Joey and Phil Discuss 'EA Sports College Football 25' Modes, Multiplayer

Phil Villarreal: Joey, we have both been testing out the waters in EA Sports NCAA Football 25 for a while now. I've been impressed with what I've seen so far. After a rough pre-launch, servers have been stable. It's always easy to find a game, and the competition is pretty intense. What has stood out to you?

Joey Greaber: This game's greatest achievement, for me, is in its presentation. Its ability to make it feel like Saturday in the fall using realistic crowd noise, passionate commentating, and iconic school band anthems impressed me, even if it was while getting dominated in an online match by someone who is likely half my age.

Phil: I like the way home field advantage dictates so much of your mentality and strategy. I found myself getting ready for a play near the goal line at Autzen Stadium, and couldn't trust my quarterback enough to sling it in the end zone. The conservative approach sometimes backfired, but you take whatever points you can on the road. I have been thoroughly enjoying my time online, but really wish there was online co-op. Anything missing from the experience for you?

Joey: I have found myself going the conservative route too, mostly by running the option or throwing short passes. I think the game needs a better create a coach system in Dynasty mode. Character creators have come a long way, but this one feels like it was carried over from NCAA 2014. Also, the character models that make up the crowd leaves a lot to be desired from a realism standpoint.

Phil: I agree with the crowd thing. I think it's an Uncanny Valley situation, where faceless crowds would have been fine, but because there is so much detail, it makes the repetition and blandness in many of the models stand out. However, I do like the ways the crowds reflect real-life whiteout situations, and the way crowd-fueled traditions made their way into the game. By the way, before we wrap up, we've got to address the most divisive thing in NCAA Football 5 - the kicking game. I still struggle with it, and that deeply affects my tactics, being a conservative player who would rather take three points on a deep drive than floor it on fourth down. Now I find myself nearly always going for it rather thank kicking when I've got the ball outside of the red zone. What about you?

Joey: It makes me feel more sympathy for real life kickers. If I am even the slightest bit offset from the center, I feel immense dread when trying to tilt my analog sticks at the correct angle. When you add in the new accuracy meter and the power meter, it just makes it even more complicated. Some of my kicks have been more wide right or left than I have ever imagined possible in a video game. I too find myself going for it on fourth down more often than not.

Phil: The unreliability factor when it comes to kicking at this level is all too real, and even though it aggravates me at times, I can see why it makes sense in a game about college football. All in all, the kicking struggles make for an interesting wrinkle in a package that is fantastic overall. As a player who gets bored slugging it out against AI, I need excellent multiplayer in any sports game, and that's what NCAA Football 15 delivers. I can only imagine the ways the game will grow throughout the season, as it reflects real-life developments in what is sure to be a wild season. Final thoughts, Joey?

Joey: I too am curious how the game will grow. I hope to see a few new modes added, such as the return of mascot mode or even the ability to replay classic moments as Madden has had over the years. Overall, I applaud EA for focusing on the little details that make college football stand out as a sport and inserting it into this game. The tradition of each program, the pageantry, it's all there.

Publisher provided codes for review.

Hot on Home Video: 'Back to Black,' 'Fall Guy,' 'Rocky I-VI Collection'

BACK TO BLACK

Marisa Abela of HBO's "Industry" sizzles in a breakout role as Amy Winehouse in this insightful biopic, which tracks the star's meteoric rise to fame as she battled addiction. Abela's performance, bolstered by a dead-on singing impression of Winehouse, powers the film. Eddie Marsan and Lesley Manville fill out the lead cast, directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson. The film delves into the influences and inspirations that fed into Winehouse's creative process.

Extras include a look into Abela's transformation into Winehouse, a look at the artist's music and filmmaker commentary.

THE FALL GUY

A crowd-pleasing, critical darling that oddly didn't rake in tons of cash at the box office, this overlooked action flick gets a second chance at finding a mass audience on home video. Ryan Goslking and Emily Blunt star in a remake of the 1980s TV series. The story follows the path of a veteran stuntman who recovers from a devastating injury when a movie star goes missing.

Bonus features include an extended cut of the film that adds 20 minutes of footage, a gag reel, alternate takes, a breakdown of the film's stunts, a slew of making-if featurettes and a look inside the making of "Metalstorm," the film within a film.

ROCKY I-VI COLLECTION

There have been several collections of "Rocky" films -- I'm still waiting for the "Rocky"/"Creed" series combo -- but several have been incomplete to various degrees. This collection rounds up the six mainline "Rocky" films, ranging from the original, 1976 Best Picture Oscar winner to the well-liked 2006 "Rocky Balboa." 

Extras include such trifles as the "Rocky Balboa" director's cut, which includes 14 minutes of previously unreleased footage, as well as Sylvester Stallone's recut version of "Rocky IV," dubbed "Rocky IV: Rocky vs. Drago."

Studios provided screeners for review.

Book Report: "The House of Morgan: An American Banking Dynasty and the Rise of Modern Finance"

 

The House of Morgan: An American Banking Dynasty and the Rise of Modern Finance by Ron Chernow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mark Chernow is my favorite historical writer. Just as he did in his biographies of Hamilton, Washington, Lincoln and Grant, he sifts through mountains of historical data, records and accounts and weaves them into a tight, entrancing tapestry.

"The House of Morgan" forces me to view history through a new lens, considering the financial implications and influence wielded over world events by bankers and their whims, needs and mandates.

It's astounding how little national leaders and their armies had to do with the fates of civilization in comparison to the power wielded by the most influential banking entities of their respective times. This three-dimensional glimpse at historical events makes you reconsider a lot of what you thought you knew.

This was Chernow's first book, and he was still developing his authoritative voice. While it may not top his later, greater works, it's a foundational building block for one of our time's greatest authors. Like his other efforts, "The House of Morgan" is a treasure worth experiencing and studying.

View all my reviews

Early Game Review: 'EA Sports College Football 25'

Back when it was an annual release in the earlier part of the century, "EA Sports NCAA Football" franchise was taken for granted. NIL disputes drove it into hibernation, and the franchise's absence loomed larger than its presence ever did. Now, with the rebirth of the series as "EA Sports College Football 25" - due out Friday - hype has ratcheted up to a fever pitch, and gamedom thirsts for its release in the manner Texas fans long for a national title.

Built from scratch, with the likenesses of more than 11,000 players and the intricate details of tradition, stadiums and crowds of more than 150 teams, this is the game that fans of "NCAA Football" always dreamed of but never realistically expected. The time is right for the game to capitalize on its moment, and it breaks out of the locker room with the enthusiasm and pomp of a team busting through its banner in front of a fog machine and blasting music as fans hop up and down at fever pitch.

Like so many other fans have been doing since the game dropped in early release for preorders, I have lapped up every bit of the pageantry, excitement and intricate attention to detail bestowed on "College Football 25." When I faced off against Ohio State at home, I captured and shared an amazing highlight - of Arizona linebacker Justin Flowe stepping in front of a Kyle McCord pass in the end zone and taking it coast-to-coast for a pick six, then shared it with friends as though it were a triumphant moment from a real game. The upshot: This is a game that allows college football fanatics to dream and virtually live out the most audacious of visions.

Sure, there are some flaws. When you're dealing with 11,000 players, some likenesses will be off, and EA Sports has acknowledged that the initial release is missing a few updated logos. The kicking game is wonky, and the AI often has a preternatural, Madden-like ability to snag midfield interceptions or rubber band to track down runners with open fields. It would also be nice to add in the CFS teams and rosters that fill out the teams' schedules. Instead, those teams are replaced by generic stand-ins.

But those wrinkles fade to the background as I appreciated the larger whole of what's at play here. This is a magnificent accomplishment that will set the stage for must-play annual releases from here on out. It also promises to be a living document of the wild road that awaits in the first year after massive conference realignment and the inaugural 12-team playoff. Content updates promise to buttress real-life developments, breakout stars and magic moments that are sure to flow from the season ahead.

Whether you are taking on all comers in online quickplays, building up your program in Dynasty Mode, pacing out your own walk-on-whimsy in Road to Glory or succumbing to the siren song of card-based, upgradeable, pay-to-win talent in College Ultimate Team, there are countless hours of content in which to lose yourself. Although the old ESPN branding is absent, the presentation feels authentic, and the commentary, led by Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit, give every matchup the impression of a College GameDay atmosphere.

The sheer excitement and execution of a grand, audacious vision makes this game a triumph on nearly every level, and nothing short of a treasure for college football fans of any stripe. Even the lowliest benchwarmer on every roster will always be able to treasure this game's release for their moment in the sun, and fans like me will get to live out our Saturday night light hopes with vigor. It was worth the series' lengthy absence to experience the thrill of such an exuberant renewal.

Publisher provided code for review.

Hot on Home Video: 'Challengers,' 'Tarot,' 'True Detective: Night Country'

CHALLENGERS

The bold, wildly successful and well-reviewed psychosexual drama from filmmaker Luca Guadagnino features Zendaya as a tennis coach who engages in psychological manipulation with members of the opposite sex. She pits her husband and ex-boyfriend against one another in a high-stakes game filled with twists and turns. Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist round out the lead cast.

TAROT

Devoured by critics but largely praised by audiences, the jump scare-packed horror film delves into the mysterious realm of the occult. A group of goofy friends accidentally unleashes an evil entity trapped within a Tarot deck, causing figures from the cards to deal out grim fates to those involved. Harriet Slater, Adian Bradley, Avantika and Wolfgang Novogratz lead the cast. 

Extras include the "Circle of Friends" featurette, a small making-of documentary and outtakes.

TRUE DETECTIVE: NIGHT COUNTRY

The Max series maintains its reputation for spinning darkly fascinating tales of investigators who face down unspeakable darkness in the obsessive pursuit of solving grisly cries. Jodie Foster and Kalu Reis play detectives who investigate the disappearance of eight scientists who were carrying out experiments deep in the icy wilderness. The investigation turns up unexpected ties, a web of deceit and disturbing revelations.

Extras include a slew of making-of featurettes and social environmental shots that point to significant moments in the series. 

Studios sent screeners for review.

Galaxy Pixel 8A Thrives on T-Mobile Network

If you're in the market for a budget phone that looks, feels and performs like a top-tier device, you will be hard-pressed to find a more satisfying option than the Google Pixel 8A.

Rounding up an impressive package of processing power, visual dynamics, AI integration and a powerful camera suite, Google's reworked Pixel 8 adds form and function while retaining just about everything that makes its latest flagship device a standout.

While testing the phone with a bevy of apps, streaming functions and games, I found it to be a dynamo at multitasking. Working in silk-smooth tandem with T-Mobile's class-leading 5G network, the device marauded any challenge I could toss in front of it. 

While the phone was a bit slow to charge, that was a minor setback because each charge lasted so long. In idle mode, it could go days without a recharge, and through constant use, it easily lasted a day and a half before needing to go back to the cord.

The screen's 120Hz refresh rate on its 6.1-inch OLED screen was bright and starkly defined. Weighing in at just 6.8 ounces, it never tired out my hand or wrist as I put it through the paces. The Tensor G3 processor roared on 8GB of RAM, knocking out any task it confronted with ease.

The 64MP rear camera and 13MP front camera captured images and video with aplomb, with Google's AI capabilities touching up the images to look even better. 

The fact that such a capable phone is only $500 makes it even sweeter. With the Pixel 8A, you can roll like a power player on a penny-pincher's budget.

T-Mobile provided device for review.

Game Review: 'Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game'

I wonder what it says about my youthful development that I spent nearly every morning of my later elementary school years watching the 1988 exploitation flick "Killer Klowns from Outer Space" as it played on HBO. 

I was clearly not alone, because the oddball film, about an invasion of aliens who look like circus performers who off unsuspecting teens in comical fashion, has inspired the team at IllFonic Inc. to create a game in its image. The passion and attention to detail in crafting the characters, backgrounds and weaponry shows a deep appreciation for the movie's oddball brand of horror.

While heavily influenced by asymmetrical hunter/killer games such as "Predator" and, especially, "Dead by Daylight," there is plenty to distinguish the title as something unique and vibrant.

Matchmaking assigns you to play as a human or Klown. Each side has its advantages and drawbacks, with the lumbering, powerfully-armed Klowns trying to track down the lithe, quicker victims, who can either escape or take down their bullet-sponge opposition.

Creative, extravagant maps, which boast openable doors, vertical perches and multiple escape routes, make for a strategic, Pac-Man-style game of cat and mouse. Environmental objects can reshape the tone of battle at a moment's notice, shifting the advantage toward those who had been on the run.

The game even manages to pay tribute to the film's sordid humor, which leans on twisting carnival tropes into death traps. The game no doubt takes on an elevated level of entertainment if you're able to squad up with friends, with whom you can coordinate tactics, but even with strangers, it's still wildly entertaining. It's nice to see these Klowns resurrected from the trash heap of 1980s nostalgia.

Publisher provided review code.

Game Review: 'Beyond Good & Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition'

There will always be a spot for "Beyond Good & Evil" for gamers who came of age in the early 2000s. Its latest rerelease sparks a knowing smile in those who have been looking for an excuse to relive the dizzyingly creative adventure once again.

The action-adventure escapade boasts a twist-filled story, puzzle elements and a lively combat system. There are also elements of racing and photography that play major parts in gameplay. The dizzying potpourri that keeps the game's wheels greased and has made it one of the most highly-praised cult classics of its era.

Orginally released in 2003 on PlayStation 2 and Xbox, the game got a remastered release in 2011 on the Xbox 360 and PS3. The new release seems to be a graphical and gameplay proof of concert meant to whet the appetite for the long-awaited sequel.

Set on a mining planet in the year 2435, the tale follows green-skinned heroine Jade, an avid photographer with a wild boar-like sidekick who faces off against the DomZ, which has launched a propaganda campaign to undermine the peoples' trust as the powers that be exploit and kidnap the populace.

Jade is a well-written protagonist whose character arc has a decidedly cinematic bent. Just as loveable for her flaws and quirks as she is for her talent and dogged determination, she is a gutsy leader who is just as capable of winning battles with her mind as she is her firepower. Steadfast in the face of crushing adversity, her willingness to take an iconoclastic stand is admirable. 

"Beyond Good & Evil" thrives just as much in its quieter moments as it does in its swashbuckling set pieces. It's a classic that has stood the test of time and looks and plays better than ever in its latest iteration. And the prospect of that elusive sequel seems ever more tantalizing now.

Publisher provided review code.

Hot on Home Video: 'The Boys in the Boat,' 'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,' 'Monkey Man'

THE BOYS IN THE BOAT

Thoroughly hokey yet disarmingly inspiring, this true-life tale of the 1936 University of Washington rowing team, which competed for gold at the infamous Berlin Olympics, manages to hit the right strokes. Joel Edgerton, Callum Turner, Peter Guinness and Jack Mulhern headline the cast int he underdog tale of uknown athletes who banded together and shocked the world. Director George Clooney shows a deft feel for the material, mixing personal moments with training montages and racing action to create a timeless story.

GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE

The 80s-spawned franchise shows it's still got plenty of life in it. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Erine Hudson team with Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, McKenna Grace and Finn Wolfhard for a continuation of the story that started in "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" (2021). The Spengler family returns to the New York City firehouse that once served as Ghostbusters HQ. They band together with the OG Ghosbusters squad to fend off an army of evil spirits bent on ushering in a new Ice Age.

Extras include deleted and extended scenes, filmmaker commentary, and featurettes on the movie's equipment and ghosts. There's also an extended look at the film's score, as well as a making-of mini-doc.

MONKEY MAN

Dev Patel, Sharlto Copley, Sobhita Dhulipala and Vipin Sharma star in the kinetic, crowd-pleasing action film, which focuses on a nameless man who makes his living in an underground fighting ring. He faces down the men responsible for pushing him as a boy into a life of poverty and obscurity, channeling his rage in a mission of righteous vengeance.

Special features include deleted scenes, a slew of making-of featurettes and filmmaker commentary.

Studios sent screeners for review.

Saguaro City Music Theatre Review: 'Willy Wonka'

By Gina Walsh

To watch "Willy Wonka" is to be transported to a land of pure imagination. Anything goes in this candy-fueled wonderland of dreams and delight. 

Lurking underneath the idyllic, sugar-rushed indulgences are harsh lessons in morality and moderation, orchestrated by a snarky puppet master who is all too willing to give his bratty visitors and their parents enough licorice rope with which to figuratively hang themselves.

Bolstered by a cast of stunningly talented children and a rock-solid supporting cast of adults, the production thrives under the direction of Drew Humphrey, who crafts a colorful tapestry of sight and sound. 

Each of the musical numbers pop with whimsy and crackling humor, led by spirited vocal performances from the likes of Lucy Cable, who plays Charlie Bucket, Raind Gonda as Willy Wonka and Ayla Olivas, who turns in a scene-swiping performance as Veruca Salt.

My 2-year-old and I were captivated at the Friday matinee showing. We adored the way the musical blended aspects of the two Hollywood films, the Roald Dahl source material and a hefty helping of fresh touches. We were particularly floored by the Oompa-loompa overtures, Gonda's captivating "There's No Knowing" soliloquy and the death-defying "Flying-Burping."

Making use of expert stagecraft enhanced by projection highlights, the stage sucks the audience into a realm of flight and fantasy. The show cruises by at a breakneck pace, earning the attention of older and younger viewers alike, who connect to it on different levels.

With the staggeringly entertaining "Willy Wonka," Saguaro City Musical Theatre continues to assert itself as a force to be reckoned with on the Tucson stage scene. The passion and talent on display is nothing short of spellbinding, and the talented collaboration is a sheer joy to behold. 

"Willy Wonka" plays through June 23 at Berger Performing Arts Center. Buy tickets here. 

Hot on Home Video: 'American Fiction,' 'The Karate Kid'

AMERICAN FICTION

Best adapted screenplay Oscar winner Cord Jefferson, who also directs the best picture-nominated film, bursts onto the scene with a biting satire of the media landscape. Jeffrey Wright stars as Monk, a struggling novelist who leans into cultural stereotypes to create a mockery of them in the form of a controversial novel that begins to take on a life of its own and disrupt his career. Funny and poignant, the film was one of the best of 2023. The stellar cast of Tracee Ellis Ross, John Ortiz, Erika Alexander and Leslie Uggams elevates Jefferson's writing and directing to sublime levels.

THE KARATE KID

The seminal 1984 underdog tale, which has gained new life with the success of the "Cobra Kai" franchise, stands as one of the iconic films of its time. "Rocky" director John G. Avildsen executes his storytelling talents to their finest degree, pairing Ralph Macchio with Pat Morita in a tale of an uprooted, bullied teen who learns the way of the open fist in order to find purpose and fulfillment. Elisabeth Shue and William Zabka round out the underrated cast.

The 4K restoration is loaded with extras, including feature film commentary by the creators of "Cobra Kai" and 30 minutes of previously unreleased deleted scenes.

Studios provided screeners for review.

Hot on Home Video: 'Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire,' 'La Femme Nikita,' 'Welcome Back, Kotter'

 GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

As big, loud and brainless as its CGI-generated monster stars, the mash-up film leaves its dull human characters off to the wayside as it focuses on a chain of action that rarely hits the pause button. The plot may be laughable and the effects are lackluster, but the film works well enough as a goofy trifle. Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry and Dan Stevens headline the cast.

Extras include a ton of featurettes, including "Into the Hollow Earth," "The Battles Royale" and 'The Intrepid Director." Filmmaker commentary" and a breakdown of the battle scenes.

LA FEMME NIKITA

Director Luc Besson is in top form in this 1990 thriller, which stars Anne Parillaud, Jeanne Moreau Jean Reno. In a plot with a hint of "The Suicide Squad," a killer and drug addict played by Parillaud goes on a vendetta for redemption, taking on deadly missions as a secret agent. Exquisite action scenes and powerful lead performances pepper the cult classic.

Extras in the steelbook edition, but it's nice to see the oft-forgotten film available in a dazzling 4K restoration.

WELCOME BACK, KOTTER: THE COMPLETE SERIES

The seminal 1975-79 high school comedy launched the career of John Travolta. Gabe Kaplan stars as a middle-aged man who heads back to his Brooklyn alma mater to teach a group of goofballs who remind him of himself as a teen. While many of the jokes have dated, Travolta's charisma as Vinnie Barbarino is undeniable. The show packs a heavy nostalgia factor and manages to retain much of its comedic value and pathos.

Studios provided screeners for review.

T-Mobile Offers Deals for Dads, Grads

With graduations aplenty this time of year, as well as Father's Day fast approaching, T-Mobile is offering some intriguing deals on a range of devices. 

Here's the breakdown:

T-Mobile exclusive deals:

Free iPhone 15 Pro (up to $1000 off) when you trade in a device on Go5G Next.

Free iPhone 15 (up to $830 off) when you trade in an eligible device and add a line on a Go5G plan.

Free Samsung Galaxy S24 (up to $800 off) when you trade in an eligible device on Go5G Plus or Go5G Next.

Free Samsung Galaxy S24/S23 or Google Pixel 8 (up to $800 off) when you add a new line on Go5G Plus or Go5G Next.

Free iPhone 15 or iPhone 14 (up to $700) when you purchase the same device and add a line on any plan. 

Free Apple Watch (up to $250 off) when you purchase the same watch and add a qualifying watch line.

Free Samsung Galaxy Watch6 (up to $380 off) when you add a qualifying watch line.

Metro exclusive deals:

Free iPhone 11 or Samsung A35 when (up to $499) when you sign up for Metro Flex Plus and bring your number to Metro.

Free Samsung A15 or REVVL 7 Pro (up to $249) when you sign up for Metro Flex Up and bring your number to Metro.

$300 off the Onyx Studio 8 speaker.

$40 off the JBL Charge 5 starting June 13.

FreeTCL TAB 8 LE (up to $159) when you add a new tablet line.

Game Review: 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants'

Building on the momentum of last year's spectacular animated "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
film, as well as the two 2022 release of "Shredder's Revenge" and "The Cowabunga Collection" retro anthology "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Wrath of the Mutants" attacks the beat-em-up genre it once ruled with style and panache.

Adapting an animation style that echoes the modern look of the Nickelodeon series, the game puts you in control of the four heroes in a half shell as they battle the Foot Clan and its diabolical string of jump kick-sponge bosses.

As with most games of its ilk, "Wrath of the Mutants" shines brightest in multiplayer, which is geared to have you help and grief buddies at intervals. While the gameplay is samey and button-mashing heavy, there is sublime satisfaction in mastering its combos and boss attack patterns to fabricate dream runs through replayed levels.

While "Shredder's Revenge" is still the better of the two modern TMNT games, the new entry provides plenty of heft and replayability to fans of both old and new-school adaptations of the fabled heroes. 

The writing smacks with a smarmy glee, and there is a genuine throughline of exuberance that shows the developers' love of all things TMNT that shines through.

Publisher provided review code.

Hot on Home Video: 'The American Society of Magical Negroes,' 'Glory,' 'Kung Fu Panda 4'

 THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MAGICAL NEGROES

The often jarring, brutally irreverent satire of the Hollywood trope epitomized by the Will Smith character in "The Legend of Bagger Vance," the film takes a scalpel to embedded pop culture racism. Writer/director Kobi Libu's daring message film is uneven, but worth a look for its moments that hit. The cast includes Justice Smith, David Alan Grier and Michaela Watkins.

Libii's feature film commentary headlines the extras, which also boast a cast conversation, making-of featurette and a look at the film's social mission. 

GLORY

The revered 1989 historical drama focuses on the 54th Regiment, which was made up of freed former slaves who fought Confederate forces during the Civil War. The film took home five Oscars, led by Denzel Washington in a career-defining turn as best supporting actor. Cary Elwes, Matthew Broderick and Morgan Freeman round out the stellar cast of the film, which has only grown in its social impact over the three and a half decades after release.

Extras include filmmaker commentary, deleted scenes with commentary, a documentary entitled "The True Story Continues" and a pair of making-of featurettes.

KUNG FU PANDA 4

Released March 8 in theaters, the continuation of the riotous DreamWorks franchise continues. Jack Black reprises his role as the ursine martial arts stud who leads an array of warriors to defend the Valley of Peace against a new threat. The usual parade of wild antics and clever dialogue are there, but there's a general sense that the series has run its course. If so, this is a specatcular send-off.

Extras include filmmaker commentary, deleted scenes, a cast roundup, drawing lessons, a shadow puppet tutorial and a featurette on Black making dumplings.

 Studios provided screeners for review.

Broadway in Tucson Review: 'Mrs. Doubtfire'

The musical adaptation of "Mrs. Doubtfire" tiptoes a fine line that hinges entirely on its lead performance. Because it leans so heavily on the character, Daniel, a struggling, recently divorced voice actor who masquerades as a Scottish nanny in order to spend more time with his kids, the show's entire tone and upside is set by the performer's panache and magnetism. If the performance is cloying and overexerted, the entire show would be an agonizing bore.

Rob McClure, however, is anything but that. A dynamic, astoundingly talented performer and gifted comedian, he serves as the dynamic lynchpin that holds together the wily, impossibly funny parade of whimsy, pop culture satire and subtle, yet effective, sentimentality.

Based on the 1993 movie that starred Robin Williams, the show ran on Broadway in 2022 and 2023, when it launched a national tour. McClure played the role on Broadway, and he manages to elevate Williams' original creation into a bombastic virtuoso turn that's entirely his own. His considerable talents, which reach their peak in the numbers "Easy Peasy" and "About Time," thrive in a role that at times demands rapping, breakdancing, juggling, tap dancing and impressions.

An exquisite bookend to the Broadway in Tucson season, which opened in September with another heavily Williams-influenced production, "Aladdin," "Mrs. Doubtfire" is a spellbinding spectacle that is undoubtedly the funniest musical I have ever seen, topping "The Book of Mormon" by a longshot.

Other standouts in the cast include Maggie Lakis as Dennis' flustered ex-wife, Miranda, and Giselle Gutierrez as their oldest daughter, Lydia, through whose lens the show plays out as a coming-of-age story.

While the plot is crammed with nonsensical non sequiturs that grow even more absurd and outlandish on stage than what the original film offered, every note and flourish stays true to the core impetus of painting Dennis as a troubled, terminally immature parent who will go to any ends to stay in the lives of his children. Even in its wildest moments, the emotional core stays firm, and McClure is always able to shift on a dime from showman to sensitive shrinking violet, making the serious moments register, and even sting a little.

"Mrs. Doubtfire" surprised me with its irrepressibly entertaining fervor. Its instant standing ovation was well-earned and exuberant, rather than the grudgingly polite sort you so often see. The show is a true treat, and if you're a fan of musical comedy, you owe it to yourself to catch McClure's performance while it's near/

"Mrs. Doubtfire" plays through June 2 at Centennial Hall. Buy tickets here.

Game Review: 'Braid Anniversary Edition'

Originally released in 2008, developer Jonathan Blow's "Braid" set the indie scene on fire. The 2D platformer satirized "Super Mario Bros." and other pop culture icons while also telling a deep, subversive tale that grows more complex the farther you advance.

An unequivocal masterpiece of minimalist game design, the game gets a remastered special edition not so much because it needed a fresh coat of paint, but because it deserves a victory lap in the manner of a Criterion home video release.

Just as with the simplicity of the original game, the additions are minimal and largely unobtrusive. Those who want to re-experience the game with some historical perspective have the opportunity to trigger a running commentary track that provides deep insight into the craft and strategy that went into nearly every pixel of the effort.

The game gets an HD makeover, but those who crave the original art design look can toggle back and forth between the new and former look. The ability to appreciate the game on multiple levels speaks to the depth and strength of the rock-solid, deceptively intricate design factors at play.

"Braid Anniversary Edition" is a jubilant celebration of the game and the indie movement it spawned. No doubt responsible for inspiring a generation of fresh, vivid thinking in game design, the rereleased version stands as the definitive form of one of indie gaming's grandest treasures. I envy those who get to experience it the first time in this impressive form.

Publisher provided review code.

 

Samsung Galaxy S24+ rocks T-Mobile's speedy 5G network

A larger, slightly bulkier version of its base-model cousin, the Samsung Galaxy S24+ is geared for those who need a phone with some more durability, screen real estate and battery life.

Boiled down to basics, the phone is a souped-up version of the flagship Samsung Galaxy S24 model.

Like the standard S24, the S24+ comes with a promise of seven years of consistent update support and a slew of AI features.

Just as in the base model, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy CPU deals out a bewildering amount of processing power, working in tandem with T-Mobile's blisteringly fast 5G Magenta network to tame whatever array of multitasking challenges you ca hurl at it.

The 6.7-inch display is an upgrade over the 6.2-inch screen on the standard S24, upping the resolution from FHD+ to QHD+. The difference may at first seem inconsequential, but upon regular use, the colors stand out as richer and the image contrast appears sharper.

The bump from 8GB to 12GB of RAM is considerable, with the S24+ taking advantage of the extra memory to handle games, apps and streaming video with silk-smooth ease.

A larger, more powerful device needs more juice, and the S24+ gets just that in the form of a 4,900mAh battery, which bests the 4,000mAh battery found in the S24. I found the device could handle at least 16 hours of heavy use without needing a charge-up break.

The camera array remains consistent. The main 50MP camera with a 12MP lens and 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom capabilities is familiar, with the ability to capture images with as much as 50MP resolution, as well as 8K video.

Object Eraser helps you deploy AI to touch up pictures and delete photobombers, and Circle to Search lets you juggle your web surfing with Google Image scans. 

While the S24+ may lack the S-Pen and souped-up features fo the S24 Ultra, it serves its need as an impressive mid-tier option that passes the eye test and turns heads. There's no middle child syndrome here.

T-Mobile sent device for review.

T-Mobile Mother's Day Weekend deals

T-Mobile is rolling out new offers for Mother's Day weekend, including a free iPhone 15 (up to $830 off) with eligible trade on Go5G Plus or Go5G Next, or when you add a line on most plans; free Samsung Galaxy S24 with eligible trade OR when you add a line on Go5G Plus or Go5G Next; 50% off iPad 9th Gen 64GB when adding a line; free Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (40mm or 44mm) when adding a watch line; $300 off the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 speaker in any color and an Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen 40mm on Us (or 44mm for just $30) when adding a new watch line.

The T-Mobile Magenta Status, comes with special offers on things such as hotels, rental cars, food, concert and movie tickets and more. According to T-Mobile, customers can unlock as much as $1,500 in added value every year in Magenta Status perks. Other offers in the array of plans include free Apple TV+, Hulu, Netflix and free season-long subscriptions to MLB.TV, to free in-flight Wi-Fi, high-speed data abroad, Scam Shield protection, exclusive deals and freebies every week through T-Mobile Tuesdays and more.

Game Review: 'Final Fantasy VII Rebirth'

With impressive ambition, monumental scope and exuberant execution, "Final Fantasy VII Rebirth" somehow manages to match and even surpass its sprawling fanbase's unreasonable demands.

Expanding on the impressive start of 2020's "Final Fantasy VII Remake" and its 2021 follow-up, "Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade," the massive release expands on the foreboding groundwork established before it. There are spiritual and story similarities to the original game, which works as a sort of framekwork which the current team of developers flesh out with current interpretations.

Perhaps the greatest accomplishment of the new series, particularly its towering recent release, is that it manages to break the shackles of "Final Fantasy" archetypes while also embracing them conceptually enough to preserve the commanding feel and tone that's been established. 

The middle section of a planned trilogy, the game's story veers off in daring new directions, blending with an immersive combat system and seamless world-building to craft a whirlwind assault on the senses. "Final Fantasy VII Rebirth" goes beyond a cinematic impression to a realm that movies themselves can never touch and video games only rarely reach. Think the grandiosity of "Red Dead Redemption 2" blended with the sizzling combat of "Elden Ring" and the challenging narrative of "Chrono Trigger" and you begin to claw at the surface of the plateau in which "Rebirth" hovers.

All seriousness aside, it's also a joy to see how non-self-important the game is. Side quests, Easter eggs and knowing nods to superfans show a dev team unafraid to make fun of itself, the game development process, and JRPG cliches that date back to the series' original entry.

It's rare that a game takes me by the shoulders and sinks into me, body and spirit, from the opening moments and never lets go, but that's exactly what "Rebirth" managed to do. This is truly one for the ages, and the shivers that started in my spine at the opening titles were matched an exceeded many times over as the story twisted and turned, drawing chuckles, winces and, very nearly, tears.

"Final Fantasy VII Rebirth" is aptly named because, even though this is the hungry-for-attention middle child of a colossal endeavor of a trilogy, it feels like a fresh rejuvenation of all things "Final Fantasy," and perhaps gamedom itself. It makes you see its world and your own as if for the first time.

Publisher provided review code.