Game Review: 'Lost Records: Bloom Tape 1'

 

Developer Dont Nod, the maestros behind the likes of "Life is Strange," "Jusant" ad "Tell Me Why," heads back to its adventure game roots with "Lost Records," a two-part episodic release that drips with 1990s nostalgia. 

The first part, "Bloom" was released Feb. 18, and the follow-up, "Rage," is due out April 15.

You play as a woman who agrees to reunite with friends from the 1990s to make good on a pact. The events of that area are interspersed with modern-day goings-on in a time-skipping narrative that manages to build up suspense for thunderous payoffs. 

The game has a thrillingly jarring way of shifting between the feeling of a slow burn and a tense thriller.

The Don't Nod proves to be well-schooled in 1990s minutiae, with touches that, as a teen of the era, brought a smile to my face.

Rich dialogue, fascinating storytelling twists and an immersive narrative are the game's strengths, helping it make up for a methodical pace and uninspired visual look.

Overall, "Bloom" is a promising and fascinating start to the "Lost Records" duology, setting the stage for what looks to be a rewarding payoff when "Rage" releases in April. An under-the-radar the release that hasn't yet earned the adulation of Don't Nod's flashier efforts, these "Lost Records" are well worth the search.

Publisher provided review code.

Hot on Home Video: 'A Complete Unknown'

A COMPLETE UNKNOWN

Director James Mangold's Bob Dylan biopic, which hauled in eight Oscar nominations, catalogs the early-career highs and lows of the legendary folk singer. Timothy Chalamet thrives in the lead role, vaulting to the top of the Best Actor Oscar odds with a tremendous performance, echoing the legendary singer's mannerisms, instrumentals and vocals. Edward Norton earns a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nod as mentor Pete Seeger, and Elle Fanning is strong as Dylan's girlfriend at the time, a composite character named Sylvie Russo. Monica Barbaro slays as Joan Baez and Boyd Holbrook leaves a stark impression as Johnny Cash.

The film focuses on Dylan's emergence as a popular artist, as well as the personal foibles that made him a difficult romantic and professional partner. At the root of his persona is an iconoclastic determination that makes him leery of exploiting his popularity as an artist for financial gain at the expense of his integrity. A fascinating look into Dylan's life, the film succeeds on its chosen level and earns its Best Picture nomination.

Studio sent review screener.

Game Review: 'Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered'

 

"Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered" marks the end of one Lara Croft era and the transition to the next one. Like some old social media posts, the anthology delivers equal shares of laughs and winces, showing flashes of what made the games popular at the turn of the 21st century, as well as why the franchise has moved on.

The effort from Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics delivers three solid Lara Croft games for below $30. The titles include "Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation," "Tomb Raider: Chronicles" and "Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness." Each of the remastered titles gets a fresh coat of paint, with better graphics, control options that make Lara fare easier to maneuver, trophies and achievements and a photo mode. In a wink and nod to gamedom's past, the old cheat codes still work.

This set of remastered "Tomb Raider" games follows last year's remaster of the original trilogy, which I found tough to play. The second trilogy is far more user-friendly, and while still stiff and awkward in the manner of many 3D games from the era, has much more going for it than the original releases.

Loads of improvements over the originals are present, including the ability to skip cutscenes, an onscreen ammo counter, Flyby Camera Maker and the ability to toggle back and forth between modern controls and the original interface. Bosses now have health bars, new animations abound and you Lara can now shift her view 180 degrees with the tap of a button.

Some of the gameplay is still stiff, and the awkward, era-specific characterization of Lara can be a little unnerving. 

Still, there is plenty to appreciate, especially in the pacing and sense of adventure that would inspire the "Uncharted" games and set the foundation for the fuller-featured "Tomb Raider" entries of recent years. The dual-wielding, shorts-wearing feminist icon had to start somewhere, and replaying this trilogy is the best way to re-experience her awkward adolesence.

Publisher provided review code.

Box Break: 2025 Topps Series 1 Hobby Box 3

Was hoping to go three for three in autograph pulls.

Box Break: 2025 Topps Series 1 Jumbo Hobby Box

See what I pulled from the massively expensive box.

Box Break: 2025 Topps Series 1 Hobby Box

 Breaking my first hobby box!

Early Game Review: 'PGA Tour 2K25'

Big swings are the theme in "PGA Tour 2K25," a thoroughly impressive golf sim that manages to capitalize on much of the momentum the series has gained in the last entry, from two years back. The game is due out Feb. 28.

Following suit of the wildly successful NBA 2K franchise, the dev team emphasizes customizability. MyCAREER and MyPLAYER modes have you simulate the odds and ends of golf life both on the course and off. You can, say, get texts from your agent, who helps you shape your public persona. Talk a big game and match it on the green and your popularity will soar. On the other hand, you could see opportunities pass you by if you fail to make your mark on either pop culture or the leaderboard.

The game sets you up to succeed from the outset. A helpful tutorial, narrated by a supportive Bubba Watson, gets you cooking from the tee box. You can choose from a variety of swing methods, and as a three-click guy, I was pleased to see my favored mode given high prioritization and seasoning. The hypnotic concentric circles involved with the mode make it far more fascinating and relatable than recent updates to kicking game in this year's football sims.

The roster of pro golfers is impressive, with the likes of Tiger Woods, Max Homa, Matt Fitzpatrick and Will Zalatoris headlining the squad. While it's nowhere near as stacked a group as the "Tiger Woods" EA games boasted in their heyday, it's a strong enough roundup to make you feel like you're watching the Golf Channel on a between-majors tourney on a Sunday morning.

The 26 official courses included boast some bucket list gems, such as Oakmont Country Club and Royal Portrush Golf Club, with many more planned as DLC.

The commentary and presentation echo trends in golf broadcasts, and pull relevant material into the chatter. I usually switch the volume off in golf games, but I appreciated the sights and sounds that the dev team painstakingly captured, adding to the sense of realism.

While it will take months to see how online modes and community backing support "PGA Tour 2K25," the opening swing nails the green on the par-3. It would be hard to imagine a better start for the latest entry in the franchise that has quickly risen to the forefront of the golf sim realm. I'm looking forward to making the game part of my weekly driving, chipping and putting routine.

Publisher provided review code.

Hot on Home Video: 'Mufasa: The Lion King,' 'Nosferatu'

MUFASA: THE LION KING

Barry Jenkins directs this CGI-fest, which both precedes and follows the story of "The Lion King" to mixed but largely successful effect. The voice cast includes the likes of Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Donald Glover, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, and John Kani reprise their roles from the remake; new cast members include Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Tiffany Boone and Mads Mikkelsen. Lin-Manuel Miranda also chips in some music, helping the visual dynamo take on a majestic tone. 

While the film won't come close to replacing the original film, or even its remake, in hearts of film lovers, it thrives as a strong companion piece.

NOSFERATU (2024)

Writer/director Robert Eggers reimagines the seminal 1922 horror film with a chilling and captivating take on the material, which was based on the Bram Stoker novel. Exquisite cinematography blends with minimalist performances and psychosexual dynamics to craft an exquisite exploration of themes of mortality, obsession and love. 

Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, Bill Skarsgard and Willem Dafoe make up the dynamite cast. While not overtly scary, the film drives home its themes via insinuation, leaving a haunting aftertaste that begs for the film to be rewatched.

Bonus features include an extended cut of the film, the featurette “Nosferatu: A Modern Masterpiece” and in-depth segments on the film’s look, character design and acting.

Studios provided screeners for review.

Broadway in Tucson Review: 'Some Like it Hot'

 

A timeless classic updated with surgical precision to suit modern themes, the touring musical production of "Some Like it Hot" seems built to draw laughs and poke at countercultural taboos for several more decades.

Based on the 1959 Billy Wilder film and the 2022 Broadway musical it inspired, the show is a tap dance fan's delight, bursting at the seams with expertly choreographed numbers, hummable songs and over-the-top comedic performances. 

Subtly dazzling stagecraft, including twinkling stars in the night sky and revolving doors employed for a show-stopping climax tops off a delightful production that oozes sweetness and a sense of shared social progress.

Powered by lead performances from Matt Loehr, as Joe/Josephine, and Tavis Kordell, as Jerry/Daphne, the show tells the story of con artist musicians who witness a gangland murder, then escape retribution by masquerading as women and joining an all-female jazz band.

Chemistry between the leading men is a necessity, and Loehr and Kordell capture an easy sense of friendship with aplomb. Other standouts include Tarra Conner Jones, who impresses as band leader Sweet Sue, and Leandra Ellis-Gaston, who belts out stunning tunes as the lead singer, Sugar.

While many hokey themes and gags from the original film manage to survive, the book benefits from decidedly 21st century touches, including a bold penchant for recasting the homophobic and anti-trans themes from the earlier work in supportive and understanding ways.

"Some Like it Hot" bubbles with fun from curtain to curtain, managing to overcome some filler songs and a severely dated premise in order to revitalize it as something that finds truth to the human condition and social consciousness as its evolved since the mid 1950s. 

This modern take on "Some Like it Hot" manages to exhibit a winning sense of cool.

"Some Like it Hot" plays through Feb. 23 at Centennial Hall. Buy tickets here.

Box Break: 2024 Topps Heritage Baseball Value Box

False alarm of an Aaron Judge autograph.

 

Box Break: 2024 Bowman Baseball Value Box

See what I pull from a 2024 Bowman box. 

Box Break: 2023 Topps Chrome Baseball Value Box

Check out my finds when I dig into some 2023 Topps Chrome Baseball.

 

Book Report: 'Greenlights'

 

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I prefer audiobooks to eye reading, and I usually acknowledge it as a matter of personal preference. In the instance of "Greenlights," though, it's absolutely crucial that you listen to the audiobook to get the most out of it.

Narrated by Matthew McConaughey, in his distinctive cowboy philosopher rhythms and intonations, you feel as though he's sitting at a bar with you, spinning yarns off the cuff as he recounts his wild past and doles out hard-earned advice.

It's refreshing to hear from an author who is so sure of his station in life, his approach and his priorities. He advocates taking risks, acting on gut instincts, taking the harder road for the sake of its difficulty and tossing aside comfort in favor of invigorating challenge.

It's hard to believe everything he says he has done is true, but also impossible not to be captivated by the truth that lurks behind his possible exaggerations. It's more fun to take McConaughey at his word and just hang on for the ride.

"Greenlights" is a glorious effort, and feels like undiluted truth from a bright and driven man's heart. I would listen to this again five or six times and cherish every moment.

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Box Break: 2024 Topps Allen and Ginter Value Box

Digging through the nostalgia for a few gems.

Box Break: 2024 Topps Garbage Pail Kids: Kids at Play Value Box

 Watch me dig through the trash.

Game Review: 'Kingdom Come: Deliverance II'

In an ideal world, a sequel to an uneven original will maximize what worked with the first game while doing away with or minimizing what held the first entry back. "Kingdom Come: Deliverance II" is a textbook example of how to do just that.

Superior to its predecessor in nearly every way, the effort from Deep Silver manages to fulfill the promise of the first game, which intended to replicate the harsh realities of medieval life. While the game did manage to capture the minutiae, it fumbled away the narrative momentum.

The new RPG, by comparison, seizes the reigns from the outset and hurls you headlong into a fascinating tale at breakneck speed, introducing fascinating characters, intriguing scenarios and enticing story and side quests.

Brutal melee combat, exquisite writing and set pieces that pull nascent threads together for exhilarating crescendos make the game seem truly epic. The stunning visuals are a considerable upgrade over the sometimes-muddy original, and the ambient sound and score grant the proceedings a cinematic flair.

The best RPGs make it easy to lose yourself in their worlds, and that's something "Kingdom Come: Deliverance II" captures from the outset. Fifteenth-century Europe truly comes alive in this grandiose tale made up of minute moments. The game works as something of a time machine to transport you into a different realm and era, giving you shivers all the while.

Publisher provided review code.

Hot on Home Video: 'Juror #2,' 'Wicked'

JUROR #2

At age 94, Clint Eastwood keeps grinding away behind the camera, proving that he is still up to the task of cranking out taut courtroom dramas. Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette, J.K. Simmons and Kiefer Sutherland make up the strong cast in the film, which focuses on Hoult's titular character, who finds himself in a moral quandary that could sway justice in a murder case. 

While slow at times, the film manages to pack the typical Eastwood punch with some heavy-hitting suspense and drama.

WICKED

Nominated for 10 Oscars, including Best Picture, the film adaptation of the famed novel and Broadway musical is, for my money, the best adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz" revisionist  prequel material yet. Clockwork-like choreography, dazzling visuals and inspired singing, dancing and acting performances make the film a thoroughly entertaining crowd-pleaser worth watching again and again. Director Jon M. Chu ("Crazy Rich Asians"_ gets the most out of his powerhouse cast, which includes Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jeff Goldblum, Peter Dinklage and Michelle Yeoh.

Loaded with extras, the film includes 10 deleted scenes, a making-of featurette, a sing along version and two commentary tracks, one involving filmmakers and the other featuring Erivo and Grande.

Phil on Film: 'I'm Still Here'

A passion project with political implications that span far past its borders and setting, the Best Picture Oscar-nominated "I'm Not Here" spins a quiet tale of oppression that spawns desperation.

Based on the Marcelo Rubens Pavia memoir, Director Walter Salles tells the true story of Rubens Paiva (Selton Mello), a political dissident who was allegedly captured and murdered by the authoritarian Brazilian government in 1970. 

In powerhouse turns, Fernanda Torres and Fernanda Montenegro play Eunice Pavia, Rubens' wife, who is left scrambling to hold her family together while searching for answers.

Told with urgency and pragmatism, Salles' film revels in small slice-of-life moments that establish the flavor of what it was like to live in Brazil amid such turmoil. Salles' ear and eye for establishing tone flourish, helping lift many scenes to more than the sum of their parts.

The film is gorgeously shot and emotionally moving, but also somewhat draining and labored. Some sharper edits might have solidified the message and tightened the meandering narrative.

"I'm Not Here" is well worth seeing not only for Oscars completionists, but those who appreciate full-figured historical tone pieces. The film hits closer than ever to home, given the current political climate. "I'm Not Here" hits with brute force, just as intended.

Book Report: 'The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck'

 

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck by Mark Manson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mark Manson's self-help book has one of the greatest beginnings and endings I have ever encountered. He starts off with a brilliant essay on a counterintuitive method to attain success in life. While the bulk of his book can't fully support the initial thesis, falling back on the type of disingenuous, run-of-the-mill recommendations that he rails against, the initial message holds largely true.

Manson is an excellent teller of jokes and stories, and he crams plenty of gems into his prose. The most resounding point he comes to is that neither he, nor anyone else, truly knows what they are talking about, and those who bear those facts in mind will waste less time than others. Those are words to live by, and I will forever benefit from the advice. I'll also read every word of advice this man has to deliver.

The profound, somewhat frightening, ending describes a near encounter with death at the Cape of Good Hope. This is a truly terrifying passage, and told with vivacity and luster. I had chills.

View all my reviews