No matter how many fans you ask, you're likely to encounter a bit of controversy when you ask which of John Carpenter's films demonstrate his very best storytelling sensibilities. I know how many would answer that question, but -- hands down -- his Escape From New York (1981) takes the prize in my book. It's a perfect film -- perfectly contained, much like the prisoners of the famed U.S. city -- and it moves on its own energy from start-to-finish. Kurt Russell was in top form, and who doesn't love a bit of Harry Dean Stanton, Adrienne Barbeau, and Isaac Hayes to round out the wild bunch? It first premiered (at a film festival) on this day back then, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the future, crime is out of control and New York City's Manhattan is a maximum security prison. Grabbing a bargaining chip right out of the air, convicts bring down the President's plane in bad old Gotham. Gruff Snake Plissken, a one-eyed lone warrior new to prison life, is coerced into bringing the President, and his cargo, out of this land of undesirables."
For the record:
At the 1982 Saturn Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, Escape From New York enjoyed four nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"In the future, crime is out of control and New York City's Manhattan is a maximum security prison. Grabbing a bargaining chip right out of the air, convicts bring down the President's plane in bad old Gotham. Gruff Snake Plissken, a one-eyed lone warrior new to prison life, is coerced into bringing the President, and his cargo, out of this land of undesirables."
For the record:
At the 1982 Saturn Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, Escape From New York enjoyed four nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
Wallace Beery maintains the distinction of starring in the very first cinematic adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic SciFi novel -- The Lost World (1925) -- a tale exploring a realm where dinosaurs still roam. Though he's no longer with us, Beery was born on this day in 1885. [Source: IMDB.com]
Earlier in his career, character actor George Grizzard made appearances in such genre properties as One Step Beyond and The Twilight Zone; late in his life, he showed up aboard NBC's Third Rock From The Sun for posterity's sake. Though he's no longer with us, Grizzard was born on this day in 1928. [Source: IMDB.com]
Director Michael O'Herlihy was a seasoned television veteran with over eighty different screen credits to his name. Genre fans were treated to his visions aboard such properties as Star Trek, Mission:Impossible, Man From Atlantis, and Logan's Run (TV). Though he's no longer with us, O'Herlihy was born on this day in 1928. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though she only appeared sparingly in Star Trek's first televised season, Grace Lee Whitney is fondly remembered by Trek enthusiasts as a member of the starship's crew. She reprised the role of Janice Rand in Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, and even made an appearance on Star Trek: Voyager for good measure. Though she's no longer with us, Whitney was born on this day in 1930. [Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable George Baker joined Tom Baker for "Login," a four-part story in the ever-growing mythology of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Though he's no longer with us, Baker was born on this day in 1931. [Source: IMDB.com]
Sorry, kids, but Captain Video And His Video Rangers was well before my time: sure, I've heard of it, but I've never had the good fortune of taking it in. However, I do know that Don Hastings played one of the Video Rangers on the show, and that's why I mention him here. Hastings was born on this day in 1934. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though he's probably better remembered for his 80's performances in a few Clint Eastwood comedies of that era, John Quade also made a key appearance to Buck Rogers in the 25th Century's first season. Though he's no longer with us, Quade was born on this day in 1938. [Source: IMDB.com]
Sadly, the lovely Carol White met her fate at the hands of an evil queen aboard Hammer Films' Prehistoric Women aka Slave Girls (1967). Though she's no longer with us, White was born on this day in 1943. [Source: IMDB.com]
The luminous Heather Young made so much of the late 1960's Land of the Giants a joy to watch. She also had a small role on board Galactica 1980. Young was born on this day in 1945. [Source: IMDB.com]
I fell in love with Annette O'Toole back when she played the sassy barkeep/girlfriend to Nick Nolte's police detective in Walter Hills' excellent 48 Hours, but it was great to see her play 'Martha Kent,' adoptive mother to her son Clark, on the WB's hit Smallville for all of those years. O'Toole was born on this day in 1952. [Source: IMDB.com]
Director Barry Sonnenfeld has been understandably acclaimed for bringing a unique theatrical vision to projects he's directed. He brought some inspired lunacy to the big screen rebooting of The Addams Family franchise before helming the SciFi juggernaut that the Men In Black property became. Sonnenfeld was born on this day in 1953. [Source: IMDB.com]
The delicious Jennifer Runyon had only a bit part in Ghostbusters (1984), but she went on to work in Space, Quantum Leap, and Carnosaur (1993). Runyon was born on this day in 1960. [Source: IMDB.com]
Michael Praed headlined Nightfliers (1987), a SciFi/Cult film dealing with the crew of a spaceship trying to survive against their craft's own artificial intelligence. He also joined the cast of the underrated The Secret Adventures of Jules Verne in 2000. Praed was born on this day in 1960. [Source: IMDB.com]
As a long-time comics book reader myself, I can certainly appreciate the work scribe James Robinson has brought to so many titles. He's written on such books as Batman, The Terminator, Green Lantern, Superman, and Starman to name but a few. Robinson was born on this day in 1963. [Source: IMDB.com]
According to IMDB.com, the talented Marcus Hutton got his small screen debut in the role of 'Sgt. Leigh' aboard Doctor Who's "The Curse of Fenric." Hutton was born on this day in 1964. [Source: IMDB.com]
Screenwriter Naren Shankar has been a part of some of the best Science Fiction programming of a generation, including scripts for such properties as Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Outer Limits, Farscape, SeaQuest 2032, Almost Human, and The Expanse. Shankar was born on this day in 1964. [Source: Memory Alpha]
Earlier in her professional career, the lovely Jane Adams had a guest stint aboard an episode of The Outer Limits. Adams was born on this day in 1965. [Source: IMDB.com]
In a relatively short time within the entertainment industry, the lovely Traci Lind amassed a solid record in genre projects, including work in The Handmaid's Tale (1990), Class of 1999 (1990), and several horror flicks. Lind was born on this day in 1968. [Source: IMDB.com]
The sexy-beyond-compare Sung Hi Lee (above right) has certainly dabbled in genre entertainment. She's enjoyed screen time in such properties as Mortal Kombat: Conquest, Good Vs. Evil, Black Scorpion, Birds of Prey, and Lost. Lee was born on this day in 1970. [Source: IMDB.com]
Lovely Jessica Collins followed along as the Leprechaun franchise went skyward in Leprechaun 4: In Space. She also had a guest starring role aboard M.A.N.T.I.S., Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, and Star Trek: Voyager. Collins was born on this day in 1971. [Source: IMDB.com]
In the role of 'Sparks,' Australia actor Lachy Hulme joined the SciFi/Spiritual quest that was The Matrix Revolutions (2003). Hulme was born on this day in 1971. [Source: IMDB.com]
You want to see an impressive resume in genre-related voice acting? Then I encourage you to surf on over to IMDB.com and take a look at the professional CV for Troy Baker. No doubt you'll be astounded with the depth and breadth of work, most of which is the kind of entertainment SciFi fans go bonkers over. He's dabbled in both the Marvel and DC universes, including voice work on the Arkham Asylum games as well as Avengers Assemble cartoon ... and much, much more. Lanter was born on this day in 1976. [Source: IMDB.com]
David Oyelowo appeared in Christopher Nolan's Interstellar just before adding his voice to the role of Agent Kallus for Star Wars: Rebels on DisneyXD. He also booked a role in 2011's Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Oyelowo was born on this day in 1976. [Source: IMDB.com]
For reasons I don't quite understand, many SciFi fans pretty much ignored or downright hated Europa Report, but -- for all its faults -- I found it a wonderfully vivid look at just how deep space exploration might play out in the near future. One of its actresses -- the lovely Anamaria Marinca -- followed up her work in that in Brad Pitt's war flick, Fury. She's also visited the wide, wide world of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who as well as enjoyed a solid role aboard the SciFi/Drama Mars. Marinca was born on this day in 1978. [Source: IMDB.com]
JJ Feild dipped into the rich Marvel Universe with a plum role aboard Captain America: The First Avenger with Chris Evans. Feild was born on this day in 1978. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Bijou Phillips bit off a bit more than she could chew with motherhood in the SciFi/Horror hybrid, It's Alive (2008). Phillips was born on this day in 1980. [Source: IMDB.com]
As part of the crew tasked with keeping mankind from going Primeval, Hannah Spearritt made dinosaur hunting -- as well as other anomalies -- look downright sexy. Spearritt was born on this day in 1981. [Source: IMDB.com]
I've tried watching the Americanized Being Human, but, meh, it's just not for me, methinks. Still, that Sam Huntington does a nice job playing a modern-day werewolf just trying to get through life. He also played Jimmy Olsen in the tepid Superman Returns as well as appearing as a guest star on Syfy's Warehouse 13. Huntington was born on this day in 1982. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though it would appear Taran Killam is attracted to more mainstream fare, he has made appearances aboard Roswell and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014). Killam was born on this day in 1982. [Source: IMDB.com]
Oh, the Force is strong with this one, indeed! Matt Lanter helped flesh out no less than Anakin Skywalker himself aboard Cartoon Network's Star Wars: The Clone Wars throughout the program's entire run. He's also popped up in NBC's Heroes and the CW's Star-Crossed in the flesh. Lanter was born on this day in 1983. [Source: IMDB.com]
Aboard Kyle XY, the young Josh Zuckerman played science nerd Mark to geeky perfection throughout the program's third (and final) season. Zuckerman was born on this day in 1985. [Source: IMDB.com]
Critical darling Mackenzie Davis joined Ridley Scott in his trip to Mars for The Martian (2015), and then she re-upped her commitment to Science Fiction with a role in Blade Runner 2049 (2017). More recently, she turned up in the poorly received Terminator: Dark Fate (2019). Davis was born on this day in 1987. [Source: IMBD.com]
Never forget, dear reader, that Science Fiction and Fantasy come in all shapes, sizes, and (ahem) persuasions ... and the lovely Jenna Presley brought a robust take to the role of Spider-Woman in the Avengers XXX: Porn Parody (2012). She's since found religion and transitioned into a role in helping people break their addiction from pornography. Presley was born on this day in 1987. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Jessica Provencher had a small, uncredited role aboard Roland Emmerich's 2012 (2009) for good measure. Her current IMDB.com profile would suggest that she's moved on from acting to other pursuits. Provencher was born on this day in 1988. [Source: IMDB.com]
I only just a few weeks back got around to finally catching 2013's Ender's Game on one of the premium movie channels where it's making a run. I guess I didn't see what all the hubbub was about, especially given the fact that the film's release was kinda/sorta buried in controversy, much of which involved the author of the original novel, Orson Scott Card. In the flick, young Asa Butterfield takes on the lead role as the young warrior who would rule time and space. Butterfield was born on this day in 1997. [Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1916 (in Denmark), the silent era SciFi/Drama The End Of The World enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever. Directed by August Blom, the feature film starred Olaf Fønss, Carl Lauritzen, and Ebba Thomsen; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A comet, passing by Earth, causes rioting, social unrest, and major disasters that destroy the world."
"A comet, passing by Earth, causes rioting, social unrest, and major disasters that destroy the world."
On this day in 1952 (in the Philippines), the 1932-produced SciFi/Serial Buck Rogers blasted onto the silver screen. Directed by Ford Beebe and Saul A. Goodkind, the feature starred Buster Crabbe, Constance Moore, and Jackie Moran; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A 20th Century pilot named Buck Rogers and his young friend Buddy Wade awake from 500 years in suspended animation to find that the world has been taken over by the outlaw army of Killer Kane."
"A 20th Century pilot named Buck Rogers and his young friend Buddy Wade awake from 500 years in suspended animation to find that the world has been taken over by the outlaw army of Killer Kane."
On this day in 1952 (in the Philippines), George Pal's Destination Moon landed mankind of Earth's satellite. Directed by Irving Pichel, the SciFi/Thriller starred John Archer, Warner Anderson, and Tom Powers; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After their latest rocket fails, Dr. Charles Cargraves and retired General Thayer have to start over again. This time, Gen. Thayer approaches Jim Barnes, the head of his own aviation construction firms to help build a rocket that will take them to the moon. Together they gather the captains of industry and all pledge to support the goals of having the United States be the first to put a man on the moon. They build their rocket and successfully leave the Earth's gravitational pull and make the landing as scheduled. Barnes has miscalculated their fuel consumption however and after stripping the ship bare, they are still 100 lbs too heavy meaning that one of them will have to stay behind."
"After their latest rocket fails, Dr. Charles Cargraves and retired General Thayer have to start over again. This time, Gen. Thayer approaches Jim Barnes, the head of his own aviation construction firms to help build a rocket that will take them to the moon. Together they gather the captains of industry and all pledge to support the goals of having the United States be the first to put a man on the moon. They build their rocket and successfully leave the Earth's gravitational pull and make the landing as scheduled. Barnes has miscalculated their fuel consumption however and after stripping the ship bare, they are still 100 lbs too heavy meaning that one of them will have to stay behind."
A star is born! On this day in 1954 (in the United Kingdom), The Diamond Wizard were looking for a 'diamond in the rough.' (Well, cinematically, that is.) Directed by Dennis O'Keefe and Montgomery Tully, the SciFi/Drama starred Dennis O'Keefe (who also adapted the script from the Maurice Procter novel), Margaret Sheridan, and Philip Friend; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An American Treasury agent teams up with a Scotland Yard inspector to track down a group of thieves that are creating artificial diamonds out of sugar."
For the record:
I've not been able to locate a specific date in the month of April, 1957 in which The Diamond Wizard enjoyed its theatrical debut, so I'm using this temporary spot on April 1st so that I can, minimally, make readers aware of the motion picture.
"An American Treasury agent teams up with a Scotland Yard inspector to track down a group of thieves that are creating artificial diamonds out of sugar."
For the record:
I've not been able to locate a specific date in the month of April, 1957 in which The Diamond Wizard enjoyed its theatrical debut, so I'm using this temporary spot on April 1st so that I can, minimally, make readers aware of the motion picture.
On this day in 1957, the film Kronos premiered in U.S. theatres. Directed by Kurt Neumann, the SciFi/Drama starred Jeff Morrow and Barbara Lawrence, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A giant asteroid nearly five miles wide crashes into the ocean near Mexico. A trio of scientists, led by Les Gaskell, investigate, and discover a giant machine. Meanwhile, a colleague of the scientists has been possessed by an alien electricity, and is controlling the actions of a 100-foot-tall robot, which is heading for Los Angeles and destroying all in its path."
For the record:
I've not been able to locate a specific date in the month of April, 1957 in which Kronos enjoyed its U.S. theatrical debut, so I'm using this temporary spot on April 1st so that I can minimally make readers aware of the motion picture.
"A giant asteroid nearly five miles wide crashes into the ocean near Mexico. A trio of scientists, led by Les Gaskell, investigate, and discover a giant machine. Meanwhile, a colleague of the scientists has been possessed by an alien electricity, and is controlling the actions of a 100-foot-tall robot, which is heading for Los Angeles and destroying all in its path."
For the record:
I've not been able to locate a specific date in the month of April, 1957 in which Kronos enjoyed its U.S. theatrical debut, so I'm using this temporary spot on April 1st so that I can minimally make readers aware of the motion picture.
On this day in 1957 (in West Germany), The Beast Of Hollow Mountain showed itself, insuring the residents of Hollow Mountain at least six more weeks of winter. Directed by Edward Nassour and Ismael Rodriguez, the Fantasy/Horror starred Guy Madison, Patricia Medina, and Carlos Rivas. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An American cowboy living in Mexico discovers his cattle are being eaten by a giant prehistoric dinosaur."
"An American cowboy living in Mexico discovers his cattle are being eaten by a giant prehistoric dinosaur."
A star is born! On this day in 1974 (according to Metacritic.com), Dark Star enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever when it played for audiences in attendance of Filmex L.A. Written (in part) and directed by John Carpenter, the SciFi/Comedy starred Dan O'Bannon, Dre Pahich, and Brian Narelle; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the far reaches of space, a small crew, 20 years into their solitary mission, find things beginning to go hilariously wrong."
"In the far reaches of space, a small crew, 20 years into their solitary mission, find things beginning to go hilariously wrong."
A star is born! On this day in 1974 (in France), Frankenstein And The Monster From Hell enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever when it played for audiences in attendance of the Paris Festival Of Fantasy Film. An adaptation of the Mary Shelley novel directed by Terence Fisher, the SciFi/Horror starred Peter Cushing, Shane Briant, and Madeline Smith; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Baron Frankenstein works with a mental patient to reanimate the dead."
For the record:
I've been unable to locate the exact date of the film's premiere, so I'm using this April 1st date as a substitute so that I can have it listed in SciFiHistory.Net's citation pages.
"Baron Frankenstein works with a mental patient to reanimate the dead."
For the record:
I've been unable to locate the exact date of the film's premiere, so I'm using this April 1st date as a substitute so that I can have it listed in SciFiHistory.Net's citation pages.
Ouch! That's gonna leave a mark! On this day in 1976 (in Hong Kong), Autopsy opened the eyes of audiences everywhere. Written (in part) and directed by Armando Crispino, the Horror/Thriller starred Mimsy Farmer, Barry Primus, and Ray Lovelock; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young pathology doctor interning in a morgue tries to cope with a wave of suicides. A woman she just met kills herself, but she suspects someone close to her might have killed her."
"A young pathology doctor interning in a morgue tries to cope with a wave of suicides. A woman she just met kills herself, but she suspects someone close to her might have killed her."
Oooh! Who wants a kiss?! On this day in 1983, Deadly Eyes were opened up wide ... well, cinematically, that is. Directed by Robert Clouse from a screenplay adapting the James Herbert novel ("The Rats"), the SciFi/Horror starred Sam Groom, Sara Botsford, and Scatman Crothers; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Corn grain contaminated with steroids produces large rats the size of small dogs who begin feeding on the residents of Toronto. Paul, a college basketball coach, teams up with Kelly, a local health inspector, to uncover the source of the mysterious rat attacks and they eventually try to prevent the opening of a new subway line as well as find the mutant rats nest quickly, or there will be a huge massacre of the entire city!"
"Corn grain contaminated with steroids produces large rats the size of small dogs who begin feeding on the residents of Toronto. Paul, a college basketball coach, teams up with Kelly, a local health inspector, to uncover the source of the mysterious rat attacks and they eventually try to prevent the opening of a new subway line as well as find the mutant rats nest quickly, or there will be a huge massacre of the entire city!"
A star is born! On this day in 1989, a little something called Hyper Space found its way into the hearts, minds, and eyes of audiences. According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the 21st Century, the 'Corporation' sends a spaceship to dispose of earth's severe nuclear waste to a distant region in the cosmos. The astronauts awaken from their 'cryo-sleep' to truly cry over finding themselves marooned... their fuel is not sufficient to bring them back home. The shuttle craft on board that can accommodate no more than two passengers presents the only hope, and soon a 'Treasure of the Sierra Madre' type of distrust and betrayal sets in, until one by one, only one sole survivor remains."
"In the 21st Century, the 'Corporation' sends a spaceship to dispose of earth's severe nuclear waste to a distant region in the cosmos. The astronauts awaken from their 'cryo-sleep' to truly cry over finding themselves marooned... their fuel is not sufficient to bring them back home. The shuttle craft on board that can accommodate no more than two passengers presents the only hope, and soon a 'Treasure of the Sierra Madre' type of distrust and betrayal sets in, until one by one, only one sole survivor remains."
On this day in 1993 (in Czechia), RoboCop 2 enjoyed its brain-busting premiere on home video. Directed by Irvin Kershner, the SciFi/Thriller starred Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, and Belinda Bauer; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"RoboCop returns to protect the citizens of old Detroit but faces a deadly challenge when a rogue OCP member secretly creates a new, evil RoboCop 2."
"RoboCop returns to protect the citizens of old Detroit but faces a deadly challenge when a rogue OCP member secretly creates a new, evil RoboCop 2."
On this day in 1994 (in Czechia), Blue Monkey (aka Insect) enjoyed a release on home video. Directed by William Fruet, the SciFi/Horror starred Steve Railsback, Gwynyth Walsh, and Don Lake; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Detective Jim Bishop and Dr. Rachel Carson must find a way to stop a giant monstrous insect that's eating people in her quarantined hospital before it procreates and spreads a deadly infection it's carrying."
For the record:
In 2021, the fine folks at Code Red provided me a complimentary Bluray of their restored version of Blue Monkey. Fans interested in knowing what I thought of the flick can find my review right here.
"Detective Jim Bishop and Dr. Rachel Carson must find a way to stop a giant monstrous insect that's eating people in her quarantined hospital before it procreates and spreads a deadly infection it's carrying."
For the record:
In 2021, the fine folks at Code Red provided me a complimentary Bluray of their restored version of Blue Monkey. Fans interested in knowing what I thought of the flick can find my review right here.
On this day in 1995 (in Japan), Lunar Cop proved he didn't need no stinking badges. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A cop from the moon is sent to the Earth, now possessed by motorcycle-riding 'Mad Max'-like inhabitants, to stop a serum from being released that he believes is going to destroy the Earth..."
"A cop from the moon is sent to the Earth, now possessed by motorcycle-riding 'Mad Max'-like inhabitants, to stop a serum from being released that he believes is going to destroy the Earth..."
On this day in 2000, Pitch Black enjoyed a pair of special debuts. First, it was released theatrical for the people of Taiwan. Second, it played as a special engagement for audiences in attendance of the Dead By Dawn Horror Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by David Twohy, the SciFi/Horror starred Vin Diesel, Cole Hauser, and Radha Mitchell; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A commercial transport ship and its crew are marooned on a planet full of bloodthirsty creatures that only come out to feast at night. But then, they learn that a month-long eclipse is about to occur."
For the record:
Besides birthing another franchise for Science Fiction and Fantasy, Pitch Black drew the attention of those organizations that award cinematic excellence. In 2000, the screenwriter team of David Twohy, Ken Wheat, and Jim Wheat were blessed with the nomination for the Bram Stoker Award. Also, the film was nominated for the 2000 Saturn Award for 'Best Science Fiction Film.' In 2001, the International Horror Guild nominated it for the year's 'Best Movie.' For 2001's Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, Pitch Black enjoyed nominations (but no wins) for 'Best Makeup/Creature FX,' 'Best Screenplay,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Wide-Release Film.'
"A commercial transport ship and its crew are marooned on a planet full of bloodthirsty creatures that only come out to feast at night. But then, they learn that a month-long eclipse is about to occur."
For the record:
Besides birthing another franchise for Science Fiction and Fantasy, Pitch Black drew the attention of those organizations that award cinematic excellence. In 2000, the screenwriter team of David Twohy, Ken Wheat, and Jim Wheat were blessed with the nomination for the Bram Stoker Award. Also, the film was nominated for the 2000 Saturn Award for 'Best Science Fiction Film.' In 2001, the International Horror Guild nominated it for the year's 'Best Movie.' For 2001's Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, Pitch Black enjoyed nominations (but no wins) for 'Best Makeup/Creature FX,' 'Best Screenplay,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Wide-Release Film.'
A star is ... erm ... programmed? On this day in 2000, Virtual Girl showed what good girls are made of. This Adult-themed SciFi/Thriller starred Charlie Curtis and Max Dixon, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"John Lewis, a programming genius, has it all- a beautiful wife and a child, a lavish home and he's on the brink of making it big after he finishes one last project, a CD-Rom Sex Game called Virtual Girl."
"John Lewis, a programming genius, has it all- a beautiful wife and a child, a lavish home and he's on the brink of making it big after he finishes one last project, a CD-Rom Sex Game called Virtual Girl."
A star is born! On this day in 2003, a Threshold was achieved on broadcast television! Directed by Chuck Bowman, the SciFi/Drama starred Nicholas Lea and Jamie Luner, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A space shuttle crew return to Earth, bringing alien 'seeds' with them. These begin to grow into alien life-forms, needing hosts to complete their evolution... When their number reach the Threshold amount, they will be an unstoppable swarm, so it's up to two scientists to stop them before it's too late."
"A space shuttle crew return to Earth, bringing alien 'seeds' with them. These begin to grow into alien life-forms, needing hosts to complete their evolution... When their number reach the Threshold amount, they will be an unstoppable swarm, so it's up to two scientists to stop them before it's too late."
On this day in 2004 (in Denmark), the 1956-produced Forbidden Planet played for audiences in attendance of the NatFilm Festival. Directed by Fred M. Wilcox, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Leslie Nielsen, Walter Pidgeon, and Anne Francis; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A starship crew in the 23rd century goes to investigate the silence of a distant planet's colony, only to find just two survivors, a powerful robot, and the deadly secret of a lost civilization."
"A starship crew in the 23rd century goes to investigate the silence of a distant planet's colony, only to find just two survivors, a powerful robot, and the deadly secret of a lost civilization."
A star is born! On this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), S.S. Doomtrooper enjoyed its home video debut. Directed by David Flores, the SciFi/Thriller starred Corin Nemec, James Pomichter, and Marian Filali; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A genetically bred Nazi super soldier fights Allied troops."
"A genetically bred Nazi super soldier fights Allied troops."
On this day in 2009 (in France), Outlander enjoyed its debut on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Howard McCain, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jim Caviezel, Jack Huston, and Sophia Myles; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"During the reign of the Vikings, Kainan, a man from a far-off world, crash lands on Earth, bringing with him an alien predator known as the Moorwen. Though both man and monster are seeking revenge for violence committed against them, Kainan leads the alliance to kill the Moorwen by fusing his advanced technology with the Viking's Iron Age weaponry."
"During the reign of the Vikings, Kainan, a man from a far-off world, crash lands on Earth, bringing with him an alien predator known as the Moorwen. Though both man and monster are seeking revenge for violence committed against them, Kainan leads the alliance to kill the Moorwen by fusing his advanced technology with the Viking's Iron Age weaponry."
On this day in 2011 (in Spain and Finland), Battle Los Angeles explored the destruction of an alien invasion. Directed by Jonathan Liebesman, the SciFi/Thriller starred Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez, and Bridget Moynahan; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A squad of U.S. Marines becomes the last line of defense against a global invasion."
"A squad of U.S. Marines becomes the last line of defense against a global invasion."
On this day in 2011, Source Code enjoyed its full U.S. theatrical release along with a handful of other countries. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A soldier wakes up in someone else's body and discovers he's part of an experimental government program to find the bomber of a commuter train. A mission he has only 8 minutes to complete."
"A soldier wakes up in someone else's body and discovers he's part of an experimental government program to find the bomber of a commuter train. A mission he has only 8 minutes to complete."
On this day in 2015 (in France), the 1932-produced Island Of Lost Souls played for audiences in attendance of the Lyon Festival Hallucinations Collectives Film Festival. Directed by Erle C. Kenton as an adaptation of the H.G. Wells novel ("The Island Of Dr. Moreau), the SciFi/Horror starred Charles Laughton, Bela Lugosi, and Richard Arlen; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A mad doctor conducts ghastly genetic experiments on a remote island in the South Seas, much to the fear and disgust of the shipwrecked sailor who finds himself trapped there."
"A mad doctor conducts ghastly genetic experiments on a remote island in the South Seas, much to the fear and disgust of the shipwrecked sailor who finds himself trapped there."
On this day in 2016, the always lovely Rachel Nichols did what she could to save mankind from a Pandemic. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's what all of the plague was about:
"Pandemic is set in the near future, where a virus of epic proportions has overtaken the planet. There are more infected than uninfected, and humanity is losing its grip on survival. Its only hope is finding a cure and keeping the infected contained. Lauren is a doctor, who, after the fall of New York, comes to Los Angeles to lead a team to hunt for and rescue uninfected survivors."
"Pandemic is set in the near future, where a virus of epic proportions has overtaken the planet. There are more infected than uninfected, and humanity is losing its grip on survival. Its only hope is finding a cure and keeping the infected contained. Lauren is a doctor, who, after the fall of New York, comes to Los Angeles to lead a team to hunt for and rescue uninfected survivors."
On this day in 2016 (in the United Kingdom), Pandorica opened up for interested patrons. Written and directed by Tom Paton, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jade Hobday, Marc Zammit, and Adam Bond; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Pandorica is a post-apocalyptic story of three young contenders from the Varosha tribe whose bravery and compassion is put to the test in a leadership trial that no one can control."
"Pandorica is a post-apocalyptic story of three young contenders from the Varosha tribe whose bravery and compassion is put to the test in a leadership trial that no one can control."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), audiences at home were treated to the internet premiere of The Amazing Colossal Woman. Written and directed by Bill Black, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Terry Michael Acord, Brenna Barry, and John Beatty. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Dr. Carol Heisler is angry... very angry. Her rage registers with an flying saucer scanning the populace. The Alien being inside decides that she is an ideal subject for an experiment. Using its advanced technology Solopticus grows the furious female to giant size and names her GARGANTA! Now possessing tremendous power, GARGANTA starts storming through the city searching for her cheating husband. Anything or anybody that stands in her way gets stomped flat. THE AMAZING COLOSSAL WOMAN is a micro budget homage to sci-fi monster movies of yesteryear. Based on the character GARGANTA appearing in AC Comics' FEMFORCE title, this movie is a fun romp filled with cheesy elements that popularized 50's fright films... a statuesque 50 foot female, a hideous bug-eye monster, nutty scientists, overzealous military and intrepid TV newscasters. It is filmed in SOLOPTIVISION, special process that turns color into B&W and imbues this movie with an arty, comic book enhancement."
"Dr. Carol Heisler is angry... very angry. Her rage registers with an flying saucer scanning the populace. The Alien being inside decides that she is an ideal subject for an experiment. Using its advanced technology Solopticus grows the furious female to giant size and names her GARGANTA! Now possessing tremendous power, GARGANTA starts storming through the city searching for her cheating husband. Anything or anybody that stands in her way gets stomped flat. THE AMAZING COLOSSAL WOMAN is a micro budget homage to sci-fi monster movies of yesteryear. Based on the character GARGANTA appearing in AC Comics' FEMFORCE title, this movie is a fun romp filled with cheesy elements that popularized 50's fright films... a statuesque 50 foot female, a hideous bug-eye monster, nutty scientists, overzealous military and intrepid TV newscasters. It is filmed in SOLOPTIVISION, special process that turns color into B&W and imbues this movie with an arty, comic book enhancement."
A star is born! On this day in 2020 (in the U.S.), the birds and the bees were introduced to tomorrow with the home video release of Sex And The Future via the internet. Directed by Luis Carlos Hueck and Ethan Zvi Kaplan (who also penned the screenplay), the SciFi/Comedy starred Revell Carpenter, Torrey Richardson, and Janet Lopez; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When misfits Barry and Evan design their ideal woman as a robot, they realize a fortune could be made if they had the money to mass produce their prototype. A wealthy prince soon finds out about their invention and the three hatch a plan to rule the world and change sex and the future! If life were that simple."
"When misfits Barry and Evan design their ideal woman as a robot, they realize a fortune could be made if they had the money to mass produce their prototype. A wealthy prince soon finds out about their invention and the three hatch a plan to rule the world and change sex and the future! If life were that simple."
On this day in 1960, The Twilight Zone aired "Execution." This served as the twenty-sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"When a 20th-century scientist tests out his time machine he accidentally retrieves a 19th-century murderer - saving him from the hangman's noose. Unaware of the man's history, the two attempt to acclimatize him to his new surroundings."
"When a 20th-century scientist tests out his time machine he accidentally retrieves a 19th-century murderer - saving him from the hangman's noose. Unaware of the man's history, the two attempt to acclimatize him to his new surroundings."
On this day in 1967, Doctor Who aired "The Macra Terror, Part 4." This served as the thirtieth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and Polly manage to save Jamie from the Macra and then try to show the Pilot who is really in charge of the colony."
"The Doctor and Polly manage to save Jamie from the Macra and then try to show the Pilot who is really in charge of the colony."
On this day in 1972, Doctor Who aired "The Sea Devils, Part 6." This served as the fourteenth episode of the ninth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Sea Devils take over the naval base and the Doctor is forced to help the Master find a way to revive their colony."
"The Sea Devils take over the naval base and the Doctor is forced to help the Master find a way to revive their colony."
On this day in 1971 (in West Germany), Star Maidens took off on its fateful broadcast journey. The first episode was titled "Escape To Paradise," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Medusa, torn from orbit around Proxima Centauri by a comet, was sent careering through space. Ages later, with Medusa now in orbit between Uranus and Neptune, Adam and Shem escape the autocratic all-female Medusan society and head to earth."
"Medusa, torn from orbit around Proxima Centauri by a comet, was sent careering through space. Ages later, with Medusa now in orbit between Uranus and Neptune, Adam and Shem escape the autocratic all-female Medusan society and head to earth."
On this day in 1979, the adventures of the original Battlestar Galactica were starting to wind down with the airing of "Take The Celestra." Here's the plot summary according to IMDB.com:
"During a celebration honoring Commander Kronus, Starbuck recognizes an old flame of his, Aurora and breaks off a date with Cassiopeia to follow his lost love to the Celestra. On their arrival, Starbuck and Apollo find themselves in the midst of a mutiny."
"During a celebration honoring Commander Kronus, Starbuck recognizes an old flame of his, Aurora and breaks off a date with Cassiopeia to follow his lost love to the Celestra. On their arrival, Starbuck and Apollo find themselves in the midst of a mutiny."
On this day in 1981, The Greatest American Hero aired "Here's Looking At You, Kid." This served as the third episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A military aircraft with a top-secret prototype targeting system is stolen, and Bill recruits Ralph to help him find the gun-sight, during which Ralph discovers a new superpower that he is unable to control. Meanwhile, Ralph's students press a classmate to run for class president, and Pam's mother and judgmental father fly in from Minnesota to meet Ralph."
"A military aircraft with a top-secret prototype targeting system is stolen, and Bill recruits Ralph to help him find the gun-sight, during which Ralph discovers a new superpower that he is unable to control. Meanwhile, Ralph's students press a classmate to run for class president, and Pam's mother and judgmental father fly in from Minnesota to meet Ralph."
On this day in 1989, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Time Squared" as part of its second season. The story -- for all of its problems -- really looks solid, and it definitely wants to be about something; however, in the end, I thought it basically boiled down to a nifty idea sweetly executed but meant nothing. Here's the episode summary compliments of our friends at IMDB.com:
"Deep in space, the Enterprise comes across a Federation shuttle craft that is floating in space and without much power but which does exhibit the life signs of one human aboard. They bring the craft aboard only to find that it is one of their own shuttle craft and to their amazement find a duplicate, but unconscious, Captain Picard aboard. Data and Geordi Laforge manage to restore power and determine that the craft actually comes from 6 hours into the future and the shuttle's log reveals that the Enterprise will be destroyed. As the Enterprise enters a dangerous vortex and the events in the recovered shuttle's log seem to be coming true, Picard and the crew must find a way to break the time-warp cycle they seem to be in."
"Deep in space, the Enterprise comes across a Federation shuttle craft that is floating in space and without much power but which does exhibit the life signs of one human aboard. They bring the craft aboard only to find that it is one of their own shuttle craft and to their amazement find a duplicate, but unconscious, Captain Picard aboard. Data and Geordi Laforge manage to restore power and determine that the craft actually comes from 6 hours into the future and the shuttle's log reveals that the Enterprise will be destroyed. As the Enterprise enters a dangerous vortex and the events in the recovered shuttle's log seem to be coming true, Picard and the crew must find a way to break the time-warp cycle they seem to be in."
On this day in 1994, FBI Special Agents Mulder and Scully went looking for the truth 'out there' and what they found instead filled up the eighteenth episode of their first season. The hour of The X-Files was titled "Shapes," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The agents track a wolflike creature linked to a Native American legend."
"The agents track a wolflike creature linked to a Native American legend."
On this day in 1996, Babylon 5 aired "Severed Dreams." This hour served as the tenth episode to the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"When President Clark escalates his brutal repression of the people of Earth Alliance, Captain Sheridan declares Babylon 5 independent."
For the record:
I'd be remiss in my duties as promoter of All Things Genre if I failed to mention that "Severed Dreams" took home the 1997 Hugo Award in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"When President Clark escalates his brutal repression of the people of Earth Alliance, Captain Sheridan declares Babylon 5 independent."
For the record:
I'd be remiss in my duties as promoter of All Things Genre if I failed to mention that "Severed Dreams" took home the 1997 Hugo Award in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1997, the cyber-drama VR5 aired an hour titled "Parallel Lives." Here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at TV.com:
"Duncan wakes up one morning to discover that he is a wealthy and successful artist, and that it was Samantha - not Sydney - who survived the car crash as a child. Everything is turned upside down and the lives of all the characters are quite different. It all turns out to be VR scenario orchestrated by the very much alive Dr. Bloom to test Duncan's loyalty."
"Duncan wakes up one morning to discover that he is a wealthy and successful artist, and that it was Samantha - not Sydney - who survived the car crash as a child. Everything is turned upside down and the lives of all the characters are quite different. It all turns out to be VR scenario orchestrated by the very much alive Dr. Bloom to test Duncan's loyalty."
On this day in 1998, Babylon 5 aired "Phoenix Rising." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary that's been provided by IMDB.com:
"A group of telepaths hold Garibaldi and others hostage on Babylon 5."
"A group of telepaths hold Garibaldi and others hostage on Babylon 5."
On this day in 1998, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "Wrongs Darker Than Death Or Night." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"After receiving some disturbing information for Gul Dukat, Major Kira seeks Sisko's approval as Emissary to travel back in time to find out the truth about her mother."
"After receiving some disturbing information for Gul Dukat, Major Kira seeks Sisko's approval as Emissary to travel back in time to find out the truth about her mother."
