ron Howard’s live-action How the Grinch Stole Christmas on 4K Ultra HD is the best-looking and sounding way to experience Whoville. The true star of this release is the upgraded video presentation, now featuring Dolby Vision and HDR10. This High Dynamic Range (HDR) pass corrects the sometimes dull, hazy appearance of previous releases, instead delivering richer, deeper colors that make the famously elaborate Whoville sets truly pop. The reds of the festive decorations and the sickly emerald green of Jim Carrey’s Grinch suit display a noticeable depth and vibrancy.

While the film remains a 2K Digital Intermediate upscaled to 4K, the clarity benefits significantly, revealing impressive texture in the meticulous makeup work and costuming. The upgrade to Dolby Atmos audio also provides a massive benefit, enveloping the viewer with precise object placement for the snow, wind, and the chaotic sounds of the Grinch’s inventions.

For collectors, this edition is a generous package. It includes all legacy bonus features (like the director commentary and "Who School" featurettes) and adds a brand-new retrospective, "25 Years Later: The Gift of The Grinch." This new featurette, which includes interviews with Ron Howard and star Taylor Momsen, is a welcome addition that makes this disc a worthwhile upgrade for fans.

ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST

The 4K Ultra HD debut of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a monumental success, delivering a restoration that respects the film’s original 1970s cinematography while breathing new life into the asylum's oppressive atmosphere. Sourced from the original 35mm camera negative, the native 4K transfer presents a beautifully organic, film-like image.

Grain is dense but perfectly resolved, maintaining that authentic 70s texture without appearing noisy. The subtle HDR application is masterful, preserving the muted, clinical color palette of the institution while allowing key moments—like the vibrant colors during the fishing trip—to genuinely pop. Detail levels, especially in facial close-ups and the textures of the ward, are a massive upgrade over previous Blu-ray editions, which suffered from digital tinkering.

The audio features a solid 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio remix, which enhances Jack Nitzsche's score, along with the original 2.0 theatrical mono track for purists. The set also includes new retrospective featurettes with Michael Douglas, Danny DeVito, Christopher Lloyd, and Brad Dourif, alongside the excellent legacy documentary, Completely Cuckoo.

Despite omitting the classic commentary track, this 4K package is a highly recommended, definitive presentation of Miloš Forman’s masterpiece.

Studio provided screenerS for review.

Broadway in Tucson Review: 'Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical'

 

Bursting with costumes and stagecraft that grant a third dimension to the children's author's iconic illustrations, "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical" thrives on various meta-levels at the same time. It's an adaptation of a 1966 short animated film, which was adapted from the Dr. Seuss' book, which in turn gave way to live-action and animated feature-length films.

Each has a slightly different take on the source material and the backstory voids they've left, and the stage musical fills most of them in with wild aplomb. 

The energetic core, of course, is Josh Woodie in the title role. With a hammy roast beast of a performance that might make Jim Carrey blush, Woodie shatters the fourth wall in witty, Deadpool-style heckles, careens up the side of the stage on an elevator and struts and gestures with haughty indifference as the Whos around him sing about his devious exploits. It's Woodie's party, and we are the guests who are just lucky to be there.

Serial scene stealer Emma Rose Marinoff, as Cindy Lou Who, in the wholesome, sweet yin to the Grinch's wretched yang. And in a reverent touch, Old Max W. Scott Stewart), looking back at his days as the Grinch's unwitting canine sidekick, serves as a barely reliable narrator and the baritone stand-in who cover Thurl Ravenscroft's incomparable 1966 theme song.

While the ensemble is saddled with a thankless job of serving as the backdrop to the Grinch's scenery-chewing, their meek choreography, performed in cumbersome cartoon costumes, is just what's needed to set the madcap, nostalgia-oozing tone. The lighting and background filters provide the illusion of cell-shaded scenery that recall nights of fevered Christmas anticipation, glued to the CRT set to watch the TV special with the fam.

While the throughline of togetherness snuffing out holiday commercialism settles for the backseat in the F1 race with the Grinch at the wheel, there's a spirited, community theater-style sense of jubilee to the proceedings. In the final act, when Old Max strikes up an audience sing-along to the title song, it's impossible not to grin and not notice everyone around you is doing the same. 

Amid the merriment that is nothing short of magic, the Grinch isn't the only one whose heart grows two sizes.

"Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical" plays through Nov. 16 at Centennial Hall. Buy tickets here.

Hot on Home Video: 'Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale'

DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE

The Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, due out Nov. 11, is a solid way to say goodbye to the Crawley family and their devoted staff. This presentation is nothing short of breathtaking, elevating Julian Fellowes' heartfelt conclusion into a truly cinematic experience.

The 4K transfer, enhanced with HDR, is the standout feature. The intricate embroidery of Lady Mary’s evening wear, the rich wood grain of the Great Hall, and the sweeping green landscapes of the Yorkshire exterior are rendered with such fine detail and precision that they practically leap off the screen. Candlelit dinners and shadowy downstairs scenes maintain perfect contrast, showcasing deep, stable black levels without crushing detail.

Beyond the impeccable visual fidelity, the Dolby Atmos audio mix envelops the viewer in the world of Downton. John Lunn’s magnificent score swells with newfound depth, while the ambient sounds of clinking silverware and the bustling servants’ quarters feel wonderfully textured and alive. The film itself offers a gentle, satisfying conclusion, tying up beloved storylines and delivering a final, emotional montage that truly pays tribute to the 15-year journey. For long-time fans, this release—packed with over an hour of bonus content—is an absolute must-have collector's item and a graceful final bow.

Game Reviewer: 'Double Dragon Revive'

 

Double Dragon Revive marks the franchise's bold leap into a fully 3D environment while attempting to retain the classic, side-scrolling beat 'em up formula that made the Lee brothers legends. The result is an experience that is deeply respectful of its lineage and often thrilling in its combat design, though held back by a few fundamental missteps that prevent it from achieving true greatness.

Visually, Revive is a treat for long-time fans. The game leans into a slightly grittier, post-apocalyptic aesthetic, telling a new story set 15 years after a nuclear war. The character models for Billy, Jimmy, and Marian are stylishly updated, blending modern flair with their iconic silhouettes. More importantly, the action design, supervised by Arc System Works staff, is excellent. This isn't just a mindless button-mashing brawler; it’s a strategic fighter. The introduction of the Dragon Orb Gauge, combined with environmental takedowns and weapon use, encourages players to string together creative combos. Breaking enemy armor at the right moment is deeply satisfying, turning routine encounters into rewarding displays of martial arts mastery. When the combat clicks, especially in local co-op, Double Dragon Revive delivers that perfect arcade rush of clearing out a screen of thugs with synchronized strikes.

The game also deserves credit for its structure. Beyond the main story, the Extra Mode is packed with challenges and character-specific missions, providing significant replay value for those who want to master the deeper mechanics. This gives the game more longevity than many other titles in the genre. The soundtrack, which features a solid mix of riffy original tracks and modernized remixes of classic themes, does a great job of keeping the energy high during the long street fights.

However, the major drawback—and the reason the review remains mixed—lies squarely in the movement. While the developers aimed for refined controls, the transition to eight-directional 3D movement in a belt-scrolling context often feels disappointingly floaty. Characters lack the immediate, grounded responsiveness necessary for precision brawling. Punches and kicks can feel slightly delayed or imprecise, leading to frustrating moments where attacks seemingly "miss" due to an enemy shifting slightly on the plane. Furthermore, the platforming sections, which are thankfully rare, are clunky and painful because of this lack of satisfying weight and precision. This floatiness creates a constant tension between the game's excellent strategic combat design and its slightly clumsy execution.

Ultimately, Double Dragon Revive is a solid, enjoyable beat 'em up that offers a compelling story and genuinely deep combat options. While its floaty movement and occasional lack of polish mean it doesn't quite live up to the standard set by recent genre titans, the heart, challenge, and co-op thrills of the Dragon brothers’ return are certainly enough to make it worth a punch or two.

Publisher provided review code.

Game Review: 'Painkiller'

 Painkiller: Requiem isn’t here to tell you a grand, emotional tale or revolutionize the FPS genre. It’s here to remind you, loudly and aggressively, what it feels like to obliterate the forces of Hell with a six-barrel chain gun and a rocket-launcher/grenade combo. This 2025 successor, built on the blinding fidelity of Unreal Engine 5, delivers on the franchise’s core promise: unadulterated, old-school arena shooting, but often struggles to justify its return in a crowded modern market. It’s a flawless homage that is simultaneously its own greatest weakness.

The combat experience is, without question, peak adrenaline. Developer Black Gate Studio has perfectly recreated the visceral dance of survival that made the original 2004 game a cult hit. The movement speed is frantic, the weapon feedback is meaty, and the monsters—a grotesque and wonderfully varied roster of demons and undead—dissolve into satisfying showers of pixelated gore. Every arena feels like a survival puzzle where the clock is measured by the rapidly depleting demon population. The iconic arsenal, particularly the Stakes Gun, remains brutally satisfying, turning enemies into wall ornaments with a terrifying thunk. Paired with a relentlessly pounding heavy metal score, Requiem achieves a transcendental state of chaotic perfection. If you judge a shooter purely on its ability to deliver pure, kinetic fun, this game is a ten out of ten.

However, the perfection of the action is often betrayed by the simplicity of the design. The game's campaign is linear to a fault, following a strict formula: long, aesthetically moody corridor leads to a large, often breathtaking arena; lock the doors, kill everything, repeat. This lack of structural innovation feels jarring in 2025. While the environments are visually stunning—from gothic cathedrals bathed in neon light to snowy, abandoned psychiatric wards—they rarely offer the lateral complexity or secret-filled paths expected of a modern Metroidvania-adjacent shooter.

Furthermore, the narrative is utterly forgettable. Daniel Garner’s continuing purgatorial quest is merely an excuse to string together monster closets, offering little emotional anchor for new players. The game also shipped with several technical flaws; many users reported inconsistent frame pacing, particularly in the later, dense arenas, and a smattering of collision-detection bugs that occasionally broke the rhythm of the otherwise fluid combat.

In conclusion, Painkiller: Requiem is a polarizing effort. For long-time fans craving the exact same glorious, twitch-based brutality of the early 2000s, this is a beautiful and necessary upgrade. For newcomers, it’s a brilliant but fundamentally repetitive shooter weighed down by an anemic story and launch-day technical woes. It’s the perfect demon-slaying arcade machine, but sometimes you wish it had a little more story to tell between the boss fights.

Publisher provided review code.

Broadway in Tucson Review: '& Juliet'

 

"& Juliet" imagines a brainstorming session between William Shakespeare and his wife, Anne Hathaway, in which Juliet manages to stave off her suicidal urge and begin life anew after the death of her beloved beau. What happens next, naturally, is a cavalcade of N Sync, Britney Spears, Ariana Grande, Bon Jovi and Kelly Clarkson song-and-dance numbers.

At its worst, the show is a train wreck of mixed metaphors and nonsensical non sequiturs. And that is also the show at its best. Penned with Masters-degree level knowledge of the Bard's breadth of work and personal demons, as well as PhD-level literary analysis of boy band lyrics, the result is a fantastic fever dream that combines two pieces of subject matter that belong together precisely because they don't.

The rollicking musical, which originated on the West End in 2019 and migrated to Broadway in 2022, plays like a "Now That's What I Call Music" of pop empowerment anthems of the early aughts. Numbers pop off the stage like concert show stoppers, with explosions of lasers, oversized set pieces, booming projections and a coup de grace confetti drop. Rarely does a musical so effortlessly get the audience bopping out of their seats, waving their hands and screaming in glee.

The writing leans heavily into Shakespeare's far-ahead-of-his-time gender-bending proclivities, while also exposing his chauvinistic tendencies. Sassy CJ Eldred owns the stage as Shakespeare, bickering and collaborating with his beloved, distant better half, Anne (Crystal Kellogg). The actors harmonize as a Greek chorus for the antics of the heroine, Juliette (silk-voiced Fabiola Caraballo Quijada), who sheds her lovelorn archetype in search of empowerment that aces the Bechdel test.

Bustling with an energetic and versatile ensemble, the cast soars to life, singing and dancing to songs that they probably grew up jamming out to on their hand-me-down iPods. The musical rights must have been a nightmare to collect, but the producers did such a thoroughly excellent job that its omissions stand out all the more. It's a shame, for instance, that Taylor Swift's "Love Story" wasn't somehow wedged into the tapestry.

I adored every moment of "& Juliet" as it shook up the entirety of Centennial Hall. I heard, and took part in, screams of delight that rivaled what the original artists might have been able to muster had they been on stage instead. A delightful indulgence for Shakespeare devotees and shameless afficionados of overplayed guilty pleasure hits from a couple decades ago, "& Juliet" is the musical you didn't know you needed until you had it.

"& Juliet" plays through Nov. 2 at Centennial Hall. Buy tickets here.

Game Review: 'The Good Old Days'

The Good Old Days is far more than just a nostalgic pixel romp; it's a heartfelt, expertly crafted Metroidvania that successfully bottles the lightning of a classic 1980s adventure. Taking on the role of young Sean in the fictional, vaguely 19XX-era town of Arostia, players are tasked with an impossible mission: pay off his missing father’s debt to a loan shark by the end of the day. To do this, Sean must venture into the vast underground, rescue his three captured friends, and find money through exploration, minigames, and courage.

The game shines brightest in its storytelling and character work. It immediately evokes the spirit of The Goonies, trading the search for One-Eyed Willy’s treasure for a desperate, time-sensitive quest for cash. Like Mikey and his crew, Sean and his friends—Foodie, Bruce, and Doc (collectively known as "The Noogies")—are resourceful underdogs fighting an insurmountable adult problem. As you rescue them, they become playable, each possessing a unique ability essential for navigating Arostia's labyrinthine sewers and hidden zones. This mandatory character-swapping mechanic perfectly captures the "we’re all in this together" teamwork that defined the 80s young-adult adventure genre.

Where the game truly surpasses simple imitation is in its unexpected structural influence from the classic JRPG EarthBound. While it retains a Metroidvania platforming core, the overall atmosphere is pure Mother series eccentricity. The vibrant, expressive 16-bit pixel art, the small-town setting facing hidden dangers, and the refusal to lean on traditional fantasy tropes all feel like a direct homage to Ness and his friends. Like EarthBound, the threats here are often bizarre and grounded in a subversion of Americana, making the adventure feel intensely personal and quirky. The bosses aren't dragons or wizards, but strange, memorable figures or mechanical oddities, tying back to the game’s core theme: the biggest adventures happen right in your own backyard.

The gameplay, which encourages exploration and gives the player the freedom to choose whether to engage in combat, pay debts through simple quests, or try their luck at a lottery, is genius. The multiple ending system, which evolves with each subsequent playthrough, transforms the game from a one-shot experience into a cyclical narrative of growing up.

Ultimately, The Good Old Days is a monumental success. It expertly marries the high-stakes, group-focused exploration of The Goonies with the warm, bizarrely humorous small-town setting and emotional resonance of EarthBound. It’s a rewarding, beautiful game that doesn't just celebrate nostalgia, but uses it as a foundation for something new and brilliant.

Publisher provided review code.

Hot on Home Video: The Back to the Future 40th Anniversary 4K Ultra HD Trilogy,' 'Robot Chicken: The Complete Series'

BACK TO THE FUTURE; 40TH ANNIVERSARY 4K ULTRA HD TRILOGY

The Back to the Future 40th Anniversary Trilogy in 4K Ultra HD is the definitive way to experience one of cinema’s greatest adventures. While the films themselves are timeless masterpieces of witty scripting, charming performances by Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, and perfectly structured plotting, this new edition truly makes them shine.

The visual upgrade is striking. The native 4K masters, complete with Dolby Vision/HDR, breathe new life into Hill Valley, offering exceptional detail, vibrant colors, and deep black levels far superior to previous Blu-ray releases. The DeLorean's iconic time-travel sequences have never looked sharper, and the accompanying Dolby Atmos soundtrack ensures Alan Silvestri's score is dynamically presented.

The main draw for long-time fans is the wealth of supplemental material, including nearly ninety minutes of brand-new extras that provide fresh, untold stories from the set. This set is a lovingly crafted tribute that honors the franchise’s legacy, making it a mandatory purchase for nostalgic fans and first-time viewers alike. It’s a flawless presentation of a perfect trilogy.

ROBOT CHICKEN: THE COMPLETE SERIES

Robot Chicken: The Complete Series on DVD is the definitive brick of irreverent comedy. Spanning 20 years and over 220 episodes, this massive collection celebrates the pioneering genius of Seth Green and Matthew Senreich’s rapid-fire stop-motion sketch show.

What makes this set essential is the sheer volume of chaotic creativity. Every episode is a non-stop barrage of hilariously dark pop culture parodies, from beloved cartoons and movies to celebrity culture, all brought to life by deeply disturbed toys. The jokes land with shocking speed, ensuring that even if one sketch misses, the next five will hit.

Beyond the core series, this set is packed with legendary, full-length specials, including the iconic Star Wars, DC Comics, and Walking Dead themed adventures. With 24 discs featuring all the episodes and an exclusive 20th-anniversary bonus feature, this collection is a lovingly preserved archive of Adult Swim’s most anarchic, Emmy-winning humor. It is the ultimate testament to the show’s legacy and a mandatory purchase for any fan of subversive comedy.

Phil on Film: 'Blue Moon'

"Blue Moon" shows that The Richard Linklater-Ethan Hawke partnership was just getting started after the watershed "Before" trilogy wrapped up.

Just as the phenomenally talented director and actor did with "Before Sunrise," "Before Sunset" and "Before Midnight," as well as "Boyhood," "Tape" and "Waking Life," they harmonize their artistic visions for a riveting chamber drama that features almost all talk and no action.

The dialogue, performances and understated narrative carry "Blue Moon," a somber, intensely introspective look at musical songwriter Lorenz Hart at the beginning of the end of his career. Set at the opening of "Oklahoma!" the hugely successful musical that marked Hart's breaking with Richard Rodgers, who went on to forge an immortal partnership with Oscar Hammerstein, Hart is in a drunken, rambling mood, alone with a bartender and a stack of nagging what-ifs and what-might-have-beens.

Hawke brings Hart to life as a tortured artist who is being eaten alive by his own demons. He simmers with desperation to recapture a sliver of the fame and romance he once knew, channeling his obsession on Elizabeth (Margaret Qualley), a college girl trying to break into Broadway. He delves into the dark recesses of his mind in a running conversation with a half-listening bartender named Eddie (Bobby Canavale).

A tapestry of characters, including Elizabeth, Rodgers (Andrew Scott), Hammerstein (Simon Delaney) Stephen Sondheim (Cillian Sullivan) and E. B. White (Patrick Kennedy) weave their way through Hart's despair, treating him with interchanging revery, pity and bemusement, but do little to alter the runaway freight train inside of his head.

Linklater thrives on orchestrating Hawke's master class, unleashing the actor to unleash a stream of consciousness of hilarity. If Hart only set pen to paper to record his thoughts, he would have had his grand comeback in the form of a one-man show that would have been a few decades ahead of its time. He enthuses the Fellinian line of an artist who has nothing to say, but wants to say it anyway.

"Blue Moon" is a staggering film that I could rewatch again and again. Along with dalliances in horror and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Hawke continues to demonstrate his incredible range. The man is due another Oscar nomination, and this is the film to make that happen. If it doesn't, though, it will somehow fit the film's narrative all too well.

Game Review: 'NASCAR 25'

Look, we all know the deal with licensed racers: they exist in a state of perpetually disappointing mediocrity, a sad, dusty shelf full of annualized releases where the only thing that changes is the driver roster. So when a new NASCAR game rolls off the hauler, you’re usually pre-loading the cynicism.

But listen up, grease monkeys: NASCAR 25 is the real deal. It’s messy, it’s beautiful, and it understands that the fun part of NASCAR isn't the tire pressures—it’s the pure, kinetic terror of 35 cars fighting for the same square inch of asphalt at 200 mph.

The Gen-7 Beast is Finally Untamed

The most crucial thing iRacing needed to deliver on its console debut was the feel. And damn, did they deliver. The Gen-7 car in this game is a glorious, sliding beast. It’s neither an inaccessible, hyper-sensitive sim nor a brain-dead arcade bumper car. It lives right in that golden 'sim-cade' sweet spot. On a controller—and let’s be real, 95% of us are on a controller—it feels weighty and responsive, forcing you to respect the dirty air and the high groove without needing a $1,500 force feedback rig just to navigate pit road.

The laser-scanned tracks feel incredible, too. You can feel the grip fall off as you transition to the top lane at Darlington, and trying to hold the bottom at Martinsville is a nerve-wracking exercise in patience that often ends with a polite-to-aggressive bump-draft from the AI. Speaking of the AI, it’s genuinely great. They make human mistakes—they overshoot the corner entry, they get greedy on the restarts, and they will absolutely wreck themselves trying to hold the lead, turning a seemingly dull single-file stint into instant, white-knuckle chaos.

Custom Careers and Killer Sound

Sure, the career mode is still a bit of a spreadsheet simulator. You start in the ARCA series with a paint scheme that looks like a cheap energy drink, and your “rivalries” are mostly delivered through oddly polite in-game Twitter posts. It’s bare-bones, but it functions. You chase sponsorships, you upgrade parts, and you watch the crowd size tick up as you move from the Craftsman Truck Series to the promised land of the Cup Series. It’s the framework of a career, and honestly, that’s all I needed. The racing does the heavy lifting.

What really sells the atmosphere, besides the stunning lighting on the laser-scanned pavement, is the sound. The Next Gen engine note is throaty and aggressive, and when you’re stacked up three-wide at Daytona, the glorious, deafening sound of an entire pack bouncing off the rev limiter is pure aural adrenaline. Throw in a surprisingly solid alt-rock soundtrack that perfectly captures the "tailgate at the track" vibe, and you’ve got a racer that looks and sounds phenomenal.

Is the multiplayer a complete dumpster fire of menus and ancient server browsers? Yeah, absolutely. But that’s the price of admission for NASCAR multiplayer, and the core racing is so fundamentally solid that the bones are there for a genuinely fantastic ranked experience once iRacing sorts out the lobby structure (which, fingers crossed, they will).

NASCAR 25 isn't just a good NASCAR game; it's a genuinely great, high-stakes racing game that finally respects the raw speed and drama of the sport. If you’re a fan who has been burned by every attempt since 2006, this is the one. Go get messy.

Hot on Home Video: 'F1: The Movie,' 'Weapons,' 'Peanuts: 75th Anniversary Ultimate TV Specials Collection,' 'Nobody 2'

F1: THE MOVIE

The Blu-ray release of Joseph Kosinski's high-octane feature, F1: The Movie, is a technical powerhouse designed to maximize the motorsport spectacle. The 4K transfer delivers a stunning visual experience, showcasing the sport’s modern digital clarity. Detail is razor-sharp, making every minute component on the cars and the vibrant trackside banners stand out with remarkable precision. This presentation expertly captures the vivid colors and high contrast of a modern Formula 1 race weekend.

However, the true champion of this disc is the spectacular Dolby Atmos soundtrack. This mix is engineered for maximum immersion, transforming your living room into a grandstand. Engines roar and purr with visceral low-frequency effects (LFE), utilizing every channel to convey the sheer speed and directionality of the race cars. The sound design is a masterclass in spatial audio, guaranteeing a serious workout for any home theater system.

While the film's narrative has its predictable moments, the technical presentation alone makes this release a must-own. The solid package includes deep-dive special features, covering everything from the intricate in-car camera innovations developed by the production team to Lewis Hamilton’s crucial role as a producer. It’s an essential release for both F1 enthusiasts and AV perfectionists.

WEAPONS

The 4K Ultra HD release of Zach Cregger’s supernatural horror-thriller, Weapons, delivers an outstanding technical experience, making it an essential package for genre fans. The 2160p transfer, enhanced with Dolby Vision/HDR10, faithfully captures the film’s intended aesthetic. It’s important to note that this is not a disc designed for traditional "pop"; the image utilizes a subdued, gloomy color palette, a creative choice that occasionally results in slightly elevated blacks but effectively amplifies the movie’s unsettling atmosphere. Detail, however, remains sharp and filmic, offering a noticeable upgrade over standard HD versions.

The true star of this release is the reference-quality Dolby Atmos soundtrack. Cited by many as one of the year’s most effective horror mixes, the audio design excels in crafting palpable dread. Subtle, atmospheric effects creep convincingly into the surround channels, while the LFE (low-frequency effects) channel provides a killer, rumbling bass response that adds profound weight to the movie’s most shocking moments.

The disc is rounded out by a solid trio of special features, including a look at Cregger's personal inspirations and detailed cast and production featurettes. A technically robust release that perfectly preserves one of 2025’s most talked-about horrors.

PEANUTS: 75TH ANNIVERSARY ULTIMATE TV SPECIALS COLLECTION

The Peanuts 75th Anniversary Ultimate TV Specials Collection is a nostalgic treasure trove, gathering 40 animated specials from 1965 to 2011 across five Blu-ray discs. This set serves as the definitive compilation for fans of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the gang, finally housing all the foundational classics—including A Charlie Brown Christmas and It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown—in one cohesive package.

The remastered 1080p transfers offer a bright, colorful presentation, breathing new life into the traditional cel animation. While video quality occasionally varies, especially for some of the later, video-sourced specials, the key 60s and 70s favorites shine, showing off the iconic pen strokes of Charles M. Schulz’s characters with impressive clarity. Crucially, the collection features the timeless jazz scores of Vince Guaraldi in crisp Dolby Digital 5.1, making the soundtrack an absolute highlight.

The inclusion of an anniversary booklet is a nice touch for collectors. Though the "Ultimate" title is slightly misleading—a few specials and bonus features are still missing—this set is a monumental celebration of Peanuts television history. It's an essential purchase for holiday viewing traditions and for introducing the gentle melancholy and heartfelt humor of the Peanuts world to a new generation.

NOBODY 2

The Blu-ray release of Nobody 2 is the definitive way to experience Hutch Mansell’s bloodier, cheekier return. While the sequel wisely keeps the action running at a brisk 89 minutes, director Timo Tjahjanto delivers relentless, inventive mayhem that grounds itself in Bob Odenkirk’s thoroughly committed performance as the exasperated, lethal dad. If the element of surprise is gone, the commitment to bone-crunching fun is amplified.

The technical presentation is outstanding and a worthy upgrade for collectors. Both the Blu-ray and 4K UHD discs feature a thunderous Dolby Atmos audio track that uses every channel to make the film's frenetic shootouts and close-quarters brawls pop. The native 4K master on the UHD disc provides sharp detail and stable HDR, showcasing the stylized color grading beautifully.

Universal's Collector's Edition packs valuable special features, including over 30 minutes of bonus content. The two standout featurettes, Nobody Does Stunts Like Us and Nobody 2: The Fight Continues, grant genuine insight into Odenkirk's intensive training and the choreography design. The addition of eight deleted scenes is the final touch on a complete package. For action enthusiasts and fans of the first film, this disc is a mandatory pickup.

Studios provided screeners for review./

Early Game Review: 'Just Dance: 2026 Edition'

Ubisoft has refined the dance floor ritual to near-perfection. For years, the Just Dance series has stood as the premier rhythm-action experience, but it often felt like an annual content drop housed in a static platform. Just Dance 2026 Edition, due out Wednesday, finally pivots the franchise toward true evolution, delivering not just a stellar tracklist, but a suite of quality-of-life improvements and meaningful new modes that elevate the entire package from a party essential to a truly superb gaming experience.

The 2026 edition ships with the familiar 40-song roster, and the curation this year is immaculate. It manages the nearly impossible task of balancing current global pop dominance (like the immediate standout "Neon Echoes" by NovaWave) with essential throwback tracks that haven’t been featured before. More importantly, the choreographers leaned into the higher difficulty settings, offering Extreme maps that feel less like punitive wrist-flips and more like genuine masterclasses in expressive movement. The ability to switch between Easy, Medium, and Extreme coaches mid-song—a feature refined from last year—is now seamlessly integrated, making it easier than ever to tailor the challenge to the skill level of everyone in the room.

The most significant changes, however, lie beneath the neon surface. Previous iterations struggled with sluggish menu navigation and occasional lag when streaming Just Dance+ content, even with a strong connection. 2026 Edition resolves these critical issues with a complete overhaul of the UI, which is now blazingly fast and intuitive. Jumping from a curated workout playlist to a new song on the main roster takes mere seconds. Furthermore, the new Cloud Sync Architecture addresses the buffering headache; tracks from the massive subscription library load instantly, finally making Just Dance+ feel like a true, integrated platform rather than a separate streaming service tacked onto the base game.

Ubisoft also managed to inject fresh life into the surprisingly elaborate Just Dance lore (yes, it has lore). The new Ascension Story Mode is a welcome addition, turning the typically disjointed song compilation into a genuine progression track. Players unlock new choreographies and avatar customization pieces by completing narrative arcs tied to the colorful on-screen coaches. This not only gives solo players a reason to boot up the game outside of high-score chasing but also subtly teaches advanced moves necessary for the harder tracks, improving overall player ability in a way previous tutorial systems never could.

Just Dance 2026 Edition is an exercise in mechanical polish. The dance tracking is the tightest it has ever been, particularly when utilizing the phone-as-controller system, which exhibits almost zero noticeable latency. The dedication to making the base game feel complete while simultaneously polishing the Just Dance+ integration makes this the definitive entry in the modern era of the franchise. It’s vibrant, mechanically sound, and endlessly fun, making it a must-buy for both newcomers and seasoned dancers looking for the biggest leap forward in years.

Publisher provided review code.

Hot on Home Video: ''The Bad Guys 2,' 'Freakier Friday,' 'A Nightmare on Elm Street: 7-Film Collection'

THE BAD GUYS 2

The Bad Guys 2 delivers a fun, fast-paced sequel that manages to feel both familiar and freshly ambitious, though it stumbles slightly under the weight of its complex plot. The reformed crew of animal outlaws—Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, and the rest—find their newfound "good guy" status challenged by a new team of criminals in a globe-trotting, high-stakes caper. While the narrative occasionally becomes convoluted, the film succeeds thanks to the continued charisma of the voice cast, led by the effortlessly cool Sam Rockwell, and its genuinely sweet message about earning trust and acceptance.

The 4K Ultra HD presentation truly makes this DreamWorks animated feature pop. The film's unique, stylized animation—a slick mix of 2D aesthetics and 3D rendering—is perfectly suited for HDR, which delivers incredibly rich, warm primary colors and deep blacks. The clarity upgrade over the standard Blu-ray is subtle but noticeable, especially in showcasing the texture of the characters’ fur and scales. The Dolby Atmos track is the star of the show, providing a skull-cracking, dynamic audio experience during the relentless car chases and action sequences.

The Collector's Edition disc is also packed with over an hour of meaningful extras, including the charming animated short "Little Lies and Alibis," deleted scenes, and extensive making-of featurettes. This package is an easy recommendation for family viewing and a must-own for animation fans seeking a visually and acoustically impressive disc.

FREAKIER FRIDAY

The long-awaited sequel, Freakier Friday, hits digital platforms this week, offering a frothy, fun-filled return to the Coleman family. The major draw is, of course, the reunion of Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, who slip back into their roles as Tess and Anna with effortless charm and fantastic chemistry. Curtis, especially, is an absolute riot, throwing herself into the "teenager in a grandmother’s body" antics with uninhibited gusto that anchors the comedy. Lohan’s performance is a welcome, assured comeback, managing to balance humor with genuine emotional weight.

Where the film truly earns its title is in its expanded premise, swapping four bodies instead of just two. This doubling down, while ambitious and leading to some hilarious new scenarios, regrettably overstuffs the middle act. The plot becomes a complicated knot of "who's who" that sometimes dampens the simple, heartfelt emotional beats that made the 2003 original so effective.

Despite the occasional structural strain, the movie succeeds where it matters most: delivering warm, witty nostalgia and a powerful sense of fun. With generally positive reviews and a strong audience reception, this is worthwhile family viewing for a cozy movie night at home. It’s the feel-good reunion fans needed, even if the formula is unnecessarily complicated.

A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET: 7-FILM COLLECTION

The A Nightmare on Elm Street: 7-Film Collection is a definitive, must-own set that finally delivers the first six sequels, plus Wes Craven’s New Nightmare, in spectacular 4K. Warner Bros. has done justice to Freddy Krueger's iconic saga with newly remastered, native 4K transfers (2160p with HDR10) that vastly improve upon the aged Blu-ray editions. The original films, in particular, showcase healthy film grain, rich contrast, and deeply saturated colors that bring new life to the practical effects and dream sequences.

The sonic landscape of Springwood is equally impressive, with a new Dolby Atmos mix for each film. These mixes are aggressive, utilizing height channels to make Freddy's sinister voice and signature sound effects truly immersive—a skull-cracking treat for fans of horror sound design.

Beyond the seven films (including theatrical and uncut versions of the original and The Dream Child), the collection is packed with legacy bonus materials ported over from previous releases, ensuring hours of viewing. Highlights include the anaglyph 3D finale of Freddy's Dead (glasses included) and two brand-new special features: Boiler Room Confessional and Freddy’s Footnotes featuring Robert Englund. This package is an absolute dream for cinephiles and the best way to experience the entire franchise.

Studios provided screeners for review.

Arizona Theatre Company Review: 'Deceived'

 

Based on the 1938 Patrick Hamilton play "Gaslight," which gave birth to the term that describes the practice of psychological manipulation to get people to question their own perceptions, "Deceived" thrives on subtelty. 

At the core of the psychological whirlwind is Bella (Laakan McHardy), a cheery matron of a creaky estate who feels isolated by her passive-aggressive workaholic husband, Jack (Tony Roach). She feels somewhat subservient to Elizabeth (Amelia White), the kindly but overbearing head maid who has run the household long before Jack and Elizabeth moved in. 

Much of the dynamic involves Jack stumbling over himself to "help" Bella while overtly belittling her, accusing her of forgetting or misremembering past events, as well as uncontrollable kleptomania. It's never quite clear who is pulling the strings, and tantalizing to see Bella attempt to unravel the web in which she's caught. White's withering performance, which eventually builds a path to self-determination, is the key to the slow-burn mystery.

The fourth member of the cast is serial scene-swiper Sarah-Anne Martinez, of "Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin" fame, crackles as Nancy, a maid in training who says as much with her foot-stomping and pompous intonations as she does her dialogue.

Director Jenn Thompson orchestrates her capable cast and stunning set, which includes mood shifts accompanied by gas lights brightening and dimming, as well as stunning scene-ending blackouts.

"Deceived" has a way of summoning you into its drawing room and losing yourself in its whirlwind of psychological parlor games. Providing a steady stream of chills and understated thrills, the play simmers with poignance and tension.

"Deceived" plays through Oct. 18. Buy tickets here.

Device Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 on T-Mobile 5G Network

 

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 isn't just a stylish throwback to the flip phones of the past; it's a peek into the future of mobile technology. Combining a chic, pocket-friendly design with groundbreaking AI capabilities and the raw power of T-Mobile's 5G network, this device proves that a phone can be both a fashion statement and a technological marvel. It's a phone designed for those who want effortless performance and intelligent features without sacrificing on style. It takes up about as much pocket space as the old Game Boy Advance SP.

The most compelling aspect of the Z Flip 7 is its deep integration of Galaxy AI. This isn't just a gimmick; it's a suite of tools that fundamentally changes how you interact with your device. Features like "Circle to Search" are now even more intuitive, allowing you to instantly find information on anything on your screen with a simple gesture. The "Call Assist" feature is a standout, providing real-time transcription and translation during phone calls, a game-changer for international communication or taking notes on the go. Additionally, the improved "Object Eraser" in the photo editor uses generative AI to flawlessly remove unwanted elements from your photos, making your memories look perfect every time. Many of these features, like the new Gemini Live optimized for the larger cover screen, empower you to do more without even needing to open the phone.

The Z Flip 7's performance is further elevated by its seamless connection to T-Mobile's network. With the latest processor under the hood, this phone takes full advantage of T-Mobile's leading 5G network, which, according to a recent Ookla report, boasts the fastest speeds in the U.S. I've experienced download speeds that feel instantaneous, pulling down large video files in a matter of seconds. Streaming high-resolution content is a buffer-free experience, even in densely populated urban environments. The low latency of the network, a key feature of T-Mobile's 5G, makes mobile gaming incredibly responsive and lag-free, giving you a competitive edge.

The synergy between the Z Flip 7’s hardware and the T-Mobile network comes to life during regualr use. Whether you're using the AI features to quickly summarize a web page, engaging in a video call on the expansive main screen, or sharing high-quality photos, the process is consistently fast and fluid. The phone handles multitasking with ease, allowing you to juggle multiple apps without any slowdowns, a perfect match for the responsiveness of T-Mobile’s network. This combination of intelligent software, powerful hardware, and a reliable, high-speed connection makes the Z Flip 7 not just a phone, but a central hub for your digital life, operating at the speed of thought. In a world of incremental updates, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is a considerable leap forward.

T-Mobile provided device for review.

Game Review: 'Silent Hill F'

The fog has returned, but this time it's mingled with the scent of cherry blossoms and the unsettling stillness of 1960s Japan. Silent Hill F is a brave and masterful return to form for the iconic horror franchise, blending its signature psychological terror with a stunningly reimagined setting. It doesn't just recreate the past; it builds a terrifying new future on its unsettling foundation.

While the game retains the series' hallmark third-person perspective, it introduces a subtle yet impactful evolution to its mechanics. Combat is deliberate and tense, forcing you to conserve resources and think strategically about every encounter. The real strength of Silent Hill F, however, lies in its environmental puzzle-solving. The world itself is a labyrinth of interconnected, mind-bending riddles, and the game does an excellent job of guiding you with breadcrumbs of lore and visual cues rather than holding your hand. The camera work, a classic element of the series, is used to brilliant effect here, creating a constant sense of claustrophobia and dread that ratchets up the tension with every turn.

The narrative is where Silent Hill F truly shines. The story follows a young woman drawn into a decaying, flower-infested Japanese town, unraveling a personal and horrifying tale that's deeply rooted in folklore and tradition. The shift from an American ghost town to a rural Japanese setting is an inspired choice, providing a fresh backdrop for the series' core themes of guilt, trauma, and psychological torment. The new creature designs are grotesque and disturbing, each one a twisted reflection of the game's central tragedy. The audio design is impeccable, from the haunting, ambient score to the chilling sound effects that will make you question every creak and whisper.

Silent Hill F is a triumph. It takes everything that made the original games so compelling—the deep psychological horror, the unsettling atmosphere, and the memorable puzzles—and wraps it in a fresh, compelling package that feels both modern and deeply respectful of its roots. The move to a new setting is a risk that pays off in spades, delivering a uniquely terrifying experience that will stick with you long after the credits roll. For fans and newcomers alike, this is a must-play horror title that proves the Silent Hill franchise is back and better than ever.

 

Device Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 on T-Mobile 5G Network

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 manages to redefine the boundaries of the foldable phone. This device is arguably the pinnacle of modern mobile engineering, and when paired with a robust network like T-Mobile's 5G, it delivers a user experience that is nothing short of revolutionary. From its sleek, durable design to its powerhouse performance, this phone proves that the future of mobile is finally here.

The first thing you notice about the Z Fold 7 is its stunning form factor. Samsung has refined the hinge and overall profile to make it remarkably thin and light, making it feel more like a traditional smartphone when folded. But the real magic happens when you unfold it, revealing a magnificent 8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. This expansive canvas is a multitasker's dream, allowing you to run three apps simultaneously with effortless fluidity. Whether you're juggling emails, editing documents, or streaming a movie while texting a friend, the Z Fold 7 handles it all without breaking a sweat.

Under the hood, the Z Fold 7 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, a chipset that provides blazing-fast performance. This is where T-Mobile's 5G network truly shines. The device's support for T-Mobile's 5G Ultra Capacity (UC) and Extended Range networks means you can tap into incredible speeds and widespread coverage. I’ve seen this phone download large files in seconds and stream high-resolution content without a single buffer, even in crowded urban areas. The synergy between the Z Fold 7's hardware and T-Mobile's network is palpable; you can feel the speed and responsiveness in every tap, swipe, and download. It’s a connection that is reliable, low-latency, and consistent, making mobile gaming and video calls incredibly smooth.

The camera system, which works in concert with the AI suite, is equally impressive, anchored by a powerful 200MP main sensor that captures stunning detail and vibrant colors. The photos and videos are crystal clear, and the folding design even allows for unique shooting angles and modes. But beyond the specs, the phone excels in its everyday utility. T-Mobile's network ensures that sharing these high-quality photos and videos is instantaneous. There's no waiting for uploads or dealing with slow connections. Everything from social media updates to cloud backups happens at the speed of thought.

In a market full of incremental updates, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is an impressive leap forward. Its innovative design, powerful performance, and seamless integration with T-Mobile’s leading 5G network make it the ultimate device for anyone who wants to experience the best that mobile technology has to offer. It’s not just a phone; it's a mobile command center, and it operates at a speed that has to be seen to be believed.

T-Mobile provided device for review.

 

Game Review: 'EA Sports FC 26'

The moment the lights go down and the crowd roars to life in the stunning pre-match presentation of EA Sports FC 26, it's clear that EA's dedication to the sport is as strong as ever. After a solid first two years under the new banner, this year's iteration takes the series from promising to truly elite, delivering a soccer experience that feels both refreshingly new and comfortably familiar. It's a game that respects its legacy while fearlessly pushing forward, cementing its place as the definitive digital representation of the beautiful game.

On the pitch, the refined gameplay is a revelation. The new "Fluid Motion" system, powered by HyperMotion4, makes player animations feel more connected and responsive than ever before. Dribbling is a joy, with subtle stick movements translating into a lifelike shuffle or a sudden burst of acceleration. The biggest change, however, is the new "Tactical Intelligence" AI. For the first time, it feels like your teammates are truly thinking a step ahead, making intelligent runs into space or dropping back to cover a counter-attack without you needing to micromanage their every move. This added layer of tactical depth creates a more authentic and rewarding experience, particularly in the single-player modes.

The improvements aren't just on the field. The game's new "Manager Dynasty" mode is a complete overhaul of the old career mode, introducing a dynamic, narrative-driven element. You're no longer just managing a team; you're building a legacy. Key narrative choices, like whether to sign a controversial star player or develop a youth academy prodigy, have real, tangible consequences on team morale, fan support, and even your job security. Player scouting and development also feel more intuitive and impactful, making it genuinely satisfying to unearth and train the next generation of football superstars.

While the core game shines, Ultimate Team has also received significant, player-friendly tweaks. The new "Archetype Evolution" system is a stroke of genius, allowing you to specialize players into specific roles, like a defensive-minded midfielder or a clinical finisher, regardless of their original position. It opens up a new level of creativity in squad building, encouraging players to experiment beyond simply assembling a team of the highest-rated cards. The menu navigation, which has often been a point of frustration, is slick and responsive, a welcome quality-of-life improvement that streamlines the entire experience.

From the jaw-dropping player likenesses to the roaring crowds and the subtle blade-of-grass detail, EA Sports FC 26 is a visual and auditory masterpiece. The improved matchday commentary from new broadcast teams adds a fresh layer of authenticity, and the soundtrack continues its tradition of being a global showcase of musical talent. EA has not only delivered a fantastic soccer game but has also created a living, breathing tribute to the sport. It's an unmissable title for football fans everywhere.

Publisher provided review code.

 

Hot on Home Video: 'Superman,' 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps,' "M3gan 2.0,' 'The Last of Us: Season 2,' 'Tim Burton's Corpse Bride,' 'Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires'

SUPERMAN

The 4K Ultra HD disc release of James Gunn’s Superman is a must-own for any fan of physical media, offering a fantastic A/V presentation that honors the film's theatrical experience. The Dolby Vision transfer is a precise, controlled stunner, balancing the vibrant primaries of Superman's suit with the naturalistic, often-restrained color palette of the film. Fine details are beautifully rendered, from the intricate textures of the costumes to the sweeping vistas of Metropolis. The Dolby Atmos audio mix is equally impressive, with a powerful, dynamic range that makes action sequences feel visceral while maintaining crystal-clear dialogue. While some enthusiasts may find the surround and height channels to be less aggressive than other superhero films, the track's robust bass and overall clarity are exceptional. 

The package is rounded out with a solid collection of extras, including a nearly hour-long "making-of" documentary. The Superman 4K disc is a high-quality release that looks and sounds phenomenal.

THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS

The digital release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps arrives with a sense of relief for MCU fans, delivering a solid, self-contained adventure. The film's retro-futuristic aesthetic is a visual treat, and the casting proves to be a success, with the leads showcasing strong chemistry. Director Matt Shakman grounds the story in family dynamics, which resonates well, even if the central plot can feel a bit rushed at times. While some might miss the large-scale action of other superhero films, this movie wisely prioritizes character development. The digital package also includes bonus features like deleted scenes, featurettes, and a director’s commentary, making it a worthwhile purchase for those who enjoyed the theatrical experience. It’s a promising and well-executed first step for Marvel’s First Family.

M3GAN 2.0

The Blu-ray release of M3GAN 2.0 arrives with a surprisingly fun, genre-bending sequel that pivots from the first film’s horror roots into full-blown sci-fi action and dark comedy. While some fans may miss the initial suspense, the movie fully embraces its campy, over-the-top premise. The disc looks and sounds great, with a sharp video transfer and an active Dolby Atmos track that shines during the robot-on-robot showdowns. The real draw, however, is the unrated cut, which adds enhanced kills and more gore that were too intense for theaters. The bonus features are solid, offering a comprehensive look at the film's production with featurettes like "Total Upgrade: Making M3GAN 2.0" and a detailed "Scene Breakdown." It's a fantastic package that serves up a gleefully ridiculous and rewatchable experience.

THE LAST OF US: SEASON 2

The 4K Ultra HD edition of The Last of Us: Season 2 is a technical marvel that serves as the definitive way to experience Naughty Dog's masterpiece. The video transfer is stunning, with the native 4K resolution and HDR enhancing every detail, from the grim, rain-slicked streets of Seattle to the lush, overgrown forests. The increased color depth and brightness bring the haunting beauty of the post-apocalyptic world to life in an unprecedented way. The Dolby Atmos audio track is equally impressive, immersing you in the desolate atmosphere with a precise, chilling soundscape. The subtler sounds—the rustle of a stalker in the undergrowth, the distant moan of an infected—are just as impactful as the brutal, high-octane action sequences. This release includes all previously released DLC and a selection of excellent behind-the-scenes featurettes, making it a must-have for fans and a perfect entry point for newcomers. It's a truly breathtaking package that honors a landmark in modern storytelling.

TIM BURTON'S CORPSE BRIDE

Tim Burton’s gothic stop-motion classic Corpse Bride looks absolutely spectacular in its new 4K Ultra HD release. The video transfer is a standout, with the HDR treatment enriching the distinct color palettes of both the drab Land of the Living and the vibrant Land of the Dead. Every intricate detail of the puppets and sets—from the stitching on Victor's suit to the textures of the underworld—is rendered with stunning clarity. The Dolby Atmos audio is a strong complement, providing a clean and immersive soundscape for Danny Elfman’s memorable score and the film's nuanced sound effects. It’s a fantastic upgrade that beautifully showcases the artistry of the animation. The disc also includes several new and archival special features, making this a definitive edition for fans.

AZTEC BATMAN: CLASH OF EMPIRES

Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires is a daring and creative reimagining of the Caped Crusader's origin story, placing him in 16th-century Mesoamerica. The film follows Yohualli Coatl as he seeks vengeance against Spanish conquistadors, using the guise of a bat-warrior to fight injustice. This Blu-ray release is a must-have for fans of the film.

The video quality, while not 4K, is a strong 1080p presentation that beautifully renders the film's vibrant animation and unique art style. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is dynamic and clean, perfectly complementing the exciting action sequences and the dramatic score. What truly makes this release stand out are the special features, which include two insightful featurettes: "The Battle Cry of Aztec Batman" and "The Batman Mythology and Aztec Inspiration." These extras provide valuable behind-the-scenes looks into the meticulous research and creative decisions that brought this bold Elseworlds story to life. It's a fantastic package for a film that deserves to be seen.