The Fantasy classic The Wizard Of Oz gave actor Bert Lahr -- in the guise of the 'Cowardly Lion' -- the chance to find his courage. Though he's no longer with us, Lahr was born on this day in 1895.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Later in his professional career, Gene Raymond delved as a guest star into the world of The Outer Limits. Though he's no longer with us, Raymond was born on this day in 1908.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I'd always thought the only way to become The Vampire (1957) was to be bitten, but John Beal starred in a picture wherein medical science accidentally found a way to create one through pills. Though he's no longer with us, Beal was born on this day in 1909.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Tristram Coffin enjoyed a bit of quality time aboard King of the Rocket Men (1949). As far as genre appearances, he also booked appearances on Flight To Mars (1951), Creature with the Atom Brain (1955), Science Fiction Theatre, The Night The World Exploded (1957), and Batman. Though he's no longer with us, Coffin was born on this day in 1909.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Dave Willock's career includes a pretty solid performance aboard one of SciFi's most lampooned flicks, Queen Of Outer Space (1958) starring the late Zsa Zsa Gabor. He's also enjoyed work in It Came From Outer Space (1953), The Twilight Zone, and The Immortal. Though he's no longer with us, Willock was born on this day in 1909.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Not even the great Neville Brand could resist an appearance in the greater Fantasy realm of TV's The Twilight Zone. Though he's no longer with us, Brand was born on this day in 1920.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Buck Kartalian played the jailer 'Julius' aboard the original SciFi/Classic Planet Of The Apes (1968). He also enjoyed work aboard Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea, Batman, Octaman (1971), Conquest Of The Planet Of The Apes (1972), and Monster Squad. Though he's no longer with us, Kartalian was born on this day in 1922.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The great Willard Sage enjoyed a guest spot aboard "The Empath," a third season episode of the classic Star Trek. Though he's no longer with us, Sage was born on this day in 1922.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jane Webb had a career in voice animation that led her to roles in such properties as Fantastic Voyage, The Batman/Superman Hour, and Star Trek: The Animated Series. Though she's no longer with us, Webb was born on this day in 1925.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
For his time, Pat Harrington Jr. was arguably one of the hardest working men in television, appearing before and behind-the-screen in a variety of roles. His career even included some voicework, perhaps the most involved of which was his role aboard the Saturday morning cartoon adaptation of Jules Verne's Journey To The Center Of The Earth. Though he's no longer with us, Harrington Jr. was born on this day in 1929.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Susan Jameson grabbed a weapon and started shooting during her guest starring role aboard Space:1999. Jameson was born on this day in 1941.
Chris Tranchell enjoyed a small handful of guest appearances -- all as different characters -- aboard the greater universe of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Tranchell was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I remember Kevin Tighe back from his days on the popular TV drama, Emergency, in the 1970's, and I was thrilled that he showed up aboard ABC TV's Lost for several important episodes. Tighe was born on this day in 1944.
God bless the women who play dress-up! (Or is that "dress down"?!) The dreamy Gretchen Corbett doesn't have a lot of SciFi under her belt (ahem!), but she did enjoy screen time aboard Wonder Woman (in that immortal WW costume, I might add), PSI Factor (1980), Time Warp (1981), and the short-lived Otherworld. Corbett was born on this day in 1945.
Think what you want to think, but Patricia McNulty tried to give Charlie X some love on Star Trek ... if only the fool could've loved her back. McNulty was born on this day in 1945.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
[Source: Memory Alpha]
Jane Carr is just one of the many terrific actors and actresses who enjoyed a guest spot aboard the popular Babylon 5 during its run: she played 'Lady Timov' in the episode titled "Soul Mates." Carr was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran TV actor Richard Hawley enjoyed a guest spot aboard the short-lived Space Island One in the late 1990's. (Apologies for the poor picture quality, but it's all I've been able to locate on the World Wide Web.) Hawley was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Kathleen Gati has enjoyed supporting roles in such genre projects as Carnivàle, Ghost Whisperer, Kamen Rider: Dragon Knight, Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011), Alphas, Star Wars: The Clone Wars (animated), and Arrow. Gati was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Kathryn Graf enjoyed an ever-so-brief visit to the Promenade aboard an episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Graf was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The great Danny Bonaduce joined Barry Williams, merging their TV clout in order to face down no less than Bigfoot (2012). Bonaduce was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
It's another case of 'You Might Not Know The Face, But You've Heard The Voice!' The lovely Dawnn Lewis provided vocal life to a handful of characters aboard the long-running SciFi/Comedy Futurama during its day. As far as genre work goes, she's also found time for appearances on Sliders, The Burning Zone, Spider-Man: The Animated Series, The Incredible Hulk (animated), Early Edition, The 10th Kingdom, and iZombie. Lewis was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable John Slattery has popped up again time and time again in the Marvel Universe, playing the elder Stark (Howard), father of Tony (played by Robert Downey Jr.). Slattery was born on this day in 1962.
The dreamy Sabrina Siani made a handful of SciFi/Fantasy pictures at a time when audiences were hungry for practically anything that looked like a SciFi/Fantasy picture but was probably closer to dressed-up cheese. In any event, work aboard Gunan: King of the Barbarians (1982), Ator: The Fighting Eagle (1982), The Sword of the Barbarians (1982), 2020 Texas Gladiators (1982), and The Throne Of Fire (1983) definitely deserves our undivided attention. Siani was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: Google]
[Source: Google]
Though she's far more well known for quirky dramas, Debi Mazur did join Stephen Dorff and Dennis Hopper in 1996's SciFi comedy, Space Truckers. Mazur was born on this day in 1964.
Seana Kofoed played crazy/uptight/sexy to perfection aboard the TV comedy Men In Trees; thankfully, she had a pair of appearances aboard the short-lived Flashforward so I can feature her here. Kofoed was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Heike Makatsch joined Ed Burns in 2005's A Sound of Thunder, the tale of a scientist who inadvertantly upsets the balance of time itself with a trip back into the prehistoric era. Makatsch was born on this day in 1971.
The versatile Rolando Molina has found screen time in supporting roles aboard such properties as Virtuosity (1995), The Invaders, Good Vs. Evil, Firefly, Meteor, Touch, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Molinda was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Now that he's moved on to screenwriting and producing, there's probably not even a ghost of a chance we could convince David Monahan to revisit his role aboard The CW's long-running Fantasy show Supernatural. Monahan was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
It ain't easy being green ... but, if you're a woman at it, then you're bound to draw attention as was the case when the lovely Crystal Allen went full Orion for her appearance aboard Star Trek: Enterprise. Allen was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Voice acting veteran Michael Sinterniklaas has put his pipes to work on such programs as Bubblegum Crisis, Shaman King, Pokémon, the long-running Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and The Venture Bros. Sinterniklaas was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented James Carpinello chewed scenery as the villainous 'Mario Falcone' aboard Fox TV's Gotham series. More recently, he enjoyed a handful of episodes aboard Fox's Superhero/Drama The Gifted. Carpinello was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The luscious Jody Thompson has been building a career with small roles in some big projects, including appearances aboard NightMan, Viper, Mission to Mars (2000), Andromeda, Stargate: SG-1, Painkiller Jane, Flash Gordon, Smallville, Alien Trespass (2009), Stargate: Atlantis, and Fringe. Thompson was born on this day in 1976.
Here's a little known nugget of Superman trivia you can use to wow your friends: as it turns out, Henry Cavill (of Man Of Steel) isn't the first non-American to play Kal-El -- turns out that title goes to the li'l Lee Quigley (pictured above) in Superman: The Movie (1978). Sadly, the young actor is no longer with us, though he was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
NBC's Timeless went back in time to introduce its audience to some magnificent folks from World History, including a trip to see how George Washington -- as played by actor Damian O'Hare -- found out about Benedict Arnold ... or did he? Furthermore, the actor lent his voice to the character of 'John Constantine' aboard such DC Comics' projects as Justice League Action and Constantine: City Of Demons. O'Hare was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Kathryn Fiore provided the voice tracks for 'Venus' aboard the Metal Gear Acid2 (2005) video game. She also voiced a character for the short-lived The Batman animated series in 2008. Fiore was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Álex González enjoyed toying on the wrong side of the tracks as the villainous 'Riptide' aboard X-Men: First Class (2011). Gonzalez was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the greater Marvel movie universe, actor Sebastian Stan plays James Buchanan 'Bucky' Barnes, better known as The Winter Soldier in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Captain America: Civil War as well. Stan was born on this day in 1982.
The delicious Elçin Sangu entered the realm of broadcast Fantasy with a top role aboard the Netflix property Immortals. Sangu was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Red Vs. Blue takes a decidedly zany look within the realm of the Halo universe, and the lovely Ashley Spillers voiced one of its characters for good measure. Spillers was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Starz Networks' SciFi/Drama Counterpart initially drew heavy comparisons to Fox TV's Fringe -- parallel worlds are featured wherein central characters' 'counterparts' are all drawn into conflict with one another -- but the comparison really ends there: on its own, Counterpart has grown into a slowly smoldering potboiler that just might led to extinction for both realities if a few key players cannot stop it. Sara Serraiocco plays part-victim, part-assassin on the program, and Serraiocco was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Newcomer Anthony Keyvan has already had the chance to shine aboard a handful of popular Fantasy properties: he's worked on ABC TV's popular Lost as well as Once Upon A Time In Wonderland. Keyvan was born on this day in 2000.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day back in 1909, A Trip To Jupiter enjoyed its original U.S. theatrical engagement. This 8-minute silent era film was directed by Segundo de Chomón, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The King and his official astronomer are alone in the study viewing the heavenly bodies through the monstrous telescope. They go out on the balcony and the gay old ruler is much absorbed in the phenomenon, and spends some time in studying the stars and planets. The evening has been well spent with the many mysteries which have made such a deep impression upon the King's mind that they are still with him in his dreams. Upon retiring for the night he has a wonderful nightmare, in which he imagines that he is climbing up a long ladder to the planet Jupiter. He passes all the other planets and receives an official salute from each one in honor of his exalted position upon the earth. Finally arriving at Jupiter, he is admitted to the palace of the King, where he is granted an audience with the high potentate. They become so effusive in their welcome and so strenuous in their mode of entertaining that he wishes to be back on earth once more. Finally, after witnessing all that is to be seen, he expresses a desire to return home, so he is picked up bodily and thrown off of the planet, but luckily for him he grabs the ladder and starts to descend. As he is passing Mercury, someone cuts the ladder, his royal highness is precipitated through the air, where he lands with an awful bump on earth. And then he woke up, only to find himself groveling on the floor of his room."
"The King and his official astronomer are alone in the study viewing the heavenly bodies through the monstrous telescope. They go out on the balcony and the gay old ruler is much absorbed in the phenomenon, and spends some time in studying the stars and planets. The evening has been well spent with the many mysteries which have made such a deep impression upon the King's mind that they are still with him in his dreams. Upon retiring for the night he has a wonderful nightmare, in which he imagines that he is climbing up a long ladder to the planet Jupiter. He passes all the other planets and receives an official salute from each one in honor of his exalted position upon the earth. Finally arriving at Jupiter, he is admitted to the palace of the King, where he is granted an audience with the high potentate. They become so effusive in their welcome and so strenuous in their mode of entertaining that he wishes to be back on earth once more. Finally, after witnessing all that is to be seen, he expresses a desire to return home, so he is picked up bodily and thrown off of the planet, but luckily for him he grabs the ladder and starts to descend. As he is passing Mercury, someone cuts the ladder, his royal highness is precipitated through the air, where he lands with an awful bump on earth. And then he woke up, only to find himself groveling on the floor of his room."
On this day in 1929 (in Peru), Metropolis enjoyed its theatrical debut. Written (in part) and directed by Fritz Lang, the SciFi/Classic starred Brigitte Helm, Alfred Abel, and Fritz Rasp. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences."
For the record:
There are some who say that it wasn't until Fritz Lang's Metropolis made its silver screen debut that Science Fiction -- as a motion picture -- was truly born, and I suppose there might be a glimmer of truth to that. Arguably, the film probably wasn't as revered in its time as its become as the years have gone by, but the same could be said of other pictures in their respective genres. IMDB.com denotes only a single critical citation back then -- it received a nomination in the category of 'Most Popular Film' at the 1927 Faro Island Film Festival -- and it has racked up some solid accolades since then, especially with its 2002 restoration and subsequent home video releases.
"In a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences."
For the record:
There are some who say that it wasn't until Fritz Lang's Metropolis made its silver screen debut that Science Fiction -- as a motion picture -- was truly born, and I suppose there might be a glimmer of truth to that. Arguably, the film probably wasn't as revered in its time as its become as the years have gone by, but the same could be said of other pictures in their respective genres. IMDB.com denotes only a single critical citation back then -- it received a nomination in the category of 'Most Popular Film' at the 1927 Faro Island Film Festival -- and it has racked up some solid accolades since then, especially with its 2002 restoration and subsequent home video releases.
On this day in 1953, the original Science Fiction classic The War Of The Worlds was released in New York City. Directed by Byron Haskin, the feature starred Gene Barry and Ann Robinson in a cinematic adaptation of the H.G. Wells' novel, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The residents of a small town in California are excited when a flaming meteor lands in the hills. Their joy is tempered somewhat when they discover that it has passengers who are not very friendly."
For the record:
Those who follow Science Fiction and Fantasy are well aware of The War Of The Worlds importance in the genre as it's been revisited countless times. There have been multiple film and television incarnations. As for the original? It won the 1954 Academy Award for 'Best Special Effects.' It won the 1954 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' And in 2011 it was inducted into the National Film Registry so that it can be preserved for the ages.
"The residents of a small town in California are excited when a flaming meteor lands in the hills. Their joy is tempered somewhat when they discover that it has passengers who are not very friendly."
For the record:
Those who follow Science Fiction and Fantasy are well aware of The War Of The Worlds importance in the genre as it's been revisited countless times. There have been multiple film and television incarnations. As for the original? It won the 1954 Academy Award for 'Best Special Effects.' It won the 1954 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' And in 2011 it was inducted into the National Film Registry so that it can be preserved for the ages.
A star is born! On this day in 1967 (in Italy), Matchless proved that it had no theatrical peer. Written (in part) and directed by Alberto Lattuada, the SciFi/Comedy starred Patrick O'Neal, Donald Pleasence, and Ira von Furstenberg. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A secret agent possesses a ring that makes him invisible for a short time, once every 10 hours. He is in pursuit of an evil criminal mastermind but, at the same time, must evade an enemy agent who also wants the ring."
"A secret agent possesses a ring that makes him invisible for a short time, once every 10 hours. He is in pursuit of an evil criminal mastermind but, at the same time, must evade an enemy agent who also wants the ring."
On this day in 1971 (in the U.S.), the good people of Los Angeles, California were treated to the theatrical launch of Brain Of Blood. Directed by Al Adamson from a story by Samuel M. Sherman and Joe Van Rodgers, the SciFi/Horror starred Grant Williams, Kent Taylor, and John Bloom. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Amir, the benevolent ruler of Kalid, is dying, but there is hope. Freshly deceased, he is flown to the United States where Dr. Trenton transplants his brain into the body of a simpleton in a classic "assistant got the wrong kind of body" plot line. Dr. Trenton has a few nefarious plot twists of his own in mind, and then there's the thing with the dwarf and the women chained in the basement. It's up to Amir's friend Bob and wife Tracey to try and salvage this tale."
"Amir, the benevolent ruler of Kalid, is dying, but there is hope. Freshly deceased, he is flown to the United States where Dr. Trenton transplants his brain into the body of a simpleton in a classic "assistant got the wrong kind of body" plot line. Dr. Trenton has a few nefarious plot twists of his own in mind, and then there's the thing with the dwarf and the women chained in the basement. It's up to Amir's friend Bob and wife Tracey to try and salvage this tale."
On this day in 1975 (in the U.S.), audiences were taken on the theatrical trip to The Land That Time Forgot. Directed by Kevin Connor and adapting the work of Edgar Rice Burroughs, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Doug McClure, John McEnery, and Susan Penhaligon. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"During World War I, a German U-boat sinks a British ship and takes the survivors on board. After it takes a wrong turn, the submarine takes them to the unknown land of Caprona, where they find dinosaurs and neanderthals."
"During World War I, a German U-boat sinks a British ship and takes the survivors on board. After it takes a wrong turn, the submarine takes them to the unknown land of Caprona, where they find dinosaurs and neanderthals."
And since the concept of "Westworld" didn't go quite wrong enough for its financial backers, they came back again, this time with Futureworld, which premiered on this day theatrically in 1976 (in the U.S. according to Wikipedia.org). Naturally, all goes wrong. Directed by Richard T. Heffron, the film starred Peter Fonda, Blythe Danner, and Arthur Hill. Here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"Upon uncovering the dirty secret of futuristic theme-park Futureworld, an ex-employee is killed after he tips off two other reporters who decide to do an undercover investigation."
For the record:
While I'll admit to finding Futureworld a bit tepid, the film did garner some positive attention during the corresponding awards season.
"Upon uncovering the dirty secret of futuristic theme-park Futureworld, an ex-employee is killed after he tips off two other reporters who decide to do an undercover investigation."
For the record:
While I'll admit to finding Futureworld a bit tepid, the film did garner some positive attention during the corresponding awards season.
- At the 1977 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actress Blythe Danner took home top honors in the category of 'Best Actress.' While the film was nominated in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film,' that honor went home with Logan's Run.
- At the 1977 Hugo Awards, the film enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 1982 (in the U.S.), Jason Voorhees returned to the silver screen -- this time, in 3D -- with the release of Friday The 13th Part 3. Directed by Steve Miner, the Horror/Fantasy starred Dana Kimmell, Tracie Savage, and Richard Brooker. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Jason Voorhees stalks a group of friends who's just arrived to spend the weekend at a cabin near Crystal Lake."
"Jason Voorhees stalks a group of friends who's just arrived to spend the weekend at a cabin near Crystal Lake."
On this day in 1982, the U.S. was treated to a theatrical re-release of the original Star Wars. Written and directed by George Lucas, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader."
For the record:
To the delight of many, the original Star Wars did very well at the 1978 Academy Awards, taking home statues in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' and 'Best Music - Original Score.' It also deservedly cleaned up at the Saturn Awards, taking home trophies for 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Outstanding Editing,' 'Outstanding Sound,' 'Outstanding Art Direction,' and 'Outstanding Set Decoration.' Lastly, it took home the Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader."
For the record:
To the delight of many, the original Star Wars did very well at the 1978 Academy Awards, taking home statues in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' and 'Best Music - Original Score.' It also deservedly cleaned up at the Saturn Awards, taking home trophies for 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Outstanding Editing,' 'Outstanding Sound,' 'Outstanding Art Direction,' and 'Outstanding Set Decoration.' Lastly, it took home the Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 1983 (in Italy), The Exterminators Of The Year 3000 opened up shop ... well ... cinematically, that is. Directed by Giuliano Carnimeo, the SciFi/Thriller starred Robert Iannucci, Alicia Moro, and Luciano Pigozzi. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the year 3000, the Earth has been rendered a desert by nuclear war. A group of survivors goes in search of rare and valuable water, but standing in their way are the evil Exterminators, who live only to cause pain and misery."
"In the year 3000, the Earth has been rendered a desert by nuclear war. A group of survivors goes in search of rare and valuable water, but standing in their way are the evil Exterminators, who live only to cause pain and misery."
A star is born! On this day in 1985 (in Italy), Light Blast blasted onto the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed by Enzo G. Castellari, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Erik Estrada, Michael Pritchard, and Peggy Rowe; and here's the plot summary from IMDB .com:
"A crazed physician invents a death ray and threatens to destroy San Francisco unless he is paid $10 million."
"A crazed physician invents a death ray and threatens to destroy San Francisco unless he is paid $10 million."
On this day back in 2004, the Alien and the Predator franchises had their first and most ballyhooed crossover when AvP: Aliens vs Predator premiered theatrically. Fans weren't exactly won over -- most found this PG-rated slugfest more than a bit underwhelming -- but I took to it as an acceptable popcorn movie. I probably enjoyed it more than most, but, then again, I've always said I can be fairly forgiving when it comes to sci-fi. Whatever the case, here's hoping these two species go at it again sometime in our cinematic future!
A star is born! On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Telefilm Alien Express sunk its teeth into a few unsuspecting victims. Directed by Turi Meyer, the feature starred Lou Diamond Phillips, Steven Brand, and Sean Bott; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A new super train is built when a meteorite crashes near by, releasing a tiny creature. Once it kills and consumes everyone on board the train, it begins to grow and multiply into hordes of different creatures."
"A new super train is built when a meteorite crashes near by, releasing a tiny creature. Once it kills and consumes everyone on board the train, it begins to grow and multiply into hordes of different creatures."
A star is born! On this day in 2009 (in Australia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Russia, and a few other countries around the world), District 9 first opened its doors for theatrical business. Written (in part) and directed by Neill Blomkamp, the SciFi/Thriller starred Sharlto Copley, David James, and Jason Cope. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Violence ensues after an extraterrestrial race forced to live in slum-like conditions on Earth finds a kindred spirit in a government agent exposed to their biotechnology."
For the record:
To the film's credit, District 9 was the kind of Science Fiction film that played to both critical and commercial acclaim.
"Violence ensues after an extraterrestrial race forced to live in slum-like conditions on Earth finds a kindred spirit in a government agent exposed to their biotechnology."
For the record:
To the film's credit, District 9 was the kind of Science Fiction film that played to both critical and commercial acclaim.
- At the 2010 Academy Awards, the film enjoyed four nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Achievement In Visual Effects,' 'Best Achievement In Film Editing,' 'Best Writing - Adapted Screenplay,' and 'Best Motion Picture Of The Year.'
- At the 2010 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the film enjoyed an incredible six nominations but only managed to take home the coveted trophy in the category of 'Best International Film.'
- At the 2010 Hugo Awards, District 9 enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form.'
A star is born! And the end is nigh! The end is nigh! On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Telefilm Doomsday Prophecy took yet one more look at Earth's impending apocalypse. Written (in part) and directed by Jason Bourque, the feature starred A.J. Buckley, Alan Dale, and Jewel Staite; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Based on the 2012 end-of-world prophecy where two unlikely characters team up to solve a mystery that just might save the world."
"Based on the 2012 end-of-world prophecy where two unlikely characters team up to solve a mystery that just might save the world."
A star is born! On this day in 2013 (in Canada), society was thrown into utter Biblical chaos when Stonados rained down from the heavens. Directed by Jason Bourque, the SciFi/Thriller starred Paul Johansson, Sebastian Spence, and Miranda Frigon. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When a tornado appears in the waters south of Boston, former storm chaser Joe Randall is intrigued by the unusual weather. But as twisters begin to strike across the Boston shoreline, Joe quickly realizes this is no ordinary storm front. As the storms threaten to move inland, the citizens of Boston find themselves trapped in a tempest turning deadlier by the minute. With the city under siege, Joe, his sister Maddy and his old storm chasing partner Lee realize they're dealing with a never before seen weather phenomenon known as Stonados. The only chance of stopping the storm is an untested theory about weather manipulation... the same theory that Joe has been trying to prove for over a decade. But with the storm spreading and threatening the entire Eastern Seaboard-as well as Joe's children who are trapped in a storm-besieged stadium-Joe and his motley crew will have to give it a try, either saving the world... or accelerating its destruction!"
"When a tornado appears in the waters south of Boston, former storm chaser Joe Randall is intrigued by the unusual weather. But as twisters begin to strike across the Boston shoreline, Joe quickly realizes this is no ordinary storm front. As the storms threaten to move inland, the citizens of Boston find themselves trapped in a tempest turning deadlier by the minute. With the city under siege, Joe, his sister Maddy and his old storm chasing partner Lee realize they're dealing with a never before seen weather phenomenon known as Stonados. The only chance of stopping the storm is an untested theory about weather manipulation... the same theory that Joe has been trying to prove for over a decade. But with the storm spreading and threatening the entire Eastern Seaboard-as well as Joe's children who are trapped in a storm-besieged stadium-Joe and his motley crew will have to give it a try, either saving the world... or accelerating its destruction!"
On this day in 2015 (in Germany), the 1955-produced Revenge Of The Creature enjoyed an all-new release on home video. Directed by Jack Arnold, the film starred John Agar, Lori Nelson, and John Bromfield; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Men capture the Creature from the Black Lagoon and make him an aquarium attraction, from which he escapes."
"Men capture the Creature from the Black Lagoon and make him an aquarium attraction, from which he escapes."
On this day in 2015 (in Kuwait), The Diabolical scared up what box office it could. Written (in part) and directed by Alistair Legrand, the SciFi/Horror feature starred Ali Larter, Arjun Gupta, and Max Rose; and here's the plot summary that's listed aboard IMDB.com:
"A single mother, and her children, are awoken nightly by an intense presence. She asks her scientist boyfriend to destroy the violent spirit, that paranormal experts are too frightened to take on."
"A single mother, and her children, are awoken nightly by an intense presence. She asks her scientist boyfriend to destroy the violent spirit, that paranormal experts are too frightened to take on."
A star is born ... and this one's got serious teeth! On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Megalodon tried to sink its chompers into audiences with its very first television broadcast. Directed by James Thomas, the SciFi/Horror starred Michael Madsen, Caroline Harris, and Ego Mikitas. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A military vessel on the search for an unidentified submersible finds themselves face to face with a giant shark, forced to use only what they have on board to defend themselves from the monstrous beast."
"A military vessel on the search for an unidentified submersible finds themselves face to face with a giant shark, forced to use only what they have on board to defend themselves from the monstrous beast."
On this day in 2019 (in Australia and Canada), The VelociPastor enjoyed its release on home video. Also on this day in 2019, the Comedy/Fantasy enjoyed a U.S. release on various streaming platforms. Written and directed by Brendan Steere, the Fantasy/Comedy starred Greg Cohan, George Schewnzer, and Janice Young. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After losing his parents, a priest travels to China, where he inherits a mysterious ability that allows him to turn into a dinosaur. At first horrified by this new power, a hooker convinces him to use it to fight crime. And ninjas."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The VelociPastor enjoyed a modest bit of praise on the film festival circuit.
"After losing his parents, a priest travels to China, where he inherits a mysterious ability that allows him to turn into a dinosaur. At first horrified by this new power, a hooker convinces him to use it to fight crime. And ninjas."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The VelociPastor enjoyed a modest bit of praise on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2021 (in the U.S.), the audience in attendance of the Popcorn Frights Film Festival were treated to the silver screen premiere of Pretty Boy. Directed by Marcel Walz from a script by Joe Knetter, the Horror/Thriller starred Sarah French, Jed Rowen, and Devanny Pinn. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A masked killer named Pretty Boy takes a blind woman from her home in the Hollywood hills and crashes a Valentine's Day party where the bloodshed continues."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Pretty Boy earned a lot of love from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A masked killer named Pretty Boy takes a blind woman from her home in the Hollywood hills and crashes a Valentine's Day party where the bloodshed continues."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Pretty Boy earned a lot of love from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1999, Farscape continued its progress through its inaugural season with the airing of "Durka Returns." According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Moya collides with a Nebari transport. A Nebari official was transporting 2 criminals. Chiana, a Nebari youth. And Durka, a Legendary Peacekeeper who once tortured Rygel. The official claims to have Durka under control, but Rygel still wants revenge."
"Moya collides with a Nebari transport. A Nebari official was transporting 2 criminals. Chiana, a Nebari youth. And Durka, a Legendary Peacekeeper who once tortured Rygel. The official claims to have Durka under control, but Rygel still wants revenge."
On this day in 1999, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Demons." This served as the eighth episode of the long-running program's third season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"SG-1 lands on a planet where a culturally 'medieval Catholic' community lives in fear of a demon of Unas's species, which regularly collects human sacrifices to Satan, in fact hosts for system lord Sokar's army. When Simon implores SG-1 to spare his beloved Mary and take him instead, they even nurse her chicken pox. Simon hopes they are sent by God to deliver them from the satanic burden, but the canon who rules the village as 'spiritual' leader faithful to Sokar fears his authority challenged, which rests on his right to select the 'damned soul' to be sacrificed, declares Teal'c a demon and incarcerates all SG-1."
"SG-1 lands on a planet where a culturally 'medieval Catholic' community lives in fear of a demon of Unas's species, which regularly collects human sacrifices to Satan, in fact hosts for system lord Sokar's army. When Simon implores SG-1 to spare his beloved Mary and take him instead, they even nurse her chicken pox. Simon hopes they are sent by God to deliver them from the satanic burden, but the canon who rules the village as 'spiritual' leader faithful to Sokar fears his authority challenged, which rests on his right to select the 'damned soul' to be sacrificed, declares Teal'c a demon and incarcerates all SG-1."
On this day in 2000, Code Name: Eternity aired "24 Hours." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Ethaniel goes to meet Thorber alone. He returns with a high fever and is almost uncontrollable. Thorber realizes that he is not ill but is reverting back to his true Therian state and if he does that the atmosphere on Earth will kill him! Thorber takes him and Laura to a friend of his, Dr Tremblay, who may be able to help. While the doctor tries to keep Ethaniel alive Laura and Thorber follow the only clue they have, a matchbook and a name written on it. To save Ethaniel from the virus that is causing his change they need to find out who infected him in the first place, and do it in the next 24 hours."
"Ethaniel goes to meet Thorber alone. He returns with a high fever and is almost uncontrollable. Thorber realizes that he is not ill but is reverting back to his true Therian state and if he does that the atmosphere on Earth will kill him! Thorber takes him and Laura to a friend of his, Dr Tremblay, who may be able to help. While the doctor tries to keep Ethaniel alive Laura and Thorber follow the only clue they have, a matchbook and a name written on it. To save Ethaniel from the virus that is causing his change they need to find out who infected him in the first place, and do it in the next 24 hours."
On this day in 2004, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Avatar." This served as the sixth episode in the long-running program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed on IMDB.com:
"Dr. Lee is adapting a virtual reality chair for use as a training device. Teal'c thinks its current scenario is all too easy and agrees to work with them to make it more realistic. He enters the game scenario and is quickly "killed" at which point the chair shocks him. Lee says it must be part of its basic construct. As the scenario resets - it's an invasion of SGC by Goa'uld - Teal'c is repeatedly killed and shocked putting him in danger. The computer program is set up to learn after each scenario and the challenge for Teal'c increases at every turn."
"Dr. Lee is adapting a virtual reality chair for use as a training device. Teal'c thinks its current scenario is all too easy and agrees to work with them to make it more realistic. He enters the game scenario and is quickly "killed" at which point the chair shocks him. Lee says it must be part of its basic construct. As the scenario resets - it's an invasion of SGC by Goa'uld - Teal'c is repeatedly killed and shocked putting him in danger. The computer program is set up to learn after each scenario and the challenge for Teal'c increases at every turn."
On this day in 2006, The 4400 aired "The Gospel According To Collier." This served as the tenth episode of the third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Just as he's about to be wedded to Isabelle Shawn has seen Jordan Collier very alive and helps NTAC to search for him. April presents her new boyfriend to Diana, but soon after Maia tells Diana about a family enlargement."
"Just as he's about to be wedded to Isabelle Shawn has seen Jordan Collier very alive and helps NTAC to search for him. April presents her new boyfriend to Diana, but soon after Maia tells Diana about a family enlargement."
On this day in 2012, Alphas aired "When Push Comes To Shove." This served as the fourth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed on IMDB.com:
"The Team investigates an Alpha-related crime spree leading to one of their own, who is in the midst of a dangerous emotional breakdown. Our Team races to stop them before they hurt themself or someone else."
"The Team investigates an Alpha-related crime spree leading to one of their own, who is in the midst of a dangerous emotional breakdown. Our Team races to stop them before they hurt themself or someone else."
