When Flash took a trip to the Red Planet in Flash Gordon's Trip To Mars (1938), actor Donald Kerr in the guise of 'Happy Hapgood' came along for some comic relief. Though he's no longer with us, Kerr was born on this day in 1891.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran screen director John Huston occasionally flexed his acting muscles, as well. In 1973's Battle for the Planet of the Apes, the man appeared as 'The Lawgiver' (pictured above) for the popular SciFi franchise. In 1979, he also had a role in the cult SciFi flick, The Visitor. Though he's no longer with us, Huston was born on this day in 1906.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Mickey Shaughnessy braved the Final Frontier aboard Conquest Of Space (1955) for Paramount Studios. Though he's no longer with us, Shaughnessy was born on this day in 1920.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Hailing from Dearborn, Michigan, the venerable Don Matheson went small in order to find big stardom aboard Irwin Allen's Land Of The Giants. He also found screen time in such programs as Lost In Space, Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea, and Dragonfight (1990). Though he's no longer with us, Matheson was born on this day in 1929.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The delectable Joan Weldon found herself between a rock, a hard place, and a giant menacing act in the classic Monster Movie Them! (1954) from Warner Bros. From her resume on IMDB.com, the talented lady packed in an incredible twenty screen credits into a career that lasted only 5 years (1953-1958), apparently returned to the world of live musical theater (stage) after this time. Though she's no longer with us, Weldon was born on this day in 1930.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Honestly, it's hard to understand all of the disdain for Kevin Reynolds' Waterworld (1995). The film is blissfully Apocalyptic, so much so in the way that SciFi and Fantasy fans generally love. Maybe it's nothing more than Kevin Costner fatigue? In any event, the film boasts some terrific performances by its secondary players, of which Zakes Mokae is included. He's also stolen scenes from Knight Rider, The Serpent And The Rainbow (1988), Outbreak (1995), and Fox TV's long-running The X-Files. Though he's no longer with us, Mokae was born on this day in 1934.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Wanda Ventham has some wonderful connection to all things SciFi: not only has she enjoyed appearances aboard such British genre staples as The Avengers, Out Of The Unknown, The Prisoner, UFO, and Doctor Who, but also she's the real-life mother of actor Benedict Cumberbatch. Ventham was born on this day in 1935.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of the deliciously cheesy Star Wars knock-offs to come down the pike so early after A New Hope graced theatres was Roger Corman's Battle Beyond the Stars. It had all of the right ingredients for a solid B-movie, and it even cast B-movie regular, John Saxon, to play the galactic heavy. Brilliant thinking! Though he's no longer with us, Saxon was born on this day in 1935.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
I think it deserves mention that Saxon was a veritable genre regular amongst the peers of his generation. A rundown of his resume includes many projects -- big and small -- that resonate with audiences who discover them even today. In 1965, he appeared in Blood Beast From Outer Space for Armitage Films Productions, Ltd. In 1966, he went into the Final Frontier with a role aboard Queen Of Blood for Cinema West Productions. The small screen called, and he secured guest spots in The Time Tunnel, The Sixth Sense, Night Gallery, and the Gene Roddenberry scripted SciFi/Telefilm Planet Earth (1974) which was quickly followed by another TV film project called Strange New World (1975). Visits to the popular TV franchises of The Six Million Dollar Man, The Bionic Woman, and Wonder Woman were also part of his line-up. There was more -- quite a bit more -- but I hope you get the point: Saxon was a true blue-collar journeyman who went where the work took him, and thankfully SciFi and Fantasy fans have plenty to explore across his impressive portfolio.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
I think it deserves mention that Saxon was a veritable genre regular amongst the peers of his generation. A rundown of his resume includes many projects -- big and small -- that resonate with audiences who discover them even today. In 1965, he appeared in Blood Beast From Outer Space for Armitage Films Productions, Ltd. In 1966, he went into the Final Frontier with a role aboard Queen Of Blood for Cinema West Productions. The small screen called, and he secured guest spots in The Time Tunnel, The Sixth Sense, Night Gallery, and the Gene Roddenberry scripted SciFi/Telefilm Planet Earth (1974) which was quickly followed by another TV film project called Strange New World (1975). Visits to the popular TV franchises of The Six Million Dollar Man, The Bionic Woman, and Wonder Woman were also part of his line-up. There was more -- quite a bit more -- but I hope you get the point: Saxon was a true blue-collar journeyman who went where the work took him, and thankfully SciFi and Fantasy fans have plenty to explore across his impressive portfolio.
Oh, what a wild ride actress Natalie Trundy had through the Planet of the Apes universe! In 1970, she played one of the mutated Underdwellers (named 'Albina') in Beneath The Planet Of The Apes. In 1971, she played 'Dr. Stephanie Branton,' a specialist studying apes from the future who came into our present day in Escape From The Planet Of The Apes. Then -- as a part of Conquest Of The Planet Of The Apes (1972) and Battle For The Planet Of The Apes (1973) -- she played the lovely chimp 'Lisa' in full ape-garb. Though she's no longer with us, Trundy was born on this day in 1940.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In a recent round-up of research I did on the original Planet Of The Apes movies, I learned that her screen work was not Trundy's only interesting foothold in the franchise: she also met and married the films' producer -- Arthur P. Jacobs -- during her time in that film universe.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In a recent round-up of research I did on the original Planet Of The Apes movies, I learned that her screen work was not Trundy's only interesting foothold in the franchise: she also met and married the films' producer -- Arthur P. Jacobs -- during her time in that film universe.
Italian-born actress Carla Gravina looks to have retired from the business before the turn of the century. One of her signature performances was in the guise of 'Ippolita Oderisi' aboard the Horror/Thriller The Antichrist from writer/directer Alberto de Martino. Gravina was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of receiving a new release of The Antichrist via a distributor relationship. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the flick? Readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of receiving a new release of The Antichrist via a distributor relationship. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the flick? Readers can find my review right here.
Hmm. When I think of The Incredible Hulk, the furthest thing from my mind is the lovely Loni Anderson. Still, the actress did make a guest appearance on the popular CBS program. Anderson was born on this day in 1945.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
"Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!" Well, that was only one of the many faces Maureen McCormick played in her career when she took on the guise of no less than 'Marcia Brady' on The Brady Bunch for several seasons of U.S. television. Genre fans, however, might remember her contributions to such properties as Bewitched, Honey West, I Dream Of Jeannie, Return To Horror High (1987), Touched By An Angel, Teen Angel, and Snow White: A Deadly Summer (2012). McCormick was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of Joanne Samuel's earliest screen gigs was as the ill-fated 'Jessie' aboard Mad Max, one of the greater genre flicks of all time to emerge from the land down under, Australia. She also enjoyed a bit of screen time aboard My Pet Dinosaur (2017) from Empress Road Productions. Samuel was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
By gosh, Clayton Rohner is one of those actors who pops up all over the place and truly deserves his own big SciFi franchise. He's still working, so there's always hope. Fans remember him best from his guest stint on Star Trek: The Next Generation, but he's also appeared on I, Madman (1989); E.A.R.T.H. Force; W.E.I.R.D. World (1995); The X-Files; Jake 2.0; Day Break; Dollhouse; and the criminally overlooked cult series Good Vs. Evil (GvE). Rohner was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Model, actress, and former Playboy Playmate Heidi Sorenson knows more than a thing or two about how to turn heads. IMDB.com reports, however, that not only does she look good but she's also dabbled in screenwriting! Everybody loves it when a great gal is well-rounded! Genre fans might recognize her from a brief visit to the world of Fright Night (1985). Sorenson was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The delicious Tawny Kitaen first caught my eye in the Tom Hanks' comedy Bachelor Party. As SciFi and Fantasy goes, she's enjoyed some exposure with work in The Perils Of Gwendoline In The Land Of The Yik Yak (1984), Witchboard (1986), They Came From Outer Space, and TV's syndicated Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. Though she's no longer with us, Kitaen was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
While the uniformed viewer sees little more than a holographic projection, genre fans see the necessary delivery of critical plot points ... and thus was Janet McTeer's abbreviated role aboard Insurgent (2015). This award-winning actress has also put her stamp on the greater Marvel Universe in the role of 'Alisa Jones' for Netflix's incarnation of Jessica Jones. McTeer was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
All things considered, 2011's Green Lantern movie was pretty awful for a lot of small reasons, but -- as can happen -- when enough of those small things get added up it ends up creating a pretty big stink. From what I've read, it seems like a lot of young children seemed to like the flick, and I suppose that counts for something. But me? I'm pretty well thrilled with Geoff Johns' epic run on the character in the comic books, and the movie seemed surprisingly one-dimensional for such a character brimming with optimism.
However, screen veteran Mark Strong did some terrific work, giving long-time GREEN LANTERN baddie Sinestro to life much before he'd fully turned bad. I'd be thrilled to see Strong stay a part of the DC movie universe, but methinks he'll be chucked out and forgotten, much like the film he appeared in all too briefly.
Strong was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
However, screen veteran Mark Strong did some terrific work, giving long-time GREEN LANTERN baddie Sinestro to life much before he'd fully turned bad. I'd be thrilled to see Strong stay a part of the DC movie universe, but methinks he'll be chucked out and forgotten, much like the film he appeared in all too briefly.
Strong was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
In 1993, funnyman Jonathan Silverman (pictured above right) found himself caught in a time loop in the SciFi telefilm 12:01. Silverman was born on this day in 1966.
Screenwriter Matt Jones has spun yarns for such genre favorites as Doctor Who, Torchwood, Dirk Gently, and Stan Lee's Lucky Man. Jones was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Throughout Stargate: Atlantis's run, actor Chuck Campbell played the curiously named 'Technician Chuck' or 'Chuck the Technician' to fans' delight. The versatile actor has also appeared on Earth: Final Conflict, Jason X, Stargate: SG-1, and Sanctuary. Campbell was born on this day in 1969.
Writer/director James Gunn broke through in a big way with his contribution to the Marvel Movie Universe, masterminding the first Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) up onto the big screen. The Walt Disney Company fired him (link to story here) not long after Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 came out, but executives eventually re-hired him, proving the Mouse House's "morality" was arguably as questionable as Gunn's offensive tweets glamorizing pedophilia. Still, some media types are comfortable just wearing a button to show their support to stop online bullying ... as if a hashtag ever changed the world. Gunn was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
For at least five years, Lorri Bagley was an angel ... professionally! Well, she was a model for Victoria's Secret, and -- from what I've read -- they're called 'angels' within that elite group. But she's also an actress, and she was just one of the many lovely ladies to make a SciFi statement aboard the 2004 incarnation of The Stepford Wives. Bagley was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If you've ever wonder who's beneath the mask, then be warned: it just might be Paul Kasey. He's been under them in such properties as Blade II (2002), 28 Days Later (2002), Torchwood, Inkheart, The Sarah Jane Adventures, Being Human, Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015), Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017), and a whole host of oddities featured in the long-running BBC SciFi serial Doctor Who. Kasey was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
During her time in the entertainment industry, Ami Foster (above left) showed up in a guest spot aboard NBC's popular Quantum Leap. Foster was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Watch out, folks! It looks like Stephanie Szostak is willing to lock and load in pursuit of justice! Well, maybe that's just the way her work was scripted in Marvel's Iron Man 3 (2013). Szostak was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
During the inaugural season of CBS's Supergirl, Iddo Goldberg became the Red Tornado and faced off against the Kryptonian lass for a guest appearance. Goldberg was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Marlene Favela played down her looks while amping up her alien-ness for her role aboard Species: The Awakening (2007). Favela was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sorry, kids: I don't watch Red Dwarf. I did watch a few episodes, and I just figured it wasn't for me. In any event, I do appreciate a good SciFi comedy as much as the next bloke, and that brings me to Sophie Winkleman. She played the lovely Katerina (pictured above left) in a two-part episode back in 2009. Winkleman was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A few years after she established herself in Fantasy with a role on Dinotopia (2002), the lovely Kara Tointon cracked the SciFi glass ceiling with work in Let's Be Evil (2016). Tointon was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Fox TV's Fringe was one of those rare programs that was honestly fabulous on so many levels. Thankfully, it even created a small roster of secondary characters and managed to give them substantive things to do. Such is the case with actor Ryan McDonald, who played 'Brandon Fayette' on the show. He's also appeared on such genre entries as ReGenesis and Warehouse 13. McDonald was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Blonde and beautiful Angie Cole established her Fantasy credentials with a regular role aboard the short-lived A Good Knight's Quest for Registeredfilms. Cole was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress and performer Stefanie Joosten has worked hard behind-the-scenes in the process of bringing several genre-related video games to life. Joosten was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress and ComicCon sensation Jessica Nigri has provided the pipes behind the character of 'Cinder Falls' for the greater RWBY animated franchise. Nigri was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Aussie actress Meegan Warner paid a somewhat hairy visit (snicker snicker) to the world of ABC TV's long-running Once Upon A Time during its time in original broadcast existence. Warner was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Fresh-faced Olivia Holt joined the superhero big leagues with her work aboard the SciFi serial Cloak & Dagger for Marvel Studios. The actress -- whether in the flesh or by voice-acting -- also provided work to such properties as Girl Vs Monster (2012), Ultimate Spider-Man, Evermoor, Gnome Alone (2017), Runaways, Spider-Man, and Totally Killer (2023). Holt was born on this day in 1997.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1955 (in Finland), Universal Studios' Cult Of The Cobra slithered its way into theatres. Directed by Francis D. Lyon, the Fantasy feature starred Faith Domergue, Marshall, Thompson, and Richard Long; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"American G.I.s who trespass on a Hindu ceremony are hunted down by a beautiful woman who has the power to transform herself into a cobra."
"American G.I.s who trespass on a Hindu ceremony are hunted down by a beautiful woman who has the power to transform herself into a cobra."
A star is born! On this day in 1955 (in Belgium), The Atomic Man put power up on the silver screen! Directed by Ken Hughes, the SciFi/Thriller starred Gene Nelson, Faith Domergue, and Joseph Tomelty; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An atomic scientist is found floating in a river with a bullet in his back and a radioactive halo around his body. The radioactivity has put him seven-and-a-half seconds ahead of us in time. He teams up with a reporter to stop his evil double from destroying his experiments in artificial tungsten."
For the record:
As I've found that some readers like to know these things, the script was an adaptation of the novel The Isotope Man.
"An atomic scientist is found floating in a river with a bullet in his back and a radioactive halo around his body. The radioactivity has put him seven-and-a-half seconds ahead of us in time. He teams up with a reporter to stop his evil double from destroying his experiments in artificial tungsten."
For the record:
As I've found that some readers like to know these things, the script was an adaptation of the novel The Isotope Man.
A star is born! On this day in 1960, Last Woman On Earth enjoyed its U.S. theatrical premiere. Springing from a script by Robert Towne and directed by Roger Corman, this SciFi feature starred Betsy Jones-Moreland and and screenwriter Towne himself, and here's the plot summary that's listed on IMDB.com:
"Ev, along with her husband, Harold, and their lawyer friend Martin, are swimming while on vacation in Puerto Rico. When they resurface, they gradually conclude that an unexplained, temporary interruption of oxygen has killed everyone on the island... maybe even the world!"
"Ev, along with her husband, Harold, and their lawyer friend Martin, are swimming while on vacation in Puerto Rico. When they resurface, they gradually conclude that an unexplained, temporary interruption of oxygen has killed everyone on the island... maybe even the world!"
A star is born! On this day in 1960 (in the U.S.), The Little Shop Of Horrors first opened its doors for theatrical business. Written (in part) and directed by Roger Corman, the Horror/Fantasy starred Jonathan Haze, Jackie Joseph, and Mel Welles. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A clumsy young man working at an impoverished flower shop discovers that the strange plant he has been nurturing has an insatiable appetite for blood, forcing him to kill to feed it."
"A clumsy young man working at an impoverished flower shop discovers that the strange plant he has been nurturing has an insatiable appetite for blood, forcing him to kill to feed it."
On this day in 1966 (in West Germany), Andrew Marton's Around The World Under The Sea surfaced for its audience's viewing pleasure. The feature starred Lloyd Bridges, Brian Kelly, and Shirley Eaton; and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"The crew of a five-man submarine travels the world oceans, planting sensors on the ocean floor to warn scientists of any impending earthquakes."
"The crew of a five-man submarine travels the world oceans, planting sensors on the ocean floor to warn scientists of any impending earthquakes."
A star is born! On this day in 1966 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who went to the cinemas with the premiere of Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. The feature starred Peter Cushing in the role of the traveler from Gallifrey, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Daleks' fiendish plot in 2150 against Earth and its people is foiled when Dr. Who and friends arrive from the 20th century and figure it out."
"The Daleks' fiendish plot in 2150 against Earth and its people is foiled when Dr. Who and friends arrive from the 20th century and figure it out."
A star is born! On this day in 1986 (in the United Kingdom), Alien Predator (aka Alien Predators) sought to sink its tiny teeth into unsuspecting audiences. Written (in part) and directed by Deran Sarafian, the SciFi/Horror starred Dennis Christopher, Martin Hewitt, and Lynn-Holly Johnson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Three American friends travelling through Spain get stuck in a remote town where something very dangerous is changing the town's people."
"Three American friends travelling through Spain get stuck in a remote town where something very dangerous is changing the town's people."
A star is born! Run, you hormonally-gifted teenagers! That scene above is from the remake of The Blob, which premiered on this day theatrically back in 1988 (in Canada and the U.S.). Directed by Chuck Russell, the film starred Shawnee Smith, Kevin Dillon, and Donovan Leitch Jr. For those of who you've never seen that or the original, here's the plot summary, compliments of IMDB.com:
"A strange lifeform consumes everything in its path as it grows and grows."
For the record:
Besides of bit of praise on the film festival circuit, The Blob enjoyed a pair of nominations from the 1990 Saturn Awards.
"A strange lifeform consumes everything in its path as it grows and grows."
For the record:
Besides of bit of praise on the film festival circuit, The Blob enjoyed a pair of nominations from the 1990 Saturn Awards.
On this day in 1994 (in Japan), Full Moon Pictures' Robot Wars enjoyed its release on home video. Directed by Albert Band, the SciFi feature starred Don Michael Paul, James Staley, and Lisa Rinna, and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"In the year 2041, the rebel Centros are a plague to the survivors of the great toxic gas scare of 1993. A renegade Megarobot pilot and an archaeologist must team up (despite personal differences, a reluctant romance, and official pressure to cease and desist) to thwart the Centro's attempts to resurrect a hidden Megarobot, with which they can challenge the prevailing order."
"In the year 2041, the rebel Centros are a plague to the survivors of the great toxic gas scare of 1993. A renegade Megarobot pilot and an archaeologist must team up (despite personal differences, a reluctant romance, and official pressure to cease and desist) to thwart the Centro's attempts to resurrect a hidden Megarobot, with which they can challenge the prevailing order."
A star is born ... or is that porn? On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), The Erotic Time Machine earned its release on home video. Directed by Johnny Crash and Zachary Snygg, the Adult-themed SciFi/Fantasy starred Erin Brown, Darian Crane, and Tina Krause. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"31st century scientist Miss Manners has developed a method of traveling through time, but it increases lust in the time traveler. So, she views erotic scenes from each period of time."
"31st century scientist Miss Manners has developed a method of traveling through time, but it increases lust in the time traveler. So, she views erotic scenes from each period of time."
A star is born! On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), Arachnia made its crawling debut on home video. Written and directed by Brett Piper, the Horror/Fantasy starred Rob Monkiewicz, Irene Joseph, and David Bunce. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When a small research plane carrying a group of science students and their professor crash-lands in the middle of nowhere, the survivors go to a nearby farmhouse to look for help but soon find themselves besieged by giant mutant spiders."
"When a small research plane carrying a group of science students and their professor crash-lands in the middle of nowhere, the survivors go to a nearby farmhouse to look for help but soon find themselves besieged by giant mutant spiders."
On this day in 2008 (in the U.S.), no less than Johnny Rico himself re-upped his service as a Citizen with the release of Starship Troopers 3: Marauder. Written and directed by Edward Neumeier, the SciFi/Thriller starred Casper Van Dien, Jolene Blalock, and Stephen Hogan. Here's the slim plot premise as detailed by the reliable IMDB.com:
"Johnny Rico is called back into action to defeat the bugs."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Starship Troopers 3 enjoyed a 2009 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best DVD Release.'
"Johnny Rico is called back into action to defeat the bugs."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Starship Troopers 3 enjoyed a 2009 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best DVD Release.'
On this day in 2009, the Soviet Union's 1957-produced Doroga k zvezdam played for audiences in attendance of Poland's Film and Art Festival Two Riversides. Directed by Pavel Klushantsev, the film starred Georgi Solovyov, Leonid Khmara, and Georgi Kulbush. According to IMDB.com, here's the film's plot summary:
"A groundbreaking popular science fiction film about the past and future of astronautics, from the first experiments by Konstantin Tsiolkovsky to the manned spaceflight and colonization of the Moon."
"A groundbreaking popular science fiction film about the past and future of astronautics, from the first experiments by Konstantin Tsiolkovsky to the manned spaceflight and colonization of the Moon."
On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), Alien Opponent sought out what cinematic competition it could. Directed by Colin Theys, the SciFi feature starred Jeremy London, Adrienne LaValley, and Roddy Piper; and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"The owner of a small-town junkyard offers a cash reward to whomever can kill her uninvited, space-suited alien guest when its spacecraft crash-lands into her barn. Every wacko within 100 miles turns out, and before long, the junkyard is transformed into a war zone of man vs. man vs. machine vs. alien vs. God only knows what."
"The owner of a small-town junkyard offers a cash reward to whomever can kill her uninvited, space-suited alien guest when its spacecraft crash-lands into her barn. Every wacko within 100 miles turns out, and before long, the junkyard is transformed into a war zone of man vs. man vs. machine vs. alien vs. God only knows what."
A smart and prescient film, 2011's Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes reinvigorated the franchise, bringing to life those "damn, dirty apes" in a way audiences never expected. It was released on this day in 2011 (in a handful of countries). Directed by Rupert Wyatt, the feature starred James Franko, Andy Serkis, and Freida Pinto. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A substance, designed to help the brain repair itself, gives rise to a super-intelligent chimp who leads an ape uprising."
For the record:
Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes was a spectacular critical and commercial hit, bringing the Apes franchise back to the silver screen in a big, big way. At the 2012 Academy Awards, the feature was nominated in the category of 'Best Achievement In Visual Effects.' At the 2012 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the feature took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Special Effects,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film' while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Writing' and 'Best Director.'
"A substance, designed to help the brain repair itself, gives rise to a super-intelligent chimp who leads an ape uprising."
For the record:
Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes was a spectacular critical and commercial hit, bringing the Apes franchise back to the silver screen in a big, big way. At the 2012 Academy Awards, the feature was nominated in the category of 'Best Achievement In Visual Effects.' At the 2012 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the feature took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Special Effects,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film' while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Writing' and 'Best Director.'
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), blades were drawn -- and blood would be spilled -- when Ninja Apocalypse finally came into theatrical being. Directed by Lloyd Lee Barnett from a story by Ashley Scott Meyers, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Christian Oliver, Les Brandt, and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Framed for assassinating the Grandmaster, the Lost Ninja Clan must fight their way up an underground nuclear bunker filled with hordes of supernatural enemies, mutants, and flesh-eating zombies."
"Framed for assassinating the Grandmaster, the Lost Ninja Clan must fight their way up an underground nuclear bunker filled with hordes of supernatural enemies, mutants, and flesh-eating zombies."
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), The Forbidden Dimensions (aka 2035: Forbidden Dimensions) first graced audiences with a home video release. Written and directed by Christopher James Miller, the SciFi/Horror starred Brittany O'Neil, Al Ridenour, and Carl Crew. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Timetraveller Jack Slade enters the year 2035, where society has been destroyed by an evil regime. He travels back in time to 1998 to try and save the planet from annihilation."
"Timetraveller Jack Slade enters the year 2035, where society has been destroyed by an evil regime. He travels back in time to 1998 to try and save the planet from annihilation."
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in Japan), Dominion (aka Dominion: The Last Star Warrior) premiered in the home video marketplace. Directed by Richard Lowry, the feature starred Barry Lynch, Christine Joëlle and Travis Hammer; and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"In just FIVE days the world we know will change forever with devastating results. Jaelen an observer from another planet searches to find and rescue the human woman he fell in love with before it all happens. Robert Casey a retired US Intelligence agent turned UFO investigator races to discover what the yet to be known DOMINION has in store for the Human race."
"In just FIVE days the world we know will change forever with devastating results. Jaelen an observer from another planet searches to find and rescue the human woman he fell in love with before it all happens. Robert Casey a retired US Intelligence agent turned UFO investigator races to discover what the yet to be known DOMINION has in store for the Human race."
On this day in 2016, Let's Be Evil cooked up its futuristic machinations for U.S. audiences. Written (in part) and directed by Martin Owen, the SciFi film starred Sophie Willis, Elizabeth Morris, and Jules Brown; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Three chaperones are hired to supervise an advanced learning program for gifted children, who wear Augmented Reality Glasses to assist in their education. Contained within a secure, underground facility, events quickly spiral out of control."
"Three chaperones are hired to supervise an advanced learning program for gifted children, who wear Augmented Reality Glasses to assist in their education. Contained within a secure, underground facility, events quickly spiral out of control."
Apparently completed in 2015 but not given a proper theatrical run until on this day in 2016, The Mind's Eye explores that fertile realm where Science Fiction meets the powers of extra-sensory perception (ESP) and psychokinesis. Written and directed by Joe Begos, the film starred Graham Skipper, Lauren Ashley Carter, and John Speredakos. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Zack Connors and Rachel Meadows were born with incredible psychokinetic capabilities. When word of their supernatural talents gets out, they find themselves the prisoners of Michael Slovak, a deranged doctor intent on harvesting their powers. After a daring escape, they are free from his sinister institution, but the corrupt doctor will stop at nothing to track them down so that he may continue to siphon their gifts for his own use."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Mind's Eye enjoyed a modest bit of praise on the film festival circuit. If you're interested in reading SciFiHistory.Net's review, then follow the link right here.
"Zack Connors and Rachel Meadows were born with incredible psychokinetic capabilities. When word of their supernatural talents gets out, they find themselves the prisoners of Michael Slovak, a deranged doctor intent on harvesting their powers. After a daring escape, they are free from his sinister institution, but the corrupt doctor will stop at nothing to track them down so that he may continue to siphon their gifts for his own use."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Mind's Eye enjoyed a modest bit of praise on the film festival circuit. If you're interested in reading SciFiHistory.Net's review, then follow the link right here.
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Empire Of The Sharks leapt out of the broadcast ocean for its premiere on television. Written and directed by Mark Atkins, the Horror/Fantasy starred John Savage, Jack Armstrong, and Thandi Sebe. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"On a future earth where 98% of the surface is underwater, a Warlord who controls an army of sharks meets his match when he captures the daughter of a mysterious shark caller."
"On a future earth where 98% of the surface is underwater, a Warlord who controls an army of sharks meets his match when he captures the daughter of a mysterious shark caller."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in Japan), Kamen Rider Ex-Aid: True Ending (aka Gekijôban Kamen Raidâ Eguzeido: Turû endingu) enjoyed its original foray into the theatrical limelight. Directed by Shôjirô Nakazawa from a story by Yuya Takahashi, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Hiroki Iijima, Toshiki Seto, and Ukyô Matsumoto. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A year after defeating Masamune (Kamen Rider Cronus), Emu Hojo and the Doctor Riders venture into the VR Game World to deal with a new Game Disease outbreak hitting Tokyo."
"A year after defeating Masamune (Kamen Rider Cronus), Emu Hojo and the Doctor Riders venture into the VR Game World to deal with a new Game Disease outbreak hitting Tokyo."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in Switzerland), Once There Was Brasilia (aka Era uma Vez Brasília) first played for audiences in attendance of the Locarno Film Festival. Directed by Adirley Queiros, this Dystopian/SciFi starred Wellington Abreu, Marquim do Tropa, and Andreia Vierira. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A dystopian reflection on the current Brazilian political climate since the dismissal of President Rousseff, through two renegade characters waiting for redemption in the city of Brazilia."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Once There Was Brasilia earned an extra bit of love from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A dystopian reflection on the current Brazilian political climate since the dismissal of President Rousseff, through two renegade characters waiting for redemption in the city of Brazilia."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Once There Was Brasilia earned an extra bit of love from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in Brazil), What Happened To Monday enjoyed its first screening ever with a release via the World Wide Web. Directed by Tommy Wirkola, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Noomi Rapace, Glenn Close, and Willem Dafoe. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a world where families are limited to one child due to overpopulation, a set of identical septuplets must avoid being put to a long sleep by the government and dangerous infighting while investigating the disappearance of one of their own."
"In a world where families are limited to one child due to overpopulation, a set of identical septuplets must avoid being put to a long sleep by the government and dangerous infighting while investigating the disappearance of one of their own."
A star is born! On this day in 2022 (in Switzerland), Lola took audiences on a trip through time (or did it?) when it was first screened for audiences of the Locarno Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Andrew Legge, the SciFi/Drama starred Emma Appleton, Stefanie Martini, and Theodora Brabazon Legge. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"1940, Thom and Mars have built a machine, LOLA, that can intercept radio and TV broadcasts from the future. Unknown to them sharing these broadcasts the devastating changes it will have on the future of world but to them also."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Lola earned a good deal of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In late 2023 during the film's promotional tour, I was offered a chance to stream Lola in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
"1940, Thom and Mars have built a machine, LOLA, that can intercept radio and TV broadcasts from the future. Unknown to them sharing these broadcasts the devastating changes it will have on the future of world but to them also."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Lola earned a good deal of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In late 2023 during the film's promotional tour, I was offered a chance to stream Lola in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1968 (in the United Kingdom), Lost In Space aired "The Reluctant Stowaway." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Date: October 16, 1997. The Jupiter 2 is to launch, but a saboteur wants to destroy it. Unfortunately he is part of the Jupiter 2 crew now Lost In Space."
"Date: October 16, 1997. The Jupiter 2 is to launch, but a saboteur wants to destroy it. Unfortunately he is part of the Jupiter 2 crew now Lost In Space."
On this day in 1970, Ace Of Wands aired "One and One and One are Four: Part 2." This served as the second episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Sam continues the search for Teddy Talk, while Lulli looks after Professor Ekdorf. The stolen nerve simulator is now in the hands of Madame Midnight, but she will need the professor's help to turn it into a weapon."
"Sam continues the search for Teddy Talk, while Lulli looks after Professor Ekdorf. The stolen nerve simulator is now in the hands of Madame Midnight, but she will need the professor's help to turn it into a weapon."
On this day in 1994, Robocop: The Series aired "Heartbreakers." This served as the eighteenth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"It's love at first "byte" when Lippencott enters Virtual Reality and falls for Diana Powers, while RoboCop is blackmailed into stealing a top secret weapon that can literally break hearts."
"It's love at first "byte" when Lippencott enters Virtual Reality and falls for Diana Powers, while RoboCop is blackmailed into stealing a top secret weapon that can literally break hearts."
On this day in 1995 (in Australia), Sky Trackers aired "The Wish Star." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence. According to our friends at Australia Television Net, here's the plot summary:
"Maggie and Nikki's father Robert arrives from France to do a story on Dr. Tony Masters. Maggie thinks she sees a new star in the sky, but when Nikki looks it's no longer there. Meanwhile, Tony is trying to build up the courage to ask Marie to a dance. Mike tries to give his father some tips on dating. Robert raises the possibility of the children going back to live with him in France. Tony helps Maggie find her "wish star" which turns out to a variable star. Tony also finally plucks up the courage to ask Marie to the dance."
"Maggie and Nikki's father Robert arrives from France to do a story on Dr. Tony Masters. Maggie thinks she sees a new star in the sky, but when Nikki looks it's no longer there. Meanwhile, Tony is trying to build up the courage to ask Marie to a dance. Mike tries to give his father some tips on dating. Robert raises the possibility of the children going back to live with him in France. Tony helps Maggie find her "wish star" which turns out to a variable star. Tony also finally plucks up the courage to ask Marie to the dance."
On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), Weird Science aired "Dead Can Dance." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Chett meets the ghost of a 12th Century ancestor, he travels back in time to be a warrior."
"When Chett meets the ghost of a 12th Century ancestor, he travels back in time to be a warrior."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Witchblade aired "Veritas." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's second (and final) season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A link to unusual circumstances and the mysterious tattoos on the murder victims lead Sara and Jake to investigate other hate crimes that have been interrupted but are occurring across the city. It becomes apparent that a vigilante is trying to thwart the efforts of the hate crime perps. Sara goes undercover to find out more about the tattoos that are traced to the Lupo Organization and its mysterious leader, but when her disguise is blown, she must use the Witchblade to escape."
"A link to unusual circumstances and the mysterious tattoos on the murder victims lead Sara and Jake to investigate other hate crimes that have been interrupted but are occurring across the city. It becomes apparent that a vigilante is trying to thwart the efforts of the hate crime perps. Sara goes undercover to find out more about the tattoos that are traced to the Lupo Organization and its mysterious leader, but when her disguise is blown, she must use the Witchblade to escape."
On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), Syfy's revamped Battlestar Galactica aired "Resistance." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Tigh's decision to impose martial law is protested in the fleet as well as on Galactica. On Caprica, Helo and Starbuck meet other humans."
"Tigh's decision to impose martial law is protested in the fleet as well as on Galactica. On Caprica, Helo and Starbuck meet other humans."
On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired the fourth episode of its ninth season, an hour titled "The Ties That Bind." Here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Vala returns to SGC upon having been separated from Daniel for a little under an hour. The effects of the bracelets have not diminished even though they have been removed. In order to get the effects reversed, Mitchell, Jackson, and Vala must deal with many people that Vala has used over the years to gain favors."
"Vala returns to SGC upon having been separated from Daniel for a little under an hour. The effects of the bracelets have not diminished even though they have been removed. In order to get the effects reversed, Mitchell, Jackson, and Vala must deal with many people that Vala has used over the years to gain favors."
On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), Stargate Atlantis aired "Duet." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's second season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After an attempt to retrieve McKay and Lt. Laura Cadman from the memory banks of a Wraith dart, Cadman gets stuck in McKay's mind."
"After an attempt to retrieve McKay and Lt. Laura Cadman from the memory banks of a Wraith dart, Cadman gets stuck in McKay's mind."
On this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), Fallen aired "Someone Always Has To Die." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"As Aaron and Vilma continue their quest to find the Light Bringer by following Azazel, they find themselves facing The Powers, who are shocked at the sight of Azazel."
"As Aaron and Vilma continue their quest to find the Light Bringer by following Azazel, they find themselves facing The Powers, who are shocked at the sight of Azazel."
It all came down to this: on this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), Fallen aired "Il Gran Rifuto." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence, ultimately serving as the series' finale. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When Aaron finally meets the Light Bringer, his powers are challenged in a stronger way than ever before."
"When Aaron finally meets the Light Bringer, his powers are challenged in a stronger way than ever before."
On this day in 2007 (in Hungary), Firefly aired "Safe." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mal must choose which crew members to save when one is gravely wounded and two others are kidnapped. Simon finds an uneasy haven in a remote village, but River's uncanny perceptions jeopardize the Tams' temporary safety."
"Mal must choose which crew members to save when one is gravely wounded and two others are kidnapped. Simon finds an uneasy haven in a remote village, but River's uncanny perceptions jeopardize the Tams' temporary safety."
On this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), The 4400 aired "No Exit." Officially, this served as the eighth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed on IMDB.com:
"A lockdown at NTAC threatens the lives of Tom, Diana, Meghan, Shawn, Kyle, Jordan, Isabelle, Maia, Marco, PJ and Brady when they wakeup inside the building with no recollection of how they got there."
"A lockdown at NTAC threatens the lives of Tom, Diana, Meghan, Shawn, Kyle, Jordan, Isabelle, Maia, Marco, PJ and Brady when they wakeup inside the building with no recollection of how they got there."
On this day in 2008 (in the U.S.), Eureka aired "What About Bob?" Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's third season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Carter and Allison search for a missing man in a bio-dome while Eva Thorne makes changes in town in the name of balance and efficiency."
"Carter and Allison search for a missing man in a bio-dome while Eva Thorne makes changes in town in the name of balance and efficiency."
On this day in 2009 (in Australia), Stormworld aired "The Old Order Changes." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Werrolda dies in an accident at the Sighing Peaks; Makyn joins the Drogue and Lee's attempt to make fuel ends in failure."
"Werrolda dies in an accident at the Sighing Peaks; Makyn joins the Drogue and Lee's attempt to make fuel ends in failure."
On this day in 2009 (in Australia), Stormworld aired "Raising The Cougar." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"With the Arkoddian invasion imminent, Jason and Lee try to convince the Settlers that evacuation is the only option."
"With the Arkoddian invasion imminent, Jason and Lee try to convince the Settlers that evacuation is the only option."
On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.), TNT's Falling Skies aired "Death March." Officially, this served as the eighth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The 2nd Mass pushes on to Charleston, but some are still grieving the group's recent losses. Weaver learns more about Tector's background before the invasion. And Matt begins to bond with a harnessed girl who was found recently."
"The 2nd Mass pushes on to Charleston, but some are still grieving the group's recent losses. Weaver learns more about Tector's background before the invasion. And Matt begins to bond with a harnessed girl who was found recently."
On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), CBS's Under The Dome aired "Imperfect Circles." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A friend of Julia's goes into labour after touching the dome. Big Jim kicks out Junior. Linda seeks out the Dundee brothers after Rose's murder. Joe and Norrie find a second mini-dome that holds a mysterious egg inside it."
"A friend of Julia's goes into labour after touching the dome. Big Jim kicks out Junior. Linda seeks out the Dundee brothers after Rose's murder. Joe and Norrie find a second mini-dome that holds a mysterious egg inside it."
On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), Syfy's Killjoys aired "I Love Lucy." Officially, this served as the sixth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In order to anticipate the coming danger that's been foretold, Dutch goes on the hunt for green plasma. Her journey takes the team onto the ship of an intergalactic trader who might know more about the impending doom than they originally thought."
"In order to anticipate the coming danger that's been foretold, Dutch goes on the hunt for green plasma. Her journey takes the team onto the ship of an intergalactic trader who might know more about the impending doom than they originally thought."
On this day in 2017, BBC's Orphan Black aired "One Fettered Slave." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sarah, Felix and Kira mourning the death of S coincides with they and the other sisters learning from Sister Irina that Helena has been kidnapped. The sisters' first thought is that she has been taken to the island, but they figure that the one person who they now may seemingly be able to trust to some extent that would know for sure is Rachel. Rachel is only able to fill in some of the pieces. However, with news of Dyad's involvement in the genetics project hitting the media, Interpol has been called in to take over from the police the investigation of the deaths of some Dyad board members. While this may pose some problems for Art, he knows that Enger too is someone who probably knows Helena's whereabouts. The sisters also believe that Al-Khatib may be useful under the current circumstances, where he is trying to protect himself from what is going on with the Board."
"Sarah, Felix and Kira mourning the death of S coincides with they and the other sisters learning from Sister Irina that Helena has been kidnapped. The sisters' first thought is that she has been taken to the island, but they figure that the one person who they now may seemingly be able to trust to some extent that would know for sure is Rachel. Rachel is only able to fill in some of the pieces. However, with news of Dyad's involvement in the genetics project hitting the media, Interpol has been called in to take over from the police the investigation of the deaths of some Dyad board members. While this may pose some problems for Art, he knows that Enger too is someone who probably knows Helena's whereabouts. The sisters also believe that Al-Khatib may be useful under the current circumstances, where he is trying to protect himself from what is going on with the Board."
On this day in 2020 (in the U.S.), The 100 aired "A Little Sacrifice." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's seventh (and final) season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Sheidheda makes his move. Meanwhile, a Disciple goes rogue."
"Sheidheda makes his move. Meanwhile, a Disciple goes rogue."
