HyperX Pulsefire Saga Review: This Gaming Mouse Changes Shape
If you’re someone who spends hours gaming, you already know how important a good mouse is. The problem? Most gaming mice look different on paper but feel almost identical in hand. With so many options out there, it’s getting harder to find something that actually stands out. The HyperX Pulsefire Saga tries to flip that idea on its head with a modular design. Instead of adjusting your grip to the mouse, you can tweak the mouse itself to match your comfort. It also promises strong performance, with features such as a 26K DPI sensor and an 8K polling rate. But beyond the specs, I wanted to see if the modular design makes it better to use in real gameplay.
HyperX Pulsefire Saga
Deepti Pathak
Summary
After using the HyperX Pulsefire Saga for a while, it’s clear that it’s more than just a gaming mouse. From a functionality standpoint, I can say it’s held up incredibly well. The sensor is fast and reliable, and the lightweight design is a big plus for long-term use.
Design and Build
The first thing I noticed when I started using the HyperX Pulsefire Saga was how light it felt in my hand. At just 69 grams, it felt easy to control without feeling too fragile. While gaming, this made tracking and quick reactions feel smoother. What really makes this mouse different is its modular build. I was able to change the top shell, button covers, and side buttons within seconds. The magnetic system works well, and everything clicks into place securely. Even after changing configurations multiple times, the build stayed consistent.
In terms of comfort, I used it for long sessions, sometimes up to a few hours at a stretch. The weight, or lack thereof, helps a lot with comfort, and I didn’t experience the strain that I normally get with a heavier mouse. There are a couple of things that didn’t quite work for me, though. The side buttons don’t really feel as high-quality as the rest of the mouse, and there’s a little wobble if you look up close. The scroll wheel is also a bit smaller, but these are just nitpicks.
Overall, the module design is more about function than style, especially if you like to have control over mouse comfort.
Performance
In terms of performance, this mouse does not disappoint. The 26K DPI sensor shines for tracking, and the ability to reach an 8K polling rate is a clear indicator that this mouse is intended for precision use. I tested it with games like Valorant and GTA V, and the performance was pretty stellar. The movements felt smooth, and I did not feel jitters or unusual behavior.
Whether I was making small aim corrections or fast flicks, it reacted instantly. This made it easier to stay consistent during matches. The clicks have a fast and responsive feel, particularly when you’re firing weapons in FPS games.
With a wired mouse, I found that the cable didn’t interfere with my gaming experience because it was flexible enough to allow natural movement. Overall, performance is accurate, fast, and reliable, which is particularly important for a competitive gamer.
Software and Battery
Since this is a wired mouse, battery life isn’t something you need to worry about. I could just plug it in and start playing without worrying about charging or interruptions, which I found really convenient.
For software, HyperX provides NGENUITY. I used it to customize DPI settings, adjust the polling rate, and play around with RGB lighting. The controls are easy to understand, so setting things up didn’t take much effort. There are also options to remap buttons and fine-tune performance settings. It gives enough control for most users without feeling overwhelming.
That said, once I finished setting things up, I didn’t really need to open the software again. It works well, but it’s more of a one-time setup tool rather than something you’ll use regularly.
Verdict
After using the HyperX Pulsefire Saga for a while, it’s clear that it’s more than just a gaming mouse. You can currently buy this mouse from Amazon for Rs. 3,990. I played around with a few settings before finding one that felt comfortable to use, and once I got into the swing of things, it was much more comfortable. From a functionality standpoint, I can say it’s held up incredibly well. The sensor is fast and reliable, and the lightweight design is a big plus for long-term use.
One or two things could be improved, particularly the side buttons and the wheel, but they didn’t really affect my overall experience. If you’re like me and want a slightly more personalized, comfortable experience, this mouse makes a lot of sense.
If you’re someone who spends hours gaming, you already know how important a good mouse is. The problem? Most gaming mice look different on paper but feel almost identical in hand. With so many options out there, it’s getting harder to find something that actually stands out. The HyperX Pulsefire Saga tries to flip that idea on its head with a modular design. Instead of adjusting your grip to the mouse, you can tweak the mouse itself to match your comfort. It also promises strong performance, with features such as a 26K DPI sensor and an 8K polling rate. But beyond the specs, I wanted to see if the modular design makes it better to use in real gameplay.
HyperX Pulsefire Saga
Deepti Pathak
Summary
After using the HyperX Pulsefire Saga for a while, it’s clear that it’s more than just a gaming mouse. From a functionality standpoint, I can say it’s held up incredibly well. The sensor is fast and reliable, and the lightweight design is a big plus for long-term use.
Design and Build
The first thing I noticed when I started using the HyperX Pulsefire Saga was how light it felt in my hand. At just 69 grams, it felt easy to control without feeling too fragile. While gaming, this made tracking and quick reactions feel smoother. What really makes this mouse different is its modular build. I was able to change the top shell, button covers, and side buttons within seconds. The magnetic system works well, and everything clicks into place securely. Even after changing configurations multiple times, the build stayed consistent.
In terms of comfort, I used it for long sessions, sometimes up to a few hours at a stretch. The weight, or lack thereof, helps a lot with comfort, and I didn’t experience the strain that I normally get with a heavier mouse. There are a couple of things that didn’t quite work for me, though. The side buttons don’t really feel as high-quality as the rest of the mouse, and there’s a little wobble if you look up close. The scroll wheel is also a bit smaller, but these are just nitpicks.
Overall, the module design is more about function than style, especially if you like to have control over mouse comfort.
Performance
In terms of performance, this mouse does not disappoint. The 26K DPI sensor shines for tracking, and the ability to reach an 8K polling rate is a clear indicator that this mouse is intended for precision use. I tested it with games like Valorant and GTA V, and the performance was pretty stellar. The movements felt smooth, and I did not feel jitters or unusual behavior.
Whether I was making small aim corrections or fast flicks, it reacted instantly. This made it easier to stay consistent during matches. The clicks have a fast and responsive feel, particularly when you’re firing weapons in FPS games.
With a wired mouse, I found that the cable didn’t interfere with my gaming experience because it was flexible enough to allow natural movement. Overall, performance is accurate, fast, and reliable, which is particularly important for a competitive gamer.
Software and Battery
Since this is a wired mouse, battery life isn’t something you need to worry about. I could just plug it in and start playing without worrying about charging or interruptions, which I found really convenient.
For software, HyperX provides NGENUITY. I used it to customize DPI settings, adjust the polling rate, and play around with RGB lighting. The controls are easy to understand, so setting things up didn’t take much effort. There are also options to remap buttons and fine-tune performance settings. It gives enough control for most users without feeling overwhelming.
That said, once I finished setting things up, I didn’t really need to open the software again. It works well, but it’s more of a one-time setup tool rather than something you’ll use regularly.
Verdict
After using the HyperX Pulsefire Saga for a while, it’s clear that it’s more than just a gaming mouse. You can currently buy this mouse from Amazon for Rs. 3,990. I played around with a few settings before finding one that felt comfortable to use, and once I got into the swing of things, it was much more comfortable. From a functionality standpoint, I can say it’s held up incredibly well. The sensor is fast and reliable, and the lightweight design is a big plus for long-term use.
One or two things could be improved, particularly the side buttons and the wheel, but they didn’t really affect my overall experience. If you’re like me and want a slightly more personalized, comfortable experience, this mouse makes a lot of sense.
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#HyperX #Pulsefire #Saga #Review #Gaming #Mouse #Shape
Project Hail Mary has only been in theaters for a few weeks, but its alien star, Rocky, has already become a legend. He’s got merch, hundreds of millions in box office dollars, and was even quoted during the Artemis 2 space mission. And to think it all began with puppeteer James Ortiz walking a hand-sized puppet all over Ryan Gosling’s body.
The Los Angeles Times recently posted a lovely little profile on Ortiz, who has been a successful, well-known puppeteer long before his work as both the puppeteer and voice of Rocky in Project Hail Mary. So when he got called in to audition to help bring the character to life, he didn’t use the larger-sized puppet the filmmakers had made. No, instead, he used a smaller puppet of his own creation that apparently looks oddly familiar.
“For a chemistry read with Gosling, with the film’s producers also present, Ortiz opted for using a version of Rocky he had made himself, which looked like Thing from The Addams Family; built off a fancy glove, instead of the larger puppet the production had available,” the article says. “That his hand version of Rocky could climb onto Gosling, and interact with the actor more directly, allowed for an amusing rapport to develop instantly between them.”
Once he had the job, the Rocky puppet that would be in the movie was designed by famed creature creator Neal Scanlan. Ortiz, though, being a seasoned pro himself, also provided input. “I had, ultimately, a lot of input, never on how Rocky looked, but a lot on how he was operated and what materials he was made out of,” Ortiz told the Times. “I was able to pick what types of fiberglass we were using to cast him out of, because I knew, given the amount of improvisation that we would be doing on set, [that] I needed a puppet that could do anything.”
And, we think, the results speak for themselves.
Read more about Ortiz’s journey to Project Hail Mary over at the LA Times. The film is still in theaters.
Project Hail Mary has only been in theaters for a few weeks, but its alien star, Rocky, has already become a legend. He’s got merch, hundreds of millions in box office dollars, and was even quoted during the Artemis 2 space mission. And to think it all began with puppeteer James Ortiz walking a hand-sized puppet all over Ryan Gosling’s body.
The Los Angeles Times recently posted a lovely little profile on Ortiz, who has been a successful, well-known puppeteer long before his work as both the puppeteer and voice of Rocky in Project Hail Mary. So when he got called in to audition to help bring the character to life, he didn’t use the larger-sized puppet the filmmakers had made. No, instead, he used a smaller puppet of his own creation that apparently looks oddly familiar.
“For a chemistry read with Gosling, with the film’s producers also present, Ortiz opted for using a version of Rocky he had made himself, which looked like Thing from The Addams Family; built off a fancy glove, instead of the larger puppet the production had available,” the article says. “That his hand version of Rocky could climb onto Gosling, and interact with the actor more directly, allowed for an amusing rapport to develop instantly between them.”
Once he had the job, the Rocky puppet that would be in the movie was designed by famed creature creator Neal Scanlan. Ortiz, though, being a seasoned pro himself, also provided input. “I had, ultimately, a lot of input, never on how Rocky looked, but a lot on how he was operated and what materials he was made out of,” Ortiz told the Times. “I was able to pick what types of fiberglass we were using to cast him out of, because I knew, given the amount of improvisation that we would be doing on set, [that] I needed a puppet that could do anything.”
And, we think, the results speak for themselves.
Read more about Ortiz’s journey to Project Hail Mary over at the LA Times. The film is still in theaters.
#Hands #Rocky #Hired #Project #Hail #MaryJames Ortiz,Project Hail Mary">How the Hands Behind Rocky Got Hired for ‘Project Hail Mary’
Project Hail Mary has only been in theaters for a few weeks, but its alien star, Rocky, has already become a legend. He’s got merch, hundreds of millions in box office dollars, and was even quoted during the Artemis 2 space mission. And to think it all began with puppeteer James Ortiz walking a hand-sized puppet all over Ryan Gosling’s body.
The Los Angeles Times recently posted a lovely little profile on Ortiz, who has been a successful, well-known puppeteer long before his work as both the puppeteer and voice of Rocky in Project Hail Mary. So when he got called in to audition to help bring the character to life, he didn’t use the larger-sized puppet the filmmakers had made. No, instead, he used a smaller puppet of his own creation that apparently looks oddly familiar.
“For a chemistry read with Gosling, with the film’s producers also present, Ortiz opted for using a version of Rocky he had made himself, which looked like Thing from The Addams Family; built off a fancy glove, instead of the larger puppet the production had available,” the article says. “That his hand version of Rocky could climb onto Gosling, and interact with the actor more directly, allowed for an amusing rapport to develop instantly between them.”
Once he had the job, the Rocky puppet that would be in the movie was designed by famed creature creator Neal Scanlan. Ortiz, though, being a seasoned pro himself, also provided input. “I had, ultimately, a lot of input, never on how Rocky looked, but a lot on how he was operated and what materials he was made out of,” Ortiz told the Times. “I was able to pick what types of fiberglass we were using to cast him out of, because I knew, given the amount of improvisation that we would be doing on set, [that] I needed a puppet that could do anything.”
And, we think, the results speak for themselves.
Read more about Ortiz’s journey to Project Hail Mary over at the LA Times. The film is still in theaters.
NASA’s control room recorded the team’s surprise during the mission livestream, although the cameras did not pick up the flashes. According to the astronauts, the flashes were white or blue-white and lasted less than a second. The cameras they were using to document the moon weren’t fast enough to record them.
Lunar surface replete with craters generated by meteorite collisions.
Photograph: NASA
The crew was flying between 6,000 and 7,000 kilometers away. Under normal conditions, these impacts would have gone unnoticed. However, at the time they were studying the solar eclipse, which left the far side of the moon completely dark. That extreme contrast allowed them to distinguish the brief flashes that emerged from the surface.
Before the trip, the Artemis II team trained to identify possible meteorite impacts on the moon. They immediately recognized what they were seeing and reported it according to their protocols. NASA later confirmed that these were natural collisions on the satellite, a scenario they have been monitoring for years. The agency has not yet released a statement, but the conversation was recorded on the YouTube livestream.
It was during this solar eclipse that the astronauts saw most of the impact flashes.
Photograph: NASA
The Problem of Meteorites on the Moon
Since the idea of building permanent lunar bases first arose, different teams have assessed the risks to future inhabitants. Today, the two major challenges are “moonquakes” and meteorite impacts. For the former, there are plans to install seismographs to help understand the phenomenon. For the meteorites, astronomers already know the approximate frequency, and observations such as the six recent flashes help to refine existing models.
On Earth, the atmosphere destroys most meteorites before they reach the ground. Only the larger ones make it through, and it’s a rare scenario. The moon lacks that protective layer, which means any fragment of space rock ends up impacting the surface. The hundreds of millions of lunar craters prove it.
In space exploration, even small objects can pose a risk. For example, a micrometeorite traveling at tens of kilometers per second can puncture thin materials or damage essential equipment. Fragments whose surface area exceed centimeters act as high-energy projectiles, similar to bullets, and could compromise a habitat. Objects larger than 1 meter across generate craters; while they’re extremely rare, they pose a real risk.
NASA’s control room recorded the team’s surprise during the mission livestream, although the cameras did not pick up the flashes. According to the astronauts, the flashes were white or blue-white and lasted less than a second. The cameras they were using to document the moon weren’t fast enough to record them.
Lunar surface replete with craters generated by meteorite collisions.
Photograph: NASA
The crew was flying between 6,000 and 7,000 kilometers away. Under normal conditions, these impacts would have gone unnoticed. However, at the time they were studying the solar eclipse, which left the far side of the moon completely dark. That extreme contrast allowed them to distinguish the brief flashes that emerged from the surface.
Before the trip, the Artemis II team trained to identify possible meteorite impacts on the moon. They immediately recognized what they were seeing and reported it according to their protocols. NASA later confirmed that these were natural collisions on the satellite, a scenario they have been monitoring for years. The agency has not yet released a statement, but the conversation was recorded on the YouTube livestream.
It was during this solar eclipse that the astronauts saw most of the impact flashes.
Photograph: NASA
The Problem of Meteorites on the Moon
Since the idea of building permanent lunar bases first arose, different teams have assessed the risks to future inhabitants. Today, the two major challenges are “moonquakes” and meteorite impacts. For the former, there are plans to install seismographs to help understand the phenomenon. For the meteorites, astronomers already know the approximate frequency, and observations such as the six recent flashes help to refine existing models.
On Earth, the atmosphere destroys most meteorites before they reach the ground. Only the larger ones make it through, and it’s a rare scenario. The moon lacks that protective layer, which means any fragment of space rock ends up impacting the surface. The hundreds of millions of lunar craters prove it.
In space exploration, even small objects can pose a risk. For example, a micrometeorite traveling at tens of kilometers per second can puncture thin materials or damage essential equipment. Fragments whose surface area exceed centimeters act as high-energy projectiles, similar to bullets, and could compromise a habitat. Objects larger than 1 meter across generate craters; while they’re extremely rare, they pose a real risk.
#Artemis #Astronauts #Witnessed #Meteorites #Colliding #Moonspace,nasa,moon,spacecraft,artemis,asteroids,astronauts">Artemis II Astronauts Witnessed 6 Meteorites Colliding With the Moon
During their flyby of the far side of the moon, the Artemis II astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft saw as many as six flashes emerging from the lunar surface. Surprisingly, they were witnessing small meteorites impacting the ground and producing brief flashes of light.
NASA’s control room recorded the team’s surprise during the mission livestream, although the cameras did not pick up the flashes. According to the astronauts, the flashes were white or blue-white and lasted less than a second. The cameras they were using to document the moon weren’t fast enough to record them.
Lunar surface replete with craters generated by meteorite collisions.
Photograph: NASA
The crew was flying between 6,000 and 7,000 kilometers away. Under normal conditions, these impacts would have gone unnoticed. However, at the time they were studying the solar eclipse, which left the far side of the moon completely dark. That extreme contrast allowed them to distinguish the brief flashes that emerged from the surface.
Before the trip, the Artemis II team trained to identify possible meteorite impacts on the moon. They immediately recognized what they were seeing and reported it according to their protocols. NASA later confirmed that these were natural collisions on the satellite, a scenario they have been monitoring for years. The agency has not yet released a statement, but the conversation was recorded on the YouTube livestream.
It was during this solar eclipse that the astronauts saw most of the impact flashes.
Photograph: NASA
The Problem of Meteorites on the Moon
Since the idea of building permanent lunar bases first arose, different teams have assessed the risks to future inhabitants. Today, the two major challenges are “moonquakes” and meteorite impacts. For the former, there are plans to install seismographs to help understand the phenomenon. For the meteorites, astronomers already know the approximate frequency, and observations such as the six recent flashes help to refine existing models.
On Earth, the atmosphere destroys most meteorites before they reach the ground. Only the larger ones make it through, and it’s a rare scenario. The moon lacks that protective layer, which means any fragment of space rock ends up impacting the surface. The hundreds of millions of lunar craters prove it.
In space exploration, even small objects can pose a risk. For example, a micrometeorite traveling at tens of kilometers per second can puncture thin materials or damage essential equipment. Fragments whose surface area exceed centimeters act as high-energy projectiles, similar to bullets, and could compromise a habitat. Objects larger than 1 meter across generate craters; while they’re extremely rare, they pose a real risk.
This winter, Heated Rivalryhelped audiences get hot and bothered at home. But with cherry blossom season upon us, dare to embrace a romance set under the Tuscan sun. If you need some sunshine, yearning, and romance, go see You, Me & Tuscany, the latest gem from director Kat Coiro.
In 2022, Coiro showed her sincere appreciation for classic romantic comedy with the sublimely satisfying Marry Me, which starred Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson in a Notting Hill-like narrative about an average bookish man who woos an international famous woman. Now, Coiro’s back to help us fall in love again with another story that pulls heavily from ’90s rom-com inspiration. This time, her leading lovers are The Little Mermaid‘s Halle Bailey and Bridgerton‘s Regé-Jean Page, who are surrounded by a gaggle of charming, colorful characters.
What’s not to love?
You, Me & Tuscany is basically While You Were Sleeping in Italy.
Regé-Jean Page, Halle Bailey, and Lorenzo de Moor in “You, Me & Tuscany.”Credit: Universal Pictures
Bear with me. Screenwriter Ryan Engle (Rampage, Beast) and his wife, Kristin Engle, are credited with the story for You, Me & Tuscany, with the former credited as its sole screenwriter. You, Me & Tuscany‘s creditsdo not cite the 1995 Sandra Bullock rom-com written by Daniel G. Sullivan and Fredric Lebow as an inspiration. But if you look past the superficial, the comparison between While You Were Sleeping and You, Me & Tuscany is undeniable.
Each film begins with a lonely young woman who dreams of a bigger life. Chicago transit worker Lucy (Bullock), who has no family, dreams of the dashing stranger in the tailored suit who comes to her station every morning and brightens her day by just existing. Aspiring chef Anna (Bailey) once dreamed of traveling to Italy and starting a restaurant with her mom. But the unexpected death of her mother derailed her culinary school education, leaving her scraping by on housesitting gigs in Manhattan. That is, until she meets a “spicy white boy” (as her bestie Claire calls him) named Matteo (Lorenzo de Moor).
Over a sexy night together, Anna learns that Lorenzo owns a Tuscan villa that is “just sitting there.” And look, when she decides to use the last of her savings to finally see Tuscany, it’s not with the plan of squatting in his abandoned villa. But much like Lucy never imagined her meet-cute with her crush would be on the tracks of a subway as the train came barreling in, life (in rom-coms) comes at you fast. Just go with it.
Luca Setaccioli, Stella Pecollo, Agazio Olanda, Tommaso Cassissa, Beatrice Skyler Rigel, Giacomo Giacopini, and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.”Credit: Giulia Parmigiani / Universal Pictures
Naturally, Anna finds a diamond ring in the house, tries it on, and as fate would have, she can’t get it off before Matteo’s family finds her in his house. So, much like Lucy, she is at the center of a marital misunderstanding: the family of the absent (or comatose) man believes this charming, lonely girl is his fiancée. But the similarities don’t stop there! I could run you through the whole plot of both films, to point to how clearly the Engles pulled from Sullivan and Lebow’s framework. But crucial to the plot is the brother complication.
Mashable Top Stories
In While You Were Sleeping, the comatose crush played by Peter Gallagher begins as the dream, but Lucy soon falls for his slightly cranky, blue-collar brother (Bill Pullman), creating an unusual love triangle. Because how can she be with the man she’s actually falling for when he and all his family believes she’s engaged to his brother?! Anna ends up in this same tricky predicament, falling for Matteo’s “brother/cousin” Michael (Page). The specifics of that relationship will be explained by the pair’s TMI-obsessed sister Francesca (a splendidly funny Stella Pecollo). But the key problem is the same: The rom-com heroine’s interest shifts from the white-collar, vaguely fuckboy-esque brother to the more gruff and rugged brother with a heart of gold.
It’s a terrific plot that, while seemingly stolen, is gussied up with gorgeous Italian settings of rolling vineyards, rapturous close-ups of delicious local food, and elements of Black culture shared between the leading onscreen lovers. Awe-striking establishing shots of Tuscany prove a perfect backdrop for these beguiling performers to paint their romance, scored by swoony R&B tracks like Mario’s “Let Me Love You” and Ari Lennox’s “Soft Girl Era.”
Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page lead a divine ensemble.
Regé-Jean Page and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.”Credit: Giulia Parmigiani / Universal Pictures
Bailey is bubbly and pitch-perfect as a rom-com heroine, exuding the kind of chaotic gumption that could be disastrous in the real world, but is an unlikely path to adventure in this tender genre. In the opening sequence, she’s able to strut like a confident fashion icon, only to stumble into physical comedy when the rug of a seemingly perfect life is pulled out from under her by another rom-com diva, My Big Fat Greek Wedding‘s Nia Vardalos.
For his part, Page cozies back into the enemies-to-lovers dynamic that had Bridgerton fans going mad. As “handsome winemaker” Michael, he is initially brusque and distrustful of the outspoken American, who assumes they have commonality because of their skin color. After a bumpy beginning though, Michael learns they do have a lot in common, like heartache, ambition, and a love of good wine and yearning R&B. Naturally, Anna gushes to her bestie (Aziza Scott) back in New York about this, texting, “Spicy White has a brother that’s a BROTHA with a six-pack!”
From a distance, Claire tries to be the real-talking voice of reason, and Scott is lively fun in this small part. In Italy, Anna first befriends a garrulous taxi driver named Lorenzo (Marco Calvani), who, beyond offering good advice, is also always ready with a gourmet Italian sandwich. (Squad goals.) De Moor smoothly shoulders the role of the sexy Italian who could be only a plot device by bringing a spicy mischievousness to Matteo. And the rest of the family are a joy, much like in While You Were Sleeping and My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Matteo and Michael not only have their bawdy, chatty sister, but a chipper cousin (Emanuele Pacca) who loves opera, a hovering mother (Isabella Ferrari), a stern father (Paolo Sassanelli), a pair of serenading uncles, a duo of excitable nieces, and a glaring nonna (Stefania Casini). While each is a sketch of a character, they all bring verve and joy to this mirthful medley.
Marco Calvani and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.”Credit: Universal Pictures
Coiro’s rom-com doesn’t just satisfy on the swoon. Sure, she knows how to dress the heroine in chic, fantasy fashion fits, and how to shoot Page for maximum sexual appeal (slo-mo, wet, and shirtless). But beyond that, she fills every role with a dynamic performer who adds flavor to her Italian feast of yearning and love. For instance, Cora (Cocoa Brown) and Prisilla (Vanessa Fraction), a pair of Black friends on a vineyard tour, prove spectacular comic relief in an emotional moment as they riff about edge maintenance and Michael’s level of sexiness. Coiro herself gets in on this fun too, offering a cameo where she’s a silly tourist absolutely flushed by the undeniable sexual chemistry between Anna and Michael. And, fair.
Which is all to say, You, Me & Tuscany will be loved by rom-com fans for its sincere appreciation of the subgenre. From a familiar framework and a traditionally romantic Tuscan setting, Engle creates a vivid world of love and family that is absolutely enchanting. Coiro brings this fantasy romance to life with a crackling cast and a keen eye for both whimsy and comedy. And Bailey and Page are a sensational match, spinning an enemies-to-lovers tale with passion and panache.
All this makes You, Me & Tuscany a marvelous movie, so beautiful and fun that it demands to be seen in theaters. But hey, sneak in a sandwich, a fancy Italian one if you can. It’ll make a perfect pairing.
This winter, Heated Rivalryhelped audiences get hot and bothered at home. But with cherry blossom season upon us, dare to embrace a romance set under the Tuscan sun. If you need some sunshine, yearning, and romance, go see You, Me & Tuscany, the latest gem from director Kat Coiro.
In 2022, Coiro showed her sincere appreciation for classic romantic comedy with the sublimely satisfying Marry Me, which starred Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson in a Notting Hill-like narrative about an average bookish man who woos an international famous woman. Now, Coiro’s back to help us fall in love again with another story that pulls heavily from ’90s rom-com inspiration. This time, her leading lovers are The Little Mermaid‘s Halle Bailey and Bridgerton‘s Regé-Jean Page, who are surrounded by a gaggle of charming, colorful characters.
What’s not to love?
You, Me & Tuscany is basically While You Were Sleeping in Italy.
Regé-Jean Page, Halle Bailey, and Lorenzo de Moor in “You, Me & Tuscany.”Credit: Universal Pictures
Bear with me. Screenwriter Ryan Engle (Rampage, Beast) and his wife, Kristin Engle, are credited with the story for You, Me & Tuscany, with the former credited as its sole screenwriter. You, Me & Tuscany‘s creditsdo not cite the 1995 Sandra Bullock rom-com written by Daniel G. Sullivan and Fredric Lebow as an inspiration. But if you look past the superficial, the comparison between While You Were Sleeping and You, Me & Tuscany is undeniable.
Each film begins with a lonely young woman who dreams of a bigger life. Chicago transit worker Lucy (Bullock), who has no family, dreams of the dashing stranger in the tailored suit who comes to her station every morning and brightens her day by just existing. Aspiring chef Anna (Bailey) once dreamed of traveling to Italy and starting a restaurant with her mom. But the unexpected death of her mother derailed her culinary school education, leaving her scraping by on housesitting gigs in Manhattan. That is, until she meets a “spicy white boy” (as her bestie Claire calls him) named Matteo (Lorenzo de Moor).
Over a sexy night together, Anna learns that Lorenzo owns a Tuscan villa that is “just sitting there.” And look, when she decides to use the last of her savings to finally see Tuscany, it’s not with the plan of squatting in his abandoned villa. But much like Lucy never imagined her meet-cute with her crush would be on the tracks of a subway as the train came barreling in, life (in rom-coms) comes at you fast. Just go with it.
Luca Setaccioli, Stella Pecollo, Agazio Olanda, Tommaso Cassissa, Beatrice Skyler Rigel, Giacomo Giacopini, and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.”Credit: Giulia Parmigiani / Universal Pictures
Naturally, Anna finds a diamond ring in the house, tries it on, and as fate would have, she can’t get it off before Matteo’s family finds her in his house. So, much like Lucy, she is at the center of a marital misunderstanding: the family of the absent (or comatose) man believes this charming, lonely girl is his fiancée. But the similarities don’t stop there! I could run you through the whole plot of both films, to point to how clearly the Engles pulled from Sullivan and Lebow’s framework. But crucial to the plot is the brother complication.
Mashable Top Stories
In While You Were Sleeping, the comatose crush played by Peter Gallagher begins as the dream, but Lucy soon falls for his slightly cranky, blue-collar brother (Bill Pullman), creating an unusual love triangle. Because how can she be with the man she’s actually falling for when he and all his family believes she’s engaged to his brother?! Anna ends up in this same tricky predicament, falling for Matteo’s “brother/cousin” Michael (Page). The specifics of that relationship will be explained by the pair’s TMI-obsessed sister Francesca (a splendidly funny Stella Pecollo). But the key problem is the same: The rom-com heroine’s interest shifts from the white-collar, vaguely fuckboy-esque brother to the more gruff and rugged brother with a heart of gold.
It’s a terrific plot that, while seemingly stolen, is gussied up with gorgeous Italian settings of rolling vineyards, rapturous close-ups of delicious local food, and elements of Black culture shared between the leading onscreen lovers. Awe-striking establishing shots of Tuscany prove a perfect backdrop for these beguiling performers to paint their romance, scored by swoony R&B tracks like Mario’s “Let Me Love You” and Ari Lennox’s “Soft Girl Era.”
Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page lead a divine ensemble.
Regé-Jean Page and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.”Credit: Giulia Parmigiani / Universal Pictures
Bailey is bubbly and pitch-perfect as a rom-com heroine, exuding the kind of chaotic gumption that could be disastrous in the real world, but is an unlikely path to adventure in this tender genre. In the opening sequence, she’s able to strut like a confident fashion icon, only to stumble into physical comedy when the rug of a seemingly perfect life is pulled out from under her by another rom-com diva, My Big Fat Greek Wedding‘s Nia Vardalos.
For his part, Page cozies back into the enemies-to-lovers dynamic that had Bridgerton fans going mad. As “handsome winemaker” Michael, he is initially brusque and distrustful of the outspoken American, who assumes they have commonality because of their skin color. After a bumpy beginning though, Michael learns they do have a lot in common, like heartache, ambition, and a love of good wine and yearning R&B. Naturally, Anna gushes to her bestie (Aziza Scott) back in New York about this, texting, “Spicy White has a brother that’s a BROTHA with a six-pack!”
From a distance, Claire tries to be the real-talking voice of reason, and Scott is lively fun in this small part. In Italy, Anna first befriends a garrulous taxi driver named Lorenzo (Marco Calvani), who, beyond offering good advice, is also always ready with a gourmet Italian sandwich. (Squad goals.) De Moor smoothly shoulders the role of the sexy Italian who could be only a plot device by bringing a spicy mischievousness to Matteo. And the rest of the family are a joy, much like in While You Were Sleeping and My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Matteo and Michael not only have their bawdy, chatty sister, but a chipper cousin (Emanuele Pacca) who loves opera, a hovering mother (Isabella Ferrari), a stern father (Paolo Sassanelli), a pair of serenading uncles, a duo of excitable nieces, and a glaring nonna (Stefania Casini). While each is a sketch of a character, they all bring verve and joy to this mirthful medley.
Marco Calvani and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.”Credit: Universal Pictures
Coiro’s rom-com doesn’t just satisfy on the swoon. Sure, she knows how to dress the heroine in chic, fantasy fashion fits, and how to shoot Page for maximum sexual appeal (slo-mo, wet, and shirtless). But beyond that, she fills every role with a dynamic performer who adds flavor to her Italian feast of yearning and love. For instance, Cora (Cocoa Brown) and Prisilla (Vanessa Fraction), a pair of Black friends on a vineyard tour, prove spectacular comic relief in an emotional moment as they riff about edge maintenance and Michael’s level of sexiness. Coiro herself gets in on this fun too, offering a cameo where she’s a silly tourist absolutely flushed by the undeniable sexual chemistry between Anna and Michael. And, fair.
Which is all to say, You, Me & Tuscany will be loved by rom-com fans for its sincere appreciation of the subgenre. From a familiar framework and a traditionally romantic Tuscan setting, Engle creates a vivid world of love and family that is absolutely enchanting. Coiro brings this fantasy romance to life with a crackling cast and a keen eye for both whimsy and comedy. And Bailey and Page are a sensational match, spinning an enemies-to-lovers tale with passion and panache.
All this makes You, Me & Tuscany a marvelous movie, so beautiful and fun that it demands to be seen in theaters. But hey, sneak in a sandwich, a fancy Italian one if you can. It’ll make a perfect pairing.
#Tuscany #review #Halle #Bailey #RegéJean #Page #deliver #radiant #feelgood #romcom">‘You, Me and Tuscany’ review: Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page deliver a radiant, feel-good rom-com
This winter, Heated Rivalryhelped audiences get hot and bothered at home. But with cherry blossom season upon us, dare to embrace a romance set under the Tuscan sun. If you need some sunshine, yearning, and romance, go see You, Me & Tuscany, the latest gem from director Kat Coiro.
In 2022, Coiro showed her sincere appreciation for classic romantic comedy with the sublimely satisfying Marry Me, which starred Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson in a Notting Hill-like narrative about an average bookish man who woos an international famous woman. Now, Coiro’s back to help us fall in love again with another story that pulls heavily from ’90s rom-com inspiration. This time, her leading lovers are The Little Mermaid‘s Halle Bailey and Bridgerton‘s Regé-Jean Page, who are surrounded by a gaggle of charming, colorful characters.
What’s not to love?
You, Me & Tuscany is basically While You Were Sleeping in Italy.
Regé-Jean Page, Halle Bailey, and Lorenzo de Moor in “You, Me & Tuscany.”Credit: Universal Pictures
Bear with me. Screenwriter Ryan Engle (Rampage, Beast) and his wife, Kristin Engle, are credited with the story for You, Me & Tuscany, with the former credited as its sole screenwriter. You, Me & Tuscany‘s creditsdo not cite the 1995 Sandra Bullock rom-com written by Daniel G. Sullivan and Fredric Lebow as an inspiration. But if you look past the superficial, the comparison between While You Were Sleeping and You, Me & Tuscany is undeniable.
Each film begins with a lonely young woman who dreams of a bigger life. Chicago transit worker Lucy (Bullock), who has no family, dreams of the dashing stranger in the tailored suit who comes to her station every morning and brightens her day by just existing. Aspiring chef Anna (Bailey) once dreamed of traveling to Italy and starting a restaurant with her mom. But the unexpected death of her mother derailed her culinary school education, leaving her scraping by on housesitting gigs in Manhattan. That is, until she meets a “spicy white boy” (as her bestie Claire calls him) named Matteo (Lorenzo de Moor).
Over a sexy night together, Anna learns that Lorenzo owns a Tuscan villa that is “just sitting there.” And look, when she decides to use the last of her savings to finally see Tuscany, it’s not with the plan of squatting in his abandoned villa. But much like Lucy never imagined her meet-cute with her crush would be on the tracks of a subway as the train came barreling in, life (in rom-coms) comes at you fast. Just go with it.
Luca Setaccioli, Stella Pecollo, Agazio Olanda, Tommaso Cassissa, Beatrice Skyler Rigel, Giacomo Giacopini, and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.”Credit: Giulia Parmigiani / Universal Pictures
Naturally, Anna finds a diamond ring in the house, tries it on, and as fate would have, she can’t get it off before Matteo’s family finds her in his house. So, much like Lucy, she is at the center of a marital misunderstanding: the family of the absent (or comatose) man believes this charming, lonely girl is his fiancée. But the similarities don’t stop there! I could run you through the whole plot of both films, to point to how clearly the Engles pulled from Sullivan and Lebow’s framework. But crucial to the plot is the brother complication.
Mashable Top Stories
In While You Were Sleeping, the comatose crush played by Peter Gallagher begins as the dream, but Lucy soon falls for his slightly cranky, blue-collar brother (Bill Pullman), creating an unusual love triangle. Because how can she be with the man she’s actually falling for when he and all his family believes she’s engaged to his brother?! Anna ends up in this same tricky predicament, falling for Matteo’s “brother/cousin” Michael (Page). The specifics of that relationship will be explained by the pair’s TMI-obsessed sister Francesca (a splendidly funny Stella Pecollo). But the key problem is the same: The rom-com heroine’s interest shifts from the white-collar, vaguely fuckboy-esque brother to the more gruff and rugged brother with a heart of gold.
It’s a terrific plot that, while seemingly stolen, is gussied up with gorgeous Italian settings of rolling vineyards, rapturous close-ups of delicious local food, and elements of Black culture shared between the leading onscreen lovers. Awe-striking establishing shots of Tuscany prove a perfect backdrop for these beguiling performers to paint their romance, scored by swoony R&B tracks like Mario’s “Let Me Love You” and Ari Lennox’s “Soft Girl Era.”
Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page lead a divine ensemble.
Regé-Jean Page and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.”Credit: Giulia Parmigiani / Universal Pictures
Bailey is bubbly and pitch-perfect as a rom-com heroine, exuding the kind of chaotic gumption that could be disastrous in the real world, but is an unlikely path to adventure in this tender genre. In the opening sequence, she’s able to strut like a confident fashion icon, only to stumble into physical comedy when the rug of a seemingly perfect life is pulled out from under her by another rom-com diva, My Big Fat Greek Wedding‘s Nia Vardalos.
For his part, Page cozies back into the enemies-to-lovers dynamic that had Bridgerton fans going mad. As “handsome winemaker” Michael, he is initially brusque and distrustful of the outspoken American, who assumes they have commonality because of their skin color. After a bumpy beginning though, Michael learns they do have a lot in common, like heartache, ambition, and a love of good wine and yearning R&B. Naturally, Anna gushes to her bestie (Aziza Scott) back in New York about this, texting, “Spicy White has a brother that’s a BROTHA with a six-pack!”
From a distance, Claire tries to be the real-talking voice of reason, and Scott is lively fun in this small part. In Italy, Anna first befriends a garrulous taxi driver named Lorenzo (Marco Calvani), who, beyond offering good advice, is also always ready with a gourmet Italian sandwich. (Squad goals.) De Moor smoothly shoulders the role of the sexy Italian who could be only a plot device by bringing a spicy mischievousness to Matteo. And the rest of the family are a joy, much like in While You Were Sleeping and My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Matteo and Michael not only have their bawdy, chatty sister, but a chipper cousin (Emanuele Pacca) who loves opera, a hovering mother (Isabella Ferrari), a stern father (Paolo Sassanelli), a pair of serenading uncles, a duo of excitable nieces, and a glaring nonna (Stefania Casini). While each is a sketch of a character, they all bring verve and joy to this mirthful medley.
Marco Calvani and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.”Credit: Universal Pictures
Coiro’s rom-com doesn’t just satisfy on the swoon. Sure, she knows how to dress the heroine in chic, fantasy fashion fits, and how to shoot Page for maximum sexual appeal (slo-mo, wet, and shirtless). But beyond that, she fills every role with a dynamic performer who adds flavor to her Italian feast of yearning and love. For instance, Cora (Cocoa Brown) and Prisilla (Vanessa Fraction), a pair of Black friends on a vineyard tour, prove spectacular comic relief in an emotional moment as they riff about edge maintenance and Michael’s level of sexiness. Coiro herself gets in on this fun too, offering a cameo where she’s a silly tourist absolutely flushed by the undeniable sexual chemistry between Anna and Michael. And, fair.
Which is all to say, You, Me & Tuscany will be loved by rom-com fans for its sincere appreciation of the subgenre. From a familiar framework and a traditionally romantic Tuscan setting, Engle creates a vivid world of love and family that is absolutely enchanting. Coiro brings this fantasy romance to life with a crackling cast and a keen eye for both whimsy and comedy. And Bailey and Page are a sensational match, spinning an enemies-to-lovers tale with passion and panache.
All this makes You, Me & Tuscany a marvelous movie, so beautiful and fun that it demands to be seen in theaters. But hey, sneak in a sandwich, a fancy Italian one if you can. It’ll make a perfect pairing.
![How the Hands Behind Rocky Got Hired for ‘Project Hail Mary’
Project Hail Mary has only been in theaters for a few weeks, but its alien star, Rocky, has already become a legend. He’s got merch, hundreds of millions in box office dollars, and was even quoted during the Artemis 2 space mission. And to think it all began with puppeteer James Ortiz walking a hand-sized puppet all over Ryan Gosling’s body. The Los Angeles Times recently posted a lovely little profile on Ortiz, who has been a successful, well-known puppeteer long before his work as both the puppeteer and voice of Rocky in Project Hail Mary. So when he got called in to audition to help bring the character to life, he didn’t use the larger-sized puppet the filmmakers had made. No, instead, he used a smaller puppet of his own creation that apparently looks oddly familiar.
“For a chemistry read with Gosling, with the film’s producers also present, Ortiz opted for using a version of Rocky he had made himself, which looked like Thing from The Addams Family; built off a fancy glove, instead of the larger puppet the production had available,” the article says. “That his hand version of Rocky could climb onto Gosling, and interact with the actor more directly, allowed for an amusing rapport to develop instantly between them.” Once he had the job, the Rocky puppet that would be in the movie was designed by famed creature creator Neal Scanlan. Ortiz, though, being a seasoned pro himself, also provided input. “I had, ultimately, a lot of input, never on how Rocky looked, but a lot on how he was operated and what materials he was made out of,” Ortiz told the Times. “I was able to pick what types of fiberglass we were using to cast him out of, because I knew, given the amount of improvisation that we would be doing on set, [that] I needed a puppet that could do anything.”
And, we think, the results speak for themselves. Read more about Ortiz’s journey to Project Hail Mary over at the LA Times. The film is still in theaters. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. #Hands #Rocky #Hired #Project #Hail #MaryJames Ortiz,Project Hail Mary](https://i1.wp.com/gizmodo.com/app/uploads/2026/04/James-Ortiz-Rocky-Project-Hail-Mary-1280x853.jpg?ssl=1 "How the Hands Behind Rocky Got Hired for ‘Project Hail Mary’
Project Hail Mary has only been in theaters for a few weeks, but its alien star, Rocky, has already become a legend. He’s got merch, hundreds of millions in box office dollars, and was even quoted during the Artemis 2 space mission. And to think it all began with puppeteer James Ortiz walking a hand-sized puppet all over Ryan Gosling’s body. The Los Angeles Times recently posted a lovely little profile on Ortiz, who has been a successful, well-known puppeteer long before his work as both the puppeteer and voice of Rocky in Project Hail Mary. So when he got called in to audition to help bring the character to life, he didn’t use the larger-sized puppet the filmmakers had made. No, instead, he used a smaller puppet of his own creation that apparently looks oddly familiar.
“For a chemistry read with Gosling, with the film’s producers also present, Ortiz opted for using a version of Rocky he had made himself, which looked like Thing from The Addams Family; built off a fancy glove, instead of the larger puppet the production had available,” the article says. “That his hand version of Rocky could climb onto Gosling, and interact with the actor more directly, allowed for an amusing rapport to develop instantly between them.” Once he had the job, the Rocky puppet that would be in the movie was designed by famed creature creator Neal Scanlan. Ortiz, though, being a seasoned pro himself, also provided input. “I had, ultimately, a lot of input, never on how Rocky looked, but a lot on how he was operated and what materials he was made out of,” Ortiz told the Times. “I was able to pick what types of fiberglass we were using to cast him out of, because I knew, given the amount of improvisation that we would be doing on set, [that] I needed a puppet that could do anything.”
And, we think, the results speak for themselves. Read more about Ortiz’s journey to Project Hail Mary over at the LA Times. The film is still in theaters. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. #Hands #Rocky #Hired #Project #Hail #MaryJames Ortiz,Project Hail Mary")
![How the Hands Behind Rocky Got Hired for ‘Project Hail Mary’
Project Hail Mary has only been in theaters for a few weeks, but its alien star, Rocky, has already become a legend. He’s got merch, hundreds of millions in box office dollars, and was even quoted during the Artemis 2 space mission. And to think it all began with puppeteer James Ortiz walking a hand-sized puppet all over Ryan Gosling’s body. The Los Angeles Times recently posted a lovely little profile on Ortiz, who has been a successful, well-known puppeteer long before his work as both the puppeteer and voice of Rocky in Project Hail Mary. So when he got called in to audition to help bring the character to life, he didn’t use the larger-sized puppet the filmmakers had made. No, instead, he used a smaller puppet of his own creation that apparently looks oddly familiar.
“For a chemistry read with Gosling, with the film’s producers also present, Ortiz opted for using a version of Rocky he had made himself, which looked like Thing from The Addams Family; built off a fancy glove, instead of the larger puppet the production had available,” the article says. “That his hand version of Rocky could climb onto Gosling, and interact with the actor more directly, allowed for an amusing rapport to develop instantly between them.” Once he had the job, the Rocky puppet that would be in the movie was designed by famed creature creator Neal Scanlan. Ortiz, though, being a seasoned pro himself, also provided input. “I had, ultimately, a lot of input, never on how Rocky looked, but a lot on how he was operated and what materials he was made out of,” Ortiz told the Times. “I was able to pick what types of fiberglass we were using to cast him out of, because I knew, given the amount of improvisation that we would be doing on set, [that] I needed a puppet that could do anything.”
And, we think, the results speak for themselves. Read more about Ortiz’s journey to Project Hail Mary over at the LA Times. The film is still in theaters. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. #Hands #Rocky #Hired #Project #Hail #MaryJames Ortiz,Project Hail Mary](https://gizmodo.com/app/uploads/2026/04/James-Ortiz-Rocky-Project-Hail-Mary-1280x853.jpg "How the Hands Behind Rocky Got Hired for ‘Project Hail Mary’
Project Hail Mary has only been in theaters for a few weeks, but its alien star, Rocky, has already become a legend. He’s got merch, hundreds of millions in box office dollars, and was even quoted during the Artemis 2 space mission. And to think it all began with puppeteer James Ortiz walking a hand-sized puppet all over Ryan Gosling’s body. The Los Angeles Times recently posted a lovely little profile on Ortiz, who has been a successful, well-known puppeteer long before his work as both the puppeteer and voice of Rocky in Project Hail Mary. So when he got called in to audition to help bring the character to life, he didn’t use the larger-sized puppet the filmmakers had made. No, instead, he used a smaller puppet of his own creation that apparently looks oddly familiar.
“For a chemistry read with Gosling, with the film’s producers also present, Ortiz opted for using a version of Rocky he had made himself, which looked like Thing from The Addams Family; built off a fancy glove, instead of the larger puppet the production had available,” the article says. “That his hand version of Rocky could climb onto Gosling, and interact with the actor more directly, allowed for an amusing rapport to develop instantly between them.” Once he had the job, the Rocky puppet that would be in the movie was designed by famed creature creator Neal Scanlan. Ortiz, though, being a seasoned pro himself, also provided input. “I had, ultimately, a lot of input, never on how Rocky looked, but a lot on how he was operated and what materials he was made out of,” Ortiz told the Times. “I was able to pick what types of fiberglass we were using to cast him out of, because I knew, given the amount of improvisation that we would be doing on set, [that] I needed a puppet that could do anything.”
And, we think, the results speak for themselves. Read more about Ortiz’s journey to Project Hail Mary over at the LA Times. The film is still in theaters. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. #Hands #Rocky #Hired #Project #Hail #MaryJames Ortiz,Project Hail Mary")
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