Head coach Eugene Bareman wasn’t kidding when he said Israel Adesanya was undergoing “drastic” changes for his middleweight return against Nassourdine Imavov, which tops the UFC Saudi Arabia fight card on Sat., Feb. 1, 2025 inside The Venue in Riyadh.
Adesanya, 35, recently revealed one of his “new friends” for 2025: former UFC middleweight champion and longtime 185-pound rival Robert Whittaker. “The Last Stylebender” defeated “The Reaper” by technical knockout at UFC 243, then prevailed a second time in a much closer fight after their UFC 271 rematch.
Adesanya (24-4) is coming off back-to-back losses to Sean Strickland and current champion Dricus Du Plessis and will compete in his first non-title bout in over five years. As for Imavov (15-4, 1 NC), now ranked in the Top 5 at 185 pounds, he’s looking to capture his fourth straight win after disposing of Brendan Allen at UFC Paris last September.
The still-healing Whittaker (26-8) remains unbooked following a submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev last October in Abu Dhabi.
General Hospital‘s own Monica Quartermaine has passed. According to Variety, soap opera icon Leslie Charleson died on January 12, 2025 at the age of 79. Per the outlet, Frank Valentini, the longtime soap’s executive producer, released a heartfelt tribute to the actress who had such an impact on the show. “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson,” he wrote . “Her enduring legacy has spanned nearly 50 years on General Hospitalalone and, just as Monica was the heart of the Quartermaines, Leslie was a beloved matriarch of the entire cast and crew. I will miss our daily chats, her quick wit and incredible presence on set. On behalf of everyone at General Hospital, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to her loved ones during this difficult time.”
Variety reports that Leslie was struggling with health issues during the “past few years.” An official cause of death has not been announced. Amid news of the actress’s death, learn more about her life, below.
Leslie Charleson Was a Prolific Television Actress
Leslie is best known for her work in soap operas, but she enjoyed a prolific career across TV, film and daytime television. In 1964, she appeared on a short-lived ABC soap called A Flame in the Wind before joining the cast of As the World Turns in 1966. In 1967, she began appearing on Love is a Many Splendored Thing in the role of Iris Donnelly Garrison. In August of 1977, she began a decades-long tenure on General Hospital as cardiologist Monica Quartermaine. Per Soap Hub, at the time of her death she was the longest running cast member on the show.
She stepped away from the show in December of 2023 amid health issues, according to Closer Weekly. She had been on the beloved soap for nearly five decades. Leslie also appeared in various TV series through the years (includingFriends, Happy Days, TheRockford Files, and Dharma & Greg,) and a handful of films.
She Was Born in Kansas City, Missouri
According to Soap Opera Digest, Leslie was born in arts and culture hub Kansas City, Missouri, on February 22, 1945, and she knew from “an early age that she wanted to act.” She moved to New York City to pursue her dream.
Leslie Charleson Was Briefly Married
Per her Wikipedia page, Leslie was briefly married to Bill Demms, from 1988-1991. Little is known about their short-lived marriage.
She Was an Award-Winning Actress
According to Soaps.com, Leslie was the recipient of four Daytime Emmy Nominations and four wins. She won Outstanding Lead Actress awards for her role on General Hospital in 1986, 1988, 1990, and 1993. Her first nom was for her role in Love is a Many Splendored Thing.
Leslie Charleson Was a Celebrity Spokesperson For Various Causes
Per Soaps.com, Leslie was happy to roll up her sleeves for a good cause. She was a celebrity spokesperson for various medical and health care causes, including cystic fibrosis, breast cancer, and AIDS-related charities.
When flying, travellers might be unknowingly sabotaging their own comfort by choosing the wrong meals.
That’s why travel lovers are being warned to avoid two common in-flight dishes that could leave you feeling sluggish, bloated, and dehydrated.
Travel Republic has interviewed a certified gastrointestinal nutritionist to share some key tips for maintaining your health and energy levels while travelling – and some may come as a surprise to many.
Avoid heavy, creamy dishes
The dry air in the cabin can lead to dehydration and slow down digestion, so it’s a good idea to stay away from rich, creamy dishes, especially if they appear on the in-flight menu.
These types of meals, including fried foods and dishes with heavy sauces, can be hard on the stomach, causing sluggishness and bloating.
As a result, opting for lighter, easier-to-digest options is a smart move when flying, especially when it comes to long-haul flights to destinations with much different time zones.
Steer clear of sugary snacks
Sugary snacks are another culprit to watch out for, as they can cause rapid energy spikes followed by crashes, leaving you feeling fatigued and uncomfortable.
Salty snacks, like crisps, can contribute to dehydration and further exacerbate bloating, especially in the dry atmosphere of an aircraft.
To keep your energy levels stable, it’s best to avoid sweets, chocolates, and salty treats while on board.
Focus on energising, gut-friendly foods
To maintain steady energy and avoid feeling tired during your flight, choose foods that provide lasting fuel.
Complex carbohydrates, such as whole-grain crackers or quinoa, can offer a more stable energy release, while lean proteins like chicken or nuts help to keep you feeling satisfied for longer.
According to Alyssa Simpson, RDN, CGN, CLT, and digestive health dietitian: “Lean proteins like grilled chicken or fish, plain rice or quinoa, and cooked vegetables are gentle on the stomach and less likely to cause discomfort.”
Hydrating foods such as cucumber, watermelon, oranges, and grapes are also fantastic options to combat the dryness of cabin air, as they have a high water content that helps keep you hydrated.
By making mindful choices with your food and drink, you can stay comfortable, energised, and healthy throughout your journey, ensuring you arrive at your destination ready to embrace the adventure ahead.
This website may contain affiliate links and advertising so that we can provide recipes to you. Read my disclosure policy.
Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant is a fun flavorful snack that is a healthier option than typical fried snacks. Tender eggplant slices are coated in crispy breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, deliciously seasoned, then air-fried to perfection.
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make: This tasty snack takes less than an hour to make. Serve it up for a hearty after-school snack for the kids.
Eggplant: I love using eggplant, and this air fryer recipe is one of my favorites. It has tons of nutritional benefits, and I love how it absorbs flavors. Try it in my eggplant lasagna and eggplant parmesan.
Healthy Snack Idea
Don’t give up flavor for healthier snack options. This recipe combines both by not frying everything in oil and instead of cheese or meat, you are using a hearty vegetable as your base! You can also try my air fryerzucchini fries, crispy chickpeas, and parmesan kale chips.
Ingredients Needed
How to Make Air Fryer Eggplant
Give yourself time for the eggplant to dry out a bit to make these delicious air fryer eggplant crisps. Once they have dried a little, everything comes together quickly. Scroll to the bottom of the post for exact measurements for the ingredients.
Prep: Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt on both sides and place on a paper towel for 20 minutes to absorb any liquid. Flip the slices halfway through to absorb the other side.
Egg Wash: Whisk the egg in a small bowl and set aside.
Stir: Combine thepanko breadcrumbs, flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese in a medium bowl.
Dip: Dip the air fryer eggplant slices into the egg mixture to coat both sides.
Coat: Dip the egg-coated slices in the panko mixture to coat both sides, then place aside on a plate.
Air Fry: Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray both sides of the breaded eggplant with olive oil spray! Cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes until the eggplant slices are golden brown. Flip the eggplant slices halfway through the cooking time. Work in batches if necessary. Serve your air fryer eggplant with marinara sauce.
Air Fryer Eggplant Tips and Serving Ideas
Olive Oil Spray: I prefer olive oil spray, but you can use any non-stick spray to moisten the eggplant breading for crisping. Feel free to drizzle with olive oil if you prefer. Be sure to spray both sides!
Salt and Pepper: I didn’t think air fryer eggplant needed salt or pepper for added flavor, but feel free to season to your liking!
Seasonings: Instead of Italian seasoning, you can use parsley, basil, or oregano. Add any seasonings your heart desires!
Ways to Serve: Dip air fryer eggplant in marinara sauce for a tasty appetizer or snack. You can also serve it over pasta and pour the marinara over the top, like eggplant parmesan. Or use the crispy eggplant to make vegetarian sliders!
Storing and Reheating Leftover Eggplant
Air fryer eggplant is best enjoyed right away, but if you have leftovers, here is how to store and reheat them!
Fridge: Store leftover eggplant in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
To Reheat: Reheating leftover eggplant is BEST in the air fryer to bring back that crispy texture! Reheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
Sprinkle the eggplant slices with ½ teaspoon Kosher salt on both sides and place on a paper towel for 20 minutes to absorb any liquid. Flip the slices halfway through to absorb the other side.
Whisk 1 egg in a small bowl and set aside.
Combine the ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, ⅓ cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon garlic powderand ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese in a medium bowl.
Dip the eggplant slices into the egg mixture to coat both sides.
Dip the egg coated slices in the panko mixture to coat both sides then place aside on a plate.
Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray both sides of the breaded eggplant with olive oil spray! Cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes until the eggplant slices are golden brown. Flip the eggplant slices halfway through the cooking time. Work in batches if necessary.
Even with 2024’s worst superhero movie under his belt, and the leading role in one of the best original sci-fi shows to-date, Adam Scott isn’t ruling out a return to the superhero genre. Scott is set to return to our screens in the second season of Apple TV+’s phenomenal Severance, created by Dan Erikson and directed by Ben Stiller. Season 2 is set to premiere on the streamer on January 17, and the show should put the actor back in the good books after his supporting role in 2024’s Madame Web, as a younger Uncle Ben Parker (before he became an uncle).
During an interview with ComicBook to promote the second season of Severance, Adam Scott addressed whether there could be a potential return to the world of comic book movies. “I don’t know. Never say never,” the actor teased.
In addition to Severance, Scott is also best known for playing the ‘King of the Nerds,’ Ben Wyatt, in Parks and Recreation. Fans of the beloved sitcom will be delighted to learn that Scott shares his old character’s love of superheroes: “I think that it’s a genre that I, certainly, as an audience member, participate in. I like seeing all those movies, I watch them all.”
Despite being one of the worst rated super hero films of all time, Madame Web probably won’t be the last time we see Scott in a superhero movie. In the past, the actor has proclaimed himself to be a former comic book collector as a kid. “I was really into comics as a kid. I actually grew up in Santa Cruz, California, where they shot The Lost Boys. And the comic book store in [The Lost Boys] was the comic book store that I would go to just about every day to get all my latest comic books,” he told SiriusXM’s Jess Cagle in 2022.
He didn’t reveal which comic books he grew up on, but we’re now desperate to see Adam Scott get a chance to redeem himself in the comic book genre again in the future.
The Sony Spider-Man Villains Universe is Officially Dead
If Scott does appear in another comic book movie, it certainly won’t be in Sony’s Spider-Man villains shared universe. While Madame Web‘s poor reviews and box office performance built the web-textured coffin for the franchise, Kraven the Hunter sunk in the final nail. Released in late 2024, Kraven the Hunter (starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the titular “villain”) was another box office flop for the franchise, receiving similarly bad reviews. Following the film’s box office run, Sony announced they were finally giving up on the franchise,marking the end of one of the worst reviewed comic book movie series in history.
Apple is so confident audiences will be hooked on ‘Severance’ that they are offering Season 1 for free.
But that hasn’t stopped Scott’s career from continuing to rise. Season 2 of Severance premieres on Apple TV+ on January 17. Season 1 was a major hit for the extremely underrated streamer, earning a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score of 97%. The reviews are already in for Season 2, and it holds a similarly impressive critics score of 94%.
The past year has been a fantastic year for the science fiction genre, taking it to new heights with the best sci-fi movies of 2024. Once upon a time, science fiction movies were considered to be a niche genre lacking mass appeal. Now, science fiction TV shows, video games, and especially movies have become more popular than ever before. From massive blockbuster franchises to smaller meditative indie movies, all sorts of flavors of sci-fi have cropped up in theaters in 2024.
There are two fronts a science fiction movie can succeed on. For one, the ability to quickly establish and sell a core concept or futuristic sci-fi technology through world-building, set design, and special effects is more important in science fiction than almost any other genre. Making a vision of the future believable, whether it’s thousands of years from the modern age or not too far off from the present, is a critical endeavor all the year’s best sci-fi films accomplish. Beyond this, the quality of the filmmaking necessary for any movie to succeed is just as important.
20
Parallel
A Multiversal Mystery That Doesn’t Pull Its Punches
Your changes have been saved
Parallel, directed by Kourosh Ahari, follows Vanessa as she retreats to a secluded lake house after the loss of her child. She encounters an alternate version of herself from a parallel universe and confronts the multiverse’s role in either alleviating her grief or condemning her to it indefinitely.
Director
Kourosh Ahari
Release Date
February 23, 2024
Cast
Aldis Hodge
, Edwin Hodge
, Danielle Deadwyler
Runtime
88 Minutes
The multiverse has been an incredibly popular concept in science fiction media in recent years, from the timeline-hopping antics of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the bizarre alternate realities of TV shows like Rick and Morty. It’s rare that a film can examine the idea of parallel realities in a serious light, and Parallel works to do just that. The film follows a grieving young woman who is attacked by another version of herself from a parallel dimension.
Taking shades of influence from Jordan Peele’s Us, the film’s spooky sequences of doppelgänger violence within the isolated confines of a darkly-lit lake house present some striking imagery that’s hard to forget. As events progress, the headier exploration of the nature of reality and how humans process grief solidifies Parallel as a thoughtful science fiction endeavor. If the performances and cinematography were just a tad stronger, the disturbing consequences of Parallel‘s tangled plot could be more than a match for most of 2024’s sci-fi offerings.
19
I.S.S.
A Character-driven Thriller In The Confines Of Space
Your changes have been saved
I.S.S. is a dramatic action-thriller that centers on two groups of scientists aboard the International Space Station as they work to improve humanity with their research. However, when the governments of Earth begin to escalate to terrifyingly hostile levels, the two teams are given broken information but eventually told to take control of the station- no matter what.
Director
Gabriela Cowperthwaite
Release Date
January 19, 2024
Runtime
95 Minutes
Admittedly, tense disaster movies set in the dark expanse of space are nothing new, with films like Gravity, Interstellar, and The Martian all being familiar tales of astronaut survival. I.S.S.‘ contribution to the genre is a healthy dose of political tension and claustrophobic human struggles to make survival in space all the more challenging. When a worldwide conflict breaks out on Earth, the multinational crew of the International Space Station are all given secret directives from their governments — take control by any means necessary.
It is an enjoyable ride that accomplishes what it sets out to do
I.S.S. has a fascinating, eerily-possible premise that shockingly has never been done before, and lives up to expectations with some claustrophobic action sequences and intense character drama that makes the halls of the International Space Station feel like a floating coffin. The film wouldn’t work without its fantastic performances, not leaving the concept to do the heavy lifting as interpersonal drama forms the foundation of the conflict. I.S.S. might not re-invent the wheel, bearing some predictable plot beats, but it is an enjoyable ride that accomplishes what it sets out to do.
18
Y2K
A Horror-Comedy About The New Millenium
Your changes have been saved
On the last night of 1999, two high school juniors crash a New Years Eve party, only to find themselves fighting for their lives in this dial-up disaster comedy.
It’s rare that a movie can be both a period story and have elements of sci-fi, but Y2K achieves this by focusing on a specific moment in recent history. The film is set on New Year’s 1999, following a group of young party people celebrating the new millennium. However, the movie imagines an alternate reality in which all the fears about society crumbling due to the Y2K bug end up coming true as technology quickly turns against humanity.
There are other film that have dealt with the technological uprising more effectively and even with a more humorous take, but there is still a lot of fun and charm to Y2K. Directed by SNL alum Kyle Mooney, the movie is filled with genre-mashing humor while also being a fun throwback to the 90s. It also features a solid cast of young stars, including Jaeden Martell, Rachel Zegler, and Julian Dennison.
17
Venom: The Last Dance
The Final Adventure Of Eddie Brock And Venom
Your changes have been saved
Venom: The Last Dance is a film directed by an undisclosed director, featuring the character Venom in a thrilling narrative. The movie explores the alien symbiote’s latest challenges and transformations as it navigates through a world full of danger and new adversaries.
Release Date
October 25, 2024
Runtime
110 Minutes
Cast
Tom Hardy
, Chiwetel Ejiofor
, Juno Temple
, Rhys Ifans
, Stephen Graham
, Peggy Lu
, Clark Backo
, Alanna Ubach
, Cristo Fernández
, Jared Abrahamson
, Hala Finley
, Dash McCloud
, Andy Serkis
, Reid Scott
, Jack Brady
, Ivo Nandi
, Jake Allyn
, Otis Winston
, Jacob Tomuri
, Brooke Carter
, Fflyn Edwards
, Elijah Cook
, Norma Butikofer
, Elizabeth Cook
, Angie Hsu
, Martin McDougall
Director
Kelly Marcel
The Venom movies have always embraced the sci-fi genre with its main character being an alien entity bonding with a human. However, Venom: The Last Dance is the most sci-fi of the franchise thus far, which is fitting as it is also the final chapter in this Marvel trilogy. Tom Hardy returns to the dual roles of Eddie Brock and Venom as they continue their dysfunctional yet symbiotic relationship, only for it to be disrupted when the creator of the symbiote race sends his minions to Earth to destroy Venom.
This movie continues the trend of a fun and wild sci-fi adventure that wisely doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The Venom movies have never been hits with critics, but unlike the other villain movies in Sony’s Spider-Man cinematic universe, the audience has totally embraced them. This movie continues the trend of a fun and wild sci-fi adventure that wisely doesn’t take itself too seriously. Once again, the highlight of it all is Hardy’s performance and his ability to create this genuinely effective relationship between Eddie and Venom.
16
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire
Thus Begins A Box Office Reign Of Kaiju
Your changes have been saved
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire unites iconic monsters Godzilla and Kong in a colossal confrontation. As these ancient titans clash, humans delve into their shared origins and explore the enigmatic secrets of Skull Island.
Director
Adam Wingard
Release Date
March 29, 2024
Cast
Rebecca Hall
, Brian Tyree Henry
, Dan Stevens
, Kaylee Hottle
, Alex Ferns
, Fala Chen
, Rachel House
, Ron Smyck
, Chantelle Jamieson
, Greg Hatton
, Kevin Copeland
, Tess Dobré
, Tim Carroll
, Anthony Brandon Wong
, Sophia Emberson-Bain
, Chika Ikogwe
, Vincent B. Gorce
, Yeye Zhou
, Jamaliah Othman
, Nick Lawler
Ever since the premiere of Legendary’s Monsterverse in 2014, the city-stomping creatures of Hollow Earth have been the only cinematic universe to begin giving Marvel a run for their money. The fifth entry in the franchise, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, has fully leaned in to the goofiness of Showa era Godzilla films to roaring success. The film once again prompts Kong and Godzilla to join forces against a new threat from deep within the Hollow Earth, the tyrannical gigantic ape known as Skar King.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire knows exactly what it is and aspires to nothing more, satisfying giant monster fans with some bombastic action. The humans have no delusions of grandeur this time around, accepting their fate as a B-plot for the largely Kong-focused main story to bounce off of. The stunning CGI makes the titular ape protagonist more expressive than ever, and the outlandish worldbuilding of Hollow Earth’s mythos is endlessly entertaining. Certainly not a cerebral sci-fi film, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire delivers precisely what it promises.
15
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Proved The Ghostbusters Universe Is Still Worth Exploring
Your changes have been saved
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire continues the story of a new generation of ghost hunters composed of Phoebe (Mckenna Grace), Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) and Podcast (Logan Kim), who received help from the original team in the previous movie. Paul Rudd returns as Gary Grooberson and franchise co-creator Ivan Reitman returns to write and produce.
Director
Gil Kenan
Release Date
March 22, 2024
Runtime
115 Minutes
The Ghostbusters franchise has had a fraught history, with each sequel struggling to re-capture the magic of the original for various reasons. However, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire proved that the new cast was capable of coming into their own as the face of the paranormal exterminator team, proving the series still has room to grow. The Spengler family returns, taking up residence in the iconic New York City firehouse only to come face to face with a chilling new spectral threat.
With one foot in nostalgia and the other in the new generation, the film is ultimately balanced, if tenuously so.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire introduces a lot of elements to juggle, from personal tales of overcoming teenage insecurities to cameos from the original Ghostbusters to some engaging new ghostly chase scenes showing off the latest in Ghostbuster technology. While the film risks falling apart at the seams from so many directions being explored at once, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is able to keep all its plates spinning miraculously well, thanks to some great performances from the returning cast. With one foot in nostalgia and the other in the new generation, the film is ultimately balanced, if tenuously so.
14
Code 8: Part II
Gets Its Hands Dirty With The Exploration Of Corruption
Your changes have been saved
Code 8: Part II is the sequel to the 2019 sci-fi action film by director Jeff Chan. Connor has been released from prison and intends to turn his life around, but he is dragged back in when a teenager named Pav crosses his path. Running afoul of corrupt police officers, Pav flees with the help of Connor, but to succeed, he’ll have to reach back out to his former criminal partner, Garrett.
Director
Jeff Chan
Release Date
February 28, 2024
Cast
Robbie Amell
, Stephen Amell
, Alex Mallari Jr.
, Jean Yoon
, Aaron Abrams
Runtime
100 Minutes
2019’s Code 8 crafted a striking science fiction world that turns the ideas of the superhero genre on its head, establishing a cyberpunk world in which powered individuals turn to crime to get by while avoiding the custody of a robotic police force. After 5 years in-universe and in real-time, director Jeff Chan returned to Lincoln City for a new installment. This time around, Connor and Garrett must protect a teenager with a rare ability from the clutches of the corrupt police state.
Improving on the first film’s action scenes and visuals, the second installment is flashier, more thought-provoking, and better characterized…
Code 8: Part II builds satisfying embellishments on the world introduced in the previous film, upgrading the LCPD’s forces with new K9 robots and an even deeper well of corruption than ever thought possible. Improving on the first film’s action scenes and visuals, the second installment is flashier, more thought-provoking, and better characterized, making some thoughtful critiques on the dangers of police state “safety.” That being said, Code 8: Part II still can’t quite capture the level of narrative depth it seems to strive for, hydroplaning along the surface of true sci-fi greatness with CW-series-level drama.
13
Badland Hunters
Presents One Of The Most Gruesome Tales Of Post-Apocalyptic
Your changes have been saved
Badland Hunters is a South Korean action film directed by Heo Myung-haeng and released in 2024 and is the sequel to 2023’s Concrete Utopia. After Seoul is nearly annihilated following an earthquake and the land is turned into a lawless wasteland, a retired hunter named Nam-san returns to the field to save a teenager helped captive by a mad doctor and a group of cultists.
Director
Heo Myung-haeng
Release Date
January 26, 2024
Cast
Ma Dong-seok
, Lee Hee-joon
, Lee Jun-young
, Roh Jeong-eui
, Earl Baylon
, June Angela
Runtime
107 Minutes
From the intrepid imaginations of films like Alienoid to the strange confines of Snowpiercer, Korean cinema has always been one of the strongest contenders in the science fiction space. 2024 proved this once more with Badland Hunters, a post-apocalyptic tale that blurs the lines between science fiction and snuff film. The movie is a haunting follow-up to 2023’s Concrete Utopia, which turned the city of Seoul into an apocalyptic wasteland after a titanic earthquake.
The sequel follows the efforts of a lone huntsman to rescue a teen girl from the clutches of a deranged mad scientist, carving his way across the broken former city. The brutality of Badland Hunters presents its straightforward, fast-paced story through a mystifying lens, spelunking in the darkest depths of human cruelty. Reveling in to-the-point action, Badland Hunters is a no-holds-barred nail-biter that doesn’t provoke much higher-level thinking but doesn’t need to.
12
The Kitchen
A Haunting Glimpse Future Of The Gulf Between The Haves And Have-Nots
Your changes have been saved
The Kitchen is a sci-fi drama series directed by Kibwe Tavares and Daniel Kaluuya created for Netflix. Izi is a man set on escaping the last social housing establishment in a futuristic dystopian London. However, a young boy named Benji enters his life, forcing him to re-evaluate his escape plans and fight for those who still remain.
Director
Kibwe Tavares
, Daniel Kaluuya
Cast
Kane Robinson
, Jedaiah Bannerman
, Hope Ikpoku Jr.
, Teija Kabs
, Demmy Ladipo
, Cristale
, BackRoad Gee
Runtime
107 Minutes
Written, directed, and produced by Daniel Kaluuya of Get Out fame, The Kitchen is a grim science fiction exploration of late-stage capitalism that presents some of the most scathing social commentary of 2024. Taking place in London in the year 2040, The Kitchen takes place in its eponymous building, the last bastion of social housing after increased financial stratification in the city. The Kitchen resident and activist Izi befriends a young boy while working at a funeral service with a unique burial option.
What makes The Kitchen so striking isn’t its vastly-defined world or vision of the future. The subtle character-driven narrative allows Kane Robinson and Jedaiah Bannerman’s incredible performances room to breathe, making them feel like real people against the backdrop of their financial struggles. The film’s bleak postulations on the future of commerce and living conditions for the poor raise some pressing questions worth discussion, making The Kitchen a weighty, if long-winded, story.
11
It’s What’s Inside
A Wild Body-Swap Concept
Your changes have been saved
It’s What’s Inside is a film centered around a high-stakes narrative involving complex character dynamics that explore internal and external conflicts. Throughout the storyline, characters face personal challenges as they navigate their intertwined fates, providing a gripping view of their struggles and transformations.
Release Date
January 19, 2024
Runtime
105 Minutes
Cast
Brittany O’Grady
, James Morosini
, Gavin Leatherwood
, Nina Bloomgarden
, Alycia Debnam-Carey
, Reina Hardesty
, Devon Terrell
, David Thompson
, Madison Davenport
, Myhraliza Aala
, Francisco Diego Garcia
, Dana Millican
, Aly Nordlie
Director
Greg Jardin
Sci-fi movies don’t necessarily have to be big-budget blockbusters with special effects as there are some projects that have a more intimate and even grounded feel with a sci-fi element thrown into the middle. Such is the case with the underrated and inventive Netflix movie It’s What’s Inside. The story follows a group of friends gathering for a celebration before one of them gets married. One of the friends brings along a device developed at his company that allows people to switch consciousness with the friends trading bodies as a party game.
The fun sci-fi idea opens up the story to explore the tensions, unresolved feelings, and betrayals behind these friendships. However, when things spiral out of control, the body-swap idea takes on an even more outrageous dynamic with some wild and clever twists along the way. It is a funny, thrilling, and completely unique genre mash-up.
10
Sonic The Hedgehog 3
Sonic And His Friends Face A New Enemy
Your changes have been saved
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 reunites Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails as they face a formidable new adversary, Shadow. With Shadow’s unprecedented powers posing a significant threat, Team Sonic seeks an unexpected alliance to thwart his plans and safeguard the planet.
Release Date
December 20, 2024
Runtime
110 minutes
Cast
Ben Schwartz
, Jim Carrey
, Keanu Reeves
, Idris Elba
, Colleen O’Shaughnessey
, Krysten Ritter
, James Marsden
, Tika Sumpter
, Alyla Browne
, Lee Majdoub
, Natasha Rothwell
, Shemar Moore
, Adam Pally
, Tom Butler
, James Wolk
, Jorma Taccone
, Cristo Fernández
, Sofia Pernas
, Brett Tutor
, Richard Sutton
, Will Austin
, Barry Calvert
, Brendan Murphy
, Toru Nakahara
Director
Jeff Fowler
The Sonic the Hedgehog movies have gradually become the most successful video game adaptation franchise over the years and that is solidified with the third movie marking the high-point in the series thus far. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 brings in fan-favorite character Shadow with the brilliant voice casting of Keanu Reeves in the role. Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles take on this powerful new enemy, only to realize they are outmatched and need help from their old nemesis, Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) to save the day.
With the third outing in the franchise, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 clearly understands what works about these movies and doesn’t try to change too much. Even still, all those proven elements are just working on a higher level this time around, from the fun sci-fi set pieces to the lovable characters to the hilarious performance from Carrey.
9
The Wild Robot
A Robot Attempts To Serve In The Wilderness
Your changes have been saved
The Wild Robot is an animated drama film based on a series of books by Peter Brown. The adaptation is written and directed by Chris Sanders and stars Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, and Catherine O’Hara. The Wild Robot centers on a robot named Rozzum 7134, who becomes stranded on a deserted island and the guardian of a young orphan.
Director
Chris Sanders
Release Date
September 27, 2024
Runtime
101 Minutes
The Wild Robot, the latest DreamWorks animated movie, is a wonderful sci-fi film with a robot protagonist yet tells a very relatable story. Lupita Nyong’o provides the voice of Roz, a service robot who crash lands in the wildness on the way to her new customer. As Roz makes sense of her new surroundings and fails to provide assistance to the frightened animals of the area, she stumbles upon a newborn baby goose and unwittingly becomes its mother.
The idea of a robot questioning its programming has been explored in many sci-fi movies, but rarely in such a touching way.
The premise of a futuristic robot designed to improve modern life being out in the wild is a fun sci-fi premise itself, but the movie goes deeper in its themes of family and the struggles of being a parent. Roz is constantly torn between the idea that she does not belong in this place and the feeling that she could really help the animals. The idea of a robot questioning its programming has been explored in many sci-fi movies, but rarely in such a touching way.
8
Transformers One
The Origin Story Of Optimus Prime And Megatron
Your changes have been saved
Transformers One is an animated action-adventure movie that marks the first animated feature-length film for the series in decades. The film will be a prequel to the franchise, and will tell the story of Optimus Prime and Megatron in their early years, how they met, and a closer look at the war on their home planet, Cybertron.
The latest Transformers movie is already being hailed as one of the best in the franchise, as well as offering a fun animated approach. Transformers One takes the series back to the planet of Cybertron and acts as a prequel of sorts. Before Optimus Prime and Megatron were enemies constantly at war with one another, this movie explores their past as friends and brothers as they set out on their journey to become true Transformers.
The Transformers movies have been exclusively live-action for more than a decade now, but Transformers One is a reminder that this world is perhaps best explored in animated form. The take on the home planet of Cybertron and the society of the Transformers makes for some fascinating and fun sci-fi concepts that have never been explored in the other movies. However, it is also an action-packed ride with some surprisingly moving relationships at its center.
7
A Quiet Place: Day One
A Prequel Explore The Beginning Of The Alien Invasion
Your changes have been saved
A Quiet Place: Day One is a spin-off of the A Quiet Place franchise conceived by John Krasinski. The film is set at the beginning of the invasion as humanity scrambles to survive, before the events of the original film, with Lupita Nyong’O leading the cast, directed by Michael Sarnoski.
Director
Michael Sarnoski
Release Date
June 28, 2024
Cast
Lupita Nyong’o
, Joseph Quinn
, Alex Wolff
, Djimon Hounsou
, Eliane Umuhire
While Lupita Nyong’o provided her voice for The Wild Robot, she also had a live-action role in one of the best sci-fi movies of 2024. A Quiet Place: Day One is the latest installment in the A Quiet Place franchise. Instead of following the Abbott family in their rural fight for survival, this prequel movie explores a new set of characters in New York City on the first day of the alien invasion. Nyong’o stars as Sam, a terminally ill cancer patient who finds herself on her own journey amid the chaos while accompanied by a stranger, Eric (Joseph Quinn).
With the sci-fi rules of the A Quiet Place universe already established, the big city setting is immediately exciting and terrifying. However, like the other movies in the series, a big part of what makes the movie work is the human characters. It is impressive how much the film is able to make the audience care about the relationship between Sam and Eric despite the fact that they just met and share very little dialogue. However, it makes for a gripping ride that has been called the best of the franchise so far.
6
Alien: Romulus
Space Scavengers Encounter A Deadly Alien
Your changes have been saved
Alien: Romulus is the seventh film in the Alien franchise. The movie is directed by Fede Álvarez and will focus on a new young group of characters who come face to face with the terrifying Xenomorphs. Alien: Romulus is a stand-alone film and takes place in a time not yet explored in the Alien franchise.
Another classic sci-fi franchise with deadly aliens returned to theaters in 2024. Alien: Romulus continues the exhilarating Alien franchise with the terrifying xenomorphs finding a new batch of humans to hunt. Alien: Romulus is set after the first Alien movie and follows a group of young people who work as space scavengers. Upon finding a derelict space station, they find themselves targeted by the deadly alien on board the vessel.
The movie comes from director Fede Alvarez who had already proven his ability to bring plenty of gore to beloved horror franchise with his 2013 Evil Dead movie. Alien: Romulus certainly delivers some bloody kills while also paying homage to a lot of the great moments from the franchise so far. However, it also takes some interesting new approaches with a young cast and a surprising third act. The result is a solid new entry in the franchise that proves there is still a lot of life in this series.
5
Deadpool & Wolverine
The Fox Heroes Enter The MCU
Your changes have been saved
A follow-up to the highly successful Deadpool and Deadpool 2 films starring Ryan Reynolds as the Merc with a Mouth. The third film will be the first in the franchise to be developed under the Marvel Studios banner following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox.
Director
Shawn Levy
Release Date
July 26, 2024
Runtime
127 Minutes
Most superhero movies lean into the sci-fi genre with their stories, but this has been especially true of recent MCU movies as the cinematic universe explores the multiverse. Coming out of the Fox universe, the multiverse was essential in bringing Deadpool into the MCU fold, and he also brought along another beloved hero from the X-Men world.Deadpool & Wolverine finds Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman teaming up as the titular heroes as they attempt to save their own realities.
So much of the movie’s success just comes down to seeing these two comic book characters getting to have some live-action R-rated fun together for the first time. That is only elevated by the amazing chemistry between the two stars. However, the sci-fi concepts allow for Deadpool & Wolverine‘s crowd-pleasing cameos while also serving as a love letter to the Fox superhero movies.
4
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
George Miller’s Triumphant Return To The Wasteland
Your changes have been saved
A prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road, Furiosa is an action-adventure film that tells the origin story of the headstrong and fearless Furiosa. Set shortly after the beginning of the “end of the world,” Furiosa is kidnapped and brought before a powerful warlord, now forced to work for him. To find her way back home, Furiosa will adapt to the new harsh and arid world as she grows into the Furiosa she becomes known to be.
Director
George Miller
Release Date
May 24, 2024
Runtime
148 Minutes
Widely considered to be one of the greatest action films of all time, George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road created a science fiction world rich enough to explore for ages. Luckily, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga was able to do so, presenting a prequel film that explains the origins of the wasteland warrior, Furiosa. After being abducted from her idyllic home of abundance as a child, Furiosa has to quickly learn to adapt and survive in the harsh world of Mad Max’s post-apocalyptic Australia.
Just like Mad Max: Fury Road, the practical action setpieces, thrilling set design, and elaborate chases make the film an instant sci-fi action classic, even outdoing its predecessor in some instances. What’s easier to overlook are the quietly incredible performances, from the imperceptible transition from Alyla Browne to Anya-Taylor Joy as Furiosa over the years to Chris Hemsworth’s delightfully evil Dementus. However, there’s something to be said about the Mad Max films’ quality as a loose collection of folk tales, a tradition the thorough chronicling of the wasteland’s history breaks.
3
Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes
Evolves The Franchise To New Heights
Your changes have been saved
Set several years after the events of War for the Planet of the Apes, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is the next installment in the Apes saga. Ape clans have taken up residence in the oasis that Caesar sought to colonize, but humans have reverted to their animalistic nature in their absence. Now battling between enslavement and freedom, outliers in the Ape clans will take sides in a newly burgeoning society.
Director
Wes Ball
Release Date
May 10, 2024
Cast
Kevin Durand
, Freya Allan
, Peter Macon
, Owen Teague
, Eka Darville
, Sara Wiseman
, Neil Sandilands
Runtime
145 Minutes
Matt Reeves’ Planet of the Apes movies made for one of the most quietly successful blockbuster franchises to be established in the late 2010s, with the most recent film in the continuity promising a new trilogy of science fiction classics. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes takes the post-apocalyptic fall of humanity and the rise of the simian race to its next logical step.
Set hundreds of years after War for the Planet of the Apes, the film follows Noa, a tribal ape who must prevent a tyrannical conqueror, Proximus Caesar, from unlocking the horrible secrets of the extant human civilization.
The film even makes some daring inquiries about the core conceits of higher thinking
Finally taking the spotlight off of the original Caesar, the new Planet of the Apes franchise proves its success isn’t beholden to recognizable characters. Noa, Proximus, and the rest of the new cast of apes and humans are all distinct personalities with their own ideas for forging a new kingdom in the ashes of the old world, and the striking CGI effects of the apes themselves are as impressive as ever. The film even makes some daring inquiries about the core conceits of higher thinking, and whether humanity, or any species, could ever realistically give up conquest for peace.
2
The Substance
The Clever And Gory Body Horror Masterpiece
Your changes have been saved
Elisabeth Sparkle, a fading celebrity, turns to a mysterious drug that promises to restore her youth by creating a younger, more beautiful version of herself. But splitting time between her original and new body leads to horrifying consequences as her alternate self, Sue, begins to unravel her life in a disturbing body-horror descent.
Release Date
September 20, 2024
Runtime
140 Minutes
Cast
Demi Moore
, Margaret Qualley
, Dennis Quaid
, Gore Abrams
, Hugo Diego Garcia
, Olivier Raynal
, Tiffany Hofstetter
, Tom Morton
, Jiselle Burkhalter
, Axel Baille
, Oscar Lesage
, Matthew Géczy
, Philip Schurer
Director
Coralie Fargeat
The Substance has become one of the most talked-about movies of 2024 thanks to its clever commentary and its grotesque sci-fi body horror. The movie stars Demi Moore as a celebrity who has lost her job due to her age. Overcome with confidence issues, she decides to take an experimental drug that allows her to transform into her younger self (Margaret Qualley). While the drug initially changes her life and career, she soon discovers there are some horrifying side effects.
The Substance embraces the outrageousness that the sci-fi genre affords it, showcasing some truly stomach-churning gore and gruesomeness. However, it is also a clever commentary on the beauty standards that are thrust upon women. The satire has been hailed as one of the best movies of 2024 with Demi Moore winning a Golden Globe for her powerful and intense comeback performance.
1
Dune: Part Two
The Prophetic Peak Of Sci-fi Adaptation
Your changes have been saved
Dune: Part Two continues the epic saga of Paul Atreides as he allies with Chani and the Fremen. Pursuing retribution for his family’s devastation, Paul grapples with a significant decision impacting his personal desires and the universe’s future, attempting to avert a dire destiny that only he anticipates.
Dune: Part One re-imagined the first half of Frank Herbet’s science fiction classic for the big screen once again. While the first film felt mostly like a setup, the delivery of the grander story with Dune: Part Two left audiences with one of the most spectacular science fiction events in cinema of the modern age. Picking up where Paul Atreides and his mother’s journey left off in the deserts of Arrakis, Dune: Part Two concludes the intricate web of politicking, prophecy, and desert power set into motion by the previous film.
Dune: Part Two received rave reviews from audiences and critics alike, and it isn’t difficult to see why. From the jaw-dropping collection of career-defining performances from the film’s star-studded cast to its breathtaking visuals and effortless worldbuilding, the film succeeds on essentially every front a film can be judged by, being thought-provoking, exciting, and emotionally intriguing at the same time. Intriguing, spectacular, and deeply human, Dune: Part Two is undeniably the strongest science fiction film of 2024.
“To do as well as I did, I swear to God, anywhere else I’m probably looking at an extension with what I did,” Ham told Andscape on Tuesday.
Now an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks, Ham improved to 14-0 in NBA Cup games later that night when the Bucks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder to win this year’s in-season tournament.
Ham was hired by the Lakers as a first-time head coach in 2022, after 11 years as an assistant with the Lakers, Atlanta Hawks and Bucks. Despite everything the Lakers accomplished during Ham’s tenure, it’s difficult to imagine too many people in L.A. being surprised by his dismissal.
A number of fans had been calling for Ham’s ousting on social media for some time. And reports had surfaced that some of Ham’s lineup decisions and in-game adjustments were a source of frustration in the locker room.
Still, Ham told Andscape he was “extremely disappointed and perplexed” when he was fired after the Lakers were eliminated by the Nuggets in the postseason for the second straight season.
“I’m not talking about feelings. I’m talking actual facts,” Ham said. “They go from not making it to the playoffs to the final four in the NBA, the conference finals. And then you win the in-season tournament, navigate through all the injuries and win both of your play-in games to get to the playoffs.”
He had plenty more to say on the matter:
— “You feel like you did enough to sustain in one spot. I felt like I did that.”
— “It’s being reported like I’m just throwing some lineups up against the wall to see what sticks. No, man, we were really navigating a lot from guys being hurt to having the oldest player in the league [LeBron James] to navigating [Anthony Davis’] injury history. It was a lot.”
— “Some of the s— that was coming out? Wow, bro, I don’t know Xs and O’s? I was winging it. Dude, that was the most disappointing stuff, how mean and so much stuff people are saying online.”
Ham also told Andscape that he hasn’t had any significant contact with James or Davis since he left L.A.
“I haven’t talked to anybody,” Ham said. “When we played them in the preseason, I said hello to a couple of guys. Jaxson [Hayes], Cam [Reddish], D-Lo [D’Angelo Russell], Gabe [Vincent]. But not really, man. LeBron ran past the bench and we had a little bit of small talk.”
The Lakers are 14-12 and in 10th place in the West under Ham’s replacement, first-year coach JJ Redick. They were 15-11 and tied for eighth in the conference at this point last year, although they went on to lose eight of their next 10 games and drop to 11th place.
“There is no ill will for me,” said Ham, whose Bucks are 14-11 and in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. “Their situation is what it is.”
A Las Vegas man was charged in connection to an illegal betting scheme involving Jontay Porter, the former Toronto Raptors player who admitted to manipulating his performance for gambling purposes and was banned from the NBA.
Shane Hennen, 39, was arrested Sunday morning at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance in federal court Monday.
ESPN has contacted Hennen’s attorney for comment.
Prosecutors allege that Hennen received information about the scheme from conspirators who were in contact with Porter, distributed the tips to other gamblers and placed bets through proxies.
Porter pleaded guilty to a federal conspiracy crime in July and is awaiting sentencing. He told a court that he participated in the scam “to get out from under large gambling debts.” Four other men have been charged as part of the scheme, two of whom have pleaded guilty.
Porter is not named in the complaint against Hennen, but the details laid out in the document match his case.
According to the complaint, Porter sustained an eye injury while playing for the Raptors in a Jan. 22, 2024 game against the Memphis Grizzlies and was diagnosed with a corneal abrasion. During that game, Porter texted two co-conspirators, “I went back to locker room to get eye checked on. Idk if imma play much more. I’m Not starting second half. But if it’s garbage time I will shoot a million shots.”
Hennen received a screenshot of these texts, along with the information that Porter would withdraw early from a Jan. 26 game against the Los Angeles Clippers, according to the complaint. Prosecutors said a co-conspirator told Hennen on Jan. 26 to “call 911” and forwarded another message from Porter that read, “Hit unders for the big numbers. I told [a co-conspirator] no blocks no steals. I’m going to play first 2-3 minute stint off the bench then when I get subbed out tell them my eye killing me again.”
Hennen also received screenshots of two betting slips with wagers on the under on Porter’s performance during the Jan. 26 game, according to the document. One $29,382 parlay wager on the under on Porter’s rebounds and points would pay out $103,387.
Prosecutors allege that Hennen bet on the under on Porter’s performance through proxies. After the Jan. 26 game, Hennen texted a co-conspirator, “We got lucky,” according to the complaint.
Hennen was also told that Porter would remove himself from a March 20 game against the Sacramento Kings, citing illness. In one text, a conspirator told Hennen, “Please don’t leak it.” Prosecutors allege Hennen then provided the inside information to other bettors.
Homa has six Tour wins since 2018-19 and one international win. He played on the U.S. Ryder Cup team in 2023, and the Presidents Cup team in 2022 and 2024.
Fitzpatrick has two Tour wins, including the 2022 U.S. Open, and eight international wins. The Sheffield, England, native played for the Europe Ryder Cup team in 2016, 2020 and 2023. He also competed in the 2024 Olympics.
It would be hard to come up with a more radically divisive major composer than Arnold Schoenberg, who was born in Vienna in 1874 and died in Los Angeles in 1951. It would be equally hard to come up with a more radically inclusive composer, who remade European music in his image and then came here and did the same for Hollywood. Or a more devotedly progressive — you could even say obsessively progressive — composer who honored the past yet paved the way for a kicking-and-screaming future.
We still don’t quite know how to sell Schoenberg. There is the scary modernist Schoenberg — inventor of the 12-tone system, replacing traditional harmony with the democratic notion that all notes are equal — who reputedly drives audiences away. But there is also the Schoenberg who carried on from the 19th century Romantic tradition in his lush early scores like the massive post-Wagnerian and post-Brahmsian “Gurrelieder.”
The big event ending this year’s celebration of the 150th anniversary of Schoenberg’s birth was Zubin Mehta conducting the grandiose “Gurrelieder” over the weekend with a huge Los Angeles Philharmonic (replete with four red harps), the Los Angeles Master Chorale and big-throated vocal soloists.
“Gurrelieder” is the first sign of the real Schoenberg, whose music, no matter how thorny or how esoteric, always embraced the big picture relating the past to the future. Devoted to the contrapuntal wonders of Bach, the classicism of Mozart and the astonishment of Beethoven, Schoenberg began his career by mending the major divide of his own early years, that of Wagner the futurist and Brahms the keeper of tradition.
In Brahms, Schoenberg found progressivist harmonic thinking that was logically heading toward atonality. Once when recognized by a stranger who asked him if he was the composer Arnold Schoenberg, he replied, “Someone has to be.” From Wagner, Schoenberg got the bug for endless thematic development, from one thing leading to the next and the next in the path toward rapture.
In no work does Schoenberg embrace the spirits of Brahms and Wagner more radiantly than in a “Gurrelieder.” Over a luxurious two hours, this quasi-oratorio is a big fat glorious mess, and no conductor loves it more than Mehta. At 88, Mehta is the dean of Schoenberg conductors. When he became music director of the L.A. Phil in 1962, at the age of 26, he told the press that he felt it more important in L.A. to conduct all the neglected orchestra works of Schoenberg before doing all the Beethoven symphonies.
By the late 1960s he was well into his Schoenberg advocacy. He conducted the first L.A. Phil performance of “Gurrelieder” in 1968 in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, around the same time he was making sonic-spectacular recordings of early and late Schoenberg, catnip to audiophiles that impress to this day, with the orchestra in Royce Hall at UCLA. That’s also where Schoenberg happened to have taught students who went on to become Hollywood film composers, experimentalists or both. David Raksin (composer of “Laura”) and John Cage said they worshiped Schoenberg like a god.
Mehta had last conducted “Gurrelieder” with the L.A. Phil in 1977, his penultimate season as music director. He concluded his 13-year tenure as music director of the New York Philharmonic with “Gurrelieder” in 1991 and recorded it. Two decades later, Mehta recorded “Gurrelieder” again, this time with the one other orchestra of which he has been music director, the Israel Philharmonic.
Meanwhile “Gurrelieder” has proved a favorite for three of Mehta’s successors at the L.A. Phil. André Previn was supposed to conduct it in 1991 but took ill and was replaced by Gerard Schwarz. Esa-Pekka Salonen led a dazzling “Gurrelieder” in Disney Hall in 2005. Gustavo Dudamel had hoped to conduct his first “Gurrelieder” in 2020; that was canceled because of COVID.
Mehta’s “Gurrelieder” has, with age, naturally grown less flamboyant and more reflective. He connected it with Brahms by conducting Brahms’ Violin Concerto (with soloist Leonidas Kavakos) and Second Symphony the week before. He marshaled the large forces of “Gurrelieder” seated on the podium.
The L.A. Phil performs Schoenberg’s gargantuan “Gurrelieder,” at Walt Disney Concert Hall
(Carlin Stiehl/For the Times)
Though not as demonstrative as he once was, Mehta has not lost the essence of his L.A. Phil sound. There it was, big and bold, from the first firm notes of Brahms’ concerto to the searing, earth-shattering sunrise grandeur of the finale of “Gurrelieder.”
It’s a crazy work, begun in 1900 in an attempt to out-Wagner Wagner but not completed for 11 years, during which time Schoenberg had moved toward atonality and modernism. A king, Waldemar, in an unhappy marriage, has an affair with a lover, “Tove.” She dies. He can no longer face life without her. He dies, and in the afterlife he is forced to hunt all day. It gets weirder and more surreal with a narrator for the ending.
As a very last-minute replacement for tenor Brandon Jovanovich, who caught one of those viruses floating around L.A., John Matthew Myers proved an impressive quick study as a sturdy Waldemar. Christine Goerke as Tove and Violeta Urmana as a prescient Wood Dove, though not always steady, brought Wagnerian robustness in the other two major roles. There was more character to Gabriel Manro’s peasant and particularly Gerhard Siegel’s fool. Dietrich Henschel was a more melodic narrator than most.
But the glory goes to the orchestra and Los Angeles Master Chorale, which appeared to give Mehta all he asked for and maybe more. In the end, Mehta let “Gurrelieder” speak for itself in a very loud voice.
That’s one way of making the Schoenberg case. There are others. Schoenberg hangs over L.A. more than we often realize. Four days before “Gurrelieder,” Piano Spheres, which was founded by pianist and Schoenberg assistant Leonard Stein 30 years ago, opened a tribute program remembering pianist Susan Svrcek and composer Frederick Lesemann with Webern’s eight-hand arrangement for four pianists at two pianos of the opening of “Gurrelieder.” It enticingly glittered as much as a four-harped orchestra.
In February, the Jacaranda new music series, shutting down after two decades of indispensable concerts, went out with a Schoenbergian bang, connecting the composer to Hollywood, Mahler, Coltrane and Boulez. But perhaps the most intriguing connecting of Schoenberg to Hollywood will be the West Coast premiere of Tod Machover’s opera “Schoenberg in Hollywood,” which UCLA will mount in a new production at the Nimoy in May — and, of course, will rehearse in UCLA’s Schoenberg Hall.
