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.

Hot on Home Video: 'From the World of John Wick: Ballerina

 

Ana de Armas proves her action star chops by playing the title character in "From the World of John Wick: Ballerina." A cool, collected assassin with the capability of exploding into a whirlwind of destruction, Eve Macarro (de Armas) is taken from her family as a child to train in the arts of combat and dance. She works her way through an underground web of sinister forces, encountering John Wick (Keanu Reeves) at multiple points. 

The film hums with the kinetic energy of the Wick flicks, and works hard -- maybe too hard -- to embed itself into the Wickiverse, even going so far as to integrate the lore involved with "The Continental" miniseries into the mix. While the battles are always engaging, sometimes they stretch the realm of imagination. But de Armas sells even the more ludicrous scenes with relish, and the film manages to carve a deserved spot among the previous films and series.

Extras include "The Making of Ballerina," "Building a Frozen Underworld" and "The Art of Action" featurettes. There are also deleted and extended scenes and the theatrical trailer.

Studio provided review screener.

Broadway in Tucson Review: 'Les Miserables'

 

As powerful and passionate as the performances of the massive cast are in "Les Miserables," the most awe-inspiring star is the tech team. Crafting an ethereal display of wizardry, the lighting and stagecraft are mesmerizing. Even more than the exquisite costumes and poundingly urgent live orchestral score, the beams shining through windows, intricately crafted hazy horizons and bustling slum streets bring Victor Hugo's 1862 novel to palpable life. The story proves timeless in the way it manages to register fresh undertones in the current political climate.

An operatic odyssey of moral quandaries, such as the conflict between compassion and duty and humanity's yearning for freedom despite a tendency to demand strict order, "Les Miserables" remains a cultural touchstone 40 years after it debuted as a stage musical. To watch with an enraptured crowd is something akin to a church revival, with the communal spiritual experience rolling through the theater with the vigor of the thunderous applause that follows the many show-stopping, jaw-dropping numbers.

A master class in clockwork-like blocking, the actors work together with the precision of a military color guard, crafting the illusion of massive crowds or humming marketplaces. Other than the touchstone wedding scene, traditional dance is sacrificed in favor of lockstep spectacles.

The cast is made up of professionals with extensive Broadway experience, as well as a trio of children whose stage presence far exceeds their ages. The two leads need to be standouts among all-stars, and Nick Cartell, as Valjean, and Nick Rehberger, as Javert, fit the bill with relish. Both are selfless performers who command the audience and their castmates with natural ease, but are generous and self-aware enough not to overstep into indulgence. Both understand that understatement goes a long way, and use the true range of their vocal powers only when commanded by the moment.

The opportunity to see "Les Miserables" in Tucson is rare. This is a show people travel across the nation or globe to catch in its majesty. For true musical theater fans, this is a chance that can't be passed up. The revolution is here, and it's time to sit back and enjoy it.

"Les Miserables" is playing at Centennial Hall through Sept. 14. Buy tickets here.

Game Review: 'NBA 2K26'

 

Embarking with the quiet confidence of cover athlete Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his team, the reigning world champion Oklahoma City Thunder, "NBA 2K26" makes the near-impossible look all too easy. Just about every year, critics hail the latest entry in the NBA sim franchise as the North Star in the world of sports sims, and this year's entry maintains the franchise's superstar performance.

The slogan for this year's game is "Ball Over Everything," and the Visual Concepts dev team integrated the philosophy into every imaginable aspect of the game, from menus, to loading speed, realism in animations and broadcast presentation. The aim seems to be to dispense with the roadblocks and get the players on the court as quickly as possible. Once the virtual ball is in your hand it's easy to be captivated by the rhythm and flow of the game.

Invigoratted by my acquisition of the Switch 2, I requested to review the game on that console, bracing myself against fears that Nintendo versions of the game would pale in comparison to that on mainline consoles. To my delight, the game looked and played as well as I've seen 2K on the Xbox Series X/S or PlayStation 5, with the added bonus of allowing me to take it on the go. This feature easily makes the Switch 2 my preferred way to hit the 2K court.

An expansive tutorial, dubbed "Learn 2K," takes you through all the paces, teaching you the refinements in shooting, passing and defense, as well as hints and tricks to enhance your strategy. There is plenty to learn here, even for veteran players.

The series has always thrived on its reverant treatment of the past, and that's certainly the case in this year's game, which allows you to choose from among a star-studded roster of legends in something akin to a grade school pickup game, letting you take the floor with your created player as you face off against a Michael Jordan-led team of Hall of Famers.

From there, the intensity only escalates. As it does every year, the game bursts with loads of modes and enhancements meant to get you to forget about football season and resume your hoops fix.

MyCareer modes shakes off its recent slump and returns to fine form, discarding many of the irritating microtransaction solicitations in favor of a holistic and grounded create-a-player lifestyle mode that bursts with nods to pop culture and the history of the league. While the micro (and macro) transactions are still there for the pay-to-win obsessed, they seem to me minimized in favor of sheer enjoyment of the amusement park-like hoop dreams that spawn in the realm dubbed The City.

Even the bedraggled MyMGM mode, which tends to lag rather than lead when it comes to franchise mode innovations manages to acquit itself well, adding some subtle and welcome refinements to streamline the user interface and replicate that high-intensity action of the NBA trade deadline.

On court, the game bubbles with ripped-from-the-highlights animations, a streamlined shooting system that makes your jumpers, layins and dunks seem more based on a cross between skill and circumstance than happenstance, and enlightened commentary and intricately detailed suites of the sights and sounds that can be had in each NBA and WNBA arena experience.

Many believe SGA and his Thunder are on the verge of starting a Jordan-like dynasty, but what he's really doing is tapping into a tradition of elite success that Jordan gleaned from the Showtime Lakers, which followed the tradition of the Bill Russell Celtics. The 2K dynasty established by Virtual Concepts continues to cut down the nets in such a manner, and thanks to its breakthrough Switch 2 edition, lets you take your show on the road.

Publisher provided review code.

Early Game Review: 'EA Sports NHL 26'

Hockey season comes in hot during the Fall to supercharge the sports scene, and there's no better hype ramp than the NHL's signature annual game release.

With back-to-back Stanley Cup champ Matthew Tkachuk leading the charge as the cover athlete, "EA Sports NHL 26" is ready to lace 'em up and scorch the ice.

Due out Friday, the slick hockey sim shows its grip on hockey culture is as the Panthers dynasty has on the league's iconic championship trophy. With considerable refinements and some subtle advancements, the new edition of the game brings a wealth of improvements that add up to a formidable experience that outclasses its predecessors by just about every meaningful measure.

Throughout the game, there is a consistent emphasis on player style flourishes and distinguishing characteristics. Through a comprehensive suite of motion capture, analytics and video breakdown, the devs granted immaculate detail in areas such as skating speed, passing and shooting power and technique and defensive teendencies. 

In no area is this more apparent than goalkeeping. For instance, the Stars' Jake Oettinger's aggression and maverick-style willingness to challenge shooters at the top of the crease, is there, as are the mind games played by the Jets' Connor Hellebuyck to score a psychological edge that can yield the difference between the lamp lighting up and a misfire. Baked into gameplay is the new Goalie Crease Control System, which refines positioning and reacion, as well as the save animations, which feel more natural and physics-based than before.

Be a Pro mode gets a ground-up renovation, starting your career in World Juniors, leading through the minors and into the NHL grind. With a bevy of storylines, characters, challenges and well-directed cutscenes, the game feels more lifelike and narrative driven then previous renditions, which seemed to focus too much on menu-hopping.

The card-driven, microtransaction-heavy Hockey Ultimate Team mode also gets a boost, with deeper team-building mechancis, enticing high-stakes ranked showdowns and the long-demanded debut of the offline HUT Cup Chase mode. Even if you're not usually into the sort of fantasy hockey on which the mode thrives, it's a treat to snag a card that yields a legendary player and introduce him to your lineup.

While the online system, as well as the way developers respond to fan reactions throughout the season, will determine the enduring mark "EA Sports NHL 26" leaves on the gaming scene, the auspicious start bodes well for a year destined to be filled with thrills and drama as the other 31 teams chase after the upstart tradition of dominance established by the Panthers. As the leaves change colors, hope is painting rose-colored glasses for fans of even the lowliest squads, and it will be fascinating to live out those ambitions on the virtual ice.

Publisher provided review code.

Box Break: 2021 Panini Chronicles Baseball Blaster

Box Break: 2025 Topps Chrome Fanatics Exclusive Mega Box #2

Back to the 2025 Topps Chrome well.

Box Break: 2025 Topps Chrome Baseball Fanatics Exclusive Mega Box

See which autograph I pull.

Early Game Review: 'Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater'

The thinking person's stealth/action game, "Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater" wears its academic, shamelessly geeky trappings with pride. You come for the sneaking, survival and close-quarter combat scenarios and stay for the cutscenes, injokes and non sequiturs that go on, and on. And on.

True fans of the source material wouldn't have things any other way, and that's why Metal Gear Solid nation has longed for the day that the game was updated and rereleased on current consoles.

Due out Tuesday, "Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater" pays loving tribute to what many hold as one of the greatest games ever created. The dev teams at Konami and Virtuous have approached the task and hand with the care and passion of a restoration of a masterwork painting. The bones of the 2004 original remain strong, and the teams respect the source material to enhance it rather than replace it. The story, which intertwines historical fiction lines with true stories of Cold War subterfuge, remains brainy and poignant.

The passage of time is rarely kind to landmark games. But "Snake Eater" seems to have been so far ahead of its time that its AI industrial complex obsessions and nihilistic geopolitical commentary register with even more resonance now than they did decades ago. Sure, David Hayter's narration was corny then and is outright goofy now, but accepting the dorky trappings of the retro dudebro that is Solid Snake is a prerequisite to enjoying his wild journey.

Listening to fan feedback from the generally well-recieved but somewhat clunky 2023 "Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection," the latest "Metal Gear Solid" restorative effort seems more like a well-preserved piece of history than an awkward attempt at reinvention. I was impressed with the seamless nature of the remake, which looks and plays with all the pizzazz and quality-of-life features gamers expect in 2025.

I appreciated the way the game made use of the PS5 controller to add subtle enhancements to the gameplay. The game's sandbox aspect, which challenges you to hunt for food and resources to attain buffs to help you in coming missions, is eased by a stream of casual, utterly helpful prompts that coax you toward your goals.

I found myself playing with a smile, encountering scenes and missions that lived up to the lofty heights of my memories, and finding new moments I either missed the first time around or forgot entirely. "Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater" is a vivacious and playful stealth combat endeavor that is every bit as fun and engaging as it was in 2004. This snake still has plenty of bite to it.

Publisher provided review code.

Hot on Home Video: 'The Accountant 2,' "The Phoenician Scheme'

THE ACCOUNTANT 2

Ben Affleck reprises the role of the neurodiverse antuhero he played in the 2016 original. Castmates include Job Benrthal, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Daniella Pineda, Allison Robertson and J.K. Simmons, and director Gavin O'Connor returns as well. 

As Christian Wolff, Affleck thrives with an intensity and range he rarely displays in other action roles. The character teams up with his wildcard brother (Bernthal), as well as U.S. Treasure Deputy Director Marybeth Medina (Addai-Robinson), to unravel a deadly conspiracy. Every bit as crackling as the original film. "The Accountant 2" delivers the goods as a taut thriller.

THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME

Writer/director Wes Anderson maintains his reputation of turning in oddball wonders that thrive on offbeat wavelengths. Benicio del Toro stars as Anatole "Zsa-zsa" Korda, an unscrupulous European business magnate who appoints his estranged daughter, Leisl (Mia Threapleton) to be his heir after he survives an assassination attempt. The delightful ensaemble cast includes the likes of Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Hppe Davis and Scarlett Johansson.

Fans of Anderson's trademark intelligent goofiness will eat thsi stuff up. Wild moments abound, and  as with most Anderson films, the subtext is incredibly dense, making the film worthy of multiple viewings. Bonus feeaturettes include "The Cast," "The Airplane," "Marseille Bob's" and Zsa-zsa-'s World."

Studios sent screeners for review.

Early Game Review: 'EA Sports Madden NFL 26'

With the release of "EA Sports Madden NFL 26," we have officially entered the AI era of sports sims. While the concept has been present in the genre since its earliest days, there's a clear climb up the ladder in this year's game. Now your virtal teammates and opponents not only learn from your input, but from the successes and failures of the gridiron on Sundays. 

Every matchup, and heck every play, is now informed by generative AI that learns and deploys that experience from the real deal.

While not immediately apparent until you take a deep dive, the gameplay has been significantly improved with the introduction of adjustable learning models dubbed QB DNA and Coach DNA. In a setup that promise to reflect real-life situations, as well as in-game scenarios, your coach and quarterback shift tendencies on the fly, minimizing risk while maximizing advantages. What sprang to mind while I played was the unquantifiable dynamic between Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes, who tend to stack the deck in their favor in order to eke out wins in close games.

Taking a cue from its cousin, "EA Sports College Football 26," there is special attention on the traditions and quirks that separate one NFL venue from another. From the Cardinals' Red Sea superfans to the Falcons' ziplining Freddie the Falcon, you get a sense of the sights and sounds that only die-hards tend to be familiar with.

Also adding to the feel of authenticity is differentiated broadcast packages given the time and location of games. For instance, Thursday Night Football will have a distinct feel that Sunday and Monday Night Football carry, and all of the prime-time offerings have more of a specialized feel than typical Sunday afternoon fare.

On the field, I enjoyed the tweaks to the blocking game, with block steering that can open up gaps, protect the pockets and open up scrambling lanes from mobile QBs. Moments like Kyler Murray's out-of-nowhere sprint to paydirt at San Francisco last year are more likely to pop up in game now. There are similar refinements to bump and run coverage, as well as blitz packages and zone coverage adjustments.

Standbyes such as Franchise Mode and Madden Ultimate Team also get some attention, with a slew of feature adjustments and refinements that respond ably to fan demand. A slick menu interface allow tinkerers to make their adjustments to create the dream loadouts that will lead to sustained glory online.

Online play, which benefits from robust crossplay and superb matchmaking, maintain the franchise's reputation as a premier e-sport, and make it easy to connect with friends across the globe.

While the true measure of the game's success will emerge as developers contribute to the game's live service model, it's hard to imagine a more promising start. But like every NFL squad, the game will show its true worth in the way it responds to the hard knocks that await. For now, just as the spirits of fans of every team in the league, hope and promise are thriving, and dreams of end zone glory reign supreme.

Publisher provided review code.

 

The 5 Best Shows on Netflix - August 205

As Netflix continues to dominate the streaming landscape, its library of original content has grown to an overwhelming size. With new series dropping seemingly every week, it can be a challenge to figure out what's truly worth your time. From gripping thrillers to heart-wrenching dramas, here are five of the best shows on Netflix right now, counting down to the must-see number one. 

5. Beef 

This darkly comedic limited series masterfully turns a simple road rage incident into an all-consuming feud between two strangers, Danny Cho (Steven Yeun) and Amy Lau (Ali Wong). The show’s brilliance lies in its unflinching exploration of their deep-seated frustrations and personal miseries. Beef isn't just about a rivalry; it's a profound character study of two people teetering on the edge, desperate for a release. The performances by Yeun and Wong are nothing short of phenomenal, making you simultaneously root for and cringe at their self-destructive behavior. 

4. Wednesday 

Tim Burton’s gothic sensibilities and a star-making performance from Jenna Ortega breathe new life into a beloved character in Wednesday. The series follows Wednesday Addams as she navigates life at Nevermore Academy, a school for monstrous outcasts. With a compelling mystery at its core, sharp wit, and a surprisingly emotional depth, the show is a perfect blend of supernatural teen drama and classic whodunit. Ortega's deadpan delivery and iconic dance scene made Wednesday a cultural phenomenon, proving that some characters are timeless. 

3. Baby Reindeer 

Based on the true story of creator and star Richard Gadd, Baby Reindeer is a show that defies easy categorization. What begins as a seemingly harmless interaction between a struggling comedian and a lonely woman quickly spirals into a terrifying and complex story of stalking, trauma, and mental health. The series is a brutally honest and unflinching account of the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator. With its raw emotional intensity and masterful storytelling, Baby Reindeer is a difficult but essential watch that will stay with you long after the credits roll. 

2. The Diplomat 

This political thriller is a smart, fast-paced, and endlessly engaging ride. Keri Russell shines as Kate Wyler, a career diplomat unexpectedly appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to the UK. The show expertly blends high-stakes international politics with the messy realities of a marriage under pressure. The Diplomat is a show for those who crave witty dialogue and complex characters. It's a breath of fresh air in the political drama genre, offering both intellectual thrills and genuine heart. 

1. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End 

While not a Netflix original, this anime series has captivated audiences and topped streaming charts worldwide. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is a fantasy series that subverts expectations by focusing on the aftermath of a great adventure. Frieren, an elven mage with a lifespan of over a thousand years, begins a new journey years after defeating the Demon King, reflecting on her fleeting memories with her human companions. It's a beautiful and poignant meditation on time, grief, and the true meaning of friendship. With stunning animation, a deeply moving narrative, and a quiet, introspective beauty, Frieren is a masterpiece that stands out as the best show you can stream on Netflix right now.

Broadway in Tucson Review: 'Shucked'

A wholesome and earnest satire of small-town life, "Shucked" harvests crops of clever puns for steady chuckles.

The musical, which started in Salt Lake City in 2022 and played on Broaday in 2023 to Tony-nominated acclaim before launching a national tour last year, offers loads of fun doled out by a capable cast. Crackling choreography, informed by country bar routines and old-fashioned square dance, provide a launching pad for a steady flow of cornfed laughs.  

Danielle Wade stars as Maizy, an iconoclastic small-town girl who is engaged to the earnest, if small-minded Beau (Jake Odmark). Desperate to expand her horizons while finding the cure to her town's epiddemic of withering corn crops, Maizy ventures out to Tampa, where she enlists the help of a smooth-talking swindler, Gordy (Quinn Vanvantwerp), to the chagrin of her overbearing cousin, Lulu (Miki Abraham). 

The show springs to life in its solo song-and-dance perofrmances. Wade carries many numbers with earnest charisma, injecting proto-feminist oomph into her lyrics, while Odmark owns his moments in the spotlight with a quiet confidence that wrestles with everpresent self-doubt. Mike Nappi swipes scenes as the wise-cracking Peanut, Beau's simpleton brother who deals out deadpan one-liners worthy of a Jeff Foxworthy album, proving he could easily carry an entire stand-up comedy show.

While the plot stretches distressingly thin the longer it unfurls, the show is so funny and wildly entertaining that it hardly matters. Never losing its sense of momentum, "Shucked" casts a captivating spell over the audience. Small yet resounding gestures from the performers, such as hammy tips of the cap to show appreciation for wild bursts of applause, go a long way toward connecting with the apprecaitive audience. The lead actors and ensemble all revel in the everpresent give-and-take.

An understated joy, "Shucked" is a disarming and joyous comedy that tugs you along on its wild hayride, hardly stopping for rest. It revels in its corniness, and thrives in its goofy yet resounding kernels of human truth.

"Shucked" plays through Aug. 10 at Centennial Hall. Buy tickets here.

 

Box Break: 2024 Leaf Electrum Football #2 - Jayden Daniel Auto Pulled

Thrilled with this Jayden Daniels autograph.

Box Break: 2025 Topps Baseball Jumbo Hobby

See which three rookie autographs I pull.

 

Box Break: 2025 Bowman Value Box #2'

 Nothing great here, but I did draw a serial numbered card.

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Device Review: Google Pixel 9a on T-Mobile 5G Network

 Google's A-series Pixel phones have consistently delivered exceptional value, bringing flagship-level camera performance and a pure Android experience to a more accessible price point. The Google Pixel 9a continues this winning streak, proving once again that you don't need to spend a fortune to get a truly intelligent and capable smartphone. This device is proof positive of Google's commitment to making cutting-edge technology available to a wider audience.

From the moment you pick up the Pixel 9a, its thoughtful design and comfortable ergonomics are evident. Google maintains its signature minimalist aesthetic, with a clean look and a durable build that feels great in hand. The materials chosen strike a perfect balance between premium feel and everyday practicality, resisting smudges and providing a secure grip. It's a phone that's designed to be used, fitting comfortably in one hand and feeling perfectly balanced, making it ideal for extended periods of browsing, gaming, or communication.

The display on the Pixel 9a is a vibrant OLED panel that brings all your content to life with stunning clarity. Colors are rich and accurate, blacks are deep and true, and the brightness levels are more than adequate for comfortable viewing in various lighting conditions, including bright sunlight. Whether you're streaming high-definition videos, browsing detailed photos, or simply navigating the intuitive Android interface, the visual experience is consistently immersive and enjoyable.

Connectivity is a key strength, and the Pixel 9a shines with its robust 5G capabilities. On the T-Mobile 5G network, the Google Pixel 9a delivers outstanding performance, consistently tapping into T-Mobile's extensive 5G coverage for rapid download and upload speeds, smooth streaming, and incredibly responsive online interactions. Whether you're in a dense urban environment or a more spread-out suburban area, the Pixel 9a on T-Mobile ensures a reliable and fast connection, making everything from video calls to large file transfers seamless and efficient.

For photography enthusiasts, the camera system on the Google Pixel 9a is, as expected from Google, a major highlight. It features a powerful 64MP main camera with Optical Image Stabilization that captures stunningly detailed photos with excellent dynamic range and natural color reproduction, even in challenging lighting. Complementing this is a 13MP ultrawide lens, perfect for sweeping landscapes or fitting more into your frame. On the front, a 13MP selfie camera ensures your self-portraits are crisp and vibrant. Google's renowned computational photography, including features like Night Sight, Magic Eraser, and Photo Unblur, works its magic to elevate every shot, making professional-looking photos accessible to everyone.

Under the hood, the Pixel 9a is powered by Google's optimized processor, ensuring smooth and responsive performance for all your daily tasks. Apps launch quickly, multitasking is fluid, and even graphically demanding games run surprisingly well. The pure Android experience, free from bloatware, coupled with timely software updates directly from Google, ensures a secure, up-to-date, and consistently excellent user interface. Furthermore, the battery life is impressive, easily lasting a full day of typical usage, providing peace of mind and reducing the need for frequent recharges.

The Google Pixel 9a is an exceptional mid-range smartphone that offers an unbeatable combination of features, performance, and value. Its comfortable design, brilliant OLED display, outstanding camera system with specific high-megapixel sensors, robust 5G performance on T-Mobile, and pure Android experience make it a standout choice. For anyone seeking a smart, reliable, and future-proof smartphone that excels in photography and everyday use without a premium price tag, the Pixel 9a is an intelligent investment and a true testament to Google's innovation.

T-Mobile provided device for review.