Yes, I have a big problem with that because I don't think it is something he should be able to do.
I assume that the fireball is influenced by the many times that Gandalf flings fire in the books. But I always assumed that Gandalf's fire magic was not an inherent power but was derived from his possession of the Elven Ring of Fire.
Plus fire was always Gandalf's schtick so why should Saruman be using it?
As for why Saruman didn't snipe the Ents from the rooftop, Saruman has obviously never played any first person shooters.
