Despite his absence from the ballroom competition, former Dancing With the Stars pro Sasha Farber still plans to keep up with season 35.

“You guys, the Dancing With the Stars cast announcement was so bloody good,” Farber, 42, gushed in an Instagram video shared Friday, September 4. “I mean, the celebs are going to be phenomenal and it literally ticks every box of genre and style, and I know who I’m voting for.”

He continued, “I mean, I want to know who you are voting for ‘cause, I mean, I have my idea. I have two or three.”

DWTS revealed the star-studded cast on Good Morning America on Wednesday, September 2, featuring Julia Stiles, Tatyana Ali, Giada De Laurentiis, Harry Shum Jr., Ciara Miller, Jenna Dewan, Tyler Cameron, Amber Glenn, Taylor Hanson, Maura Higgins, Ezra Frech, Jackson Olson, Conner Leavitt, Connor Wood, Sarah Jane Nader and Guillermo Rodriguez.

Related: Sasha Farber Breaks Silence on Absence From ‘DWTS’ Season 35 Cast

Dancing With the Stars pro Sasha Farber broke his silence after being absent from the season 35 lineup. Farber, 42, posted a TikTok on Wednesday, September 2, after ABC confirmed the full list of pros and celebrities competing for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy on the upcoming season. In the comments section, Farber was asked […]

On GMA, it was also announced which pro dance partners would cha cha with each celebrity contestant. While fan-favorites like Val Chmerkovskiy, Mark Ballas and Farber’s ex-wife, Emma Slater, are all set to return, the Australian choreographer was not included on the roster. (Farber last appeared on DWTS during season 33.)

Despite his absence, Farber remains enthused to watch his fellow ballroom performers on television.

“I’m also so excited for Hailey [Bills] to be a pro. I mean, she is phenomenal,” he gushed, referring to the first-time pro, 20, who was promoted from the troupe to dance with model Nader, 24, in a rare same-sex partnership. “I’m so excited to watch her shine. You watch, she’s going to kill it.”

Farber concluded, “Anyway, guys, leave your comments in my comments … and tell me who you’re voting for. I’m super excited, and this is going to be a season [to remember], one for the books.”

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Related: Breaking Down the ‘DWTS’ Pros Who Won’t Return for Season 35: Gleb, More

The Dancing With the Stars ballroom will look a little different for season 35. While returning faves like reigning mirrorball champ Witney Carson, Val Chmerkovskiy, Rylee Arnold, Sharna Burgess and Ezra Sosa will all be back to cha cha with a celebrity, a number of the show’s well-known choreographers will be absent this year. The […]

He captioned his post, “Guys how good is the @dancingwiththestars CAST this year!!! Who are you voting for????”

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While it’s not known why Farber was left off the pro lineup for the second year in a row, the dancer coyly hinted via TikTok comment earlier this week that it was “not [his] choice.”

Farber recently visited Bills, Witney Carson and more of his former colleagues during a Thursday, September 4, set visit documented via social media.

Dancing With the Stars season 35 kicks off with a two-night premiere on ABC and Disney+ Tuesday, September 15, and Wednesday, September 16, at 8 p.m. ET.

Aubrey O’Day is opening up about the resentment she still carries from her time in Danity Kane, and her biggest source of pain is not Sean “Diddy” Combs. During an appearance on a recent podcast appearance, the singer revealed that most of her former bandmates hurt her more deeply than the disgraced music mogul, despite the serious allegations she has made about her experience working with him.

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Aubrey O’Day has spent years speaking publicly about the damage she says Sean “Diddy” Combs caused in her life. So when Creators Inc. Podcast host Andy Bachman asked who still owes her an apology, her answer landed somewhere unexpected.

“Everyone in Danity Kane,” O’Day said during the Thursday, September 3 episode.

“Diddy?” Bachman followed up.

“I don’t need one from Diddy,” O’Day replied. “He didn’t hurt me as much as they did.”

The singer made one exception for Shannon Bex, saying the two have already worked through their issues in therapy. “So, not Shannon, but the rest of them. Yeah.” 

That’s saying something considering how openly O’Day has discussed her experience with Combs.

Danity Kane’s Historic Rise Ended In a Painful Collapse

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She rose to fame in Danity Kane, the five-woman group formed on Diddy’s MTV series “Making the Band 3” alongside Bex, Dawn Richard, D. Woods and Aundrea Fimbres. Their first two albums debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, making Danity Kane the first female group in Billboard history to debut its first two albums at the top. Their 2006 debut went platinum, while “Show Stopper” and “Damaged” both reached the Hot 100’s top 10.

Then everything unraveled. Combs removed O’Day and Woods from the group in 2008, and Danity Kane disbanded in early 2009. O’Day has since alleged that Combs fired her after she rejected sexual advances, an allegation his spokesperson declined to address individually.

Cassie Ventura’s Lawsuit Opened The Floodgates Against Diddy

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Combs’ legal downfall began publicly in November 2023 when his former girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura filed a lawsuit accusing him of years of physical abuse, rape, and coercion. The lawsuit was settled one day after it was filed without an admission of wrongdoing.

Numerous other accusers later filed civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault, abuse, and other misconduct. Combs has denied the sexual assault allegations made against him.

Aubrey O’Day Says ‘Resentment’ Is What Destroys Girl Groups

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During the same conversation, O’Day explained where some of her resentment toward her former bandmates comes from. She said she spent roughly 20 years carrying the “raunchy, promiscuous” reputation attached to her exit while taking the “public humiliation” and “blacklistings” that followed.

Later, when Bachman asked what ends girl groups more, men, money, resentment or egos, O’Day didn’t hesitate. “Resentment,” she said. “Every time.”

The reality TV alum is the latest to sit down with Bachman, who has built Creators Inc. Podcast into an Apple Podcasts Business top-15 show. Recent guests have included Offset, Ice-T, Sophie Rain, Blueface, Ryan Garcia, Blac Chyna and Donna Mills.

“We did not build a podcast. We built a room people want to be in,” Bachman told Market Realist in July. “The show is just the camera in the corner.” 

Diddy’s Prison Release Date Moves Up As His Appeal Continues

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As for Combs, he remains incarcerated at FCI Fort Dix, serving a 50-month sentence after being convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution and acquitted of racketeering and sex-trafficking charges.

Before he was sentenced last year, Combs told the judge in a letter that he had gotten sober “for the first time in 25 years,” attended therapy and created a mentorship program for other inmates. Meanwhile, he continues to face more than 70 civil lawsuits across the country, including one filed in June by a former child actor.

On Thursday, September 3, USA Today reported that his projected release date had been moved up again to February 5, 2028. His legal team has appealed the conviction.

Police fatally shot a knife-wielding man walking on the cables of New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge after he ignored orders to drop the weapon, authorities said Friday.

RELATED: Photo Of Sidney Starr In Court Surfaces As Judge Denies Bond Following Arrest On Child Sexual Assault Charges (UPDATE)

Details About The Brooklyn Bridge Shooting

The shooting happened when the man moved within feet of an officer trying to help him climb down. He told the police rescue team that he wanted them to kill him. He also said he had a bomb, according to Gerard Dowling, commanding officer of the city’s Emergency Services Unit.

The officers had used a safety harness to attach themselves to the bridge. They spoke to the man for about an hour, saying they wanted to help him and bring him to safety, Dowling said. Additionally, they told him to drop the knife multiple times. At one point, the man began to quickly climb down a cable. The officers were in a line below him on the same cable, Dowling said.

“The officers began to move backwards away from the male, but they were not able to move as quickly as the subject, who was approaching them,” he said.

When the man came within 3 feet of one officer, he raised his arm with the knife extended toward the officer. One of the officers on the roadbed of the bridge then shot him once, Dowling said. The officers brought the man down and started rendering aid. He later died in a hospital.

Police body cameras recorded the encounter, Dowling said. Members of the team “are specially trained for these types of high-risk and incredibly dangerous situations,” he said.

“They receive extensive instruction on de-escalation and how to engage with individuals compassionately.”

Police have not released the man’s name. In addition to a knife, they recovered a flashlight. When a reporter asked if police found a bomb, Dowling said that was part of the ongoing investigation.

For context, the Brooklyn Bridge, which opened in 1883, is a cable-supported suspension bridge that connects Manhattan and Brooklyn. Its tower height is 276.5 feet (84 meters) above water. It’s not clear how high up the man and the police officers were.

NYC Mayor Addresses Shooting Of Man 

The shooting at one of the city’s most famous landmarks closed the bridge. This tied up traffic for part of the morning. It all happened four days after a woman randomly stabbed two people in Times Square, killing one, and then was fatally shot by officers.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani posted online that officers responded after receiving a 911 call about a man “who appeared to be attempting to jump from the bridge.” He said the police tried to de-escalate the situation and urged the man not to jump.

“The man was holding a knife and threatened the officers. He eventually moved toward the officers, coming within close proximity to a number of responding officers. One responding officer discharged his weapon and struck the man,” Mamdani said.

Early this morning, NYPD Emergency Service Unit officers responded to the Brooklyn Bridge after receiving a 911 call about a man who appeared to be attempting to jump from the bridge.

Based on preliminary information, officers worked to de-escalate the situation for…

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) September 4, 2026

Stabbing In Times Square Ends With Fatal Shooting

The stabbings on Monday happened near a New York Police Department substation, just outside One Times Square.  A 49-year-old Queens woman pulled two knives from a shopping bag and stabbed a 68-year-old man in the abdomen, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. The man had just left the subway station and was waiting to cross the street with his wife. Seconds later, the woman also stabbed a 32-year-old woman in the abdomen, Tisch said. The victim later died.

Officers tried to convince the woman, identified as Pamela Cisneros, to drop the knives for several minutes before using a Taser, Tisch said. The woman told them: “I’m not dropping anything, I would rather kill both of you,” according to Tisch. A video shows the Taser failing to incapacitate Cisneros, who walks quickly toward the officers while waving the knives in front of her. Two officers then shot the woman, according to police.

RELATED: Yikes! Man Arrested After Posing As San Francisco 49ers Player To Scam At Least 26 Women Out Of $1.3 Million

Associated Press writer Kathy McCormack contributed to this report via AP Newsroom. 

The yearslong fallout surrounding Kewon White has taken another major turn. White is the man accused in the killing of Dallas rapper MO3. The case also involves Yella Beezy, bringing renewed attention to the deadly events that shook Dallas’ rap scene in 2020. Now, details from the courtroom are shedding new light on what prosecutors say happened.

RELATED: Yella Beezy Released From Jail After Reduced $2 Million Bond In Fatal Murder Of MO3 (UPDATE)

Kewon White Gets Life For MO3’s Murder

Kewon White, 27, was found guilty Friday of capital murder in connection with the death of MO3, whose real name was Melvin Noble. State District Judge Chika Anyiam sentenced White to life in prison without the possibility of parole, the only option under Texas law after prosecutors declined to seek the death penalty. MO3 was fatally shot on Nov. 11, 2020, during a daytime ambush on Interstate 35 near the Dallas Zoo. Prosecutors presented surveillance footage showing MO3 stopping his sedan, getting out and being chased into traffic by a masked gunman carrying an assault-style rifle. MO3 was shot 13 times and later pronounced dead at a hospital.

Prosecutors Say Evidence Links White To Shooting

During the trial, prosecutors argued White was the shooter and that the killing was connected to Yella Beezy, whose real name is Markies Conway. FBI Special Agent Taylor Page testified that cellphone records allegedly placed White in a black Camaro at the apartment complex where MO3 had been staying the night before the shooting. According to his testimony, White remained there for hours while communicating with co-defendant Devin Brown. The following day, the same Camaro was allegedly seen following MO3 after he left the complex. Surveillance footage later captured a gunman emerging from a black Camaro moments before the shooting.

Prosecutors also pointed to surveillance footage they say further connected White to the shooting. In the footage, White is seen wearing sagging pants with a distinctive blue color of underwear visible. Prosecutors argued that the same color could be seen underneath the gunman’s clothing during the fatal attack. Investigators also alleged that White was captured burning clothing on a grill in the hours after MO3 was killed. Investigators later tracked White’s cellphone as it traveled toward an area known for vehicle chop shops. Shortly afterward, the phone was shut off and never came back online, according to testimony presented at trial.

Prosecutors Link Alleged Killing To Longstanding Rap Feud

The prosecution also tied the alleged killing to the longstanding feud between MO3 and Yella Beezy, which began with social media exchanges in 2017 and eventually escalated into multiple violent incidents. Prosecutors allege Conway hired White to kill MO3 and described White as someone Conway viewed as “expendable” and “disposable.” Conway was in Los Angeles around the time of the killing but allegedly returned to Dallas after White complained about not being paid.

Prosecutors said Conway withdrew $40,000 from his bank account on Nov. 22 before returning to Los Angeles. Conway was indicted on a capital murder charge last year and has pleaded not guilty. Devin Brown and Jerry Johnson, who are also charged in connection with the case, have pleaded not guilty as well. Before White was sentenced, MO3’s mother, Nichole Noble, delivered an emotional victim impact statement, telling him, “I love you,” as he reportedly broke down in tears. White’s attorneys argued jurors should reject the capital murder charge, but the jury ultimately found him guilty.

RELATED: Yella Beezy Arrested For Alleged Role In 2020 Fatal Shooting Of Dallas Rapper Mo3

If you think flats are boring, wait until you see what Penélope Cruz is wearing. Her two-toned style takes polished to old-money heights, and we found the expensive look for only $30!

For a family trip to Universal Studios, Cruz rocked chic Chanel flats with a simple black top, a black bag and jeans. Her outfit screamed ‘expensive,’ and it was all because of this luxe shoe style.

Good news for the rest of Us who aren’t casually dropping four figures on flats before a roller coaster ride: This Amazon version appears identical. You get the same crisp base, black cap toe and dainty little bow on top.

Get the Dream Pairs Ballet Flats for $30 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

These dreamy slip-ons also include cushioning, which matters when you’re popping from school drop-offs to boardroom meetings. One happy shopper shared, “I adore these shoes. They look so much like the designer shoes and the fit and comfort is excellent. I wish I had purchased a pair sooner.”

That reaction is a common one. Another fan, who had their eye on the Chanel pair, wrote, “Did not want to pay the luxury price. I ordered these and couldn’t be more pleased. Look great, fit perfect.”

The right cap-toe flats instantly upgrade whatever you wear them with. Cruz knows it, as does every other stylish woman in New York and Los Angeles. The two-tone trick makes your jeans look like they cost thrice the price. They’re the shoe equivalent of a good blowout.

Pair these designer-looking shoes with a lounge set for coffee, or with a slip dress for dinner. Heck, you can even copy Cruz’s top-and-denim formula and wear them to Universal Studios if the mood strikes. We’re doing all of the above!

Get the Dream Pairs Ballet Flats for $30 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more chic flats, and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

UsNow Fall Sale Alert: These chic fashion finds are up to 60% off – plus free shipping

Welcome to fall with our biggest sale of the season. Our favorite dresses, tops, handbags, and shoes are all on sale + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.
Shop the UsNow Fall Sale —>

Related: These 15 Polished Amazon Flats Are the New ‘It-Girl‘ Fall Shoe

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Curious about the chicest shoe style this season? It’s not chunky sneakers. Sporty kicks had their moment, but this year, everyone’s wearing comfy but polished flats. So, why are chunky white sneakers out this year? We’ve kept up with the latest celeb shoe styles, and low-profile shoes (like ‘sneakerinas’) are what celebs are wearing — […]

Phaedra Parks is spilling a lil’ tea about her love life and making it official that she’s dating CT Tamburello, who fans know from MTV’s ‘The Challenge.’ Phaedra opened up about their new romance during a recent interview, and fans are making it clear that they’re HERE for this new chapter!

RELATED: Phaedra Parks Weighs In On Whether Diddy Is “Innocent” Of His Federal Charges (EXCLUSIVE VIDEO) 

Phaedra Parks Is Boo’d Up & Loving Every Minute Of It

Okay, so BOOM! Phaedra Parks spilled some tea about her new relationship while speaking with Jeff Lewis on his radio show on Friday, September 4. Phaedra made it clear that she and CT Tamburello are passed platonic and revealed they’ve actually been dating for a minute now. She refrained from sharing details about how long they’ve been together and how many dates they’ve gone on, but she DID reveal that she plans to be CT’s date for the Creative Arts Emmy Awards in Los Angeles this weekend since he’s a presenter at the event. CT hasn’t spoken on their relationship status yet, but Phaedra did add that once the festivities wrap up, she and CT are heading to New York together.

From Reality TV To Real Love! More On CT Tamburello & Phaedra Parks

It looks like Phaedra and CT’s love story may have started brewing during season two of the reality competition series, ‘The Traitors.’ According to TMZ, the two appeared on the show together in 2023, where contestants compete in the ultimate murder mystery game.

Before linking up with Phaedra, CT tied the knot with OnlyFans star Catalina White in October 2024, but the two called it quits in January 2025, but they still haven’t finalized their divorce. CT also previously married Lilianet Solares, and the former couple shares a son together. They officially finalized their divorce in November 2023. As for Phaedra, fans know she was previously married to Apollo Nida, but later divorced in 2017. They share two sons together, Ayden Nida and Dylan Nida.

The Internet Has Spoken & They’re HERE For Phaedra & CT

E! News dropped the tea about Phaedra and CT, and the comment section immediately lit UP with reactions. Plenty of fans admitted they definitely didn’t have this link-up on their bingo cards, while others made it clear they are living for Phaedra and CT’s new love story!

Instagram user @dianemorrisey wrote, “All I’m saying is that if you watched their season of Traitors, this isn’t that much of a surprise. Their chemistry was jumping off the 📺 screens 🔥” 

Instagram user @erynn.nicolle wrote, “This is giving Chili and Matthew Lawrence. Happy for Pha Pha.” 

While Instagram user @tannnia_m wrote, “I did not have this on my 2026 Bingo card lol….i love it though.” 

Then Instagram user @shonixl wrote, “Honey, this is an awesome move. If he shows up on Housewives we know for a fact that CT is not afraid to be confrontational and rock the boat. 😂” 

Another Instagram user @sparkthatjay wrote, “Just in time for the new season of RHOA. That woman is something else 😂” 

Instagram user @kellymay76 wrote, “Most unlikely couple ever . 😮 But a big fan of both so I hope they are good together.” 

Then another Instagram user @_jenniferchristy_ wrote, “I didn’t see this one coming. Lol.” 

Lastly, Instagram user @bblximage_fas wrote, “Well she clearly likes all her coffee with a lot of cream!!!!❤️❤️ if this is true, happy for Phaedra 💖” 

RELATED: Been About Him! Yung Miami Spills Tea About Her Relationship Status & The Internet Immediately Brings Up Diddy (VIDEOS) 

I love a good trench coat for fall weather — almost nothing else captures that effortlessly chic look the way a belted trench does. Unfortunately, because I’m a petite girlie at only 5’0″, trench coats don’t usually love me back. I’ve tried on countless trench coat styles, only to consistently return them for being too long or too baggy. Honestly, they usually overwhelm my frame and make me look like a little kid playing dress-up. But I think I’ve finally found the trench coat style that actually works for petites, so of course, I had to share.

Instead of trying to make a traditional style work, I’ve pivoted to cropped or short trench coats. They hit at the waist, offering a more flattering fit that complements smaller frames. A tip? When trench coats are labeled ‘short’ or ‘mid-length,’ they usually end up falling at the perfect length for petites. I’ve pulled a selection of my favorite petite-friendly trench coats for anyone in a similar boat. These sell fast, so add them to your cart now.

11 Petite-Friendly Trench Coat Styles

1. My Favorite: This cropped trench coat hits right at the waist for a flattering fit that doesn’t leave you looking lost. The boxy style is so unique, which makes it stand out. Plus, this pick is great for days when it’s not too chilly.

2. Runner-Up: I love this mid-length trench coat because it ends up looking just a little longer than it’s supposed to on my frame, and that’s exactly what I want. This is also a classic, chic pick with the cutest touch of plaid.

3. Polished Look: If you love the cropped look but want something more traditional, try this double-breasted trench. The classic-looking style has a flattering waist-length fit that short girls will appreciate.

4. Such a Classic: This short trench coat hits at just the right length, and has the most sophisticated look. Unlike other double-breasted options, this one has a simpler appearance that won’t overwhelm petite bodies.

5. Made for Petites: Made in petite-friendly sizes, this classic trench coat hits mid-calf to give you a full-length look that appears so stylish and put together. Cinch it in at the waist to give yourself more shape.

6. French Girl Style: This cropped trench isn’t your average fit. Instead, it has a cape silhouette at the back, along with a contrasted collar that gives it a more preppy vibe. You’ll look like you’re strolling through Paris while wearing this one.

7. Cool Girl Fit: Whether you’re wearing a tee and jeans or a dress, this cropped trench coat will pull your entire outfit together. It cinches in at the waist with a built-in belt for a much more structured look that also feels a little edgy.

8. Rich Mom Look: This short trench coat is more versatile than it seems; it features a removable scarf that, when on, makes it look so expensive and luxe. Remove it for a classic, casual look.

9. Pretty Print: A neutral tan shade might be the classic trench option, but you can try a different spin with this brown checked pattern. It’s preppy, on trend and perfect for all of the cozy fall vibes.

10. Stylishly Different: A shorter silhouette makes this double-breasted trench coat work for petite girlies like myself. I really love the contrast between the wider shoulders and the cinched-in belt that feels so flattering.

11. Classic Fit: Opt for a polished, chic look with this simple short trench coat. It’s comfortable, stylish and comes in a four neutral colors, so you can find one that matches your fall wardrobe with ease.

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Related: Not Knits! The Richest Girls Are Wearing This Luxe-Looking Layer

Fall might make you think of cardigans, shackets and denim jackets, but this year, rich girls are reaching for none of the above. Instead, they’re actually incorporating sleek, classy blazers into their day-t0-day rotation. We found 13 luxe-looking layers that nail the aesthetic. If you think blazers are only for the office, these chic picks […]

Science fiction has always been at its best when it does more than depict the fantastical. The genre can use its rich elements, from aliens to parallel universes, to explore ideas that are close and relatable to us. The best sci-fi movies make those concepts feel exciting on the first viewing while leaving enough unanswered questions, visual details, and thematic depth to make you immediately want to experience them again.

Here, we take a look at sci-fi movies that you may have seen before but are still prime for immediate rewatches because of their intriguing themes and stellar filmmaking. These movies have influenced modern classics and will continue to do so. Their ambitious ideas are matched with memorable characters, distinctive worlds, and exceptional filmmaking. They may be very different in tone and style, but once the credits roll, you will probably want to start them all over again.

‘RoboCop’ (1987)

Image via Orion Pictures

RoboCop follows police officer Alex Murphy (Peter Weller), who is brutally murdered during an encounter with criminals. Megacorporation OCP decides to use his body to create the RoboCop program, transforming what remains of Murphy into a heavily armored cyborg designed to enforce the law. At first, RoboCop appears to be the ultimate law enforcer, but then Murphy’s old memories begin to resurface, leading him to question his identity and find the people responsible for his death.

Part of RoboCop‘s enduring quality is Paul Verhoeven‘s sensibilities: he understands how to make it simultaneously ridiculous, violent, funny, and intelligent. Beneath the spectacular action and unforgettable practical effects is a potent satire of privatization, corporate greed, sensationalist media, and consumer culture. The violence is exaggerated enough to be entertaining, and Peter Weller also gives an unexpected emotional dimension to the character’s rigid movements and mechanical voice. It stands as one of the best films of the 1980s, and a new reboot series starring Dan Stevens is currently in the works.

‘Soylent Green’ (1973)

Image via Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Soylent Green follows police detective Frank Thorn (Charlton Heston) as he investigates the murder of a wealthy businessman in dystopian New York. In this future, most people survive on processed food products manufactured by the powerful Soylent Corporation as climate problems, food shortages, and overpopulation diminish real food. As he goes further, Thorn’s investigation exposes a much larger corporate conspiracy.

Soylent Green may be soft sci-fi, but it doesn’t diminish its effectiveness at all. Made in 1973, the issues that become the catalyst for the conflict were so far ahead of their time that they are still relevant today. Part of its enduring appeal is thanks to the future setting that feels grim and recognizable. The real horror comes from what economic and environmental desperation has done to ordinary human life. Even though you may have been spoiled of the film’s famous final twist, Soylent Green is still worth revisiting.

Image via Warner Bros.

Based on Carl Sagan‘s novel, Contact follows Dr. Ellie Arroway (Jodie Foster), a brilliant radio astronomer who has devoted her life to searching the universe for signs of intelligent life. When scientists detect a mysterious signal from the star Vega, Ellie is chosen for the mission to respond to the extraterrestrial beings.

If you’re into sci-fi films, you may have religiously watched Interstellar or Arrival, which Robert Zemeckis‘ Contact feels like a spiritual predecessor to. It packs enormous scientific ideas into something deeply personal, the emotional center remaining in Ellie herself and her determination to understand something that may be fundamentally beyond human comprehension. The movie’s most memorable quality is its balance between science and faith, two elements that remain orbiting each other. It is also exceptionally rewatchable because its questions become richer once you know where the story goes.

‘Silent Running’ (1972)

Image via Universal Pictures

Silent Running follows botanist Freeman Lowell (Bruce Dern), who is stationed aboard the Valley Forge, one of several enormous greenhouse ships carrying forests and ecosystems that humanity hopes to preserve for a future generation. Lowell becomes deeply attached to the plants and to the maintenance robots that assist him. When orders arrive that the botanical missions are too expensive and the remaining forests must be destroyed, Lowell refuses to accept it.

Silent Running may be the least recognizable title on this list to some, but it is one of the best sci-fi films of its era that resonates today. Douglas Trumbull, best known for his groundbreaking visual-effects work in movies like 2001: A Space Odyssey and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, creates a believable sense of scale with the greenhouse spacecraft while keeping the story intimate and character-driven. Dern’s performance captures Lowell’s passion, stubbornness, loneliness, and increasing desperation, and the glacial pace puts the audience in his headspace.

‘Dark City’ (1998)

Image via New Line Cinema

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Dark City follows John Murdoch (Rufus Sewell), who wakes up in a strange hotel room with no memory of how he got there. He then discovers that he is being hunted for murders he does not remember committing. As he flees, Murdoch encounters the mysterious Strangers, pale beings with extraordinary powers who appear to manipulate the entire city.

If you like The Matrix, you might like Dark City too; you may have even caught it on TV. The film has cerebral, thought-provoking ideas and great production design that depicts the titular city as noir, gothic, futuristic, and nightmarish all at once. Its ideas about identity and free will are similar to The Matrix, but it predates The Wachowskis‘ masterpiece by a whole year. Sewell’s understated performance is supported by a strong cast that includes William Hurt, Jennifer Connelly, and Kiefer Sutherland. It is the rare sci-fi film where the world itself is the mystery, making us want to return to it immediately after watching it.

‘The Thing’ (1982)

Image via Universal Pictures

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The Thing starts when a group of American researchers encounters a mysterious Norwegian crew pursuing a sled dog. After bringing the animal back to their station, they soon discover that the creature is actually an extraterrestrial organism capable of perfectly imitating other living beings. The crew on the isolated base is immediately consumed by paranoia as they do not know who to trust.

Initially dismissed by critics, John Carpenter‘s The Thing has become a must-see in the sci-fi genre. Its simple, claustrophobic premise is executed brilliantly and effectively, with Carpenter showing remarkable restraint in showing and explaining the creature, putting the audience in the dark just like the characters. When the creature’s on screen, the practical effects are extraordinary, and the grotesque transformations are still disturbing today because they have a tactile, physical quality that digital effects often struggle to reproduce. During the first watch, audiences are transformed into detectives, trying to figure out who the creature is; upon rewatching, they can instead focus on smaller details.

‘Sunshine’ (2007)

Image via Searchlight Pictures

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In Sunshine, the Sun is dying, and it brings humanity on Earth closer to extinction. A crew of astronauts, which includes physicist Robert Capa (Cillian Murphy), is sent aboard the spacecraft Icarus II to deliver a massive nuclear payload into the Sun in the hope of reigniting it. Their already desperate situation becomes more complicated when they discover an active distress signal from the abandoned Icarus I.

Directed by Danny Boyle, Sunshine is an underrated, near-perfect sci-fi film with an insanely talented ensemble including Murphy, Michelle Yeoh, Rose Byrne, Hiroyuki Sanada, Benedict Wong and Chris Evans—that cast alone warrants a rewatch. Despite the modest budget, the production design is incredible and intricate, further elevated by Boyle’s kinetic and unpredictable style. The characters’ competing ideas about duty, survival, sacrifice, and humanity’s future give the increasingly frantic second half real emotional weight, and the infamous third act will completely catch audiences by surprise

‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind’ (1984)

Image via Toei Company

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Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind follows Princess Nausicaä, the young leader of a small kingdom surrounded by a vast toxic jungle. When the militaristic kingdom of Tolmekia invades Nausicaä’s valley and attempts to resurrect an ancient weapon, she becomes caught between opposing sides that see the natural world either as an enemy to destroy or a resource to control. Nausicaä has to find a way to prevent civilization from repeating the destructive mistakes that nearly destroyed the planet in the first place.

In Studio Ghibli’s great filmography, Nausicaä is often overlooked because it’s one of Hayao Miyazaki‘s earliest works. He makes the environmental themes inseparable from the characters, worldbuilding, and adventure. The titular character is extraordinary because her compassion allows her to understand a world that everyone else fails to comprehend. Moreover, the animation remains breathtaking decades later. It is also incredibly rewatchable, especially if you have seen Miyazaki’s other, more popular movies like Princess Mononoke or The Boy and the Heron.

‘Brazil’ (1985)

Image via Universal Pictures

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In a dystopian society where bureaucracy is king despite poor systems, Brazil follows Sam Lowry (Jonathan Pryce), a low-level government employee who dreams of escaping his routine by imagining himself as a hero who rescues a mysterious woman. His fantasies begin to blur with reality when he meets a woman who resembles the one he sees in his dreams. After a bureaucratic error leads to the wrongful arrest and death of an innocent man, Sam becomes increasingly suspicious of the system he works for.

Bureaucracy is always the bane of every citizen’s existence. Terry Gilliam criticizes and satirizes it through a funny, imaginative, and visually spectacular sci-fi film. The surreal, often disturbing imagery in this neo-noir sci-fi perfectly reflects the plot, where everything is complicated and out of proportion. The result is an absurd and unique experience unlike any other. Pryce brings a vulnerable and engaging energy, supported by household names like Ian Holm and a particularly memorable Robert De Niro. With its endless details, satirical ideas, and relevance, Brazil is deserving of a rewatch.

‘District 9’ (2009)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

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In Johannesburg, after an alien spacecraft has appeared above the city, thousands of extraterrestrial refugees are relocated to a slum known as District 9. The film follows Wikus (Sharlto Copley), an overly enthusiastic employee sent into District 9 to oversee the aliens’ relocation. However, he is exposed to an alien substance that transforms his body into something more like the aliens.

District 9feels nearly perfect because it seamlessly combines its sci-fi premise with social commentary. The documentary-like style heightens the realism and makes it feel grounded. In his first feature film, Neill Blomkamp balances political allegory with entertainment value, complete with fantastic creature design and great visual effects. Copley’s Wikus is also an effective protagonist because he begins as someone the audience has little reason to admire, and his transformation forces both him and us to reconsider the way he treats the aliens. Released almost two decades ago, the film is still eerily relevant to the political and social climate of today.

The world is still mourning the loss of Dolly Parton, who died at 80 years old following a brief battle with cancer. The legendary singer leaves behind a remarkable legacy spanning more than six decades, with generations of fans celebrating her music and larger-than-life personality.

However, the tributes have been accompanied by a wave of AI-generated content and insensitive social media posts about her death, prompting her sister, Stella, to speak out.

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Dolly Parton passed away on August 25, and tributes to the Queen of Country Music continue to pour in. Amid her grief, Dolly’s younger sister, Stella, took to Instagram and called out the AI slop spreading online.

She prefaced her post by expressing gratitude to those who have shown “genuine” support amid a challenging time for her family, then went on to address fake photos and misinformation spreading online.

“There is a tremendous amount of AI and endless garbage being posted everyday and it’s been challenging to absorb and or ignore,” Stella wrote.

An outpouring of love for Dolly has filled social media following her death, but there are also fake images and fabricated claims being spread about the country legend. Stella noted that some people are exploiting Dolly’s death, and after a while, they would move on to the “next stampede of endless misinformation.”

Stella Parton Calls For ‘More Compassion’ Amid Family’s Grief

Stella highlighted Dolly’s love for all her fans, noting that it was one of the reasons her sister did not openly discuss divisive topics such as religion and politics.

“She knew as well as anyone what a negative vortex that could turn into which is nothing but a huge waste of positive energy,” Stella wrote, adding that Dolly used her fame to be a positive influence in the world.

Stella asked the public to show “more compassion and wisdom” as Dolly’s family navigates their grief and processes the huge loss in their lives.

“It’s not about the most clever comments, fake AI garbage, or snarky tweets. At the end of the day or the end of a life, how will you feel about yourself?” she wrote.

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Fake Dolly Parton Images And Claims Made Online Rounds

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Many false claims about Dolly spread shortly after her death. Some spread conspiracy theories, claiming the singer died of the COVID-19 vaccine. As The Blast previously reported, Dolly donated $1 million to COVID-19 research efforts in 2020 amid the pandemic.

Days following her death, YouTube videos popped up with thumbnails showing the singer in a hospital gown lying down on a bed, as reported by Mashable. Many people believed they were real, despite the “Made with AI” label.

Moreover, Dolly’s fans are also targeted by scammers. Fraudsters set up fake donation accounts, using the singer’s likeness to con her fans into believing they were supporting one of the causes Dolly championed, as noted by Newsweek.

Dolly Parton Previously Addressed Fake AI Deathbed Images

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Several months before her passing, AI images of Dolly on her deathbed spread like wildfire amid her health issues.

The AI-generated photos showed her in a hospital bed with a nasal cannula while Reba McEntire stood at her bedside, seemingly wiping tears.

Dolly updated her fans on social media, posting a video showing that she wasn’t as sick as many thought. She expressed her appreciation for her fans’ concern and also addressed the fake AI images. “They had Reba at my deathbed,” she said, joking that they both looked like they “need to be buried.”

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She reassured her fans that despite her health issues, she was not on her deathbed and was still hard at work.

Several Dolly Parton Tributes Are Scheduled To Take Place

Numerous tributes, events, and screenings have been scheduled to honor Dolly.

On October 1, the “Backwoods Barbie” tribute show featuring Daphne Moens will take place at The Palace Theatre in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. The show will celebrate the country icon’s career, with Moens singing some of Dolly’s biggest hits.

A theatrical tribute, “The Dolly Show,” will be held on a few dates starting October 23 at the Brown County Music Center in Nashville, Indiana. Kelly O’Brien, who is endorsed by the singer’s family, will star as Dolly.

The singer’s estate is also planning “Dollyfest: The Celebrations of a Lifetime,” a two-day festival scheduled for 2027.

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