Truth be told, most professional work in a failed TV pilot would be lost to history ... but when that failed pilot is none other than Star Trek's "The Cage" then it becomes a cause for celebration 'round these parts.
Today's evidence: Georgia Schmidt played one of those devilishly manipulative telepathic Talosians, and she's been forever enshrined in the anals of SciFi for her brief role. The actress also enjoyed work aboard The Wild Wild West, Captain Nice, Night Gallery, The Andromeda Strain (1971), The Incredible Hulk, Fantasy Island, Knight Rider, and the mid-80's incarnation of The Twilight Zone for CBS. Though she's no longer with us, Schmidt was born on this day in 1904.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Today's evidence: Georgia Schmidt played one of those devilishly manipulative telepathic Talosians, and she's been forever enshrined in the anals of SciFi for her brief role. The actress also enjoyed work aboard The Wild Wild West, Captain Nice, Night Gallery, The Andromeda Strain (1971), The Incredible Hulk, Fantasy Island, Knight Rider, and the mid-80's incarnation of The Twilight Zone for CBS. Though she's no longer with us, Schmidt was born on this day in 1904.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Former Playboy Playmate Yvette Vickers -- from July, 1959, in case you're Googling -- certainly knew a thing or two about commanding a scene. Genre fans might recognize the lovely lady from her screen appearances aboard Attack Of The 50 Ft. Woman (1958), One Step Beyond, The Magical World Of Disney, Attack Of The Giant Leeches (1959), The Dead Don't Die (1975), and Evil Spirits (1991). Though she's no longer with us, Vickers was born on this day in 1928.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Those who frequent these pages know of my fondness for the ladies who play dress-up. In costume, they add so very much to the mystique of genre entertainment, and it certainly doesn't hurt that they're quite fetching as well. One of the loveliest remains Francine York, a talented actress who has made appearances aboard Batman, Lost In Space, Land Of The Giants, and Jason Of Star Command, to name but a few. Though she's no longer with us, York was born on this day in 1936.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress Susan Harrison was just one of the many talented players who found themselves trapped between reality and something else aboard Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone. Though she's no longer with us, Harrison was born on this day in 1938.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jane Merrow is also one of those rare talents who has found success beyond simply acting, moving into the direction of writing and producing. So far as genre credentials go, fans might recognize her from work aboard The Phantom Of The Opera (1962), The Woman Who Wouldn't Die (1965), Secret Agent, The Saint, Night Of The Big Heat (1967), The Prisoner, The Avengers, My Partner The Ghost, UFO, Hands Of The Ripper (1971), The Horror At 37,000 Feet (1973), The Six Million Dollar Man, The Incredible Hulk, The Greatest American Hero, Airwolf, and The Haunting Of Margam Castle (2020). Merrow was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though Akiko Wakabayashi is likely more remembered for her brief time in the Bond Universe of films (1967's You Only Live Twice), genre fans might know her better for her work alongside the behemoth Godzilla and other assorted monsters. She stole screen time aboard such entities as King Kong Vs. Godzilla (1963), Ghidorah The Three-Headed Monster (1964), Ultra Q, Ultraman, and other more conventional fare. Wakabayashi was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Whoa there! If my eyes don't deceive me, then it looks like Alison Steadman (above right) is about to plant a kitchen knife in Orphan Black's Tatiana Maslany! I'm guessing that development doesn't end well. For Ms. Steadman's character, I mean. Steadman was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Brainy and confident Louise Marleau used her brains and confidence in playing Col. Stella Holmes, the woman tasked with stopped an all-out Contamination of the planet Earth of an alien virus in the 1982 cult film. Marleau was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
At some time during one of Contamination's subsequent home video releases, I received a promotional copy in exchange for review coverage on the World Wide Web. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
At some time during one of Contamination's subsequent home video releases, I received a promotional copy in exchange for review coverage on the World Wide Web. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
Actor Stephen Greif enjoyed a solid five-episode run in the world of the BBC's other Science Fiction serial Blake's 7. Leaving behind a legacy of well over one hundred different projects, the man proved that -- when it came to creating characters -- he was no slouch. Genre fans might recognize his name in such projects -- both live acting or voice appearances -- as Thriller, Tales Of The Unexpected, Space Precinct, Crime Traveller, Judge Dredd: The Killing Zone (animated), Doctor Who: The Infinite Quest (animated), and much more. Though he's no longer with us, Greif was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With well over two hundred different collections to his name, there's little doubt that you've stumbled at one time or another across the music of Mark Snow. Perhaps genre fans know him best for his work scoring countless hours of Fox TV's popular The X-Files or The WB's long-running Smallville. Snow was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The seemingly tireless Annette Badland apparently works around the clock: with over one hundred and fifty credits to her name, she's managed to gain traction in the realm of SciFi and Fantasy with roles aboard Doctor Who, Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Wizards Vs. Aliens, and The Sparticle Mystery. Badland was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Michael Jeter (above right) was an exceptionally gifted character actor who turned up in a variety of popular projects, even the oft-maligned Kevin Costner waterlogged Waterworld. He also appeared in 2001's Jurassic Park III. Though he's no longer with us, Jeter was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I received a promotional Blu-ray of Waterworld (1995) -- in which Jeter played a key role -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I received a promotional Blu-ray of Waterworld (1995) -- in which Jeter played a key role -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Though he most recently can be scene aboard CBS's Under The Dome (above left), veteran character actor Brett Cullen has been a part of many projects. He's booked roles in The Incredible Hulk, V, Tales from the Crypt, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, The Outer Limits, and Lost. Cullen was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As Science Fiction flicks go, we've been blessed as fans to have enjoyed the performances of so many tough females ... so when you're tough enough to have even RoboCop's back -- as did the lovely Wanda De Jesus in RoboCop 2 -- we're gonna give you a shout! She's also appeared aboard SeaQuest 2032, Babylon 5, and Ghosts of Mars (2001). De Jesus was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
After drawing some wonderful attention to her skills in front of the camera, Kari Lizer managed to squeeze herself into some writing and producing gigs along the way. Her resume boasts screen time in such genre properties as Quantum Leap, Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventures, and Weird Science. As a screenwriter and/or producer, she served duties aboard genre franchises as Weird Science and Honey, I Shrunk The Kids: The TV Show. Lizer was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, singer Shirley Manson (pictured) put on her acting shoes in taking the part of Catherine Weaver, a mysterious force with ties to the future Apocalypse. Manson was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Oleg Taktarov (pictured) was only one of the many duped into believing 2010's kinda/sorta Predator reboot -- Predators -- was going to reinvigorate the ailing franchise. Unfortunately, it didn't, no fault of the man's. Taktarov was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Aboard John Milius' silver screen adaptation of Conan The Barbarian (1982), a young Jorge Sanz suited up as the youngest version of the central character for the film. Sanz was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ahem. Melissa McCarthy and a crew of unfunny ladies delivered a Ghostbusters (2016) reboot that neither Ghostbusters fans nor audiences-in-general wanted to see, and the film deservedly tanked at the box office. Shameful what Hollywood will do to a winning franchise if and when it gets the chance. McCarthy was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Screenwriter John Cabrera helped craft and sustain the web-based SciFi drama H+ throughout its run on the internet, and it's a dark tale about an Apocalyse of a much different sort. Cabrera was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I'm not one of these aging fanboys who invests much time in following the gaming business, but I've read enough about it to know that the Halo franchise is pretty popular. I had the good fortune of reviewing one of its direct-to-DVD releases recently, and actor Mike Colter made for an impressive action star in Halo: Nightfall (2014). Rumor has it that audiences will be seeing more of him as he's playing the character of Luke Cage in a handful of Marvel's streaming properties in the near future. Colter was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Embracing Science Fiction in a big way, lovely Amanda Schull rocketed to the top on Syfy by playing Dr. Cassandra Railly on the network's serialized adaptation of the time-travel yarn 12 Monkeys. Schull was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One could debate the strengths and weaknesses of the JJ Abrams' Star Trek films for, quite probably, the length of an entire film. God knows fans have, and God knows they'll continue to do so in the days, months, and years ahead of us. One point I've always tried to make is that, despite what you may think of those films, Star Trek (2009), Star Trek Into Darkness (2013), and Star Trek Beyond (2016) have boasted some excellent performances of the main players ... and I have to give kudos to Chris Pine.
After all, who would relish the chance to step into a role made famous by the likes of Bill Shatner (or should I say "the legendary Bill Shatner")? Arguably, it would have to be someone with enough chutzpah to actually (A) want to do it justice and (B) want to inevitably attempt to make the man and the myth as much his very own as he could. For that, I have to give Pine an appreciable nod. He's brought a youthful vigor to Kirk. He's even delivered a bit of a swagger, at times. He may not eventually be remembered for the role, but it's hard to fault him for trying.
Pine was born on this day back in 1980. Happy birthday, Chris. Go boldly.
[Source: IMDB.com]
After all, who would relish the chance to step into a role made famous by the likes of Bill Shatner (or should I say "the legendary Bill Shatner")? Arguably, it would have to be someone with enough chutzpah to actually (A) want to do it justice and (B) want to inevitably attempt to make the man and the myth as much his very own as he could. For that, I have to give Pine an appreciable nod. He's brought a youthful vigor to Kirk. He's even delivered a bit of a swagger, at times. He may not eventually be remembered for the role, but it's hard to fault him for trying.
Pine was born on this day back in 1980. Happy birthday, Chris. Go boldly.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Nanzeen Contractor had a small but critical role in setting the events in motion for JJ Abrams' gloriously nonsensical space fantasy, Star Trek Into Darkness. Contractor was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Barbarella is a name well known to Science Fiction junkies, and kudos to the (ahem) adult film industry for keeping interest in the property alive with their adult-themed Barbarella XXX: An Axel Braun Parody. Headlining the (ahem) flick is none other than adult film star, Riley Steele, and the lovely Ms. Steele was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
"Save the cheerleader, save the world" is one thing, but "Give your fellow cheerleader a hard time" seems to be Danielle Savre's modus operandi. That's her -- above right -- from NBC's Heroes back in its day. Savre was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
He plays the warrior Massalla (pictured above) as part of the wildly popular The Hunger Games film franchise. His name is Evan Ross, and he was born on this day back in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young Dylan O'Brien currently headlines the Young Adult novel inspired SciFi franchise, The Maze Runner, for Twentieth Century Fox. If you haven't seen it, then you've no idea what you're missing. O'Brien was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Seriously, there are far too many incarnations of the Power Rangers universe for me to keep track of. When they pop up in my research, then I'm happy to list them here ... such as today's lovely young smiler -- Claire Blackwelder -- who's dressed up for business until evil shows its ugly mug and then she becomes no less than the Purple Dino Charge Ranger aboard Power Rangers Dino Charge! Blackwelder was born on this day in 1993.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Never count out the resourceful woman: though she may get herself into a tough spot, she'll always get herself out! Such is the case for the fetching Gracie Dzienny, whose has found gainful employment in such projects as CBS's Zoo and the big screen's Bumblebee (2018). Dzienny was born on this day in 1996.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1920 (in Germany), the good people of Berlin were treated to an exclusive theatrical engagement of The Head Of Janus. Directed by F.W. Murnau and based on the classic story from Robert Louis Stevenson, the Horror/Fantasy starred Conrad Veidt, Magnus Stifter, and Margarete Schlegel. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In this uncredited and apparently lost version of Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" the protagonist is Dr. Warren, who indulges his evil nature by periodically turning himself into the depraved Mr. O'Connor."
"In this uncredited and apparently lost version of Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" the protagonist is Dr. Warren, who indulges his evil nature by periodically turning himself into the depraved Mr. O'Connor."
On this day in 1920, The Invisible Ray released the ninth chapter of its ongoing serial into U.S. theaters. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the premise for the entire serial:
"A scientist discovers a death ray and locks it in a box, giving the key to his daughter, who soon finds herself hunted by criminals looking to steal the deadly mineral."
"A scientist discovers a death ray and locks it in a box, giving the key to his daughter, who soon finds herself hunted by criminals looking to steal the deadly mineral."
On this day in 1932 (in Ireland), Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde brought a bit of gothic melodrama to the world of Science Fiction and Fantasy. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Based on the story by Robert Louis Stevenson, Dr. Henry Jekyll believes that there are two distinct sides to men - a good and an evil side. He believes that by separating the two man can become liberated. He succeeds in his experiments with chemicals to accomplish this and transforms into Hyde to commit horrendous crimes. When he discontinues use of the drug it is already too late..."
"Based on the story by Robert Louis Stevenson, Dr. Henry Jekyll believes that there are two distinct sides to men - a good and an evil side. He believes that by separating the two man can become liberated. He succeeds in his experiments with chemicals to accomplish this and transforms into Hyde to commit horrendous crimes. When he discontinues use of the drug it is already too late..."
On this day in 1938 (in Belgium), Flash Gordon's Trip To Mars took audiences to Earth's closest neighbor. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Flash, Dale, and Dr. Zarkov return from their former space adventures only to find that their enemy, Ming the Merciless of planet Mongo, has a new weapon: a deadly ray that crosses space to wreak havoc on earth. Earth's only hope is for our heroes to take off again and stop the ray at its source on Mars, where they (and a stowaway) must battle Ming's ally, Queen Azura, who turns her enemies into lumpish clay people."
"Flash, Dale, and Dr. Zarkov return from their former space adventures only to find that their enemy, Ming the Merciless of planet Mongo, has a new weapon: a deadly ray that crosses space to wreak havoc on earth. Earth's only hope is for our heroes to take off again and stop the ray at its source on Mars, where they (and a stowaway) must battle Ming's ally, Queen Azura, who turns her enemies into lumpish clay people."
I have absolutely no problem admitting that much of my youth was spent channel-surfing for movies with spaceships, aliens, or ray guns. While I probably watched hundreds of them, there are only two that I remember going back to again and again whenever they were airing. The first was The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951), and the second was this one pictured above: 1953's The War of the Worlds. Loved it. Still love it today. H.G. Wells' tale about Martians invading Earth gets tweaked every generation (or so), but this original remains my favorite.
A star is born! On this day in 1955 (in the United Kingdom), the good people of London, England were treated to the big screen premiere of The Quatermass Xperiment (aka The Creeping Unknown). Written (in part) and directed by Val Guest (and based on the Nigel Kneale script for the original BBC serial), the film starred Brian Donlevy, Jack Warner, and Margia Dean. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Professor Bernard Quatermass' manned rocket ship returns to Earth, but two of the astronauts are missing and the survivor seems ill and unable to communicate."
"Professor Bernard Quatermass' manned rocket ship returns to Earth, but two of the astronauts are missing and the survivor seems ill and unable to communicate."
On this day in 1966 (in Czechoslovakia), Who Wants To Kill Jessie? opened in theatres. The SciFi/Comedy starred Dana Medrická and Jirí Sovák, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
""What if someone had an absurd dream and the visions ran out in the street?" a scientist asks Rose, a researcher who discovers a way to engender beneficial dreams (to produce contented, productive workers). There's a problem: after an injection of her elixir, dream elements become real. Rose learns this after dosing her husband Henry to stop his dreaming about Jessie, a curvaceous comic-book heroine who has anti-gravitational gloves he needs to study so he can solve a problem at the factory where he's chief engineer: Henry wakes up with Jessie asleep next to him pursued by a cowboy and a super hero. Jealousy consumes Rose. All this plus satire aimed at the Czechoslovak state."
""What if someone had an absurd dream and the visions ran out in the street?" a scientist asks Rose, a researcher who discovers a way to engender beneficial dreams (to produce contented, productive workers). There's a problem: after an injection of her elixir, dream elements become real. Rose learns this after dosing her husband Henry to stop his dreaming about Jessie, a curvaceous comic-book heroine who has anti-gravitational gloves he needs to study so he can solve a problem at the factory where he's chief engineer: Henry wakes up with Jessie asleep next to him pursued by a cowboy and a super hero. Jealousy consumes Rose. All this plus satire aimed at the Czechoslovak state."
On this day in 1974 (in Spain), 2001: A Space Odyssey enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. Based on the work of SciFi master Arthur C. Clarke and directed by Stanley Kubrick, the feature starred Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I penned a column under the heading of 'Warp Core Breach' for SciFiHistory.Net with my thoughts on 2001's wider reputation amongst intellectuals. Does that sort of thing tickle your fancy? Readers can find my premise right here.
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I penned a column under the heading of 'Warp Core Breach' for SciFiHistory.Net with my thoughts on 2001's wider reputation amongst intellectuals. Does that sort of thing tickle your fancy? Readers can find my premise right here.
On this day in 1976 (in Italy), the good people of Rome were treated to an exclusive theatrical engagement of The House With Laughing Windows. Written (in part) and directed by Pupi Avati, the Horror/Thriller starred Lino Capolicchio, Francesca Marciano, Gianni Cavina. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Stefano, a young restorer, is commissioned to save a controversial mural located in the church of a small, isolated village."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The House With Laughing Windows garnered a wee bit of attention from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"Stefano, a young restorer, is commissioned to save a controversial mural located in the church of a small, isolated village."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The House With Laughing Windows garnered a wee bit of attention from a screening on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1982 (in Argentina and the United Kingdom), John Carpenter's remake of The Thing enjoyed its theatrical release. The feature starred Kurt Russell and Wilford Brimley, and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"A research team in Antarctica is hunted by a shape-shifting alien that assumes the appearance of its victims."
"A research team in Antarctica is hunted by a shape-shifting alien that assumes the appearance of its victims."
On this day in 1983 (in Portugal), Arrebato gave audiences something to think about. Written and directed by Iván Zulueta, the Horror/Fantasy starred Eusebio Poncela, Cecilia Roth, and Will More. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A low budget horror filmmaker gets in touch with an eccentric who is trying to film his consciousness during drug abuse."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Arrebato enjoyed a good amount of praise on the film festival circuit.
"A low budget horror filmmaker gets in touch with an eccentric who is trying to film his consciousness during drug abuse."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Arrebato enjoyed a good amount of praise on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1983, Hercules enjoyed its U.S. theatrical debut. Directed by Luigi Cozzi (as Lewis Coates), the Fantasy feature starred TV's Incredible Hulk Lou Ferrigno as the lead as well as the lovely Sybil Danning and Ingrid Anderson, and here's the plot summary that's listed on IMDB.com:
"King Minos and sorceress Adriana plan to conquer the world with her magic and his giant robots. To make matters worse, they also plan to sacrifice Hercules' love interest Cassiopeia. Hercules teams up with sorceress Circe and tries to save both his girl and the world."
"King Minos and sorceress Adriana plan to conquer the world with her magic and his giant robots. To make matters worse, they also plan to sacrifice Hercules' love interest Cassiopeia. Hercules teams up with sorceress Circe and tries to save both his girl and the world."
A star is born! On this day in 1983 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to a special advance preview screening of Nightmares. Directed by Joseph Sargent, the SciFi/Horror starred Cristina Raines, Joe Lambie, and Anthony James. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Anthology of four horror tales with a supernatural twist based on urban legends."
For the record:
At the 1984 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Nightmares enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Make-Up.' Additionally, director Joseph Sargent enjoyed a festival circuit win for his work in bringing the picture to life.
"Anthology of four horror tales with a supernatural twist based on urban legends."
For the record:
At the 1984 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Nightmares enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Make-Up.' Additionally, director Joseph Sargent enjoyed a festival circuit win for his work in bringing the picture to life.
On this day in 1985 (in Spain), Hercules II (aka The Adventures Of Hercules) sent the immortal strongman on another quest. Written and directed by Luigi Cozzi, the Fantasy film starred Lou Ferrigno, Milly Carlucci, and Sonia Viviani. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Hercules searches for the Seven Thunderbolts of Zeus, which have been stolen by renegade gods."
"Hercules searches for the Seven Thunderbolts of Zeus, which have been stolen by renegade gods."
A star is born! On this day in 1985 (in Italy), Legend enjoyed its silver screen premiere for audiences of the Venice Film Festival. Directed by Ridley Scott, the cinematic Fantasy starred Tom Cruise, Mia Sara, and Tim Curry. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A demon who seeks to create eternal night by destroying the last of the unicorns and marrying a fairy Princess is opposed by the forest boy Jack and his elven allies in this magical fantasy."
For the record:
Legend enjoyed a singular Oscar Award for 'Best Make-up,' but the trophy went elsewhere that year. It secured three nominations from the 1986 BAFTA Awards: 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Make Up Artist,' and 'Best Special Visual Effects.' (Again, no wins.) Lastly, it secured the nomination for 'Best Make-up' also from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films ... but lost there as well. Sigh.
ExtraExtra Alert:
I had the good fortune of being provided an incredible Blu-ray DVD re-release of Legend in 2021 from Arrow Video. I penned a review of the U.S. Theatrical Version which readers can find right here.
"A demon who seeks to create eternal night by destroying the last of the unicorns and marrying a fairy Princess is opposed by the forest boy Jack and his elven allies in this magical fantasy."
For the record:
Legend enjoyed a singular Oscar Award for 'Best Make-up,' but the trophy went elsewhere that year. It secured three nominations from the 1986 BAFTA Awards: 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Make Up Artist,' and 'Best Special Visual Effects.' (Again, no wins.) Lastly, it secured the nomination for 'Best Make-up' also from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films ... but lost there as well. Sigh.
ExtraExtra Alert:
I had the good fortune of being provided an incredible Blu-ray DVD re-release of Legend in 2021 from Arrow Video. I penned a review of the U.S. Theatrical Version which readers can find right here.
On this day in 1988 (in Italy), Remote Control took control with an alien-sponsored 'Manchurian Candidate'-style premise. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A video store clerk stumbles onto an alien plot to take over Earth by brain-washing people with a bad '50s science fiction movie. He and his friend must find a way to stop the aliens before the tapes can be distributed worldwide."
"A video store clerk stumbles onto an alien plot to take over Earth by brain-washing people with a bad '50s science fiction movie. He and his friend must find a way to stop the aliens before the tapes can be distributed worldwide."
On this day in 1989 (in the United Kingdom), Murder By Moonlight shone a little sunlight on the dastardly light of murder. Directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg from a story by Carla Jean Wagner, the SciFi/Thriller starred Brigitte Nielsen, Julian Sands, and Gerald McRaney. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a nuclear war on Earth, the Soviet Union and the U.S. both establish outposts on the Moon. When a murder occurs on the outpost in 2015, both U.S. and Soviet investigators are forced to work on the case together."
"After a nuclear war on Earth, the Soviet Union and the U.S. both establish outposts on the Moon. When a murder occurs on the outpost in 2015, both U.S. and Soviet investigators are forced to work on the case together."
On this day in 1993 (in Argentina), Groundhog Day took audiences on a unique trip through a time loop. Written (in part) and directed by Harold Ramis, the Fantasy/Comedy starred Billy Murray, Andie MacDowell, and Chris Elliott. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A weather man is reluctantly sent to cover a story about a weather forecasting "rat" (as he calls it). This is his fourth year on the story, and he makes no effort to hide his frustration. On awaking the 'following' day, he discovers that it's Groundhog Day again, and again, and again. First he uses this to his advantage, then comes the realisation that he is doomed to spend the rest of eternity in the same place, seeing the same people do the same thing every day."
For the record:
Groundhog Day was a critical and commercial hit, and it's the kind of comic flick that continues to resonates well after its first theatrical run.
"A weather man is reluctantly sent to cover a story about a weather forecasting "rat" (as he calls it). This is his fourth year on the story, and he makes no effort to hide his frustration. On awaking the 'following' day, he discovers that it's Groundhog Day again, and again, and again. First he uses this to his advantage, then comes the realisation that he is doomed to spend the rest of eternity in the same place, seeing the same people do the same thing every day."
For the record:
Groundhog Day was a critical and commercial hit, and it's the kind of comic flick that continues to resonates well after its first theatrical run.
- At the 1994 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the film received an incredible six nominations ('Best Costumes,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Fantasy Film'). At the end of the night, however, only MacDowell went home with a trophy.
- At the 1994 Hugo Awards, Groundhog Day enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
- In 2006, the film was inducted into the U.S. National Film Registry. For those unaware, the Registry seeks to preserve for the ages films that have demonstrated a lasting artistic and aesthetic contribution to the medium.
A star is born! On this day in 1997 (in Canada), audiences trapped behind the 'Maple Curtain' were treated to the theatrical release of 2103: The Deadly Wake. Directed by Philip Jackson, the SciFi/Thriller starred Malcolm McDowell, Heidi von Palleske, and Michael Paré; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Proxate Corporation recruits a boozy former ship captain and offers him a new identity: Sean Murdoch. His job: to take charge of large ship on one voyage. Once aboard, Murdoch realizes that the ship is a prison ship, and the cargo are criminally insane inmates. Murdoch's other problem: someone has planted bombs aboard the vessel. Murdoch's acrimonious relationship with the prison warden lends extra drama to the story."
For the record:
To the film's credit, 2103: The Deadly Wake enjoyed a bit of praise on the film festival circuit.
"Proxate Corporation recruits a boozy former ship captain and offers him a new identity: Sean Murdoch. His job: to take charge of large ship on one voyage. Once aboard, Murdoch realizes that the ship is a prison ship, and the cargo are criminally insane inmates. Murdoch's other problem: someone has planted bombs aboard the vessel. Murdoch's acrimonious relationship with the prison warden lends extra drama to the story."
For the record:
To the film's credit, 2103: The Deadly Wake enjoyed a bit of praise on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1998 (in the Philippines), the good people of Manila woke up to a theatrical Armageddon. Directed by Michael Bay, the big budget extravaganza starred Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck, and Will Patton as the warriors sent to save the Earth itself from an extinction level event. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Due to a shuttle's unfortunate demise in outer space, NASA becomes aware of a doomsday asteroid that is on a collision course with Earth. It seems that the only way to knock it off course is to drill into its surface and detonate a nuclear weapon. But as NASA's under-funded yet resourceful team train the world's best drillers for the job, the social order of the world begins to break down as the information reaches the public and hysteria results. As high-ranking officials play politics with the effort, the drilling team all faces deep personal issues which may jeopardize humanity's last chance..."
For the record:
Wow. What to say about Armageddon? Well, on April 22, 2013, director Michael Bay finally apologized for loosing the cinematic spectacle upon all of mankind. (Isn't it interesting, though, that one of its principle writers -- JJ Abrams -- remains silent, eh?) To be honest, I didn't think the film was bad enough that we deserved an apology for it: sadly, it was your typical summer blockbuster event, which is to say it was big, loud, dumb, and (mostly) fun. It enjoyed a healthy number of award nominations, and it even won 'Best Science Fiction Film' at the 1999 Saturn Awards (an honor shared with mildly confusing Dark City). Plus the film featured one of Aerosmith's biggest ballads in years -- "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" -- originally penned by the great Diane Warren. Maybe it's best to think of Armageddon as Hollywood's truest case of buyer beware: you never know what you're going to get.
"Due to a shuttle's unfortunate demise in outer space, NASA becomes aware of a doomsday asteroid that is on a collision course with Earth. It seems that the only way to knock it off course is to drill into its surface and detonate a nuclear weapon. But as NASA's under-funded yet resourceful team train the world's best drillers for the job, the social order of the world begins to break down as the information reaches the public and hysteria results. As high-ranking officials play politics with the effort, the drilling team all faces deep personal issues which may jeopardize humanity's last chance..."
For the record:
Wow. What to say about Armageddon? Well, on April 22, 2013, director Michael Bay finally apologized for loosing the cinematic spectacle upon all of mankind. (Isn't it interesting, though, that one of its principle writers -- JJ Abrams -- remains silent, eh?) To be honest, I didn't think the film was bad enough that we deserved an apology for it: sadly, it was your typical summer blockbuster event, which is to say it was big, loud, dumb, and (mostly) fun. It enjoyed a healthy number of award nominations, and it even won 'Best Science Fiction Film' at the 1999 Saturn Awards (an honor shared with mildly confusing Dark City). Plus the film featured one of Aerosmith's biggest ballads in years -- "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" -- originally penned by the great Diane Warren. Maybe it's best to think of Armageddon as Hollywood's truest case of buyer beware: you never know what you're going to get.
On this day in 1999 (in Greece), consumers were treated to the home video release of Starship Troopers. Paul Verhoeven directed this cinematic adaptation of the Robert Heinlein novel, and the film starred Casper Van Dien, Dina Meyer, and Denise Richards. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the distant future high school kids are encouraged to become citizens by joining the military. What they don't know is that they'll soon be engaged in a full scale war against a planet of alien insects. The fight is on to ensure the safety of humanity."
"In the distant future high school kids are encouraged to become citizens by joining the military. What they don't know is that they'll soon be engaged in a full scale war against a planet of alien insects. The fight is on to ensure the safety of humanity."
On this day in 2000 (in South Korea), Supernova blasted onto the silver screen. Directed by Walter Hill, the SciFi feature starred Angela Bassett, Robin Tunney, and James Spader. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Supernova chronicles the search and rescue patrol of a medical ship in deep space in the early 22nd century and its six-member crew which includes a captain and pilot, a co-pilot, a medical officer, a medical technician, a search and rescue."
"Supernova chronicles the search and rescue patrol of a medical ship in deep space in the early 22nd century and its six-member crew which includes a captain and pilot, a co-pilot, a medical officer, a medical technician, a search and rescue."
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), The Last Leprechaun enjoyed its release on home video. Directed by David Lister and Moicontent, the Fantasy starred Veronica Hamel, Jack Scalia, and David Warner. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Ethel and Tommy Barrick are sent to Ireland to spend the summer with their new stepmother. Once there, they discover her to be an evil, power-seeking witch, with real magical powers and a hatred for all things green."
"Ethel and Tommy Barrick are sent to Ireland to spend the summer with their new stepmother. Once there, they discover her to be an evil, power-seeking witch, with real magical powers and a hatred for all things green."
On this day in 2004 (in Malaysia), AVP: Alien Vs Predator gave audiences the extraterrestrial showdown they might not exactly have wanted in this shape and form. Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, the SciFi/Thriller starred Sanaa Lathan, Lance Henriksen, and Raoul Bova; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"During an archaeological expedition on Bouvetøya Island in Antarctica, a team of archaeologists and other scientists find themselves caught up in a battle between the two legends. Soon, the team realize that only one species can win."
For the record:
Talk about your open wounds? The 2005 Razzie Awards nominated AVP: Alien Vs Predator in the category of 'Worst Remake Or Sequel.' And the 2005 Fangoria Awards also nominated it for 'Worst Film.' And the 2004 Golden Schmoes Awards nominated it in their categories of 'Worst Movie Of The Year' and 'Biggest Disappointment Of The Year.' Ouch. That's gonna leave a mark!
"During an archaeological expedition on Bouvetøya Island in Antarctica, a team of archaeologists and other scientists find themselves caught up in a battle between the two legends. Soon, the team realize that only one species can win."
For the record:
Talk about your open wounds? The 2005 Razzie Awards nominated AVP: Alien Vs Predator in the category of 'Worst Remake Or Sequel.' And the 2005 Fangoria Awards also nominated it for 'Worst Film.' And the 2004 Golden Schmoes Awards nominated it in their categories of 'Worst Movie Of The Year' and 'Biggest Disappointment Of The Year.' Ouch. That's gonna leave a mark!
A star is born! On this day in 2005 (in Spain), audiences heard A Sound Of Thunder in its theatrical debut. Based on a story by Ray Bradbury, the SciFi/Thriller was directed by Peter Hyams and starred Edward Burns, Ben Kingsley, and Catherine McCormack. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A single mistake in the past, by a time travel company in the future, has devastating and unforeseen consequences."
"A single mistake in the past, by a time travel company in the future, has devastating and unforeseen consequences."
On this day in 2005 (in Finland), Slipstream slipped into entertainment history with a release via the Internet. Directed by David van Eyssen, the SciFi/Thriller starred Ivana Milicevic, Vinnie Jones, and Kevin Otto. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A scientist goes to a bank to meet a pretty bank-teller. His time-machine allows him to go 10 minutes back in time and correct his approaches to her. He's shadowed by 2 FBI agents and the bank gets robbed."
"A scientist goes to a bank to meet a pretty bank-teller. His time-machine allows him to go 10 minutes back in time and correct his approaches to her. He's shadowed by 2 FBI agents and the bank gets robbed."
On this day in 2008 (in Germany), Citizen Toxie: The Toxie Avenger IV premiered to unsuspecting audiences. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's what all of the fuss was about:
"The Toxic Avenger must defend his friends from his own evil alternate universe doppelgänger, The Noxious Offender."
"The Toxic Avenger must defend his friends from his own evil alternate universe doppelgänger, The Noxious Offender."
On this day in 2008 (in the U.S.), Crusade In Jeans enjoyed a release on home video. Directed by Ben Sombogaart, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Johnny Flynn, Stephanie Leonidas, and Emily Watson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After using his mother's newly built time machine, Dolf gets stuck in the year 1212. He ends up in a children's crusade where he confronts his new friends with modern techniques. However, the Crusade turns out to be even trickier than he first imagined."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Crusade In Jeans enjoyed some extra attention via screenings on the film festival circuit.
"After using his mother's newly built time machine, Dolf gets stuck in the year 1212. He ends up in a children's crusade where he confronts his new friends with modern techniques. However, the Crusade turns out to be even trickier than he first imagined."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Crusade In Jeans enjoyed some extra attention via screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2008 (in the Netherlands), the guns were blazing -- theatrically, that is -- with the home video release of Showdown At Area 51. Directed by C. Roma, the SciFi/Thriller starred Jason London, Gigi Edgley, and Christa Campbell. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two aliens who crash on Earth must find a buried weapon that will destroy the planet and their own society if not stopped."
"Two aliens who crash on Earth must find a buried weapon that will destroy the planet and their own society if not stopped."
A star is born! On this day in 2008 (in Canada), Six Reasons Why enjoyed a limited theatrical release. Written and directed by the team of Jeff and Matthew Campagna, the SciFi/Thriller starred Dan Wooster, Mads Koudal, and Christopher Harrison. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a future where society has come full circle and man lives by the code of the guns at his side, a fugitive, a vengeful son, a killer, and a servant stand in a four-way face-off from which only one man can walk away. To the east lies seven boomtowns connected by railroad, and to the west is a Utopian community that cowers in fear of the outside world. Dividing these two areas is an arid stretch of desert known only as "The Badlands." Now, these four gunmen stand facing one another with their fingers on their triggers, their fates won't be known until the gun smoke clears."
"In a future where society has come full circle and man lives by the code of the guns at his side, a fugitive, a vengeful son, a killer, and a servant stand in a four-way face-off from which only one man can walk away. To the east lies seven boomtowns connected by railroad, and to the west is a Utopian community that cowers in fear of the outside world. Dividing these two areas is an arid stretch of desert known only as "The Badlands." Now, these four gunmen stand facing one another with their fingers on their triggers, their fates won't be known until the gun smoke clears."
On this day in 2009 (in Sweden), Lost City Raiders surfaced for its release on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Jean de Segonzac, the Fantasy/Thriller starred James Brolin, Ian Sommerhalder, and Bettina Zimmermann. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In 2048, global warming caused the sea level to raise high above most cities. John Kubiak runs a salvage business with his adopted orphan sons, cocky Jack and erudite, cautious Thomas. Yet top priority, above profit, is a secret project for New Vatican cardinal Battaglia which even the boys only learn about when it kills John. It's retrieving the pharaonic scepter of Sobek, according to legend commanding the sea-level. The Kubiaks' ruthless rival in this relic hunt is against real estate super-tycoon Nicholas Filiminov, who also recruited Jack's ex, Giovanna Becker, by promising to finance her geological sea control research."
"In 2048, global warming caused the sea level to raise high above most cities. John Kubiak runs a salvage business with his adopted orphan sons, cocky Jack and erudite, cautious Thomas. Yet top priority, above profit, is a secret project for New Vatican cardinal Battaglia which even the boys only learn about when it kills John. It's retrieving the pharaonic scepter of Sobek, according to legend commanding the sea-level. The Kubiaks' ruthless rival in this relic hunt is against real estate super-tycoon Nicholas Filiminov, who also recruited Jack's ex, Giovanna Becker, by promising to finance her geological sea control research."
A star is born! On this day in 2009 (in Switzerland), death came back for the big finish (yet again) with the theatrical release of The Final Destination. Directed by David R. Ellis from a story by Eric Bress and Jeffrey Reddick, the Horror/Fantasy starred Nick Zano, Krista Allen, and Andrew Fiscella. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"While watching a car race at McKinley Speedway, Nick O'Bannon has a premonition of a car crash that will result in many casualties, including several people that are in the audience. Nick convinces his girlfriend Lori, along with his friends Hunt and Janet to leave. A security guard named George Lanter, along with a racist named Carter, a mother and her two sons, and several other people follow Nick out. Shortly after they leave, Nick's premonition comes true. When survivors start dying, Nick, his friends, and George must try to find the remaining survivors and save them from Death before it is too late."
For the record:
At the 2010 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, The Final Destination earned a nomination in the category of 'Worst Film.'
"While watching a car race at McKinley Speedway, Nick O'Bannon has a premonition of a car crash that will result in many casualties, including several people that are in the audience. Nick convinces his girlfriend Lori, along with his friends Hunt and Janet to leave. A security guard named George Lanter, along with a racist named Carter, a mother and her two sons, and several other people follow Nick out. Shortly after they leave, Nick's premonition comes true. When survivors start dying, Nick, his friends, and George must try to find the remaining survivors and save them from Death before it is too late."
For the record:
At the 2010 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, The Final Destination earned a nomination in the category of 'Worst Film.'
On this day in 2010 (in South Korea), a popular SciFi franchise grew by one more addition with the theatrical release of Predators. Directed by Nimrod Antal, the SciFi feature starred Adrien Brody, Laurence Fishburne, and Topher Grace; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a group of elite warriors find themselves in a jungle they realize that they are on a completely different planet and it's home to a race of extraterrestrial hunters. The group consists of a mercenary known as Royce, an IDF sniper known as Isabelle, a Russian Spetsnaz known as Nikolai, a drug cartel enforcer known as Cuchillo, an RUF officer known as Mombasa, a death row inmate known as Stans, a Yakuza assassin known as Hanzo, and an American doctor known as Edwin. It's up to these 8 individuals to stop their hunters and get off the planet."
"When a group of elite warriors find themselves in a jungle they realize that they are on a completely different planet and it's home to a race of extraterrestrial hunters. The group consists of a mercenary known as Royce, an IDF sniper known as Isabelle, a Russian Spetsnaz known as Nikolai, a drug cartel enforcer known as Cuchillo, an RUF officer known as Mombasa, a death row inmate known as Stans, a Yakuza assassin known as Hanzo, and an American doctor known as Edwin. It's up to these 8 individuals to stop their hunters and get off the planet."
On this day in 2010 (in Germany), the 2000-produced Starforce enjoyed an all-new home video release. Directed by Cary Howe and Tony Kandah, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Michael Bergin, Amy Weber, and Vernon Wells. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A warrior and a beautiful ex-convict are left to fight the galaxy's most fearsome commandos in an alien wasteland."
"A warrior and a beautiful ex-convict are left to fight the galaxy's most fearsome commandos in an alien wasteland."
On this day in 2010 (in Singapore), The King Of Fighters took the fight to the silver screen. Directed by Gordon Chan, the SciFi/Thriller starred Maggie Q, Sean Faris, and Will Yun Lee. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two of three powerful artifacts allow Rugal Bernstein, a man of evil intent, to enter and control an alternate dimension where gamers have been entering into martial arts combat for fun. From there, he awaits adversaries, killing them rather than defeating them so that he alone will remain as The King of Fighters. As Rugal possesses lesbian lovers Vice and Mature to aid him, undercover CIA agent Mai Shiranui teams up with Iori Yagami and Kyo Kusanagi to stop him before he can unleash a dread spirit named Orochi upon Mankind."
"Two of three powerful artifacts allow Rugal Bernstein, a man of evil intent, to enter and control an alternate dimension where gamers have been entering into martial arts combat for fun. From there, he awaits adversaries, killing them rather than defeating them so that he alone will remain as The King of Fighters. As Rugal possesses lesbian lovers Vice and Mature to aid him, undercover CIA agent Mai Shiranui teams up with Iori Yagami and Kyo Kusanagi to stop him before he can unleash a dread spirit named Orochi upon Mankind."
A star is born! On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), Rewind enjoyed its first television broadcast airing ever. Directed by Jack Bender from a story by Justin Marks, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Shane McRae, Jennifer Ferrin, and Robbie Jones. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A team of military field operatives and civilian scientists must use untested technology to travel back in time to alter past events in order to change the future and avoid a devastating terrorist attack."
"A team of military field operatives and civilian scientists must use untested technology to travel back in time to alter past events in order to change the future and avoid a devastating terrorist attack."
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), Thong Girl Vs. Xolta From Outer Space first crept into existence with a release on home video. Written and directed by Glen Weiss, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Amy Boyatt, Jimmy Campy, and Goldie Fatale. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Thong Girl reluctantly teams up with alien female Xolta to defeat evil warlord Vish'ss, who is bent on destroying planet Earth."
"Thong Girl reluctantly teams up with alien female Xolta to defeat evil warlord Vish'ss, who is bent on destroying planet Earth."
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in Chile), 6 Horas (aka 6 Hours) blazed onto the silver screen. Written and directed by Diego Ayala, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jocelyn Anfossy, Paulina Cuevas, and Andres Cesar Gonzalez. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young man has a mere six hours to escape with his best friend from their hometown before a nuclear reactor explodes."
"A young man has a mere six hours to escape with his best friend from their hometown before a nuclear reactor explodes."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in Poland), someone finally found The Perfect Weapon when it premiered on home video. Directed by Titus Paar, the SciFi/Thriller starred Sasha Jackson, Steven Seagal, and Richard Tyson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the not so distant future, society is controlled by the powerful State and a dictator known as the Director. Condor works as a hitman for the State, but a reunion with someone he thought was dead forces him to consider who his enemies really are."
"In the not so distant future, society is controlled by the powerful State and a dictator known as the Director. Condor works as a hitman for the State, but a reunion with someone he thought was dead forces him to consider who his enemies really are."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in the United Kingdom), Zombie Spring Breakers (aka Ibiza Undead) played for audiences in attendance of FrightFest, making that its first theatrical exhibition ever. Written and directed by Andy Edwards, the Horror/Comedy starred Marcia Do Vales, Matt King, and Seb Castang. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of young people head to Ibiza for the holiday of a lifetime - all the sun, sea, and sex, they can handle. If only there wasn't a zombie outbreak getting in the way."
"A group of young people head to Ibiza for the holiday of a lifetime - all the sun, sea, and sex, they can handle. If only there wasn't a zombie outbreak getting in the way."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in the United Kingdom), Canaries enjoyed its first screening ever for audiences of the Horror Channel FrightFest. Directed and written by Peter Stray, the SciFi/Horror starred Hannah Daniel and Robert Pugh, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"The first wave of an alien invasion coincides with a New Years Eve party in a Welsh valley."
"The first wave of an alien invasion coincides with a New Years Eve party in a Welsh valley."
On this day in 2017 (in Lithuania), the 1984-produced SciFi/Classic The Terminator enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Sent back from a dystopian 2029--where the cold machines have conquered the entire world--to 1984 Los Angeles, the indestructible cyborg-assassin known as the "Terminator" commences his deadly mission to kill humankind's most important woman: the unsuspecting Sarah Connor. However, from the same war-torn post-apocalyptic future comes a battle-scarred defender--Kyle Reese, a brave soldier of the human Resistance Army--bent on stopping the cybernetic killer from eliminating the world's last hope. But, the Terminator has no feelings, he doesn't sleep, and above all, he won't stop until he carries out his grim task. Does our future lie in our past?"
"Sent back from a dystopian 2029--where the cold machines have conquered the entire world--to 1984 Los Angeles, the indestructible cyborg-assassin known as the "Terminator" commences his deadly mission to kill humankind's most important woman: the unsuspecting Sarah Connor. However, from the same war-torn post-apocalyptic future comes a battle-scarred defender--Kyle Reese, a brave soldier of the human Resistance Army--bent on stopping the cybernetic killer from eliminating the world's last hope. But, the Terminator has no feelings, he doesn't sleep, and above all, he won't stop until he carries out his grim task. Does our future lie in our past?"
A star is born! On this day in 2019 (in the United Kingdom), Black Ops played for audiences in attendance of Frightfest. Written and directed by Tom Paton, the SciFi/Horror starred Shayne Ward, Bentley Kalu, and Samantha Schnitzler; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Special ops squad "Hell's Bastards" are sent to infiltrate a civil war to retrieve intel. The unit soon find themselves trapped on a never-ending stairwell forced to climb or die. To survive, they must revisit their past sins if they ever want to get off."
"Special ops squad "Hell's Bastards" are sent to infiltrate a civil war to retrieve intel. The unit soon find themselves trapped on a never-ending stairwell forced to climb or die. To survive, they must revisit their past sins if they ever want to get off."
A star is born! On this day in 2019 (in the United Kingdom), Rabid did what it could with an exclusive premiere to take a bite out of the competition of FrightFest. Written (in part) and directed by the team of Jen and Sylvia Soska, the Horror/Fantasy starred Laura Vandervoort, Benjamin Hollingsworth, and Ted Atherton. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The quiet Rose works in women's fashion clothing, hoping to be a designer. A traffic accident damages her face. She gets experimental stem cell treatment, leaving her stronger and prettier than ever - but there's a side effect."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Rabid earned an extra bit of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"The quiet Rose works in women's fashion clothing, hoping to be a designer. A traffic accident damages her face. She gets experimental stem cell treatment, leaving her stronger and prettier than ever - but there's a side effect."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Rabid earned an extra bit of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2020 (in Italy), 3022 turned up with a special release for audiences via the Internet. Directed by John Suits, the feature starred Omar Epps and Kate Walsh, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A group of astronauts living in the haunting emptiness of deep space awake to find earth has suffered an extinction level event."
"A group of astronauts living in the haunting emptiness of deep space awake to find earth has suffered an extinction level event."
A star is born! On this day in 2022 (in the United Kingdom), Who Invited Them played for audiences in attendance of FrightFest. Written and directed by Duncan Birmingham, the Horror/Fantasy starred Ryan Hansen, Melissa Tang, and Timothy Granaderos. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Adam and Margo's housewarming party is a success. One couple linger after the other guests, revealing themselves to be wealthy neighbors. As one night cap leads to another, Adam and Margo suspect their new friends are duplicitous strangers."
"Adam and Margo's housewarming party is a success. One couple linger after the other guests, revealing themselves to be wealthy neighbors. As one night cap leads to another, Adam and Margo suspect their new friends are duplicitous strangers."
A star is born! On this day in 2023 (in the United Kingdom), The Moor enjoyed its theatrical unveiling for audiences of the FrightFest London. Directed by Chris Cronin from a story by Paul Thomas, the Horror/Fantasy starred Sophia La Porta, Bernard Hill, and Mark Peachey. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Claire was just a child when her best friend was abducted and murdered. Twenty-five years later, Bill, the dead boy's father, has a plan to learn the truth about what really happened. With the help of psychic Eleanor, they venture deep into a haunted moor where something dark and evil stirs at their presence."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Moor enjoyed an extra bit of positive attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"Claire was just a child when her best friend was abducted and murdered. Twenty-five years later, Bill, the dead boy's father, has a plan to learn the truth about what really happened. With the help of psychic Eleanor, they venture deep into a haunted moor where something dark and evil stirs at their presence."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Moor enjoyed an extra bit of positive attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1970 (in the United Kingdom), Ace Of Wands aired "The Mind Robbers: Part 3." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"Zandar uses the unwitting Lulli to lure Tarot into a trap."
"Zandar uses the unwitting Lulli to lure Tarot into a trap."
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), M.A.N.T.I.S. morphed from its telefilm into a weekly series on the Fox television channel. The first episode was titled "First Steps," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"MANTIS must stop an evil crime lord who has stolen a deadly virus."
"MANTIS must stop an evil crime lord who has stolen a deadly virus."
On this day in 1995 (in Ireland), Michael J. Straczynski's Babylon 5 enjoyed its premiere with the airing of "Midnight On The Firing Line." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Narn attack a Centauri colony, while Raiders attack transport ships. Talia Winters arrives at the station."
"The Narn attack a Centauri colony, while Raiders attack transport ships. Talia Winters arrives at the station."
It all came down to this: on this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Witchblade aired "Ubique," the very last episode in its two-season existence on television. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Sara awakens from a nightmare to discover the Witchblade bracelet gone from her wrist and New York City in chaos after a bizarre homicidal spree. When she finds that the killers recently accessed Cyberfaust.net, a Web site run by someone who knows about the Witchblade, Sara suspects Kenneth Irons. Risking her sanity, she peruses the site and becomes helpless due to Cyberfaust's spell. Sara is forced to battle against the Witchblade and its diabolical new wielder, whom is under Irons employment, but without her special abilities."
"Sara awakens from a nightmare to discover the Witchblade bracelet gone from her wrist and New York City in chaos after a bizarre homicidal spree. When she finds that the killers recently accessed Cyberfaust.net, a Web site run by someone who knows about the Witchblade, Sara suspects Kenneth Irons. Risking her sanity, she peruses the site and becomes helpless due to Cyberfaust's spell. Sara is forced to battle against the Witchblade and its diabolical new wielder, whom is under Irons employment, but without her special abilities."
On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), Syfy's incarnation of Battlestar Galactica aired "Home: Part 2." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While Commander Adama tries to join Roslin's team on Kobol, Dr. Baltar's Number Six tells him he's crazy."
"While Commander Adama tries to join Roslin's team on Kobol, Dr. Baltar's Number Six tells him he's crazy."
On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), Stargate: Atlantis aired "Instinct." Officially, this served as the seventh episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"The team find a hidden Wraith girl, cared for by a man with a serum stilling her hunger. Beckett wants to perfect a retrovirus turning Wraith into Humans."
"The team find a hidden Wraith girl, cared for by a man with a serum stilling her hunger. Beckett wants to perfect a retrovirus turning Wraith into Humans."
On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "Ex Deus Machina." Officially, this served as the seventh episode of the long-running program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Following the death of a Jaffa on Earth and the disappearance of a prominent businessman, SG-1 starts an investigation into what remains of the Trust and into the actions of the Jaffa Nation. They discover that Baal is hiding on Earth after losing his forces to the Jaffa and that the Jaffa are secretly attempting his capture."
"Following the death of a Jaffa on Earth and the disappearance of a prominent businessman, SG-1 starts an investigation into what remains of the Trust and into the actions of the Jaffa Nation. They discover that Baal is hiding on Earth after losing his forces to the Jaffa and that the Jaffa are secretly attempting his capture."
On this day in 2005 (in Australia), Wicked Science aired "Sweet Dreams." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Elizabeth's experimenting ends up making Sasha's teeth fall out in the bathroom sink. Thinking Garth will leave her as her sidekick Elizabeth causes him to grow breasts until he joins her for good. Will Elizabeth ever learn?"
"Elizabeth's experimenting ends up making Sasha's teeth fall out in the bathroom sink. Thinking Garth will leave her as her sidekick Elizabeth causes him to grow breasts until he joins her for good. Will Elizabeth ever learn?"
On this day in 2006 (in Australia), Doctor Who aired "The Idiot's Lantern." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the re-launched program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"As the coronation of Elizabeth II nears, the streets of London live in fear. Faceless people are stolen from their homes in the night and something evil is lurking in the television."
"As the coronation of Elizabeth II nears, the streets of London live in fear. Faceless people are stolen from their homes in the night and something evil is lurking in the television."
On this day in 2007 (in Hungary), Firefly aired "Objects In Space." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"River has a daydream and holds one of Jayne's weapon believing it was a tree branch; suddenly she awakes and sees Mal and the crew scary. River overhears Mal and the crew discussing about her and she feels rejected. Meanwhile, the ruthless bounty hunter Jubal Early, who has tracked down River, boards the Serenity while everybody is sleeping. He subdues Mal and locks the crew in the cabins; ties Kaylee up in the engine room; hits Shepherd Book on the head; and he finally captures Simon to force him to deliver his sister. However River is missing and out of the blue, she tells through the communication system that she felt rejected and had melted away becoming part of Serenity. The skeptical Early does not believe first, but soon she is convinced she is telling the truth. What will happen to River?"
"River has a daydream and holds one of Jayne's weapon believing it was a tree branch; suddenly she awakes and sees Mal and the crew scary. River overhears Mal and the crew discussing about her and she feels rejected. Meanwhile, the ruthless bounty hunter Jubal Early, who has tracked down River, boards the Serenity while everybody is sleeping. He subdues Mal and locks the crew in the cabins; ties Kaylee up in the engine room; hits Shepherd Book on the head; and he finally captures Simon to force him to deliver his sister. However River is missing and out of the blue, she tells through the communication system that she felt rejected and had melted away becoming part of Serenity. The skeptical Early does not believe first, but soon she is convinced she is telling the truth. What will happen to River?"
On this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), The 4400 aired "Ghost In The Machine." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Malfunctioning ATMs lead Agents Baldwin & Skouris to a man who made threats against a large tech firm. The Marked make appearances."
"Malfunctioning ATMs lead Agents Baldwin & Skouris to a man who made threats against a large tech firm. The Marked make appearances."
On this day in 2011, Torchwood: Miracle Day aired "End of the Road." Officially, this served as the eighth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"The team is taken to see Olivia Colisanto, in whose house her grandfather, Angelo, ancient and comatose, lies on a life support machine. She explains that in 1928 three mobster families, named Ablemarch, Costerdane and Frines, tapped Jack's blood to gain immortality - the Blessing. Those families have now disappeared but seem to hold the key to Miracle Day. Angelo dies, baffling new CIA boss Shapiro, who deports Gwen. Jack finds a link between Angelo's death and a plate containing a mysterious force field under his floor. He gets Esther to take it and him to safety whilst Jilly tells Danes that he is expendable."
"The team is taken to see Olivia Colisanto, in whose house her grandfather, Angelo, ancient and comatose, lies on a life support machine. She explains that in 1928 three mobster families, named Ablemarch, Costerdane and Frines, tapped Jack's blood to gain immortality - the Blessing. Those families have now disappeared but seem to hold the key to Miracle Day. Angelo dies, baffling new CIA boss Shapiro, who deports Gwen. Jack finds a link between Angelo's death and a plate containing a mysterious force field under his floor. He gets Esther to take it and him to safety whilst Jilly tells Danes that he is expendable."
On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), Under The Dome aired "Let The Games Begin." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Maxine extends her reach in Chester's Mills by opening a bar where people can gamble on bare-knuckled fights. Big Jim pays a visit to a lake island home hoping to find the information Maxine has on him and Barbie. After Linda finds a safe-deposit box key in Duke's hat, she and Julia head off to the bank. Duke left some incriminating information. Julia checks her husband's box leading her to understand better what happened to her husband. Dodee finds the mini dome but is injured when she touches it. After speaking to a nurse at the hospital, Angie is certain she know the identity of the fourth hand."
"Maxine extends her reach in Chester's Mills by opening a bar where people can gamble on bare-knuckled fights. Big Jim pays a visit to a lake island home hoping to find the information Maxine has on him and Barbie. After Linda finds a safe-deposit box key in Duke's hat, she and Julia head off to the bank. Duke left some incriminating information. Julia checks her husband's box leading her to understand better what happened to her husband. Dodee finds the mini dome but is injured when she touches it. After speaking to a nurse at the hospital, Angie is certain she know the identity of the fourth hand."
