Phil Villarreal's Blog, page 17

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.

Early Game Review: 'El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron HD'

A fascinating curiosity of mainstream gamedom, "El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron" was one of the only games in memory that embraces mainstream religion. The 2011 release turned heads for its daring content and skillful execution, blending striking visuals with engaging combat and spellbinding storytelling.

While sales may not have delivered any sequels or imitators, the game remained an intriguing relic that became food for think pieces and analysis videos aplenty. 

Now comes an HD remaster, due out April 28, in which Enoch's quest for redemption as he takes on a host of fallen angels in a brutal, somehow poetic hack-and-slash. Originally released on the Xbox 360, before getting a PC release in 2021, the game seems to be an apt fit on the Switch, with its sewing circle of eclectic oddities from every corner of the indieverse, both modern and historical.

If ever there were a game in which you did yourself a disservice by skipping the cut scenes, this was it. The writers explore mainstream and obscure religious texts for the characters and scenarios that populate its story. Told with the steady, shamanistic cadence, the fable unfolds with poignance and emotional urgency. Enoch is striving not only for his own salvation, but that of man. In microcosm, his journey touches the most ancient urges of human storytelling.

Many HD remasters are more successful at showing a game's age rather than updating it, but "El Shaddai" holds up surprisingly well in the gameplay department. Not a moment of my time with the game seemed as though time had passed it by. This game, like the saga represents, is timeless. And it now looks the part as well, whether docked to your HDTV or taking it as a spiritual injection on the go.

Publisher provided review code.

Early Game Review: 'Top Spin 2K25'

Save for the occasional Mario Tennis release, fans of the sport haven't had much to cling to when it comes to gaming. But a baker's dozen of years between "Top Spin" releases has done the franchise well, and developer Hangar 13 has used the time well for what amounts to a relaunch of the franchise.

Helping "Top Spin 2K25," due out Friday, look toward the future is old-school favorite John McEnroe, who acts as a narrator and guides you through TopSpin Academy, a longform tutorial that guides you through the finer points of the game.

"Top Spin 2K25" hurls you into the mix with an intense showdown against Andy Murray. Playing as Roger Federer, you play out key points in an effort to come out victorious. After that, you are free to plunge into MyPlayer to craft your avatar. 

While the game launches as a single-player-only experience, online multiplayer is set to be added in an update sometime in May. The lack of a full suite at the outset may be discouraging, but at least the solo time allows you to hone your skills before the multiplayer scene opens up. Also, the player base will no doubt be stronger by the time the update comes along.

To get you going, you can trade serves with a slate of 25 current and past pros, including the likes of Serena Williams, Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Świątek, Frances Tiafoe and Andre Agassi.

With all four segments of the Grand Slam available, you can can serve and volley on the biggest stages in the sport. There are also MyCAREER and MyPLAYER modes available, matching the suite of options in the "NBA 2K" series.

The game looks and flows with gorgeous fluidity, surpassing past efforts, especially the Mario stuff, by leaps and bounds. 

With the confident burst of a first serve, "Top Spin 2K25" rushes the net with vigor and skill, marking an impressive return to form for the long-neglected franchise.

 Publisher provided review code.

Broadway in Tucson Review: Hairspray'

"Hairspray" first dazzled audiences as a 1988 John Waters movie, then captured Broadway hearts as a musical in 2002. That show was so successful that it inspired an encore film adaptation in 2007. The Broadway show's national tour is an endless victory lap for the phenomenon.

Bursting with catchy tunes, body-positive and civil rights messaging, "Hairspray" is as much an irresistible force of nature as its lead character, Tracy Turnblad. Played with vigor and determination by Caroline Eisman, Tracy longs to be included on the TV dance show, which nearly always consists of only thin, white performers. 

Determined not to let her plus-size body be the factor that holds her back, she turns heads at auditions and achieves her dream. But she doesn't stop there, using her newfound momentum to rally for racial equality, she makes new friends and enemies in the process. The throughline is that Tracy knows she will prevail because she's on the side of progress. As the show's tagline declares, you can't stop the beat.

From the show-launching "Good Morning Baltimore" to the dazzling duet "(You're) Timeless to Me" and the watershed "I Know Where I've Been," "Hairspray" is a nonstop succession of catchy ballads that infuse the audience with good cheer. 

The capable supporting cast, with Andrew Scoggin as showman Corny Collins, Caroline Portner as snotty Amber Von Tussle and Micah Sauvageau and Greg Kalafatas as Tracy's parents, "Hairspray" comes to life with gorgeous scenery, precision choreography and hummable music that coalesces into a boisterous extravaganza. I adored the timely additions to the script, which included a swipe at the Donald Trump regime and a crowd-wowing references to the Old Pueblo and University of Arizona.

"Hairspray" is a show for dreamers, early 1960s nostalgia and vestiges that still remain of the bygone oppressive era. Society has come a long way since the days in which "Hairspray" was set, but still has miles to go. It will take the Tracy Turnblads of the world to get us there.

"Hairspray" plays through April 28 at Centennial Hall. Buy tickets .