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.