Is there a hero larger-than-life from mythology who is bigger than Hercules? Certainly not if Hercules: The Legendary Journeys has anything to say about it! While purists will tell you that this particular televised incarnation of the half-man-half-god character actually began in a series of made-for-television movies, SciFiHistory.Net classifies movies -- even telefilms -- separate from ongoing series; as such, I'm highlighting just the series in this space for now. It lasted a glorious six seasons, and here's the premise as listed on the reliable IMDB.com:
"Hercules, aided by his best friend Iolaus, goes on many adventures helping people and slaying mythical monsters using his half-god strength."
For the record:
To the show's credit, the home video release of it enjoyed a Saturn Awards nomination in 2004 in the category of 'Best DVD Television Release.'
"Hercules, aided by his best friend Iolaus, goes on many adventures helping people and slaying mythical monsters using his half-god strength."
For the record:
To the show's credit, the home video release of it enjoyed a Saturn Awards nomination in 2004 in the category of 'Best DVD Television Release.'
If you were watching closely, then it was hard not to get excited about the premiere of the latest incarnation to the Trek franchise, namely Star Trek: Voyager. After all, Voyager took Gene Roddenberry's creation, and threw it all the way to the far side of the galaxy where that pesky Starfleet organization everybody's always going on about wouldn't and couldn't be sticking its nose into everybody's business. Sure, the Prime Directive was still relevant, but what was more powerful was this tale of the li'l ship that could, her bold (and female!) captain, and the people who came along for the ride. "Caretaker" premiered on this day in 1995. It was a bold promise -- one that deserved to be embraced by fans old and new -- and finally the next incarnation of Star Trek appeared as if we were going where no one had gone before ...
Then, sadly, the cast and crew all-too-quickly settled into the same-old 'what's-it'-of-the-week format, and much of the praise, hope, and originality was lost in favor of cookie-cutter plots being enacted by yet the latest long-distance 'franchise' of Starfleet.
Still, Voyager helped launch a network -- UPN -- that went on to ... to ... well, it failed, so now you know the rest of the story.
For the record:
Without a doubt, Star Trek: Voyager was a juggernaut when it came to awards season recognition. The program racked up an incredible seven Primetime Emmys trophies during its run, along with an astonishing three big Saturn Awards win for good measure.
Then, sadly, the cast and crew all-too-quickly settled into the same-old 'what's-it'-of-the-week format, and much of the praise, hope, and originality was lost in favor of cookie-cutter plots being enacted by yet the latest long-distance 'franchise' of Starfleet.
Still, Voyager helped launch a network -- UPN -- that went on to ... to ... well, it failed, so now you know the rest of the story.
For the record:
Without a doubt, Star Trek: Voyager was a juggernaut when it came to awards season recognition. The program racked up an incredible seven Primetime Emmys trophies during its run, along with an astonishing three big Saturn Awards win for good measure.
Ah, 12 Monkeys! What a delicate web you wove! Syfy's small screen adaptation of the previous big screen adaptation was a big of an acquired taste to me: its first season kinda/sorta jumped all over the place, not having what seemed like a clear enough narrative to bring life to the idea of traveling back in time in order to save the future ... but once the cast and crew found their proper place the show shot into the stratosphere! The cast grew -- as did the danger -- and eventually patient viewers were rewarded with a proper SciFi delight, one that introduced a delightful conspiracy along with a few budding relationships. Through it all, love persevered -- both for one another as well as our fellow man -- and it all managed to wrap itself up nicely before all was said and done.
It first premiered on this day back in 2015.
For the record:
In 2015, 12 Monkeys enjoyed a Saturn Awards nomination in the category of Best Syndicated/Cable Television Series.'
It first premiered on this day back in 2015.
For the record:
In 2015, 12 Monkeys enjoyed a Saturn Awards nomination in the category of Best Syndicated/Cable Television Series.'
In the role of 'Perry White,' the venerable John Hamilton made things tough on Superman's Earthly alter-ego, Clark Kent, aboard the classic Adventures of Superman TV show. Hamilton also made a visit to the world of outer space as 'Professor Gordon' aboard the SciFi/Serial Flash Gordon Conquers The Universe (1940). But in all seriousness, check out the man's resume on IMDB.com as he leaves behind a legacy built on over three hundred and fifty screen roles. Though he's no longer with us, Hamilton was born on this day in 1887.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In Star Trek's first season episode "Errand of Mercy," Peter Brocco had the chance to take a stand for peace between the Federation and the Klingons. As for the rest of his career? The actor served time aboard such projects as The Boy With The Green Hair (1948), Radar Men From The Moon (1952), Invaders From Mars (1953), Tobor The Great (1954), The Atomic Kid (1954), Captain Midnight, Commander Cody: Sky Marshal Of The Universe, Adventures Of Superman, Tales Of Frankenstein (1958), The Twilight Zone, The Three Stooges In Orbit (1962), Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea, The Outer Limits, Our Man Flint (1966), I Dream Of Jeannie, My Favorite Martian, Lost In Space, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., The Invaders, The Time Tunnel, Night Gallery, Jekyll And Hyde ... Together Again (1982), and Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983). Though he's no longer with us, Brocco was born on this day in 1903.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
That's Harry Basch. He's got a phaser. And he's none too shy about using it! Harry enjoyed a bit of supporting screen time aboard Star Trek's "What Are Little Girls Made Of?" He also played a role in the TV miniseries World War III (1982) that I enjoyed as a young man. He also paid visits to such adventures as Get Smart, Mission: Impossible, Holmes And Yoyo, Coma (1978), and The Wizard. Though he's no longer with us, Basch was born on this day in 1926.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The late Michael Pataki was a brilliant character actor seen across a whole spectrum of film and television projects. Usually playing a person of authority or maybe even considerable menace, he's perhaps best remembered as the Russian boxing promoter for Dolph Lundgren in Rock IV. Still, he gave genre entertainment some work worth recalling, including stints aboard The Twilight Zone, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Star Trek ("The Trouble With Tribbles"), The Invisible Man, The Amazing Spider-Man (TV), Automan, and Star Trek: The Next Generation ("Too Short A Season"), along with a whole host of voice-over work. Though he's no longer with us, Pataki was born on this day in 1938.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I'm sure there was little to no monkey business when the lovely British actress Claire Gordon joined the cast of the Horror/SciFi release Konga (1961) for good measure. Though she's no longer with us, Gordon was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Richard Bohringer found a small bit of SciFi fame with his work aboard Kamikaze (1986), a SciFi/Thriller from France. Bohringer was born on this day in 1942.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of receiving an all-new release of Kamikaze via a distributor relationship in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts? Readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of receiving an all-new release of Kamikaze via a distributor relationship in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts? Readers can find my review right here.
Among one of the projects the late Michael Attwell contributed to during his time in our plane of existence was some guest work aboard the "Attack Of The Cybermen" serial of Doctor Who. IMDB.com reports that he also enjoyed a part in the fondly remembered Labyrinth (1986) as a voice actor. Though he's no longer with us, Attwell was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The late Frederick Coffin was one of those character actors who'd pop up from time-to-time with a small role though he never seemed to land anything bigger or more substantial despite the obvious gifts as a thespian. Still, kudos for making the best of work in such properties as The Twilight Zone, Amazing Stories, Something Is Out There, The X-Files, Zenon: Girl Of The 21st Century (1999), and The Invisible Man. Though he's no longer with us, Coffin was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I think it's safe to say that the lovely Marilù Tolo staked out her place in cinema history appearing largely in period work featuring sand and sandals. Genre fans might recognize her from work aboard Messalina Vs. The Son Of Hercules (1964) and Hercules Vs. The Giant Warriors (1964). Tolo was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Glen Morgan was one of the producers who helped usher Fox TV's The X-Files to the height of its popularity. Likewise, he created the epic Space: Above and Beyond for its single season of existence. He's also had his hand in other genre properties, including Millennium, Final Destination (2000), The One (2001), Final Destination 3 (2006), Black Christmas (2006), Bionic Woman, Tower Prep, The River, Intruders, and The Twilight Zone. Morgan was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In the years 1995 and 1997, Morgan was just one of the ensemble nominated for a Primetime Emmys Award for his contributions to the wider X-Files program.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In the years 1995 and 1997, Morgan was just one of the ensemble nominated for a Primetime Emmys Award for his contributions to the wider X-Files program.
Director John Carpenter has a respectable history with Science Fiction. He first tinkered with it in 1974 with his curious Dark Star. In 1981, he wrote and directed Escape From New York. In 1988, he played with our concept of reality with his cult hit They Live! That's not good enough, you say? Well, other flicks that have made up his storied career include Eyes Of Laura Mars (1978), Halloween (1978), Someone's Watching Me (1978), The Fog (1980), Halloween II (1981), The Thing (1982), Christine (1983), Starman (1984), Big Trouble In Little China (1986), Black Moon Rising (1986), Prince Of Darkness (1987), Memoirs Of An Invisible Man (1992), In The Mouth Of Madness (1994), Village Of The Damned (1995), Escape From L.A. (1996), Vampires (1998), and Ghosts Of Mars (2001). He continues to tinker in the movie industry, and, so long as he does, he'll always have fans interested. Carpenter was born on this day back in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Make no mistake, my friends: Mr. Carpenter remains one of the most decorated genre legends of our time. As well as directed some incredible films, he's known for his writing and scoring talents as well, and I'll try to list a few for posterity's sake.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Make no mistake, my friends: Mr. Carpenter remains one of the most decorated genre legends of our time. As well as directed some incredible films, he's known for his writing and scoring talents as well, and I'll try to list a few for posterity's sake.
- In 1976, Carpenter's Dark Star enjoyed nominations from the Hugo Awards -- in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation' -- as well as from the Science Fiction And Fantasy Writers Of America -- in the category of 'Best Dramatic Writing.' The film did take home the 1976 Golden Scroll Award in the category of 'Best Special Effects.'
- In 1996, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films was honored with the George Pal Memorial Award. For those who don't know it, the award is given annual to recognize those who have delivered exemplary work across all of the organization's related genres.
- In 2008, Carpenter was award a 'Lifetime Achievement Award' from the Bram Stoker Awards, the organization that seeks to honor superior achievements in film -- Horror specifically -- as opposed to the typical 'best of' citations.
Oh, you young kids with your George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and James Cameron ... you have no appreciation for the like of SciFi we older kids grew up with! Who wouldn't want to go back to the days of matte paintings, fuzzy dialogue, and studded leather bikinis? Up there in the middle? That's Stellar Star -- better known as real-life actress Caroline Munro -- the hot'n'heavy star of Starcrash. It was one of those Star Wars knock-offs rushed into production once the adventures of Luke Skywalker showed movie companies how much money could be made. The lovely Ms. Munro never made a return trip to the black bikini, but, oh, which of us fanboys wouldn't have loved to see a sequel? Her other visits to the realms of the Fantastic include work aboard Casino Royale (1967), Dracula A.D. 1972 (1972), Dr. Phibes Rises Again (1972), The Golden Voyage Of Sinbad (1973), Captain Kronos: Vampire Hunter (1974), Sharon's Baby (1975), At The Earth's Core (1976), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), Maniac (1980), The Last Horror Film (1982), Don't Open Til Christmas (1984), Slaughter High (1986), Faceless (1988), The Black Cat (1989), Flesh For The Beast (2003), Vampyres (2015), Stellar Quasar And The Scrolls Of Dadelia (2016), House Of The Gorgon (2019), The Haunting Of Margam Castle (2020), and The Presence Of Snowgood (2023). Munro was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The multi-talented Debbie Allen ventured into the realm of SciFi/Fantasy with a guest-starring role aboard NBC's popular drama Quantum Leap. Allen was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jennifer Dale is an accomplished actress who has turned in quality performances no matter the genre. So far as our beloved realm goes, she's been a part of The Twilight Zone (1988), The Ray Bradbury Theatre, Forever Knight, RoboCop (TV), TekWar, X-Men (animated), Silver Surfer (animated), Mutant X, Lost Girl, and a host of video game projects. Dale was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Here's another case wherein you may know the work but not the face: actor Mark Steger has performed oft times under makeup and prosthetics in some of the bigger genre properties of the last few years. He's contributed work to Men In Black II (2002), I Am Legend (2007), and Netflix's Stranger Things. Steger was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Fresh-faced Kathy Evison brought her own inimitable charm to the role of 'Helmswoman Lonnie Henderson' aboard NBC's Seaquest 2032. Evison was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Mark Kiely joined Garrett Wang aboard Star Trek: Voyager's excellent second season outing, "Non Sequitur." He also visited the greater worlds of Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman and Sliders. Kiely was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The delicious Heather Elizabeth Parkhurst brought her wholesome goodness to "Boxed In," an episode of the pay cable SciFi series Perversions Of Science. Parkhurst was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As I'm always quick to remind readers, Science Fiction comes in all shapes, sizes, and influences ...so it is with that in mind that I mention that the lovely adult temptress Danni Ashe celebrates her birthday today. Danni's SciFi credentials include performances aboard the Superheroine Double Feature (1998) and Killer Sex Queens From Cyberspace (1998). Ashe was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though it would appear from his resume that David Chokachi gravitates towards more conventional projects, he's still enjoyed appearances aboard Witchblade (2000), Rage Of The Yeti (2011), and Sensory Perception (2019) to the delight of genre fans. Chokachi was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
It certainly goes without saying that anyone who found himself (or herself) trapped within the Matrix deserves a mention, and that's just what Roy Jones, Jr. did: he got caught up in the guise of 'Ballard' in the Wachowki's The Matrix Reloaded (2003). Jones Jr. was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
For what it's worth, I've always found the stylings of Garth Ennis to be a bit of an acquired taste. He develops very unconventional characters and situations -- some which border on the offensive -- but his particular brand of prose and command of the English language can be a delight ... if you're into that sort of thing. Largely known from the world of comic books, readers are encouraged to check out his Hellblazer, Preacher, or The Boys properties, as they are definitely fairly top notch. Ennis was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In 2007, Annika Peterson starred in The Man from Earth, the story of a retiring college professor who very well might not be the man everyone thought he was. Peterson was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Richard T. Jones played Detective James Ellison as part of Fox TV's Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. He has since moved on to some other great television work, though very little Science Fiction. (Shame on you, Richard!) Jones was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The stunning Eriko Tamura (above left) put a little love in Hiro's life during her stint aboard NBC's popular Heroes. Tamura was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Tsianina Joelson dipped herself into SciFi/Fantasy's rich waters with a guest spot aboard the short-lived Special Unit 2 for the SciFi Channel (back when SciFi was its name) as well as the syndicated Fantasy-juggernaut, Xena: Warrior Princess. Joelson was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Well before she moved into the realm of the daytime soap opera business, the lovely Gillian White explored Fantasy in a guest spot aboard the popular Xena: Warrior Princess. White was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Special effects wizard Greg Strause has helped storytellers realize their visions with work aboard such projects as Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machines (2003), Fantastic Four (2005), Jumper (2008), Avatar (2009), The Avengers (2012), and Netflix's popular Stranger Things. Strause was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The delicious Eva Habermann heated up the small screen in the role of 'Zev Bellringer' for TV's SciFi/Cult series, Lexx. Habermann was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Voice actress Carrie Keranen maintains an incredible resume rich in genre properties. She's contributed tracks to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Pokemon, Fate/Zero, and Star Wars: Battlefront (2015) to name but a few. Keranen was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Shaun Benson's star has circled the realm of genre projects for some time. Fans recognize him from work aboard Haven, Darknet, Defiance: The Lost Ones, Inhuman Condition, ARQ, and Channel Zero. Benson was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The beautiful Shanae Tomasevich impresses whenever she's given the chance, which often seems to be in smaller, supporting roles. Genre fans might recognize her from work in Intruders, iZombie, and Zoo. Tomasevich was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Alright, who wants a Danish? Hailing from Denmark, the lovely Birgitte Hjort Sørensen joined Antonio Banderas in the sleeper SciFi drama, Automata, in 2014. Sørensen was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though Marwan Kenzari might not be a household name (yet), he's certainly garnered a fair share of attention with work aboard such projects as What Happened To Monday (2017) and Walt Disney's live action Aladdin (2019). Kenzari was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Early in his career, Mason Gamble had a small but critically important role in Gattaca, playing the younger version of Ethan Hawke's character. Gamble was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If you're needing some young starlet with acting chops as well as the talent of being extraordinarily easy-on-the-eyes, then look no further than Yvonne Zima. So far as our beloved genre goes, she's filled out small roles in TV's Seven Days and on the big screen in Iron Man 3. And, by God, if that face and that smile doesn't make you want to live in Elk Ridge then nothing will! Zima was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sorry, folks, I don't Netflix, but perhaps I should, if the watery good looks of Charlotte Best is any indication. She's one of the stars of their Fantasy-themed Tidelands. Best was born on this day in 1994.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1912 (in the U.S.), one of the earliest adaptations of Robert Louis Stevenson's immortal Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde enjoyed its theatrical debut. Directed by Lucius Henderson, the 12-minute Silent/Horror film starred James Cruze, Florence La Badie, and Marie Eline. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Dr. Henry Jekyll experiments with scientific means of revealing the hidden, dark side of man and releases a murderer from within himself."
"Dr. Henry Jekyll experiments with scientific means of revealing the hidden, dark side of man and releases a murderer from within himself."
A star is born! On this day in 1966 (in the U.S.), Our Man Flint resonated with audiences like a kick to the face! Directed by Daniel Mann from a story by Hal Fimberg and Ben Starr, the Fantasy/Thriller starred James Coburn, Lee J. Cobb, and Gila Golan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The world's weather seems to have changed dramatically with violent storms everywhere and long dormant volcanoes suddenly erupting. No one is sure what is happening or why but when American intelligence chief Cramden loses yet another team of agents, there appears to be only one man who can do the job: Derek Flint, former super spy, incredibly rich and the ultimate ladies man. Despite Cramden's concerns, Flint is on the job and soon discovers that the Earth's weather is under the control of a secret organization known as GALAXY whose scientists are looking to pacify the world and devote humankind to scientific pursuits."
"The world's weather seems to have changed dramatically with violent storms everywhere and long dormant volcanoes suddenly erupting. No one is sure what is happening or why but when American intelligence chief Cramden loses yet another team of agents, there appears to be only one man who can do the job: Derek Flint, former super spy, incredibly rich and the ultimate ladies man. Despite Cramden's concerns, Flint is on the job and soon discovers that the Earth's weather is under the control of a secret organization known as GALAXY whose scientists are looking to pacify the world and devote humankind to scientific pursuits."
A star is born! On this day in 1986 (in West Germany), A Virus Knows No Morals enjoyed its original theatrical debut. Written (in part) and directed by Rosa von Praunheim, the SciFi/Comedy starred Dieter Dicken, Christian Kesten, and Maria Hasenäcker. Here's the plot summary as provided by Google.com:
"The owner of a gay sauna remains unconcerned about the AIDS epidemic until both he and his lover contract the disease."
"The owner of a gay sauna remains unconcerned about the AIDS epidemic until both he and his lover contract the disease."
On this day in 1990 (in Argentina), Traci Lords proved she was out of this world with the home video release of Not Of This Earth. Written (in part) and directed by Jim Wynorski, the SciFi/Comedy starred Arthur Roberts, Becky LeBeau, and Rebecca Perle. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An alien arrives on Earth looking to take human blood in an attempt to preserve his dying planet."
"An alien arrives on Earth looking to take human blood in an attempt to preserve his dying planet."
On this day in 1996, the high-kicking Virtual Combat premiered on U.S. home video for interested audiences. This SciFi/Action film starred Don Wilson and Dawn Ann Billings, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Scientist brings virtual reality characters to life. Two are women from the cybersex game site. The third is a warrior who wants to unleash the rest of the bad guys from the virtual reality underworld. A border cop must defeat the virtual reality warrior while learning to relate to one of the cybersex babes."
"Scientist brings virtual reality characters to life. Two are women from the cybersex game site. The third is a warrior who wants to unleash the rest of the bad guys from the virtual reality underworld. A border cop must defeat the virtual reality warrior while learning to relate to one of the cybersex babes."
Released on this day in 1998, Star Kid was a piece of Science Fiction definitely geared more toward the family-friendly crowd. It starred Joseph Mazzello and Richard Gilliland and was written and directed by Star Trek: Enterprise's Manny Coto, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Shy seventh-grader Spencer Griffith's life changes when a meteor falls into a local junkyard and he finds a Cybersuit - an exoskeleton with AI from another galaxy. Spencer puts on the Cybersuit and becomes a different kind of person."
"Shy seventh-grader Spencer Griffith's life changes when a meteor falls into a local junkyard and he finds a Cybersuit - an exoskeleton with AI from another galaxy. Spencer puts on the Cybersuit and becomes a different kind of person."
A star is born! On this day in 2004 (in the U.S.), audiences in attendance of the Sundance Film Festival were treated to the first theatrical exhibition ever of Primer. Written and directed by Shane Carruth, the SciFi/Drama starred David Sullivan, Casey Gooden, and Anand Upadhyaya. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Four friends/fledgling entrepreneurs, knowing that there's something bigger and more innovative than the different error-checking devices they've built, wrestle over their new invention."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Primer enjoyed a wealth of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"Four friends/fledgling entrepreneurs, knowing that there's something bigger and more innovative than the different error-checking devices they've built, wrestle over their new invention."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Primer enjoyed a wealth of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2008 (in the U.S.), the good people of Hollywood, California were treated to the big screen spectacle premiere that was Cloverfield. Directed by Matt Reeves from a story by Drew Goddard, the SciFi/Horror starred Mike Vogel, Jessica Lucas, and Lizzy Caplan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"To celebrate Rob's massive promotion, his lover, Beth, and friends, decide to throw a massive surprise farewell party, now that he is about to move to Japan. However, a deafening explosion and the arrival of an enormous scaly and gangly creature will abruptly interrupt the festivities, as all hell breaks loose in New York City, and the Statue of Liberty is decapitated. As the reptilian behemoth levels Manhattan, a daring dash to rescue Beth begins, while at the same time, everything is recorded through the lens of a hand-held camcorder, amid mayhem and destruction. In the end, where did this relentless invader come from, and above all, is there a chance of survival? As they go to investigate, an adventure deep into the streets of New York begins, as the friends are determined to rescue Rob's true love."
For the record:
At the 2008 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Cloverfield took home top honors in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Meanwhile, actress Lizzy Caplan had to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress.'
"To celebrate Rob's massive promotion, his lover, Beth, and friends, decide to throw a massive surprise farewell party, now that he is about to move to Japan. However, a deafening explosion and the arrival of an enormous scaly and gangly creature will abruptly interrupt the festivities, as all hell breaks loose in New York City, and the Statue of Liberty is decapitated. As the reptilian behemoth levels Manhattan, a daring dash to rescue Beth begins, while at the same time, everything is recorded through the lens of a hand-held camcorder, amid mayhem and destruction. In the end, where did this relentless invader come from, and above all, is there a chance of survival? As they go to investigate, an adventure deep into the streets of New York begins, as the friends are determined to rescue Rob's true love."
For the record:
At the 2008 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Cloverfield took home top honors in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Meanwhile, actress Lizzy Caplan had to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress.'
On this day in 2009 (in Germany), the 1977-produced SciFi/Comedy Cinderella 2000 finally enjoyed a premiere on home video. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the year 2047, sex is forbidden and Big Brother uses robots to keep on eye on everyone. One young girl tries to outwit the government so she can be with the man she loves."
"In the year 2047, sex is forbidden and Big Brother uses robots to keep on eye on everyone. One young girl tries to outwit the government so she can be with the man she loves."
A star is born! On this day in 2010 (in Spain), Cambio de sentido enjoyed its unveiling to the audiences in attendance of the Festival Del Sol. Written (in part) and directed by Kuya Manzano, the SciFi/Comedy starred Dani Vernon, Karla Sofia Gascon, and Jesus Amate. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A parallel universe where there are only men. All you want to, but no one can touch for fear of the "virus". A ultra society fashion and correct that it has reached such refinement, which when by accident one of them loses education, shakes the foundations of culture. Doctor Demetrius runs to the singer, they fall in love and they will have to overcome many social barriers if they want to consummate their love."
"A parallel universe where there are only men. All you want to, but no one can touch for fear of the "virus". A ultra society fashion and correct that it has reached such refinement, which when by accident one of them loses education, shakes the foundations of culture. Doctor Demetrius runs to the singer, they fall in love and they will have to overcome many social barriers if they want to consummate their love."
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), The Phoenix Project opened its doors for business. (Cinematically, that is.) Written and directed by Tyler Graham Pavey, the SciFi/Drama starred Corey Rieger, Andrew Simpson, and David Pesta. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Four scientists craft a machine to reanimate deceased organisms."
"Four scientists craft a machine to reanimate deceased organisms."
On this day in 2015, the SciFi thriller Vice found its way into the realm of moviegoers looking for something a bit different. The film starred Thomas Jane, Bruce Willis, and Ambyr Childers, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Julian Michaels (Bruce Willis) has designed the ultimate resort: VICE, where anything goes and the customers can play out their wildest fantasies with artificial inhabitants who look, think and feel like humans. When an artificial (Ambyr Childers) becomes self-aware and escapes, she finds herself caught in the crossfire between Julian's mercenaries and a cop (Thomas Jane) who is hell-bent on shutting down Vice, and stopping the violence once and for all."
ExtraExtra Alert:
If you'd like to know a bit more, then check out SciFiHistory.Net's review of the DVD release right here.
"Julian Michaels (Bruce Willis) has designed the ultimate resort: VICE, where anything goes and the customers can play out their wildest fantasies with artificial inhabitants who look, think and feel like humans. When an artificial (Ambyr Childers) becomes self-aware and escapes, she finds herself caught in the crossfire between Julian's mercenaries and a cop (Thomas Jane) who is hell-bent on shutting down Vice, and stopping the violence once and for all."
ExtraExtra Alert:
If you'd like to know a bit more, then check out SciFiHistory.Net's review of the DVD release right here.
A star is born ... or is that born again ... in sequel! On this day in 2019 (in Finland), the Nazis were back in nefarious action with the theatrical release of Iron Sky: The Coming Race. Written (in part) and directed by Timo Vuorensola, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Lara Rossi, Vladimir Burlakov, and Kit Dale. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A follow-up to the film Iron Sky (2012) in which Nazis plan to take over the world after lying dormant in a secret military base on the moon."
For the record:
At the 2020 Jussi Awards (which is Finland's equivalent to the American Academy Awards), Iron Sky: The Coming Race enjoyed two nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Costume Design' and 'Best Cinematography.'
"A follow-up to the film Iron Sky (2012) in which Nazis plan to take over the world after lying dormant in a secret military base on the moon."
For the record:
At the 2020 Jussi Awards (which is Finland's equivalent to the American Academy Awards), Iron Sky: The Coming Race enjoyed two nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Costume Design' and 'Best Cinematography.'
On this day in 1953 (in the U.S.), Adventures Of Superman aired "Drums of Death." This served as the eighteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"When Jimmy and Perry White's sister go missing in Haiti while filming voodoo practitioners, Perry and Clark go looking for them."
"When Jimmy and Perry White's sister go missing in Haiti while filming voodoo practitioners, Perry and Clark go looking for them."
On this day in 1954 (in the U.S.), Space Patrol aired "The Pirate's Escape." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by SolarGuard.com:
"Captain Dagger and his henchman, Dr. Maddox, lead Buzz, Happy, and Robbie an exciting chase but they eventually track the pirates to their hideout. They not only recapture Captain Daggar and his men but also reclaim their stolen 'treasure.'"
"Captain Dagger and his henchman, Dr. Maddox, lead Buzz, Happy, and Robbie an exciting chase but they eventually track the pirates to their hideout. They not only recapture Captain Daggar and his men but also reclaim their stolen 'treasure.'"
On this day in 1954 (in the U.S.), Tom Corbett, Space Cadet aired "Cargo Of Death." According to our friends at the reliable IMDB.com, here's that adventure's plot summary:
"The captain of a tramp space freighter kidnaps Roger when his failure to maintain his vessel kills many of his crew. Tom and Astro infiltrate the ship to rescue Roger before the ship explodes due to its commander's negligence."
"The captain of a tramp space freighter kidnaps Roger when his failure to maintain his vessel kills many of his crew. Tom and Astro infiltrate the ship to rescue Roger before the ship explodes due to its commander's negligence."
On this day in 1965 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Slave Traders." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The travelers decide to take a holiday near ancient Rome, but after a month the Doctor gets restless. He and Vicki determine to visit Rome, and while they are gone Ian and Barbara are abducted by slave traders. All roads lead to Rome, however, and the travelers find themselves at the mercy of the country's petulant emperor, Nero..."
"The travelers decide to take a holiday near ancient Rome, but after a month the Doctor gets restless. He and Vicki determine to visit Rome, and while they are gone Ian and Barbara are abducted by slave traders. All roads lead to Rome, however, and the travelers find themselves at the mercy of the country's petulant emperor, Nero..."
On this day in 1971 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Terror of the Autons: Part 3." This served as the third episode of the program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and the Brigadier head to Farrel's factory but the Master and the Autons have already left and are distributing plastic daffodils around the country."
"The Doctor and the Brigadier head to Farrel's factory but the Master and the Autons have already left and are distributing plastic daffodils around the country."
On this day in 1973 (in the U.S.), the ABC Wide World Of Mystery aired "Frankenstein: Part 1." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A scientist obsessed with creating life steals body parts to put together his 'creation.'"
For the record:
To the episode's credit, Part 1 and Part 2 of this telefilm incarnation of Frankenstein were nominated for the 1973 Primetime Emmy Award in the category of 'Outstanding Achievement In Makeup.'
"A scientist obsessed with creating life steals body parts to put together his 'creation.'"
For the record:
To the episode's credit, Part 1 and Part 2 of this telefilm incarnation of Frankenstein were nominated for the 1973 Primetime Emmy Award in the category of 'Outstanding Achievement In Makeup.'
On this day in 1978 (in the United Kingdom), Blake's 7 aired "Cygnus Alpha." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Blake, Avon and Jenna follows the prison transport ship "London" to the Federation prison planet "Cygnus Alpha" where Blake teleports to the surface to free the prisoners. But the planet's supreme ruler Vargas wants to take over "The Liberator" in his goal for total power and conquest of the galaxy."
"Blake, Avon and Jenna follows the prison transport ship "London" to the Federation prison planet "Cygnus Alpha" where Blake teleports to the surface to free the prisoners. But the planet's supreme ruler Vargas wants to take over "The Liberator" in his goal for total power and conquest of the galaxy."
On this day in 1978 (in the U.S.), Logan's Run continued to "run out" the last few episodes of its only television season. The episode titled "Carousel" saw our hero affected by a serum that erased his memory, leaving Jessica and Rem the task of not only rescuing him but helping restore his own history.
On this day in 1984, the United Kingdom was treated to the second episode of the first season of Chocky. Here's the plot summary as detailed by our friends at TV.com:
"The next morning, Matthew's temperature has lowered and he returns to school. His mum is still concerned about him. At school, Matthew has a biology lesson and he asks his teacher, Miss Blayde, about reproduction in a single sex species. Later, his dad gets a new Citroen car. Everyone is excited, but Matthew stands next to the car in a terrible, distressed state. Chocky finds the car stupid and old-fashioned and hates it. At the next Maths lesson, Matthew starts using the binary code to count as that is what Chocky uses. He uses Y and N, for Yes and No, instead of 0 and 1. Matthew plays an electronic game with his friend Colin. When it is Matthew's go, Chocky is curious and she makes the screen explode."
"The next morning, Matthew's temperature has lowered and he returns to school. His mum is still concerned about him. At school, Matthew has a biology lesson and he asks his teacher, Miss Blayde, about reproduction in a single sex species. Later, his dad gets a new Citroen car. Everyone is excited, but Matthew stands next to the car in a terrible, distressed state. Chocky finds the car stupid and old-fashioned and hates it. At the next Maths lesson, Matthew starts using the binary code to count as that is what Chocky uses. He uses Y and N, for Yes and No, instead of 0 and 1. Matthew plays an electronic game with his friend Colin. When it is Matthew's go, Chocky is curious and she makes the screen explode."
On this day in 1987 (in the U.S.), Starman (the TV show) continued counting down the episodes of its first and only season. This week's adventure was titled "Appearances," and here's the episode summary from TV.com:
"When a blind girl receives acid burns, Paul heals her. Unfortunately she wants her eyes healed as well."
"When a blind girl receives acid burns, Paul heals her. Unfortunately she wants her eyes healed as well."
On this day in 1988 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired its twelfth episode of its first season, and it was definitely one of the more memorable hours from those early adventures. The hour was titled "Datalore," and here's the episode summary, compliments of our friends at IMDB.com:
"The Enterprise visits the planet where Data was created and discovers another android like him, but when he's assembled, he's not EXACTLY like him."
"The Enterprise visits the planet where Data was created and discovers another android like him, but when he's assembled, he's not EXACTLY like him."
On this day in 1989 (in the U.S.), War of the Worlds aired "Choirs of Angels." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"The aliens plant subliminal messages in a musician's recordings to brainwash a scientist into creating an antidote for them against the bacteria on Earth. But Harrison, too, becomes a pawn in this plan and fights his own team members against the "lies" they have created about the aliens."
"The aliens plant subliminal messages in a musician's recordings to brainwash a scientist into creating an antidote for them against the bacteria on Earth. But Harrison, too, becomes a pawn in this plan and fights his own team members against the "lies" they have created about the aliens."
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), Seaquest DSV continued the journey through its first season. Here's the episode summary for "Greed For A Pirate's Dream," compliments of IMDB.com:
"An experimental probe that was shot into a volcano and was recovered as it rode the lava spill out into the ocean, gives meteriological information about earthquakes and erruptions. Guest star, Roscoe Brown, plays Dr. Raleigh Young, its architect. He joins the Seaquest in the recovery and tests of impending eruptions."
"An experimental probe that was shot into a volcano and was recovered as it rode the lava spill out into the ocean, gives meteriological information about earthquakes and erruptions. Guest star, Roscoe Brown, plays Dr. Raleigh Young, its architect. He joins the Seaquest in the recovery and tests of impending eruptions."
It all began right here: on this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), Hercules: The Legendary Journeys started down "The Wrong Path" but soon righted itself. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Hera kills the family of her stepson Hercules, and he decided to take revenge of her by destroying her temples. Meanwhile, Iolaus becomes a stone statue by a she-demon."
"Hera kills the family of her stepson Hercules, and he decided to take revenge of her by destroying her temples. Meanwhile, Iolaus becomes a stone statue by a she-demon."
On this day in 1995, (in the U.S.) Star Trek: Voyager premiered with the broadcast presentation of "Caretaker," a two-part pilot movie. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"While pursuing the trail of Maquis rebels, a newly commissioned Starfleet ship gets pulled to the far side of the galaxy."
"While pursuing the trail of Maquis rebels, a newly commissioned Starfleet ship gets pulled to the far side of the galaxy."
On this day in 1996 (in the United Kingdom), The Demon Headmaster aired the fifth episode of the program's first season. According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"Diana is trapped in Vulcan Towers: The Demon Headmaster is indeed behind the competition! It's up to S.P.L.A.T. to save Diana, and indeed the world!"
"Diana is trapped in Vulcan Towers: The Demon Headmaster is indeed behind the competition! It's up to S.P.L.A.T. to save Diana, and indeed the world!"
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), Superman: The Animated Series aired "Absolute Power." Officially, this served as the sixth episode of the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Superman comes to a planet under the control of the Phantom Zone prisoners Jax-Ur and Mala, but feels he cannot interfere."
"Superman comes to a planet under the control of the Phantom Zone prisoners Jax-Ur and Mala, but feels he cannot interfere."
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), Dark Angel aired "Red." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Logan asks Max to keep a vital witness to a case for 24 hours, which turns out to be a very long 24 hours for Max. What they did not know is that this witness is the reason Logan is in his wheelchair. Killers are sent in to kill the witness and Max is able to overcome them. However, a second set of killers show up. They are unusually strong and their target is Max."
"Logan asks Max to keep a vital witness to a case for 24 hours, which turns out to be a very long 24 hours for Max. What they did not know is that this witness is the reason Logan is in his wheelchair. Killers are sent in to kill the witness and Max is able to overcome them. However, a second set of killers show up. They are unusually strong and their target is Max."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Special Unit 2 aired "The Straw." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A caped and hooded creature made of straw (Scarecrow), is set loose on the city of Chicago after being dug up in the sewers by curious city workers. He walks around the city trying to cause enough fear in people that they are literally "scared" to death by their greatest fear. As Nicholas and Kate review the archives to research a previous Scarecrow case, they determine that his next objective would be to find a way to scare a massive amount of people at one time. Meanwhile, Nicholas has been mandated to attend anger management classes. Also, Carl panics when his ex-wife starts to harass him."
"A caped and hooded creature made of straw (Scarecrow), is set loose on the city of Chicago after being dug up in the sewers by curious city workers. He walks around the city trying to cause enough fear in people that they are literally "scared" to death by their greatest fear. As Nicholas and Kate review the archives to research a previous Scarecrow case, they determine that his next objective would be to find a way to scare a massive amount of people at one time. Meanwhile, Nicholas has been mandated to attend anger management classes. Also, Carl panics when his ex-wife starts to harass him."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Enterprise aired "Silent Enemy." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After an attack by a mysterious ship, Archers orders Enterprise's return to Jupiter to install phase cannons; Hoshi makes plans for Malcolm's birthday."
"After an attack by a mysterious ship, Archers orders Enterprise's return to Jupiter to install phase cannons; Hoshi makes plans for Malcolm's birthday."
On this day in 2004 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "Grace." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"During an engine cool down break from hyperspace travel the crew of the Prometheus, with Major Carter as an advisor, encounter a space craft of unknown configuration. They hail the ship to no avail; the unknown craft opens fire upon the Prometheus. Carter attempts to override the safety protocols on the hyperdrive to make a short jump into a gas cloud, but in the attempt is knocked unconscious. She awakes to find the ship devoid of all its crew and, as she tries to escape the gas cloud by herself, she begins to hallucinate."
"During an engine cool down break from hyperspace travel the crew of the Prometheus, with Major Carter as an advisor, encounter a space craft of unknown configuration. They hail the ship to no avail; the unknown craft opens fire upon the Prometheus. Carter attempts to override the safety protocols on the hyperdrive to make a short jump into a gas cloud, but in the attempt is knocked unconscious. She awakes to find the ship devoid of all its crew and, as she tries to escape the gas cloud by herself, she begins to hallucinate."
On this day in 2006 (in the United Kingdom), Hyperdrive aired "Hello, Queppu." This served as the second episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Henderson must make first contact with a strange, new world: Queppu. This is his chance to speak to the peoples of a planet - to make history. Instead, Henderson, Teal and York are greeted with crossbow fire and accused of being rebels against the leader."
"Henderson must make first contact with a strange, new world: Queppu. This is his chance to speak to the peoples of a planet - to make history. Instead, Henderson, Teal and York are greeted with crossbow fire and accused of being rebels against the leader."
On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), Star Wars: The Clone Wars aired the thirteenth episode of its first season. The adventure was titled "Jedi Crash," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"General Skywalker is injured while rescuing fellow Jedi General Aayla Secura from Super Battle Droids equipped with rocket packs. Ahsoka Tano crash-lands their shuttle on the neutral planet of Maridun, where the native Lurmen villagers refuse to takes sides in the war. They are however willing to send a healer to help Anakin."
"General Skywalker is injured while rescuing fellow Jedi General Aayla Secura from Super Battle Droids equipped with rocket packs. Ahsoka Tano crash-lands their shuttle on the neutral planet of Maridun, where the native Lurmen villagers refuse to takes sides in the war. They are however willing to send a healer to help Anakin."
On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), Syfy aired the eleventh episode of Battlestar Galactica's fourth season. It was an hour titled "Sometimes A Great Notion," and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"Scouting the planet reveals that there is no life except plants. The destruction occurred about 2,000 years earlier. Among the ruins, skeletons and wrecks of a different kind of Centurions are found. But closer examination of the skeletons reveals they are Cylon! Could the 13th Tribe really have been all Cylons? Chief Tyrol, Colonel Tigh, Sam Anders and Tory remember living on the planet and dying there. How did they get to the colonies? Starbuck finds a piece of her Viper, and despite Leoben's warnings, starts to look for the cockpit... Roslin loses her faith in the Scrolls of Pythia. Apollo and Dualla seem to get back together, but he needs to figure out what to tell to the people of the Fleet... A tragedy prompts Adama to confront Saul."
"Scouting the planet reveals that there is no life except plants. The destruction occurred about 2,000 years earlier. Among the ruins, skeletons and wrecks of a different kind of Centurions are found. But closer examination of the skeletons reveals they are Cylon! Could the 13th Tribe really have been all Cylons? Chief Tyrol, Colonel Tigh, Sam Anders and Tory remember living on the planet and dying there. How did they get to the colonies? Starbuck finds a piece of her Viper, and despite Leoben's warnings, starts to look for the cockpit... Roslin loses her faith in the Scrolls of Pythia. Apollo and Dualla seem to get back together, but he needs to figure out what to tell to the people of the Fleet... A tragedy prompts Adama to confront Saul."
It all began right here: on this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), the future became history as Syfy premiered its televised serial adaptation of 12 Monkeys to interested audiences. Ratings were solid, and the storyline expanded quickly, showing promise of good things to come. Here's the pilot's episode summary, compliments of our friends at IMDB.com:
"27 years after a virus wipes out most of humanity, scientists send a man (James Cole) back to 2015 to stop the plague from ever happening. Cole's only lead is a virologist (Dr. Cassandra Railly), who knows the dangerous source of the outbreak."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In my stewardship of All Things Genre related, I thought it prudent to review the pilot episode of 12 Monkeys when it first aired on Syfy. Interested readers can find my review right here.
"27 years after a virus wipes out most of humanity, scientists send a man (James Cole) back to 2015 to stop the plague from ever happening. Cole's only lead is a virologist (Dr. Cassandra Railly), who knows the dangerous source of the outbreak."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In my stewardship of All Things Genre related, I thought it prudent to review the pilot episode of 12 Monkeys when it first aired on Syfy. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Look! There on the page! In print! In color! (Or was it black and white?) It's a man! He can fly! It's ... it's ... SUPERMAN! On this day in 1939, the comic strip "Superman" appeared for readers. Let me be the first to say, "Woohoo!" Luv me some Big Blue!