Sorry, kids, but you can chalk this up as another one I've never seen (though I did a quick search, and it looks like a very low resolution copy is available on YouTube.com for those of you interested): Mann & Machine came and went with a scant nine episodes, giving stars David Andrews and Yancy Butler a little bit of SciFi exposure in the realm of televised serials. Here's the premise as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"In the near future, cop Bobby Mann is teamed with a voluptuous robot partner, Sgt. Eve Edison. He's a brash, wise-cracking maverick; she's serious, naive, by-the-book and tends to take things literally. In this hour-long series, the two detectives learn from each other, while solving a variety of crimes."
"In the near future, cop Bobby Mann is teamed with a voluptuous robot partner, Sgt. Eve Edison. He's a brash, wise-cracking maverick; she's serious, naive, by-the-book and tends to take things literally. In this hour-long series, the two detectives learn from each other, while solving a variety of crimes."
A star is born! On this day in 1951, Howard Hawks' The Thing From Another World enjoyed a pair of first theatrical engagements, both of which took place in Ohio. (Full U.S. premiere would follow on April 7th.) With a screenplay by Charles Lederer adapted from a story by John W. Campbell Jr., the SciFi/Classic starred Kenneth Tobey, Margaret Sheridan, and James Arness. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Scientists at an Arctic research station discover a spacecraft buried in the ice. Upon closer examination, they discover the frozen pilot. All hell breaks loose when they take him back to their station and he is accidentally thawed out!"
For the record:
The Thing From Another World was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry in 2001 so that its greatness can be preserved for the ages, and that's certainly no small feat for a Science Fiction release of the era. The story was adapted in 1982 by Horror expert John Carpenter (with Kurt Russell in the lead), and his version perhaps maintains greater popularity than the original.
"Scientists at an Arctic research station discover a spacecraft buried in the ice. Upon closer examination, they discover the frozen pilot. All hell breaks loose when they take him back to their station and he is accidentally thawed out!"
For the record:
The Thing From Another World was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry in 2001 so that its greatness can be preserved for the ages, and that's certainly no small feat for a Science Fiction release of the era. The story was adapted in 1982 by Horror expert John Carpenter (with Kurt Russell in the lead), and his version perhaps maintains greater popularity than the original.
The great Spencer Tracy only flirted briefly with the realm of Science Fiction, giving audiences a chance to experience terror brought on by the tinkering with science in 1941's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Though he's no longer with us, Tracy was born on this day in 1900. [Source: IMDB.com]
Late in her professional career, acting legend Bette Davis found the realm of Science Fiction with a role aboard Return From Witch Mountain (1978). Though she's no longer with us, Davis was born on this day in 1908. [Source: IMDB.com]
Personally, I've always thought that the James Bond films were their own animal. Though they're not pure Fantasy, they certainly contain elements common to the genre; and the same could definitely be said for Science Fiction. Still, I've always tried to give them appreciative nods when it comes to SciFiHistory.Net, so sing a tune for Bond producer Albert R. Broccoli who celebrates his birthday today. Though he's no longer with us, Broccoli was born on this day in 1909. [Source: IMDB.com]
Unfortunately, screen legend Gregory Peck just never did much Science Fiction ... but can you imagine a world in which he did? Wow. Just ... wow. He did give us 1969's Marooned, so I guess we have to be thankful for small miracles. Though he's no longer with us, Peck was born on this day in 1916. [Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Robert Bloch provided scripts to such memorable properties as Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Star Trek, Journey to the Unknown, Night Gallery, Gemini Man, Tales from the Darkside, and Monsters. He's best remembered for adapting a novel into a screenplay for Alfred Hitchcock, and maybe -- though it isn't SciFi -- you've heard of it? A little something something called Psycho (1960)? Though he's no longer with us, Bloch was born on this day in 1917. [Source: IMDB.com]
If you're completely unfamiliar with the works of Roger Corman, then ... gosh ... where do I begin? First, on one level, I feel very, very sorry for you because -- despite some (ahem) obvious blemishes -- many of Corman's features are just downright fun. Granted, they may not make the most sense, but the filmmaker essentially elevated B-movies to an art form throughout his decades' worth of contribution to what rational people often dismiss as stinkers. I grew up on a steady diet of his particular flicks, and I think I ended up ok ... didn't I? Corman was born on this day in 1926. [Source: IMDB.com]
One of the better B movies in all of Sylvester Stallone's forays into such dubious territory, Demolition Man enlisted the aid of the venerable Nigel Hawthorne as 'Dr. Raymond Cocteau,' a genius who helped pull society up by its bootstraps when it needed it most. Though he's no longer with us, Hawthorne was born on this day in 1929. [Source: IMDB.com]
As much as I love the classic Star Trek (and I do love it dearly), I'll concede that the program still had episodes where the writers worked a bit too 'hard' at making some of their allegories work. (Dare I say, many of them came during the program's much maligned third season?) Still, Frank Gorshin experienced little problem in 'selling' the idea of contestable race relations to the audience, and that's a credit to his skills as an actor. Though he's no longer with us, Gorshin was born on this day in 1933. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Virginia Kiser enjoyed a brief stint aboard the much-beloved Max Headroom in the 1980's as one of Network 23's behind-the-scenes executives. In her career, she also appeared in Poltergeist (1982), Space Raiders (1983), Dreamscape (1984), and The Twilight Zone. Kiser was born on this day in 1939. [Source: IMDB.com]
When the Cylons finally made it to Earth in pursuit of the Colonial fleet on Galactica 1980, Roger Davis enjoyed a meaty guest spot alongside the original 'toasters.' The talented actor also appeared on The Twilight Zone, Dark Shadows, The Bionic Woman, Wonder Woman, and NightMan. Davis was born on this day in 1939. [Source: IMDB.com]
Michael Moriarty is a brilliant character actor who manages to create big moments with many of his smaller characters. With several decades in the entertainment business, he's been able to serve a solid number of respectable franchises, including It's Alive III: Island of the Alive, The Twilight Zone, Poltergeist: The Legacy, Strange World, PSI Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal, The Outer Limits, Stephen King's Dead Zone, and The 4400. Moriarty was born on this day in 1941. [Source: IMDB.com]
Accomplished actress Jane Asher gave SciFi a look at her acting goods with a two-part appearance in the BBC's Doctor Who spin-off, The Sarah Jane Adventures, in 2007. Asher was born on this day in 1946. [Source: IMDB.com]
The late, great A.C. Crispin played in a good number of SciFi universes, Star Trek and Star Wars and the original V ranking among her most prolific. Even her own StarBridge series bears more than a passing resemblance to the world of Trek, wherein she explores a growing universe alongside a group of young space explorers housed on an asteroid. Though she's sadly no longer with us, the illuminating Ms. Crispin was born on this day in 1950. [Source: Wikipedia.org]
One of my favorite secondary characters in all of The X-Files TV run was Assistant Director Walter Skinner, played brilliantly by the underrated Mitch Pileggi. Pileggi had this way of giving Skinner this simmering undercurrent -- was he a good guy? was he a bad guy? etc. -- that just gave the fictional creation the kind of depth needed to help make the ongoing search for the truth out there work. Pileggi was born on this day in 1952. [Source: IMDB.com]
Michael Rider had a few appearances as an unnamed transporter chief aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation's earlier episodes. He also booked an appearance in the curious Pulse (1988), a SciFi thriller-chiller about 'intelligent electricity.' Rider was born on this day in 1952. [Source: IMDB.com]
I'm still discovering much of the syndicated SciFi series Earth: Final Conflict, and I certainly recognize Von Flores for his work as 'Ronald Sandoval' from the show. He's also visited War of the Worlds, TekWar, TekWar: TekLords, TekWar: Tek Justice, Forever Knight, Johnny Mnemonic (1995), Darkman III: Die Darkman Die (1996), The Adventures of Sinbad, Johnny 2.0 (1997), Universal Soldier II: Brothers in Arms (1998), Starhunter, ReGenesis, Lost Girl, Killjoys, and Dark Matter. Flores was born on this day in 1960. [Source: IMDB.com]
The beautiful Lisa Zane joined Heath Ledger and a host of familiar faces aboard the TV/Fantasy series Roar (1997). She's also booked roles on Iron Man (animated), The Incredible Hulk (animated), The Outer Limits, Monkeybone (2001), and Dinotopia. Zane was born on this day in 1961. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though the subject of her death belongs to one of the most bizarre Hollywood trials of all time, Lana Clarkson's life is definitely worth celebrating by SciFi and Fantasy fans. In her time in the business, she acted in such properties as Deathstalker (1983), Brainstorm (1983), Knight Rider, Barbarian Queen (1985), Amazing Stories, Wizards of the Lost Kingdom II (1989), Barbarian Queen II: The Empress Strikes Back, and Black Scorpion. Though she's no longer with us, Clarkson was born on this day in 1962. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Rebecca McFarland shared the fruits of her domain with a very happy Neelix aboard Star Trek: Voyager. She also appeared on Syfy's short-lived Tremors series. McFarland was born on this day in 1966. [Source: Memory Alpha]
Always appreciate the smaller roles because you never know when you're going to brush with greatness again: such is the case for actress Tasia Valenza who -- at first glance -- may not have much cause for celebration 'round these parts if only her appearance aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation's relatively forgettable first season episode, "Coming Of Age," is any indication. Closer inspection shows you that she's also worked on the fantastic Space: Above and Beyond, provided scores of voice work for any number of terrific animated projects, as well as bringing no less than Jedi master Shaak Ti alive on Star Wars: The Clone Wars TV show. Valenza was born on this day in 1967. [Source: IMDB.com]
Wendy Braun has dabbled in screen roles as well as voiceovers in the realm of genre entertainment. She's contributed to such projects as The Burning Zone, Good Vs Evil, Evolution (2001), Lost, Mass Effect (video game), Children of the X Files (2009), and Lego Jurassic World (video game). Braun was born on this day in 1970. [Source: IMDB.com]
IMDB.com reports that not only does Canadian-born Thea Gill have the goods to act but also she's a very talented jazz singer. Kudos to the lady for keeping those pipes busy! Her resume isn't heavy on genre roles, but I've learned to take what we can get 'round here; and -- in that spirit -- let's show a bit of respect for work aboard Forever Knight, Andromeda, Masters Of Horror, Seed (2006), Dante's Cove, Ghost Whisperer, Riverworld (2010), and Stonados (2013). Gill was born on this day in 1970. [Source: IMDB.com]
Krista Allen may not be that much of an accomplished actress, but -- to her credit -- she's easy on the eyes and she gets plenty of work. That has to count for something. She's booked appearances in such properties as The X-Files, Mutant X, Smallville, Andromeda, Paycheck, Feast, and Alien Presence. Allen was born on this day in 1971. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though she's mostly known for her work in some highbrow British dramas and melodramas, Victoria Hamilton provided vocals for a small handful of characters in the 2011 video game property, Star Wars: The Old Republic, for LucasArts Entertainment Company. May the Force be with her! Hamilton was born on this day in 1971. [Source: IMDB.com]
Alexander Enberg enjoyed a pretty terrific run in SciFi entertainment. Since being bitten with the acting bug, he's been a part of Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Invisible Man, and Star Trek: Voyager. Enberg was born on this day in 1972. [Source: IMDB.com]
Talk about your multi-talents? Consider Alexandra Lydon. She's an actress with degrees in Drama and Psychology. But she's also a writer and producer, having penned such works as The Broad Squad and Worst Laid Plans. If IMDB.com is correct, she's also co-founded a comedy show at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. As for her genre credentials? Well, that would be her under make-up in an episode from a little something something called Star Trek: Enterprise. Lydon was born on this day in 1979. [Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Tom Riley (pictured above with Jenna Coleman) has quite an impressive history at playing characters from history lately. Over on the Starz Network original, he's doing a masterful job bringing Leonardo da Vinci to life on the stellar Da Vinci's Demons (highly recommended by my household), and he recently appeared as no less than Robin Hood in a clever episode of the BBC's Doctor Who. Riley was born on this day in 1981. [Source: IMDB.com]
I gave ABC TV's Agent Carter a chance to ignite a fire in me. And why wouldn't it? You take the stunningly lovely Hayley Atwell -- the same British actress who brought the character to life in Capt. America: The First Avenger -- and give her a limited-run series on the boob tube. Why, it seemed like a match made in heaven. Meh. Color me unimpressed. Still, I assign no blame to Hayley. She's a beaut! Atwell was born on this day in 1982. [Source: IMDB.com]
The gifted Marshall Allman turned up in the 2016 season of AMC's popular Artificial Intelligence drama, Humans. Allman was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
It's war! The lovely Mélanie St-Pierre served up a SciFi slice of cheese in the direct-to-DVD release, Garm Wars: The Last Druid (2014). The actress has also contributed voicework to several gaming properties. St-Pierre was born on this day in 1985. [Source: IMDB.com]
Model, actress, and Playboy Playmate Anna Sophia Berglund knows how to turn more than a few heads. Her genre credentials are a bit light -- she's really only begun building a resume -- so let's be thankful for small roles aboard Space Station 76 (2014) and Living Among Us (2018) to tide us over in the meantime. Berglund was born on this day in 1986. [Source: IMDB.com]
The stunning Lily James continues to impress in works that heavily flirt with the fantastical. She's been seen aboard such hot properties as Wrath of the Titans (2012), Cinderella (2015), and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016). James was born on this day in 1989. [Source: IMDB.com]
Freddie Fox dipped his toes into the realm of Fantasy with a role aboard Victor Frankenstein (2015). He's also enjoyed screen time in King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017). Fox was born on this day in 1989. [Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1940, one of the earlier big screen Fantasies of note -- One Million B.C. -- premiered. IMDB.com credits a trio of screenwriters -- Mickell Novack, George Baker, and Joseph Frickert -- as responsible for the original script with some additional 'descriptive narration' provided by Grover Jones. Directed by Hal Roach and Hal Roach Jr., the Fantasy feature starred Victor Mature, Carole Landis, and Lon Chaney Jr.; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Tale of Prehistoric survival and love between a male and a female belonging to opposing tribes that happened to be at slightly different stages of evolution."
For the record:
At the 1941 Academy Awards, One Million B.C. was nominated for Oscars in the categories of 'Best Effects - Special Effects' and 'Best Music - Original Score' but went home without a trophy. The film also received a nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form' from the 1941 Hugo Awards, but it also lost out on that win.
"Tale of Prehistoric survival and love between a male and a female belonging to opposing tribes that happened to be at slightly different stages of evolution."
For the record:
At the 1941 Academy Awards, One Million B.C. was nominated for Oscars in the categories of 'Best Effects - Special Effects' and 'Best Music - Original Score' but went home without a trophy. The film also received a nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form' from the 1941 Hugo Awards, but it also lost out on that win.
A star is born! On this day in 1954 (in the U.S.), television audiences were treated to the small screen launch of an all-new space franchise with the premiere of Beyond The Moon. Directed by Hollingsworth Morse from a script by Warren Wilson, the feature starred Richard Crane, Scotty Beckett, and Sally Mansfield. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"This outer space adventure marked the debut of Rocky Jones and his Space Rangers. Two of Rocky's allies are captured by aliens and brain washed."
"This outer space adventure marked the debut of Rocky Jones and his Space Rangers. Two of Rocky's allies are captured by aliens and brain washed."
On this day in 1957 (in Italy), the original Godzilla roared onto the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed by Ishirô Honda, the Monster Movie Classic starred Takeo Murata, Akihiko Hirata, and Akira Takarada; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"American nuclear weapons testing results in the creation of a seemingly unstoppable, dinosaur-like beast."
For the record:
Well, well, well ... it certainly goes without saying that Godzilla should be honored for established one of the silver screen's biggest monster franchises. It has lasted decades, and the singular lumbering creature has destroyed cities in countless sequels, spin-offs, and reboots. The truth is that Godzilla will probably outlive us all, even with his continuing exposure to lethal radiation.
"American nuclear weapons testing results in the creation of a seemingly unstoppable, dinosaur-like beast."
For the record:
Well, well, well ... it certainly goes without saying that Godzilla should be honored for established one of the silver screen's biggest monster franchises. It has lasted decades, and the singular lumbering creature has destroyed cities in countless sequels, spin-offs, and reboots. The truth is that Godzilla will probably outlive us all, even with his continuing exposure to lethal radiation.
On this day in 1957 (in the Netherlands), Satellite In The Sky soared onto the silver screen. Directed by Paul Dickson, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Kieron Moore, Lois Maxwell, and Donald Wolfit. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The British launch the world's first orbital vehicle. Their military sends a super-bomb along, which goes wrong and threatens the crew and a stowaway."
"The British launch the world's first orbital vehicle. Their military sends a super-bomb along, which goes wrong and threatens the crew and a stowaway."
On this day in 1962, Walt Disney's Moon Pilot took a shot for the stars. Directed by James Neilson, the SciFi/Comedy starred Tom Tryon, Brian Keith, and Edmond O'Brien; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An Air Force captain inadvertently volunteers to make the first manned flight around the moon. He immediately falls under the watchful protection of various security agencies, but despite all their precautions, a young woman who may be an enemy spy succeeds in making contact with the captain. The captain eventually discovers that this woman is not an enemy but rather a friend from a very unusual source."
"An Air Force captain inadvertently volunteers to make the first manned flight around the moon. He immediately falls under the watchful protection of various security agencies, but despite all their precautions, a young woman who may be an enemy spy succeeds in making contact with the captain. The captain eventually discovers that this woman is not an enemy but rather a friend from a very unusual source."
On this day in 1967 (in Canada), One Million Years B.C. transported audiences back in time to the days of giant turtles. Directed by Don Chaffey, the Fantasy feature starred Racquel Welch, John Richardson, and Percy Herbert; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Prehistoric man Tumak is banished from his savage tribe and meets pretty Loana, who belongs to a gentler coastal tribe but he must fight caveman Payto to win her favors."
For the record:
Essentially, this Hammer production is famous for suiting up the lovely Racquel Welch in character-placed patches of fur, but IMDB.com reports that producers originally sought Ursula Andress for the role. She allegedly turned it down over salary considerations.
"Prehistoric man Tumak is banished from his savage tribe and meets pretty Loana, who belongs to a gentler coastal tribe but he must fight caveman Payto to win her favors."
For the record:
Essentially, this Hammer production is famous for suiting up the lovely Racquel Welch in character-placed patches of fur, but IMDB.com reports that producers originally sought Ursula Andress for the role. She allegedly turned it down over salary considerations.
A star is born! On this day in 1967 (in the U.S.), the good people of Champaign, Illinois woke up to the Apocalypse when The Degenerates made its silver screen debut in theaters. Written (in part) and directed by Andy Milligan, the SciFi/Thriller starred Bryarly Lee, Marcia Howard, and Anne Linden. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a post-nuclear holocaust world, a three nomadic men are accosted by a group of five murderous women living in a secluded farmhouse."
"In a post-nuclear holocaust world, a three nomadic men are accosted by a group of five murderous women living in a secluded farmhouse."
On this day in 1968 (in Finland), the original Planet Of The Apes enjoyed a theatrical release. Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner and based on the novel by Pierre Boulle (with the adaptation in part completed by The Twilight Zone master Rod Serling), the feature starred Charlton Heston, Kim Hunter, and Roddy McDowall, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An astronaut crew crash-lands on a planet in the distant future where intelligent talking apes are the dominant species, and humans are the oppressed and enslaved."
For the record:
Decades later, Planet Of The Apes continues to impress both with the impact of the original film as well as the franchise's recreation in the 2000's. The feature was nominated for the 1969 Oscars in both the Best Costume Design and the Best Music (Original Score) categories but failed to capture the prized statue. Legendary make-up technician John Chambers did, however, secure an honorary Oscar for his achievements in bringing the Apes to life for the motion picture. So far as this viewer is concerned, I prefer these original Apes over the CGI creations of the modern era.
"An astronaut crew crash-lands on a planet in the distant future where intelligent talking apes are the dominant species, and humans are the oppressed and enslaved."
For the record:
Decades later, Planet Of The Apes continues to impress both with the impact of the original film as well as the franchise's recreation in the 2000's. The feature was nominated for the 1969 Oscars in both the Best Costume Design and the Best Music (Original Score) categories but failed to capture the prized statue. Legendary make-up technician John Chambers did, however, secure an honorary Oscar for his achievements in bringing the Apes to life for the motion picture. So far as this viewer is concerned, I prefer these original Apes over the CGI creations of the modern era.
A star is born! On this day in 1973 (in Mexico), Misión Suicida (aka Suicide Mission) enjoyed its first (and, apparently, only) cinematic screening of record (as per IMDB.com). Directed by Federico Curiel from a script by Rafael García Travesi and Fernando Osés, the film starred Santo, Lorena Velázquez, and Elsa Cárdenas. According to our friends at the aforementioned IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Santo must investigate a secret conspiracy involving a spy training camp, a brainwashing plot and a kidnapped Nazi scientist."
"Santo must investigate a secret conspiracy involving a spy training camp, a brainwashing plot and a kidnapped Nazi scientist."
A star is born! On this day in 1979 (in Italy), Encounters In The Deep rose up from the depths. Directed by Tonino Ricci from a script by Jaime Comas Gil, the SciFi/Fantasy feature starred Andrés García, Gianni Garko, and Gabriele Ferzetti; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An oceanographer diving in the Bermuda Triangle discovers an undersea world."
"An oceanographer diving in the Bermuda Triangle discovers an undersea world."
A star is born! On this day in 1989 (in the U.S.), The Bronx Executioner enjoyed its debut in the home video marketplace. Written (in part) and directed by Vanio Amici, the SciFi/Thriller starred Gabriele Gori, Margie Newton, and Chuck Valenti; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a futuristic New York City, a cyborg goes on a killing spree."
"In a futuristic New York City, a cyborg goes on a killing spree."
A star is born! On this day in 1992 (in the U.S.), watchers at home were treated to the television premiere of Steel Justice (aka Robosaurus). Written (in part) and directed by Christopher Crowe, the SciFi/Thriller starred J.A. Preston, Roy Brocksmith, and John Finn. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Robosaurus arrives in this futuristic tale of a policeman's dangerous job in a violent city. The robot and the cop team up to fight a crusade against evil."
"Robosaurus arrives in this futuristic tale of a policeman's dangerous job in a violent city. The robot and the cop team up to fight a crusade against evil."
On this day in 2005 (in Canada), the 1995-produced Judge Dredd enjoyed its premiere on DVD. Directed by Danny Cannon, the SciFi/Thriller starred Sylvester Stallone, Diane Lane, and Armand Assante; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a dystopian future, Joseph Dredd, the most famous Judge (a police officer with instant field judiciary powers), is convicted for a crime he did not commit and must face his murderous counterpart."
For the record:
Erm ... I guess the best I can say -- if I'm being kind -- is that this incarnation of Judge Dredd just wasn't meant to be. Stallone is a marquee actor, and I have to wonder if the script wasn't crafted to keep his face out from under Dredd's signature helmet, but it is what it is. Still, the film was technically proficient and definitely looked good. It garnered Saturn Award nominations for 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-up,' and 'Best Special Effects,' yet lost in all categories. Stallone and Schneider did have solid chemistry in this buddy picture, so I guess we have to be thankful for small favors.
"In a dystopian future, Joseph Dredd, the most famous Judge (a police officer with instant field judiciary powers), is convicted for a crime he did not commit and must face his murderous counterpart."
For the record:
Erm ... I guess the best I can say -- if I'm being kind -- is that this incarnation of Judge Dredd just wasn't meant to be. Stallone is a marquee actor, and I have to wonder if the script wasn't crafted to keep his face out from under Dredd's signature helmet, but it is what it is. Still, the film was technically proficient and definitely looked good. It garnered Saturn Award nominations for 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-up,' and 'Best Special Effects,' yet lost in all categories. Stallone and Schneider did have solid chemistry in this buddy picture, so I guess we have to be thankful for small favors.
On this day in 2013 (in Belgium), Antiviral infected audiences in attendance of the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival. Written and directed by Brandon Cronenberg, the SciFi feature starred Caleb Landry Jones, Lisa Berry, and Sarah Gadon; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a blackly satirical near future, a thriving industry sells celebrity illnesses to their obsessed fans. Employee Syd March's attempts to exploit the system backfire when they involve him in a potentially deadly mystery."
For the record:
Antiviral was the recipient of a lot of praise -- as well as a few awards and nominations -- when it made the rounds on the film festival circuit. For example, at the Chicago International Film Festival it won the coveted Gold Hugo Award in the 'After Dark Competition.'
"In a blackly satirical near future, a thriving industry sells celebrity illnesses to their obsessed fans. Employee Syd March's attempts to exploit the system backfire when they involve him in a potentially deadly mystery."
For the record:
Antiviral was the recipient of a lot of praise -- as well as a few awards and nominations -- when it made the rounds on the film festival circuit. For example, at the Chicago International Film Festival it won the coveted Gold Hugo Award in the 'After Dark Competition.'
A star is born! On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), audiences in attendance of the Dallas International Film Festival were treated to the silver screen premiere of Bounty Killer! Written (in part) and directed by Henry Saine, the Apocalypse/Thriller starred Matthew Marsden, Kristanna Loken, and Christian Pitre. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"It's been 20 years since the corporations took over the world's governments. Their thirst for power and profits led to the corporate wars, a fierce global battle that laid waste to society as we know it. Born from the ash, the Council of Nine rose as a new law and order for this dark age. To avenge the corporations' reckless destruction, the Council issues death warrants for all white collar criminals. Their hunter's - the BOUNTY KILLER. From amateur savage to graceful assassin, the BOUNTY KILLERS now compete for body count, fame and a fat stack of cash. They're ending the plague of corporate greed by exterminating the self serving CEO and providing the survivors of the apocalypse with retribution. These are the new heroes. This is the age of the BOUNTY KILLER."
ExtraExtra Alert:
Back in the days of the film's promotional efforts for its home video release, I received a complimentary DVD in exchange for a review on the site. Interested in knowing what I thought? Readers can find my review right here.
"It's been 20 years since the corporations took over the world's governments. Their thirst for power and profits led to the corporate wars, a fierce global battle that laid waste to society as we know it. Born from the ash, the Council of Nine rose as a new law and order for this dark age. To avenge the corporations' reckless destruction, the Council issues death warrants for all white collar criminals. Their hunter's - the BOUNTY KILLER. From amateur savage to graceful assassin, the BOUNTY KILLERS now compete for body count, fame and a fat stack of cash. They're ending the plague of corporate greed by exterminating the self serving CEO and providing the survivors of the apocalypse with retribution. These are the new heroes. This is the age of the BOUNTY KILLER."
ExtraExtra Alert:
Back in the days of the film's promotional efforts for its home video release, I received a complimentary DVD in exchange for a review on the site. Interested in knowing what I thought? Readers can find my review right here.
A star is born! On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), Channeling enjoyed its big screen theatrical debut when it was first screened at the International Horror & Sci-Fi Film Festival. Written and directed by Drew Thomas, the feature starred Taylor Handley, Kate French, and Skyler Day. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the near future, everything can be broadcast online. When you're vying for viewers and ratings how far will you go to beat the competition? Soldier Wyatt Maddox rushes home to his little brother's funeral, only to find his death was not as straight forward as the police would like. Taking it upon himself and with the help of Tara, his brother's online partner-in-crime, he slips in the eye-cam and sets out to solve the mystery. Little does he know how insidious the business really is."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Channeling enjoyed a great amount of attention and positive praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"In the near future, everything can be broadcast online. When you're vying for viewers and ratings how far will you go to beat the competition? Soldier Wyatt Maddox rushes home to his little brother's funeral, only to find his death was not as straight forward as the police would like. Taking it upon himself and with the help of Tara, his brother's online partner-in-crime, he slips in the eye-cam and sets out to solve the mystery. Little does he know how insidious the business really is."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Channeling enjoyed a great amount of attention and positive praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in Canada), the SciFi/Short Film Asuya enjoyed its release to the masses-at-large. Written and directed by Stephan Parent, the feature starred Jon Welch, Emmanuel Auger, and Genevieve Fontaine. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Asuya, (a cyber hacker name), was able do document on CIA LSD mind control experiments conducted under MKULTRA project. Asuya calls for an investigation into the nearly 3000 deaths at an asylum Hospital from 1952 to 1973, when CIA money was pouring into the hospital. These deaths may have provided cover for terminal experiments conducted at the hospital. She threatens to reveal everything in the media, but federal agents are on his trail with the mission to assassinate her to prevent her from speaking."
"Asuya, (a cyber hacker name), was able do document on CIA LSD mind control experiments conducted under MKULTRA project. Asuya calls for an investigation into the nearly 3000 deaths at an asylum Hospital from 1952 to 1973, when CIA money was pouring into the hospital. These deaths may have provided cover for terminal experiments conducted at the hospital. She threatens to reveal everything in the media, but federal agents are on his trail with the mission to assassinate her to prevent her from speaking."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in Israel), Criminal was brought to justice ... well, cinematically, it was. Directed by Ariel Vromen from a script by Douglas Cook and David Weisberg, the SciFi/Thriller starred Kevin Costner, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a last-ditch effort to stop a diabolical plot, a dead CIA operative's memories, secrets, and skills are implanted into a death-row inmate in hopes that he will complete the operative's mission."
"In a last-ditch effort to stop a diabolical plot, a dead CIA operative's memories, secrets, and skills are implanted into a death-row inmate in hopes that he will complete the operative's mission."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in Belgium), audiences in attendance of the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival were treated to the very first theatrical engagement of The Call Up. Written (in part) and directed by Charles Barker, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Max Deacon, Morfydd Clark, and Ali Cook. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of online gamers are invited to try a state-of-the-art virtual reality video game but things take a sinister turn when these masters of the shoot-'em-up discover that they will actually be fighting for their lives."
"A group of online gamers are invited to try a state-of-the-art virtual reality video game but things take a sinister turn when these masters of the shoot-'em-up discover that they will actually be fighting for their lives."
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in Belgium), White Chamber enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival. Written and directed by Paul Raschid, the SciFi/Thriller starred Shauna Macdonald, Oded Fehr, and Amrita Acharia. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"As Civil war rages in the United Kingdom, a woman wakes up in a blindingly white prison cell. Using its sophisticated functionality, her captor tortures her for information; information she claims not to have."
For the record:
At the 2018 BAFTA Awards in Scotland, actress Shauna Macdonald took home top honors in the category of 'Best Actress - Film.'
"As Civil war rages in the United Kingdom, a woman wakes up in a blindingly white prison cell. Using its sophisticated functionality, her captor tortures her for information; information she claims not to have."
For the record:
At the 2018 BAFTA Awards in Scotland, actress Shauna Macdonald took home top honors in the category of 'Best Actress - Film.'
On this day in 2019 (in Argentina), Alien played as part of the film's fortieth anniversary celebration for audiences in attendance of the Buenos Aires Film Festival. Directed by Ridley Scott, the film starred Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, and Harry Dean Stanton. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a space merchant vessel receives an unknown transmission as a distress call, one of the crew is attacked by a mysterious life form and they soon realize that its life cycle has merely begun."
For the record:
The original Alien was a film that I was a bit slow to love. I thought it was brilliant, but I honestly felt its 'rewatchability' was a bit low: once you knew where all the scares were, then the effect is pretty much lost. However, I gave it many, many, many second chances ... and it still manages to scare me all of these years later. In fact, I think Alien and Aliens are the only two films in all of the series that I truly am frightened by the Xenomorphs. And, of course, I'd be a fool if I failed to mention that the original won the coveted Oscar for 'Best Special Effects' in 1980. Like a great film should, Alien continues to resonate today, as I suspect will be the case for years to come.
"After a space merchant vessel receives an unknown transmission as a distress call, one of the crew is attacked by a mysterious life form and they soon realize that its life cycle has merely begun."
For the record:
The original Alien was a film that I was a bit slow to love. I thought it was brilliant, but I honestly felt its 'rewatchability' was a bit low: once you knew where all the scares were, then the effect is pretty much lost. However, I gave it many, many, many second chances ... and it still manages to scare me all of these years later. In fact, I think Alien and Aliens are the only two films in all of the series that I truly am frightened by the Xenomorphs. And, of course, I'd be a fool if I failed to mention that the original won the coveted Oscar for 'Best Special Effects' in 1980. Like a great film should, Alien continues to resonate today, as I suspect will be the case for years to come.
A star is born! On this day in 2019, Alien Warfare enjoyed its internet premiere in several countries around the world compliments of Netflix. Directed by Jeremiah Jones, the SciFi feature starred Clayton Snyder and David B. Meadows, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A team of Navy Seals investigates a mysterious science outpost only to have to combat a squad of formidable alien soldiers."
"A team of Navy Seals investigates a mysterious science outpost only to have to combat a squad of formidable alien soldiers."
On this day in 1952, Space Patrol aired "The Mysterious Moonquakes." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Solarguard.com:
"While surveying the site of a new Lunar Fleet Base on the Earth's moon, the chief engineer, Lt Bruce, discovers a rich surface deposit of rare Exonium. Keeping the discovery secret he recommends that the base be constructed elsewhere due to tremors that he reports having felt. Commander Corry rejects his recommendation and the base is constructed. Major Robertson and Tonga are in charge of selecting personnel and opening operations. Securing the position of maintenance engineer, Lt. Bruce then creates his own moonquakes, damaging several buildings and endangering the lives of the Space Patrollers until Buzz uncovers the lieutenant's greedy scheme."
"While surveying the site of a new Lunar Fleet Base on the Earth's moon, the chief engineer, Lt Bruce, discovers a rich surface deposit of rare Exonium. Keeping the discovery secret he recommends that the base be constructed elsewhere due to tremors that he reports having felt. Commander Corry rejects his recommendation and the base is constructed. Major Robertson and Tonga are in charge of selecting personnel and opening operations. Securing the position of maintenance engineer, Lt. Bruce then creates his own moonquakes, damaging several buildings and endangering the lives of the Space Patrollers until Buzz uncovers the lieutenant's greedy scheme."
On this day in 1957, Adventures Of Superman aired "The Man Who Made Dreams Come True." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A con man uses an aging monarch's superstitious beliefs against him to get the throne for himself."
"A con man uses an aging monarch's superstitious beliefs against him to get the throne for himself."
On this day in 1967, Lost In Space aired "The Mechanical Men." Officially, this served as the twenty-eighth episode in the program's second season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The planet is invaded by an army of tiny robots who closely resemble the Robinsons' Robot and proclaim him as their long-predicted king. The Robot agrees to become their king, but when he is not the ruthless ruler they expected, they decide that he needs some "Dr. Smith" in him."
"The planet is invaded by an army of tiny robots who closely resemble the Robinsons' Robot and proclaim him as their long-predicted king. The Robot agrees to become their king, but when he is not the ruthless ruler they expected, they decide that he needs some "Dr. Smith" in him."
On this day in 1989 (in West Germany), Battlestar Galactica aired "The Last Warrior." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Apollo crashes on the Wild West like planet Equellus after being pursued by four Cylon fighters. Taken in by a widow named Vella and her son Puppis, Apollo takes on crime boss La Certa and Red-Eye, a Cylon centurion turned formidable gunfighter who killed Vella's husband Martin."
"Apollo crashes on the Wild West like planet Equellus after being pursued by four Cylon fighters. Taken in by a widow named Vella and her son Puppis, Apollo takes on crime boss La Certa and Red-Eye, a Cylon centurion turned formidable gunfighter who killed Vella's husband Martin."
It all began right here: on this day in 1992, the short-lived Mann & Machine enjoyed its television debut. The series starred David Andrews and Yancy Butler, and here's the premise behind the pilot episode called "Prototype" from IMDB.com:
"Los Angeles Police Detective Bobby Mann is teamed with a cyborg cop named Eve to investigate the murders of international steel brokers. Eve finds evidence that implicates another cop, who is also Mann's childhood friend."
"Los Angeles Police Detective Bobby Mann is teamed with a cyborg cop named Eve to investigate the murders of international steel brokers. Eve finds evidence that implicates another cop, who is also Mann's childhood friend."
On this day in 1993, "The Price of Honor" aired as the tenth episode of Time Trax's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A man who is destined to be the President is approached and shaken down by a man from the future who knows a secret he doesn't reveal till several years later. When he announces that he plans to resign, Darien who idolizes the man offers to help him."
"A man who is destined to be the President is approached and shaken down by a man from the future who knows a secret he doesn't reveal till several years later. When he announces that he plans to resign, Darien who idolizes the man offers to help him."
On this day in 1997, Crime Traveller aired "Death Minister." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Holly takes Slade to task over his dependency on the machine and begs him to try and solve his latest case in the normal way."
"Holly takes Slade to task over his dependency on the machine and begs him to try and solve his latest case in the normal way."
On this day in 2000, Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles aired its penultimate episode for its only season, a tale titled "The Court-Martial of Lt. Razak." According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Roughnecks are about to be dropped on Klendathu into a hot LZ. Lt Razak tells Carmen to clear the LZ as he thinks it's too dangerous for the squad to land. Carman tells him INTEL in the form of Lt Walker ordered no weapons to be used, stealth drop only. Lt Razak overrides her and the LZ is cleared by bombs. As soon as Lt Walker finds out he tells Lt Razak that 6 squads were in that area under General Redwing but they'd lost radio contact. Lt Razak asks why he wasn't told and Walker tells him it was a covert op. on a need to know basis - and Razak didn't need to know. Back at the base Lt Razak faces a court of inquiry with Walker as prosecutor. Lt Walker charges Razak with endangering the squad and wrecking S.I.C.O.N. equipment needlessly, using troopers evidence and flash backs as proof. As the hearing goes on a swarm of bugs attacks the base prompting Lt Walker to exclaim there was a traitor in their midst feeding information to the Bugs and he points at LT Razak. One of the three Generals immediately calls for Razak to be destroyed. As soon as this happens Razak hits him with a stun charge. Whilst the court is in shock a Mind Control Bug escapes from the Generals power suit. Razak grabs a chair and kills it. Immediately the screen clears and General Redwing appears telling Lt Razak the trap for the bugs is ready and that they have no back door to escape from. Lt Walker looks at Razak and asks what was happening. Razak replies "covert operation to find the traitor. need to know basis and YOU didn't need to know". The bug assualt party is totally destroyed."
"The Roughnecks are about to be dropped on Klendathu into a hot LZ. Lt Razak tells Carmen to clear the LZ as he thinks it's too dangerous for the squad to land. Carman tells him INTEL in the form of Lt Walker ordered no weapons to be used, stealth drop only. Lt Razak overrides her and the LZ is cleared by bombs. As soon as Lt Walker finds out he tells Lt Razak that 6 squads were in that area under General Redwing but they'd lost radio contact. Lt Razak asks why he wasn't told and Walker tells him it was a covert op. on a need to know basis - and Razak didn't need to know. Back at the base Lt Razak faces a court of inquiry with Walker as prosecutor. Lt Walker charges Razak with endangering the squad and wrecking S.I.C.O.N. equipment needlessly, using troopers evidence and flash backs as proof. As the hearing goes on a swarm of bugs attacks the base prompting Lt Walker to exclaim there was a traitor in their midst feeding information to the Bugs and he points at LT Razak. One of the three Generals immediately calls for Razak to be destroyed. As soon as this happens Razak hits him with a stun charge. Whilst the court is in shock a Mind Control Bug escapes from the Generals power suit. Razak grabs a chair and kills it. Immediately the screen clears and General Redwing appears telling Lt Razak the trap for the bugs is ready and that they have no back door to escape from. Lt Walker looks at Razak and asks what was happening. Razak replies "covert operation to find the traitor. need to know basis and YOU didn't need to know". The bug assualt party is totally destroyed."
On this day in 2002, Dark Angel aired "Hello, Goodbye." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After nearly infecting Logan, Max decides to end their affair for good; Alec's haunted by the sins of his Manticore twin; also Aimes White triggers a witch hunt by leaking information about the Manticore transgenics."
"After nearly infecting Logan, Max decides to end their affair for good; Alec's haunted by the sins of his Manticore twin; also Aimes White triggers a witch hunt by leaking information about the Manticore transgenics."
On this day in 2002, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Fail Safe" as the seventeenth episode of the program's fifth season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A large asteroid is discovered on a heading straight towards Earth. If it hits, all life on Earth would likely be destroyed. SG-1 initiates a plan to repair a crashed Goa'uld cargo ship and deliver a naqahdah bomb to destroy the asteroid before it hits."
"A large asteroid is discovered on a heading straight towards Earth. If it hits, all life on Earth would likely be destroyed. SG-1 initiates a plan to repair a crashed Goa'uld cargo ship and deliver a naqahdah bomb to destroy the asteroid before it hits."
On this day in 2017, The Expanse aired "Here There Be Dragons." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Bobbie makes a decision that changes her life forever."
"Bobbie makes a decision that changes her life forever."
On this day in 2018, Siren aired "Interview With A Mermaid." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's first season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dale and the local police's investigation points directly to Ryn; Xander and Calvin's search for Chris heats up."
"Dale and the local police's investigation points directly to Ryn; Xander and Calvin's search for Chris heats up."
