For so many of us, Rod Serling helped define what quality storytelling on television looked like. If you've never seen The Twilight Zone, then I'd have to stop what planet you've been living on other than Earth?!?! More than five decades after the signature 'What If?' program aired, it remains even today one of the most impressive undertakings in the world. It continues to inspire folks to tell their own stories -- to weave their own yarns -- and no doubt it'll continue to carry Serling's legacy into the next century.
Many folks don't know it, but Serling also helped get another major sci-fi franchise off the ground: in 1968, he wrote the screenplay for Planet of the Apes, delivering up on another frightening promise on what the future of man could look like. And, if you haven't seen his Seven Days in May (1964), then you don't know what an effective political Cold War thriller really looks like.
Though he's no longer with us, Mr. Serling was born on this day back in 1924.
Many folks don't know it, but Serling also helped get another major sci-fi franchise off the ground: in 1968, he wrote the screenplay for Planet of the Apes, delivering up on another frightening promise on what the future of man could look like. And, if you haven't seen his Seven Days in May (1964), then you don't know what an effective political Cold War thriller really looks like.
Though he's no longer with us, Mr. Serling was born on this day back in 1924.
Sigh. Around these parts, I don't get to talk about my love for the work of Humphrey Bogart. Two of his films -- The Maltese Falcon and Casablanca -- I've seen countless times. Seriously, I've lost track of how many times I've seen them. I also love him in The Big Sleep, though I'll admit that the film is a bit slow in place. In any event, the great actor actually dipped into a legitimate genre project with a role in The Return Of Doctor X (1939) for Warner Bros. and First National Pictures. It isn't a great part, but the man does manage to squeeze in some creepiness into the film. Though he's no longer with us, Bogart was born on this day in 1899.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Irish McCalla leaves behind a professional resume with a mere 8 professional citations to her name; and -- for what it's worth -- she definitely got started out on the right path! Her small screen debut was in the guise of none other than Sheena: Queen Of The Jungle for the single-season Fantasy outing that certainly put her on the map. In 1958, she enjoyed a role in She Demons, a SciFi/Horror from Screencraft Enterprises. Though she's no longer with us, McCalla was born on this day in 1928.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Here's a cinema truth for today: you live a screen life as long and as full as Dick Miller, and you're bound to get cast in some version of Star Trek.
Miller's career started in the mid-50's, and, if you check out his resume over at IMDB.com, you'll find the last entry in 2009 ... so that's quite some legacy! He appeared as 'Vin' in the terrific Star Trek: Deep Space two-parter, "Past Tense," which saw the crew of the Defiant thrown back in time to some of Earth's rather darker days. But Miller has also enjoyed bit parts in other genre highlights, including Twilight Zone: The Movie, Space Raiders, V: The Final Battle, Gremlins, Amazing Stories, Project X, Innerspace, and even Star Trek: The Next Generation. If you know it, then he has a face one can recognize a mile away.
Miller was born on this day back in 1928.
Miller's career started in the mid-50's, and, if you check out his resume over at IMDB.com, you'll find the last entry in 2009 ... so that's quite some legacy! He appeared as 'Vin' in the terrific Star Trek: Deep Space two-parter, "Past Tense," which saw the crew of the Defiant thrown back in time to some of Earth's rather darker days. But Miller has also enjoyed bit parts in other genre highlights, including Twilight Zone: The Movie, Space Raiders, V: The Final Battle, Gremlins, Amazing Stories, Project X, Innerspace, and even Star Trek: The Next Generation. If you know it, then he has a face one can recognize a mile away.
Miller was born on this day back in 1928.
The affable Royce Applegate (above right) played Chief Manilow Crocker aboard SeaQuest DSV during the program's first season. Though he's no longer with us, Applegate was born on this day in 1939.
There are few names in the history of Star Trek that inspire so many mixed emotions. One of them is Brannon Braga, but the one who came first was the man who hired Braga: Rick Berman. As the story goes, Rick was hand-picked by Gene Roddenberry himself to continue leading Trek boldly where no one had gone before, and, for a very long time, I personally think Berman actually did a respectable job. On several occasions, he warned audiences about the great dangers in "going back to the well" too many times for, at some point, Trek would become old, worn down, and routine. Perhaps if he'd truly headed his own words, Trek might not have endured such a drop in popularity the way it did in the late 90's and early 2000's.
Still, it is what it is, and, under Berman's leadership, Trek possibly had as many good years as it did bad.
Like him or hate him, Berman was born on this day back in back in 1945.
Still, it is what it is, and, under Berman's leadership, Trek possibly had as many good years as it did bad.
Like him or hate him, Berman was born on this day back in back in 1945.
Believe it or not, legendary singer/songwriter/musician Jimmy Buffett had one of those rare, blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameo appearances aboard Jurassic World (2015) as a fleeing tourist. Go figure. Buffett was born on this day in 1946.
Trust me when I suggest that actor Stuart Wilson has enjoyed an incredibly diverse career. Fans have seen him at work in such projects as UFO, Space:1999, Tales of the Unexpected, Worlds Beyond, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III (1993), No Escape (1994), Crossworlds (1996), and Hot Fuzz (2007). Wilson was born on this day in 1946.
Funnyman Michael D. Roberts (second from left end) joined Robert Urich for the zany but ultimately forgettable The Ice Pirates (1984). Roberts was born on this day in 1947.
Critically-acclaimed actress Sissy Spacek dipped her award-winning toes into the realm of genre entertainment with a role aboard the 2018 season of Castle Rock. Spacek was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The super-talented CCH Pounder provided the voice behind Moat, one of the principle characters featured in the James Cameron SciFi epic, Avatar (2009). Pounder was born on this day in 1952.
Honestly, Patrick Brennan's IMDB.com profile is a bit thin, but -- to his credit -- he's dabbled in such franchises as Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and TNT's The Last Ship. Brennan was born on this day in 1972.
Dylan Vox continues to be one of the hardest working guys in B-Movie making, securing screen time aboard such projects as Virus X (2010), Mega Shark Vs. Crocosaurus (2010), Battle of Los Angeles (2011), Aliens Vs. Avatars (2011), Super Shark (2011), Lizard Man (2012), Super Cyclone (2012), and Syfy's Z Nation. Vox was born on this day in 1974.
Though he's been the source of some controversy lately, back in 2012 Jeremy Strong did solid work in helping to bring the SciFi property Robot & Frank to the silver screen. Strong was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Moneca Delain continues to secure small roles aboard some of entertainment's biggest franchises, including appearances aboard Battlestar Galactica, Smallville, Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007), Painkiller Jane, and Supernatural. Delain was born on this day in 1981.
Ah, the lovely Georgia Moffett! What a curious place in Doctor Who history you inhabit! In reality, you're the daughter of actor Peter Davison, the man who played the fifth incarnation of the legendary time traveler ... while, also in reality, you're married to David Tennant, the man who the tenth version! Meanwhile -- in the fictional universe, you've had the good fortune of playing in the Who universe not once, but twice: in 2008 you played opposite Tennant as 'Jenny' in "The Doctor's Daughter", and in 2009 you voiced 'Cassie' in the rarely seen animated Who program called Doctor Who: Dreamland. What a wild ride, indeed! Moffett was born on this day in 1984.
Perdita Weeks made a splash in the world of cinematic Fantasy with a role aboard Steven Spielberg's adaptation of Ready Player One (2018). Weeks was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Eugenia Kuzmina's star continues to rise. This model-turned-actress has managed to find work in seventy different projects in her first ten years in the business, though her genre credentials are a bit slim. Still, I've learned to take small miracles where I can get them, and fans might notice her from time in Quarantine L.A. (2013). Kuzmina was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Rachel Keller turned up in a prominent role aboard FX Network's SciFi/Superhero program Legion. Keller was born on this day in 1992.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1951 (in Brazil), the original SciFi/Classic The Day The Earth Stood Still shocked audiences into believing there was intelligent life beyond our own planet. Edmund H. North adapted the written story by Harry Bates, and Robert Wise directed the feature. The film starred Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal, and Hugh Marlowe. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An alien lands in Washington, D.C. and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets."
For the record:
In all honesty, The Day The Earth Stood Still didn't really catch much attention so far as awards ceremonies go back in the 1950's. It's greatest claim to fame, however, is that it's grown increasingly well-regarded in the years since, so much so that, in 1995, it was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry which seeks to preserve pictures for their lasting artistic and aesthetic contribution.
"An alien lands in Washington, D.C. and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets."
For the record:
In all honesty, The Day The Earth Stood Still didn't really catch much attention so far as awards ceremonies go back in the 1950's. It's greatest claim to fame, however, is that it's grown increasingly well-regarded in the years since, so much so that, in 1995, it was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry which seeks to preserve pictures for their lasting artistic and aesthetic contribution.
On this day in 1953 (in Brazil), the original The War Of The Worlds enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Byron Haskin, the feature starred Gene Barry and Ann Robinson in a cinematic adaptation of the H.G. Wells' novel, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The residents of a small town in California are excited when a flaming meteor lands in the hills. Their joy is tempered somewhat when they discover that it has passengers who are not very friendly."
For the record:
Those who follow Science Fiction and Fantasy are well aware of The War Of The Worlds importance in the genre as it's been revisited countless times. There have been multiple film and television incarnations. As for the original? It won the 1954 Academy Award for 'Best Special Effects.' It won the 1954 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' And in 2011 it was inducted into the National Film Registry so that it can be preserved for the ages.
"The residents of a small town in California are excited when a flaming meteor lands in the hills. Their joy is tempered somewhat when they discover that it has passengers who are not very friendly."
For the record:
Those who follow Science Fiction and Fantasy are well aware of The War Of The Worlds importance in the genre as it's been revisited countless times. There have been multiple film and television incarnations. As for the original? It won the 1954 Academy Award for 'Best Special Effects.' It won the 1954 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' And in 2011 it was inducted into the National Film Registry so that it can be preserved for the ages.
A star is born! On this day in 1972 (in the United Kingdom), The Stone Tape delivered a Fantasy-fueled mystery for audiences tuning in to the program. Written by Nigel Kneale and directed by Peter Sasdy, the film starred Michael Bryant, Jane Asher, and Iain Cuthbertson; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A research team from an electronics company move into an old Victorian house to start work on finding a new recording medium. When team member Jill Greeley witnesses a ghost, team director Peter Brock decides not only to analyse the apparition, which he believes is a psychic impression trapped in a stone wall (dubbed a "stone tape"), but to exorcise it too - with terrifying results..."
"A research team from an electronics company move into an old Victorian house to start work on finding a new recording medium. When team member Jill Greeley witnesses a ghost, team director Peter Brock decides not only to analyse the apparition, which he believes is a psychic impression trapped in a stone wall (dubbed a "stone tape"), but to exorcise it too - with terrifying results..."
On this day in 1977 (in Argentina and Colombia), audiences were treated to the theatrical release of the original Star Wars. Written and directed by George Lucas, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader."
For the record:
To the delight of many, the original Star Wars did very well at the 1978 Academy Awards, taking home statues in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' and 'Best Music - Original Score.' It also deservedly cleaned up at the Saturn Awards, taking home trophies for 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Outstanding Editing,' 'Outstanding Sound,' 'Outstanding Art Direction,' and 'Outstanding Set Decoration.' Lastly, it took home the Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader."
For the record:
To the delight of many, the original Star Wars did very well at the 1978 Academy Awards, taking home statues in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' and 'Best Music - Original Score.' It also deservedly cleaned up at the Saturn Awards, taking home trophies for 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Outstanding Editing,' 'Outstanding Sound,' 'Outstanding Art Direction,' and 'Outstanding Set Decoration.' Lastly, it took home the Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 1980, Altered States first premiered in theatres. Directed by Ken Russell, the SciFi/Drama starred William Hurt and Blair Brown, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A Harvard scientist conducts experiments on himself with a hallucinatory drug and an isolation chamber that may be causing him to regress genetically."
For the record:
1980's Altered States is not without a measure of critical acclaim. The film was nominated for two Oscars, one for Best Sound and for Best Original Score. The film is credited as actor William Hurt's first theatrical performance, and he was nominatedc for a Golden Globe for New Star Of The Year In A Motion Picture. Lastly, the film won the Saturn Award for Best Make-Up while having to settle for nominations only in the categories of Best Writing, Best Director, and Best Science Fiction Film.
"A Harvard scientist conducts experiments on himself with a hallucinatory drug and an isolation chamber that may be causing him to regress genetically."
For the record:
1980's Altered States is not without a measure of critical acclaim. The film was nominated for two Oscars, one for Best Sound and for Best Original Score. The film is credited as actor William Hurt's first theatrical performance, and he was nominatedc for a Golden Globe for New Star Of The Year In A Motion Picture. Lastly, the film won the Saturn Award for Best Make-Up while having to settle for nominations only in the categories of Best Writing, Best Director, and Best Science Fiction Film.
On this day in 1980 (in Sweden), Roger Corman's Battle Beyond The Stars enjoyed its theatrical release. The SciFi feature starred Richard Thomas and George Peppard, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young farmer sets out to recruit mercenaries to defend his peaceful planet, which is under threat of invasion by the evil tyrant Sador and his armada of aggressors."
For the record:
Though many dismiss Battle Beyond The Stars as little more than a Star Wars knock-off (as if that's a bad thing), it's the kind of release for which legendary B-movie director Roger Corman became known for in the 1980's. With a script from John Sayles, the story essentially takes a page from 1954's Seven Samurai but transplants the warriors into deep space wherein they agree to defend peaceful farmers from an aggressive warlord. To the film's credit, it enjoyed four Saturn Award nominations (though didn't win any): 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-Up,' and 'Best Special Effects.' For all of her work in genre entertainment, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films did award actress Sybil Danning the 'Golden Scroll Of Merit' in 1981 ... no small feat, indeed.
"A young farmer sets out to recruit mercenaries to defend his peaceful planet, which is under threat of invasion by the evil tyrant Sador and his armada of aggressors."
For the record:
Though many dismiss Battle Beyond The Stars as little more than a Star Wars knock-off (as if that's a bad thing), it's the kind of release for which legendary B-movie director Roger Corman became known for in the 1980's. With a script from John Sayles, the story essentially takes a page from 1954's Seven Samurai but transplants the warriors into deep space wherein they agree to defend peaceful farmers from an aggressive warlord. To the film's credit, it enjoyed four Saturn Award nominations (though didn't win any): 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-Up,' and 'Best Special Effects.' For all of her work in genre entertainment, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films did award actress Sybil Danning the 'Golden Scroll Of Merit' in 1981 ... no small feat, indeed.
On this day in 1980 (in Colombia), The Final Countdown turned back the clock to the start of World War II. Directed by Don Taylor, the SciFi feature starred Martin Sheen and Kirk Douglas, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A modern aircraft carrier is thrown back in time to 1941 near Hawaii, just hours before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor."
For the record:
The Final Countdown received a bit of extra love from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films as it was nominated for 'Best Actor' and 'Best Science Fiction Film' from the 1981 Saturn Awards ceremony.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Blu-ray from the folks at Blue Underground, so I penned a review of the film. Interested readers can find it right here.
"A modern aircraft carrier is thrown back in time to 1941 near Hawaii, just hours before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor."
For the record:
The Final Countdown received a bit of extra love from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films as it was nominated for 'Best Actor' and 'Best Science Fiction Film' from the 1981 Saturn Awards ceremony.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Blu-ray from the folks at Blue Underground, so I penned a review of the film. Interested readers can find it right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1981, Modern Problems delivered some modest laughs to the world of cinematic Fantasy. Written (in part) and directed by Ken Shapiro, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Chevy Chase, Patti D'Arbanville, and Dabney Coleman; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jealous, harried air traffic controller Max Fiedler, recently dumped by his girlfriend, comes into contact with nuclear waste and is granted the power of telekinesis, which he uses not only to win her back, but to gain a little revenge."
For the record:
In 1981, the Stinkers Bad Movie Awards nominated Modern Problems in the category of 'Least 'Special' Special Effects.'
"Jealous, harried air traffic controller Max Fiedler, recently dumped by his girlfriend, comes into contact with nuclear waste and is granted the power of telekinesis, which he uses not only to win her back, but to gain a little revenge."
For the record:
In 1981, the Stinkers Bad Movie Awards nominated Modern Problems in the category of 'Least 'Special' Special Effects.'
On this day in 1982 (in Colombia), Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan enjoyed its theatrical presentation. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"With the assistance of the Enterprise crew, Admiral Kirk must stop an old nemesis, Khan Noonien Singh, from using the life-generating Genesis Device as the ultimate weapon."
For the record:
At the 1983 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Star Trek II took top honors in the categories of 'Best Actor' and 'Best Director' while simply having to settle for nominations in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also, the feature film enjoyed the nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' at the 1983 Hugo Awards.
"With the assistance of the Enterprise crew, Admiral Kirk must stop an old nemesis, Khan Noonien Singh, from using the life-generating Genesis Device as the ultimate weapon."
For the record:
At the 1983 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Star Trek II took top honors in the categories of 'Best Actor' and 'Best Director' while simply having to settle for nominations in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also, the feature film enjoyed the nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' at the 1983 Hugo Awards.
A star is born! n this day in 1985, Space Rage blazed a trail few could follow. (Fans, apologies for the low quality of the picture above, but some of these VHS releases have not aged well!) The film starred Michael Paré and Richard Farnsworth, and here's the plot summary provided by IMDB.com:
"In this sci-fi/western film set two hundred years from now, a bank robber, Grange is captured and sentenced to the penal colony on the mining planet Proxima Centauri 3 where he meets bounty-hunter Walker, and the Colonel, a retired policeman from LA who was considered the best of his kind. Grange is a dangerous lunatic and Walker and the Colonel must team up to keep him from escaping."
"In this sci-fi/western film set two hundred years from now, a bank robber, Grange is captured and sentenced to the penal colony on the mining planet Proxima Centauri 3 where he meets bounty-hunter Walker, and the Colonel, a retired policeman from LA who was considered the best of his kind. Grange is a dangerous lunatic and Walker and the Colonel must team up to keep him from escaping."
On this day in 1987 (in Sweden), Spaceballs bought laughs to the world of Science Fiction at the movies. Written and directed by Mel Brooks, the film starred Bill Pullman and Daphne Zuniga, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A rogue star pilot and his trusty sidekick must come to the rescue of a Princess and save the galaxy from a ruthless race of beings known as Spaceballs."
For the record:
Ahem. The Mel Brooks' comedy did win the 1987 'Worst Picture' Award from The Stinkers Bad Movie Awards ... so that's got to count for something, eh?
"A rogue star pilot and his trusty sidekick must come to the rescue of a Princess and save the galaxy from a ruthless race of beings known as Spaceballs."
For the record:
Ahem. The Mel Brooks' comedy did win the 1987 'Worst Picture' Award from The Stinkers Bad Movie Awards ... so that's got to count for something, eh?
On this day in 1991, Wim Wenders' Until The End Of The World enjoyed its U.S. theatrical release. The SciFi/Fantasy feature starred William Hurt and Solveig Dommartin, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Set in 1999, a woman has a car accident with some bank robbers, who enlist her help to take the bank money to a drop in Paris. On the way she runs into another fugitive from the law, an American who is being chased by the CIA. The charges are false, he claims. They want to confiscate a device his father invented which allows anyone to record their dreams and vision. On the run from both the bank robbers and the CIA, the couple span the globe, ending up in Australia at his father's research facility, where they hope to play back the recordings Hurt captured for his blind mother. Set in the futuristic year of 1999, a subplot about a damaged Indian nuclear satellite crashing and causing the end of civilization is a puzzling addition to the film."
"Set in 1999, a woman has a car accident with some bank robbers, who enlist her help to take the bank money to a drop in Paris. On the way she runs into another fugitive from the law, an American who is being chased by the CIA. The charges are false, he claims. They want to confiscate a device his father invented which allows anyone to record their dreams and vision. On the run from both the bank robbers and the CIA, the couple span the globe, ending up in Australia at his father's research facility, where they hope to play back the recordings Hurt captured for his blind mother. Set in the futuristic year of 1999, a subplot about a damaged Indian nuclear satellite crashing and causing the end of civilization is a puzzling addition to the film."
A star is born! On this day in 1998, Mighty Joe Young took to the silver screen. Directed by Ron Underwood, the Fantasy and family-friendly feature starred Bill Paxton, Charlize Theron, and Peter Firth; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A legendary fifteen-foot tall mountain gorilla named Joe is taken to an animal sanctuary in California by zoologist Gregg O'Hara and Jill Young , with whom he grew up. Poacher Strasser returns from the past to seek vengeance on Joe."
For the record:
At the 1999 Academy Awards, Mighty Joe Young enjoyed a single nomination in the category of 'Best Effects - Visual Effects.' At the 1999 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the film enjoyed two nominations: 'Best Actress' and 'Best Special Effects.'
"A legendary fifteen-foot tall mountain gorilla named Joe is taken to an animal sanctuary in California by zoologist Gregg O'Hara and Jill Young , with whom he grew up. Poacher Strasser returns from the past to seek vengeance on Joe."
For the record:
At the 1999 Academy Awards, Mighty Joe Young enjoyed a single nomination in the category of 'Best Effects - Visual Effects.' At the 1999 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the film enjoyed two nominations: 'Best Actress' and 'Best Special Effects.'
On this day in 1999, Galaxy Quest roared onto the U.S. silver screens. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the popular SciFi/Comedy:
"The alumni cast of a space opera television series have to play their roles as the real thing when an alien race needs their help. However, they also have to defend both Earth and the alien race from a reptilian warlord."
For the record:
Galaxy Quest was a particular wondrous accomplishment, winning over audiences and critics alike throughout its worldwide theatrical run.
"The alumni cast of a space opera television series have to play their roles as the real thing when an alien race needs their help. However, they also have to defend both Earth and the alien race from a reptilian warlord."
For the record:
Galaxy Quest was a particular wondrous accomplishment, winning over audiences and critics alike throughout its worldwide theatrical run.
- At the 2000 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the flick scored actor Tim Allen the trophy in the category of 'Best Actor.' Alas, the picture had to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in the categories of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor/Actress,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
- In 2001, the Science Fiction And Fantasy Writers Of America honored Galaxy Quest with the 'Best Script' Nebula Award.
- At the 2000 Hugo Awards, the film took home the coveted 'Best Dramatic Presentation' Award.
A star is born! On this day in 2003, Paycheck premiered theatrically. The feature starred Ben Affleck and Aaron Eckhart, and here's the plot summary provided by IMDB.com:
"What seemed like a breezy idea for an engineer to net him millions of dollars, leaves him on the run for his life and piecing together why he's being chased."
"What seemed like a breezy idea for an engineer to net him millions of dollars, leaves him on the run for his life and piecing together why he's being chased."
On this day in 2006 (in the Philippines), Super Noypi turned up the Fantasy for interested audiences attending the Metro Manila Film Festival. The feature starred Jennylyn Mercado and Mark Herras, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"Six childhood friends discover that their parents are the legendary Super Noypi-the most powerful superheroes in the land. But when their parents are taken hostage, the six-who also have super powers like telekinesis, invisibility, superhuman strength and speed, shape-shifting, casting spells and control of both fire and ice-stick together to save them and the world."
"Six childhood friends discover that their parents are the legendary Super Noypi-the most powerful superheroes in the land. But when their parents are taken hostage, the six-who also have super powers like telekinesis, invisibility, superhuman strength and speed, shape-shifting, casting spells and control of both fire and ice-stick together to save them and the world."
A star is born! On this day in 2008, The Spirit brought holiday 'spirit' of a different sort to interested audiences. Written and directed by Frank Miller (based on the Will Eisner comic book), the Superhero/Fantasy starred Gabriel Macht and Scarlett Johansson, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Down these mean streets a man must come. A hero born, murdered, and born again. When a Rookie cop named Denny Colt returns from the beyond as The Spirit, a hero whose mission is to fight against the bad forces from the shadows of Central City. The Octopus who kills anyone unfortunate enough to see his face who has other plans. He's going to wipe out the entire city. The Spirit tracks this cold hearted killer from the city's rundown warehouses, to the damp catacombs, to the windswept waterfront all the while facing a bevy of beautiful women who either want to seduce, love or kill the masked crusader."
"Down these mean streets a man must come. A hero born, murdered, and born again. When a Rookie cop named Denny Colt returns from the beyond as The Spirit, a hero whose mission is to fight against the bad forces from the shadows of Central City. The Octopus who kills anyone unfortunate enough to see his face who has other plans. He's going to wipe out the entire city. The Spirit tracks this cold hearted killer from the city's rundown warehouses, to the damp catacombs, to the windswept waterfront all the while facing a bevy of beautiful women who either want to seduce, love or kill the masked crusader."
On this day in 2011, Emile Hirsch and some Russian comrades joined the fight against some alien invaders in The Darkest Hour. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's what you need to know about it:
"In Moscow, five young people lead the charge against an alien race who have attacked Earth via our power supply."
"In Moscow, five young people lead the charge against an alien race who have attacked Earth via our power supply."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in the United Kingdom), The Last Dragonslayer brought fire to the holiday party! The Fantasy/Telefilm was directed by Jamie Magnus Stone and starred Adeel Ahktar and Matt Berry. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the film:
"In a fantasy world where magic is being superseded by technology, an orphaned teen discovers her destiny to become a dragonslayer."
"In a fantasy world where magic is being superseded by technology, an orphaned teen discovers her destiny to become a dragonslayer."
On this day in 2020 (in Canada, Colombia, France, Venezuela, and the U.S.), the glorious tepid Wonder Woman 1984 brought Gil Gadot back to the silver screen (and streaming) in her second outing as the signature Amazon Princess. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Diana must contend with a work colleague and businessman, whose desire for extreme wealth sends the world down a path of destruction, after an ancient artifact that grants wishes goes missing."
"Diana must contend with a work colleague and businessman, whose desire for extreme wealth sends the world down a path of destruction, after an ancient artifact that grants wishes goes missing."
On this day in 1959, The Twilight Zone aired the episode, "What You Need." It was the twelfth episode of the program's first season. In it, a crook schemes a way to exploit an elderly street peddler who somehow knows exactly what one needs before he sells it to them.
On this day in 1965, an on-again-off-again tradition kinda/sorta began when the BBC's Doctor Who aired the very first of its holiday episodes ever! The installment was called "The Feast Of Steven," and -- officially -- it served as the sixteenth episode in the program's third season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Doctor, Steven and Sara visit a Liverpool police station on Christmas Day and a Hollywood film set during the 1920s."
"The Doctor, Steven and Sara visit a Liverpool police station on Christmas Day and a Hollywood film set during the 1920s."
It all came down to this: on this day in 1966, Thunderbirds bowed out its original run with the airing of "Give Or Take A Million." This served as the sixth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"On Christmas Eve, two crooks break into the Second National Bank in New York. When the alarm is raised, they flee the crime scene and stow away inside a rocket which is delivering presents to a local children's hospital. One of those presents is an invitation to be a guest at Tracy Island for Christmas."
"On Christmas Eve, two crooks break into the Second National Bank in New York. When the alarm is raised, they flee the crime scene and stow away inside a rocket which is delivering presents to a local children's hospital. One of those presents is an invitation to be a guest at Tracy Island for Christmas."
On this day in 1976, TV's Wonder Woman proved math wasn't so hard after all with the broadcast of "The Pluto File." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A scientist develops a method of making earthquakes. Later a German spy steals his work. Steve tries to find out what he is going to do with it. But they also find out he's infected with bubonic plague."
"A scientist develops a method of making earthquakes. Later a German spy steals his work. Steve tries to find out what he is going to do with it. But they also find out he's infected with bubonic plague."
On this day in 2010, Doctor Who's Matt Smith enjoyed his first full Christmas Day special as the legendary traveler in a Whovian updating of "A Christmas Carol." Here's the summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A space liner, with a large number of passengers aboard, is in difficulties while flying through the atmosphere of an unknown planet. Amy and Rory have been spending some time on board in the honeymoon suite and they quickly appear on deck. Amy calls the doctor for help and the TARDIS soon appears ahead of the ship. However the Doctor cannot save them and the only other option is to land on the planet below. There the Doctor meets a Scrooge like figure by the name of Kazran Sardick, the only person that can save Amy, Rory and all the other lives on the Spacecraft. The Doctor learns that the atmosphere surrounding the planet is controlled by Kazran who is unwilling to help the liner. The only option to save the ship is for the Doctor to persuade Kazran to save the liner himself."
"A space liner, with a large number of passengers aboard, is in difficulties while flying through the atmosphere of an unknown planet. Amy and Rory have been spending some time on board in the honeymoon suite and they quickly appear on deck. Amy calls the doctor for help and the TARDIS soon appears ahead of the ship. However the Doctor cannot save them and the only other option is to land on the planet below. There the Doctor meets a Scrooge like figure by the name of Kazran Sardick, the only person that can save Amy, Rory and all the other lives on the Spacecraft. The Doctor learns that the atmosphere surrounding the planet is controlled by Kazran who is unwilling to help the liner. The only option to save the ship is for the Doctor to persuade Kazran to save the liner himself."
On this day in 2011, the BBC aired "The Doctor, the Widow, and the Wardrobe" for its regular Doctor Who holiday special. According to IMDB.com, here's what all of the yuletide fuss was about:
"It's Christmas Eve, 1938, when Madge Arwell comes to the aid of an injured Spaceman Angel as she cycles home. He promises to repay her kindness - all she has to do is make a wish. Three years later, a devastated Madge escapes war-torn London with her two children for a dilapidated house in Dorset. She is crippled with grief at the news her husband has been lost over the channel, but determined to give Lily and Cyril the best Christmas ever. The Arwells are surprised to be greeted by a madcap caretaker whose mysterious Christmas gift leads them into a magical wintry world. Here, Madge will learn how to be braver than she ever thought possible. And that wishes can come true..."
"It's Christmas Eve, 1938, when Madge Arwell comes to the aid of an injured Spaceman Angel as she cycles home. He promises to repay her kindness - all she has to do is make a wish. Three years later, a devastated Madge escapes war-torn London with her two children for a dilapidated house in Dorset. She is crippled with grief at the news her husband has been lost over the channel, but determined to give Lily and Cyril the best Christmas ever. The Arwells are surprised to be greeted by a madcap caretaker whose mysterious Christmas gift leads them into a magical wintry world. Here, Madge will learn how to be braver than she ever thought possible. And that wishes can come true..."
On this day in 2012, Doctor Who returned for his Christmas Day appearance with a bit more action, adventure, and intrigue than had come before with "The Snowmen." According to the reliable IMDB.com, here's the summary:
"London, 1892. Snow is trying to evolve, feeding off of the nightmares of a little girl. But the Doctor has given up on saving the world. It is up to a young governess named Clara to convince him, with just one word, to save the day."
"London, 1892. Snow is trying to evolve, feeding off of the nightmares of a little girl. But the Doctor has given up on saving the world. It is up to a young governess named Clara to convince him, with just one word, to save the day."
On this day in 2013, the world collectively said "goodbye" to Matt Smith as the current incarnation of the BBC's wildly popular, Doctor Who. "The Time of the Doctor" saw our beloved time lord guarding a village named Christmas from an army of invading Daleks.
On this day in 2014, Doctor Who gained the allegiance of the most unlikely ally and his wisecracking elves in the holiday-themed episode "Last Christmas." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Doctor and Clara face their Last Christmas. Trapped on an Arctic base, under attack from terrifying creatures, who are you going to call? Santa Claus!"
"The Doctor and Clara face their Last Christmas. Trapped on an Arctic base, under attack from terrifying creatures, who are you going to call? Santa Claus!"
On this day in 2015, Doctor Who went a bit more romantic than usual with the holiday airing of "The Husbands of River Song." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode of the ninth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"When a crashed spaceship calls upon the Doctor for help, he finds himself recruited into River Song's squad and hurled into a chase across the galaxy."
"When a crashed spaceship calls upon the Doctor for help, he finds himself recruited into River Song's squad and hurled into a chase across the galaxy."
On this day in 2016, Doctor Who went a bit less holiday and bit more romance and action with the holiday airing of "The Return of Doctor Mysterio." Here's the plot summary as provided by the BBC America website:
"The Doctor join forces with a masked Superhero for an epic New York adventure. With brain-swapping aliens poised to attack, the Doctor and Nardole link up with an investigative reporter and a mysterious figure known only as The Ghost."
"The Doctor join forces with a masked Superhero for an epic New York adventure. With brain-swapping aliens poised to attack, the Doctor and Nardole link up with an investigative reporter and a mysterious figure known only as The Ghost."
- For my thoughts on "The Return of Doctor Mysterio," follow the link right here.
On this day in 2017, Doctor Who aired "Twice Upon A Time," an installment signalling the end of Peter Capaldi's run as the Doctor. According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The magical final chapter of the Twelfth Doctor's (Peter Capaldi) journey sees the Time Lord team up with his former self, the first ever Doctor (David Bradley)'and a returning Bill Potts (Pearl Mackie), for one last adventure. The two Doctors find each other in an Arctic snowscape, refusing to face regeneration. Enchanted glass-like entities, who steal their victims from frozen time, and a World War I captain destined to die on the battlefield, but taken from the trenches to play his part in the Doctor's story. A tale about the power of hope in humanity's darkest hours, Twice Upon A Time marks the end of an era. But as the Doctor must face his past to decide his future, his journey is only just beginning."
"The magical final chapter of the Twelfth Doctor's (Peter Capaldi) journey sees the Time Lord team up with his former self, the first ever Doctor (David Bradley)'and a returning Bill Potts (Pearl Mackie), for one last adventure. The two Doctors find each other in an Arctic snowscape, refusing to face regeneration. Enchanted glass-like entities, who steal their victims from frozen time, and a World War I captain destined to die on the battlefield, but taken from the trenches to play his part in the Doctor's story. A tale about the power of hope in humanity's darkest hours, Twice Upon A Time marks the end of an era. But as the Doctor must face his past to decide his future, his journey is only just beginning."
