I'm one of those rare few people who actually enjoyed 1995's Waterworld, but I'm also willing to admit that The Postman (1997) practically put me to sleep in a few spots. Maybe Kevin Costner's forays into Science Fiction and Fantasy haven't been perfect, but they've been some solidly produced efforts at creating an apocalyptic vision of the future. I'll give him credit for that. Costner was born on this day back in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I received a complimentary new home video release of Waterworld (1995) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
- At the 1992 Saturn Awards, Costner earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Actor' for his work aboard Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves (1991).
- At the 1998 Saturn Awards, the actor earned his second 'Best Actor' nomination from the organization for his work aboard The Postman (1997).
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I received a complimentary new home video release of Waterworld (1995) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
Constance Moore was the first to bring SciFi's 'Wilma Deering' to life in the big screen serial Buck Rogers (1939). Alas, this appears to be here only authentic genre citation as the remainder of her career was spent in, largely, mainstream-style projects. Though she's no longer with us, Moore was born on this day in 1920.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Acclaimed director John Boorman has dabbled in the realms of Science Fiction and Fantasy, helping to marshall such projects as Zardoz (1974) and Excaliber (1981) to the silver screen. Boorman was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
- At the 1975 Hugo Awards, Boorman received a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation' for his work in delivering Zardoz (1974) to stunned and perhaps confused audiences.
- At the 1982 Hugo Awards, the director earned his second Hugo Award nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation' for his work in adapting Excalibur for the cinemas.
- At the 1982 Saturn Awards, Boorman earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Director' for his work in bringing the Arthurian legend of Excalibur (1981) to the silver screen.
The actor/stuntman who was tasked with the job of bringing the Swamp Thing to life throughout two theatrical releases as well as a fondly remembered television series was none other than Dick Durock. For those interested in trivia, he actually played the Cylon's Imperious Leader in an uncredited role as part of the original TV series' first episode. Though he's no longer with us, Durock was born on this day in 1937.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I received a complimentary new home video release of Swamp Thing (1982) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I received a complimentary new home video release of Swamp Thing (1982) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
Shown above from a production still from Steven Spielberg's Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Basil Hoffman is another one of those character greats who helps to fill out secondary players in some big pictures. He's had roles aboard The Twilight Zone, Small Wonder, and Communion (1989). Though he's no longer with us, Hoffman was born on this day in 1938.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
During the 1980 and 1981 television seasons of Doctor Who, Christopher Bidmead served as Script Editor as well as writing several episodes himself across several other seasons. Bidmead was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Early in her professional career, the lovely Prunella Ransome paid an uncredited visit to the wide, wide world of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Though she's no longer with us, Ransome was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Paul Freeman showed up as a small town minister with a secret too big to keep in Hot Fuzz (2007). He was also Indiana Jones' nemesis in Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981). Freeman was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though I suspect the late Andrew Tourell is remembered far more for his work in conventional dramas and comedies, he did manage to squeeze in a single appearance aboard Doctor Who ("Black Orchid: Part 2"). Though he's no longer with us, Tourell was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Those of you youngsters who worship all things The Hunger Games generally are as surprised as that book's author was to find out the concept had been done before with vastly bloodier results in the controversial Japanese blockbuster Battle Royale. One of that film's stars -- Takeshi Kitano -- is a genius filmmaker and actor who deserved to be discovered by audiences around the world. Kitano was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
M.C. Gainey is a great character actor who shows up all over the place in comedies, dramas, and action films. He's also had the good fortune of tinkering within a handful of Science Fiction projects. M.C. has scored roles in ABC TV's Lost, Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machines, Revolution, Time After Time, Starman, The Adventures Of Brisco County Jr., M.A.N.T.I.S., and The X-Files. Gainey was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back in the days when the Marvel properties had to beg, borrow, and steal to get by, Mark Collie made an appearance in The Punisher (2004) for Lionsgate and Marvel Enterprises. Collie was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Noted Star Trek expert -- aka 'Trekspert' -- Larry Nemecek continues to delight and amaze fans with endless trivia about one of fandom's oldest and dearest franchises. Nemecek was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One could normally bet retirement savings on any cinematic Fantasy from Steven Spielberg, but for reasons unknown 2016's cinematic adaptation of The BFG was D.O.A. I'm sure that's no fault of Mark Rylance (above left) who played the curious creature in the motion picture. Rylance was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ah, can I tell you about my love for the original Alien Invasion TV drama V? It had a great first miniseries (the second was a bit of a letdown), and then the franchise launched into a series, giving a young Jeff Yagher his television debut in blasting those lizards any chance he got. For good measure, the actor also turned up in guest spots aboard The Twilight Zone, Bionic Showdown: The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman (1989), Millennium, and Star Trek: Voyager. Yagher was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Earlier in her career, the irrepressible Jane Horrocks showed up in a guest spot aboard the popular Red Dwarf. Horrocks was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Good things can come from playing in a universe as big as that laid out in the entire DC Comics mythology, and writer/director David Ayer helped bring Suicide Squad to the big screen in 2016. Ayer was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Wrestler-turned-actor Dave Bautista made a splash in the Marvel Universe when he signed on to play the alien fugitive Drax in 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy. He also had a great but under-used appearance in the James Bond adventure, Spectre, so kudos for some creative casting. Bautista was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As Delective Joe West, actor Jesse L. Martin (above right) gives The Flash a father figure as well as a voice of authority with which to aid the speedster in getting the job done. Martin was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though Dru Mouser's genre credentials might be a bit light (as fans might be quick to say), I've learned to take success in even the smallest contributions. In that spirit, kudos to the actress for working projects like Medium and Into The Arms Of Danger (2020) into her professional schedule. Mouser was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
To be fair, Devon Odessa hasn't done much in the way of legitimate Science Fiction, but she has left a mark with work aboard Small Wonder, Perversions of Science, and The Omega Code (1999). Odessa was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Maulik Pancholy recently entered the growing world of Star Trek with a guest spot aboard the controversial Star Trek: Discovery. Pancholy was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I recall first seeing Antje Traue in the rather forgettable Pandorum, and I figured that her clean, good looks would definitely find her some vastly better fare in no time. Sure enough, she turned up as the villainous 'Faora' in the stellar Man of Steel. Ms. Traue was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In 2009, Rik Makarem joined the BBC's Doctor Who spin-off -- Torchwood -- for two episodes as Dr. Rupesh Patanjali. Makarem was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Samantha Mumba became the object of Guy Pearce's affections when he was swept into the distant future as part of the 2002 remake of the H.G. Wells' classic, The Time Machine. Mumba was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Devin Kelley learned the ultimate SciFi secret -- that "we are not alone" -- the hard way in Chernobyl Diaries (2012), and more recently she's turned up aboard The CW's Frequency adaptation. Kelley was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ingvild Deila had the daunting task of helping to bring Princess Leia to life aboard Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) for all but a few seconds. She also enjoyed a small part aboard Avengers: Age Of Ultron (2015) and a SciFi short film titled Cropped. Deila was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Britt McKillip enjoyed some time on the small screen aboard The CW's serialized adaptation of the hit film Frequency. McKillip was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young Matt Kane saw things go more than slightly Jurassic in the found-footage-flick, The Dinosaur Project, from 2012. Kane was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sean Keenan is exploring the realm of Science Fiction in the land down under (Australia, that is) aboard TV's Glitch. Keenan was born on this day in 1993.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the role of Clyde Barrow, young Sam Strike suffered the fate of most 1930's era gangsters aboard NBC's time travel yarn, Timeless. Strike was born on this day in 1994.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1956 (in France), Creature With The Atom Brain came to life in theatres. The feature starred Richard Denning and Angela Stevens, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An ex-Nazi mad scientist uses radio-controlled atomic-powered zombies in his quest to help an exiled American gangster return to power."
"An ex-Nazi mad scientist uses radio-controlled atomic-powered zombies in his quest to help an exiled American gangster return to power."
On this day in 1959 (in the United Kingdom), Terror From The Year 5000 showed its hideous face. The feature starred Ward Costello and Joyce Holden, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Prof. Erling and his financial backer Victor build a prototype time machine to snatch objects from the past. Latest find, a statuette, radiometrically dates to 5200 AD! When this draws colleague Richard Hedges to the island lab, Erling reveals that 20th-century objects put in the machine seem to be "traded" for analogous future objects by intelligent life. And on the sly, Victor's been trying to get a living visitor. Does the future need help, or is the present in danger?"
"Prof. Erling and his financial backer Victor build a prototype time machine to snatch objects from the past. Latest find, a statuette, radiometrically dates to 5200 AD! When this draws colleague Richard Hedges to the island lab, Erling reveals that 20th-century objects put in the machine seem to be "traded" for analogous future objects by intelligent life. And on the sly, Victor's been trying to get a living visitor. Does the future need help, or is the present in danger?"
On this day in 1961 (in Mexico), Teenage Zombies were all the rage. Cinematically, that is. Written and directed by Jerry Warren, the SciFi/Horror starred Don Sullivan, Katherine Victor, and Steve Conte. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A crazed female scientist uses nerve gas to turn local teenagers into her unquestioning slaves."
"A crazed female scientist uses nerve gas to turn local teenagers into her unquestioning slaves."
A star is born! On this day in 1967 (in Italy), Snow Devils enjoyed turning down the heat for unsuspecting audiences. Directed by Antonio Margheriti with a script from Charles Sinclair, Bill Finger, and Ivan Reiner, the SciFi/Thriller starred Giacomo Rossi Stuart, Ombretta Colli, and Renato Baldini. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Amidst a general melting of the ice caps, a weather station in the Himalayas is destroyed and Gamma I commander Rod Jackson and his partner, Frank Pulasky are sent to investigate. Joined by Lisa Nielson (looking for her fiance) and Sharu, their Sherpa guide, they are captured by a race of hairy blue-bodied giants whose leader explains they are the Aytia and have established this relay station on Earth to aid in their plan to create a vast ice plane so their race can leave their doomed solar system and conquer the Earth. Escaping from the outpost, Jackson finds out the aliens' main base is on one of Jupiter's moons, Callisto, and he and Pulasky are sent into space to battle the Aytia before human life on Earth is destroyed."
For the record:
Interestingly enough, director Antonio Margheriti delivered four films to the silver screen during 1966-1967, and all of these who the basis of a loose Science Fiction saga I've seen called the 'Gamma One Quadrilogy' in articles online. While costumes and sets were re-used -- the chief setting for these flicks was the Gamma One Space Station -- different casts were involved. For those wanting to explore the titles separately -- and in the proper order -- they are Wild, Wild Planet (1966), War Of The Planets (1966), War Between The Planets (1966), and Snow Devils (1967).
"Amidst a general melting of the ice caps, a weather station in the Himalayas is destroyed and Gamma I commander Rod Jackson and his partner, Frank Pulasky are sent to investigate. Joined by Lisa Nielson (looking for her fiance) and Sharu, their Sherpa guide, they are captured by a race of hairy blue-bodied giants whose leader explains they are the Aytia and have established this relay station on Earth to aid in their plan to create a vast ice plane so their race can leave their doomed solar system and conquer the Earth. Escaping from the outpost, Jackson finds out the aliens' main base is on one of Jupiter's moons, Callisto, and he and Pulasky are sent into space to battle the Aytia before human life on Earth is destroyed."
For the record:
Interestingly enough, director Antonio Margheriti delivered four films to the silver screen during 1966-1967, and all of these who the basis of a loose Science Fiction saga I've seen called the 'Gamma One Quadrilogy' in articles online. While costumes and sets were re-used -- the chief setting for these flicks was the Gamma One Space Station -- different casts were involved. For those wanting to explore the titles separately -- and in the proper order -- they are Wild, Wild Planet (1966), War Of The Planets (1966), War Between The Planets (1966), and Snow Devils (1967).
A star is born! On this day in 1975 (in Italy), it was all fun and games until somebody lost an eye with the theatrical premiere of Autopsy. Written (in part) and directed by Armando Crispino, the Fantasy/Horror starred Mimsy Farmer, Barry Primus, and Ray Lovelock. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young pathology doctor interning in a morgue tries to cope with a wave of suicides. A woman she just met kills herself, but she suspects someone close to her might have killed her."
"A young pathology doctor interning in a morgue tries to cope with a wave of suicides. A woman she just met kills herself, but she suspects someone close to her might have killed her."
A star is born ... or is that 'spawned?' On this day in 1979 (in Italy), it was no longer safe to go back into the water when The Island Of The Fishmen submerged from the cinematic depths. Directed by Sergio Martino, the SciFi/Horror starred Barbara Bach, Claudio Cassinelli, and Richard Johnson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Aquatic creatures threaten the existence of a mysterious island."
"Aquatic creatures threaten the existence of a mysterious island."
On this day in 1985 (in the U.S.), creatures were all smiles when Ghoulies made their presence known. Written (in part) and directed by Luca Bercovici, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Peter Liapis, Lisa Pelikan, and Michael Des Barres. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young man and his girlfriend move into an old mansion home, where he becomes possessed by a desire to control ancient demons."
"A young man and his girlfriend move into an old mansion home, where he becomes possessed by a desire to control ancient demons."
On this day in 1985 (in Spain), Arnold Schwarzenegger muscled his way onto the silver screen by way of James Cameron's The Terminator. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A human soldier is sent from 2029 to 1984 to stop an almost indestructible cyborg killing machine, sent from the same year, which has been programmed to execute a young woman whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation."
"A human soldier is sent from 2029 to 1984 to stop an almost indestructible cyborg killing machine, sent from the same year, which has been programmed to execute a young woman whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation."
A star is born! On this day in 1991, Dune Warriors gave willing audiences yet one more look at the Apocalypse. The feature starred David Carradine and Rick Hill, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"After the end of the world, Earth is a thirsty planet ruled by vicious warlords. One woman is brave enough to fight back; she bands together five warriors to save her town and their precious water."
For the record:
Dune Warriors is one of those smaller releases I've not had enough time to do much research into (some of these oldies actually produce some interesting trivia), but it looks like the flick has enjoyed a few DVD releases. IMDB.com shows only this date in history as being the film's only official release date. Those interested in knowing a bit more can check out links listed below:
Mike's Movie Cave 2016 Review
Letterboxd.Com Insights
Blu-ray.Com Viewer Review
"After the end of the world, Earth is a thirsty planet ruled by vicious warlords. One woman is brave enough to fight back; she bands together five warriors to save her town and their precious water."
For the record:
Dune Warriors is one of those smaller releases I've not had enough time to do much research into (some of these oldies actually produce some interesting trivia), but it looks like the flick has enjoyed a few DVD releases. IMDB.com shows only this date in history as being the film's only official release date. Those interested in knowing a bit more can check out links listed below:
Mike's Movie Cave 2016 Review
Letterboxd.Com Insights
Blu-ray.Com Viewer Review
A star is born! And how about those mothering skills, eh? 1991's Eve of Destruction is one of those rare li'l SciFi flicks that sounds better than it actually is. It first screened to audiences on this day back then, and here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"Eve is a robot, modelled on "her" creator. Eve's armoury includes a nuclear bomb, which for unexplained reasons is on-board during Eve's testing. When things go wrong during the tests, Eve is lost in the big city. Enter the rescue team, which includes the real (human) Eve. They must find and disarm her before she goes "bang". Eve is programmed to protect herself at all costs, so when she runs into a problem, she resorts to her super strength; hence the destruction."
For the record:
I have a vague recollection of seeing this one in theaters when it made its go-round, and I remember not being all that smitten with any of it. The actress -- Renée Soutendijk -- was pretty to look at, but it seemed to me that the late Gregory Hines was horribly miscast as the action star.
"Eve is a robot, modelled on "her" creator. Eve's armoury includes a nuclear bomb, which for unexplained reasons is on-board during Eve's testing. When things go wrong during the tests, Eve is lost in the big city. Enter the rescue team, which includes the real (human) Eve. They must find and disarm her before she goes "bang". Eve is programmed to protect herself at all costs, so when she runs into a problem, she resorts to her super strength; hence the destruction."
For the record:
I have a vague recollection of seeing this one in theaters when it made its go-round, and I remember not being all that smitten with any of it. The actress -- Renée Soutendijk -- was pretty to look at, but it seemed to me that the late Gregory Hines was horribly miscast as the action star.
A star is born! On this day in 1991, The Terror Within II scared audiences into disbelief. The SciFi/Horror hybrid starred Andrew Stevens and Stella Stevens, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In a world gone mad, the last human colony struggles to survive underground, beneath a land of nightmarish mutants who seek to destroy them. But when the mutant breaks inside humanity's final stronghold, the battle for survival pits the human colonists against their deadly invaders miles below the earth's surface."
For the record:
I've not been able to find much information on the Information Superhighway about The Terror Within. Also, IMDB.com shows this date in history as the film's only release date as well as indicating it received a limited release.
"In a world gone mad, the last human colony struggles to survive underground, beneath a land of nightmarish mutants who seek to destroy them. But when the mutant breaks inside humanity's final stronghold, the battle for survival pits the human colonists against their deadly invaders miles below the earth's surface."
For the record:
I've not been able to find much information on the Information Superhighway about The Terror Within. Also, IMDB.com shows this date in history as the film's only release date as well as indicating it received a limited release.
A star is born! On this day in 1993 (in Spain), Mutant Action first mustered up what cinematic business it could with a limited release. Written (in part) and directed by Álex de la Iglesia, the SciFi/Comedy starred Antonio Resines, Álex Angulo, and Frédérique Feder. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a future ruled by attractive people, mutant terrorists kidnap a rich man's daughter to claim rights for the ugly. Escaping police, the mutant leader crashes into a planet of crazy miners where no women live."
For the record:
As well as some positive attention garnered at film festivals, Mutant Action enjoyed some praise from the Goya Awards, Spain's national film awards. Though having to settle for nominations alone in three categories ('Best Production Design,' 'Best Editing,' and 'Best New Director'), the film took home top honors in three other groups ('Best Special Effects,' 'Best Production Manager,' and 'Best Makeup And Hairstyles').
"In a future ruled by attractive people, mutant terrorists kidnap a rich man's daughter to claim rights for the ugly. Escaping police, the mutant leader crashes into a planet of crazy miners where no women live."
For the record:
As well as some positive attention garnered at film festivals, Mutant Action enjoyed some praise from the Goya Awards, Spain's national film awards. Though having to settle for nominations alone in three categories ('Best Production Design,' 'Best Editing,' and 'Best New Director'), the film took home top honors in three other groups ('Best Special Effects,' 'Best Production Manager,' and 'Best Makeup And Hairstyles').
On this day in 1999, the Fantasy-themed Teen Knight found its way onto home video. The feature starred Kris Lemche and Caterina Scorsone, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young teenager wins a contest for a "Medieval Adventure" from a soda company. The winners, plus a film crew from the soda company arrive at the castle for the adventure. During the night, a spell cast over 600 years prior brings the castle and all the people in it back to 1383. The evil Lord Drakin plans on retrying to take the castle. It is up to the group to stop him, and thereby return to the 20th century. They enlist the help of the former court magician, Percival, to help them."
"A young teenager wins a contest for a "Medieval Adventure" from a soda company. The winners, plus a film crew from the soda company arrive at the castle for the adventure. During the night, a spell cast over 600 years prior brings the castle and all the people in it back to 1383. The evil Lord Drakin plans on retrying to take the castle. It is up to the group to stop him, and thereby return to the 20th century. They enlist the help of the former court magician, Percival, to help them."
A star is born ... and talk about an electrical attraction! On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), The Killer Eye enjoyed its release in the home video marketplace. Directed by David DeCoteau, the Horror/Comedy starred Jacqueline Lovell, Blake Adams, and Jonathan Norman. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mad scientist's experiment goes awry, turning a dead homeless man's eyeball into a giant killing machine that has an insatiable appetite for young women."
"A mad scientist's experiment goes awry, turning a dead homeless man's eyeball into a giant killing machine that has an insatiable appetite for young women."
On this day in 2002 (in Japan), Cypher took audiences into the realms of Science Fiction and Espionage. The flick starred Jeremy Northam and Lucy Liu, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An unsuspecting, disenchanted man finds himself working as a spy in the dangerous, high-stakes world of corporate espionage. Quickly getting way over-his-head, he teams up with a mysterious femme fatale."
"An unsuspecting, disenchanted man finds himself working as a spy in the dangerous, high-stakes world of corporate espionage. Quickly getting way over-his-head, he teams up with a mysterious femme fatale."
Unlike other media critics, I kinda/sorta dig those 'found footage' films. I think what it is that when this format is done properly, there's a rawness to it -- maybe even a realness -- that escapes conventional storytelling. Sure, there are plenty of bad examples out there in the world to moan about, but those that transcend the obvious are worth a look. On this day in 2008, Cloverfield first premiered, and I thought it used the format brilliantly. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A group of friends venture deep into the streets of New York on a rescue mission during a rampaging monster attack."
"A group of friends venture deep into the streets of New York on a rescue mission during a rampaging monster attack."
A star is born! On this day in 2010 (in the United Kingdom), Growth enjoyed its first exhibition ever with a home video release. Written (in part) and directed by Gabriel Cowan, the SciFi/Horror starred Mircea Monroe, Nora Kirkpatrick, and Jill Hoiles. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Twenty years after a deadly outbreak of parasites at an island research facility, where most of the people were killed, survivor Jamie returns with her friends to sell her stake. But a new strain of parasite could blow the transaction."
"Twenty years after a deadly outbreak of parasites at an island research facility, where most of the people were killed, survivor Jamie returns with her friends to sell her stake. But a new strain of parasite could blow the transaction."
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), audiences in attendance of the Sundance Film Festival were treated to the first theatrical exhibition ever of Cooties. Directed by the team of Jonathan Milott and Cary Murnion, the Horror/Comedy starred Elijah Wood, Rainn Wilson, and Alison Pill. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mysterious virus hits an isolated elementary school, transforming the kids into a feral swarm of mass savages. An unlikely hero must lead a motley band of teachers in the fight of their lives."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Cooties enjoyed a modest amount of attention from such venues as the Fright Meter Awards (2015) and the iHorror Awards (2016).
"A mysterious virus hits an isolated elementary school, transforming the kids into a feral swarm of mass savages. An unlikely hero must lead a motley band of teachers in the fight of their lives."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Cooties enjoyed a modest amount of attention from such venues as the Fright Meter Awards (2015) and the iHorror Awards (2016).
On this day in 1952 (in the U.S.), Tales Of Tomorrow aired "Frankenstein." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Dr. Victor Frankenstein, working in a castle on a remote Swiss island, attempts to create a perfect man but his resultant creation turns out to be a murderous beast who must be destroyed."
"Dr. Victor Frankenstein, working in a castle on a remote Swiss island, attempts to create a perfect man but his resultant creation turns out to be a murderous beast who must be destroyed."
On this day in 1964 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Expedition." This served as the ninth episode of the long-running program's first season, and here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and his friends realize that their only chance of recovering the fluid link is to persuade the Thals to fight back against the Daleks."
"The Doctor and his friends realize that their only chance of recovering the fluid link is to persuade the Thals to fight back against the Daleks."
On this day in 1969 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Krotons: Part 4." This served as the twenty-second episode of the long-running program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary provided by the online Doctor Who Guide:
"The Doctor has discovered a way to attack the Krotons - but it looks as if it is too late for his knowledge to save him. The Krotons preepare to leave the planet - taking Zoe and the Doctor."
"The Doctor has discovered a way to attack the Krotons - but it looks as if it is too late for his knowledge to save him. The Krotons preepare to leave the planet - taking Zoe and the Doctor."
On this day in 1975 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Robot: Part 4." This served as the fourth episode to the program's twelfth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"UNIT attempt to get into the bunker to stop Miss Winters setting off the world's nuclear missiles but first they have to get past the K1."
"UNIT attempt to get into the bunker to stop Miss Winters setting off the world's nuclear missiles but first they have to get past the K1."
On this day in 1982 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who began a new story arc with the airing of "Four To Doomsday: Part 1." This served as the fifth episode of the program's nineteenth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Trying to transport Tegan to Heathrow airport on present-day Earth, The TARDIS accidentally lands on-board a alien spaceship traveling to Earth which will arrive in 4 days. Where the Doctor, Adric, Nyssa and Tegan encounter the frog like Monarch, ruler of the doomed planet Urbanka. Only to find Monarch has abducted generations of humans from different cultures and converted them into cyborgs. The Doctor and Tegan discover Monarch's true goal is to travel faster than the speed of light, and traveling back into time where he will meet himself and wipe out the human race, repopulating the Earth with his own race."
"Trying to transport Tegan to Heathrow airport on present-day Earth, The TARDIS accidentally lands on-board a alien spaceship traveling to Earth which will arrive in 4 days. Where the Doctor, Adric, Nyssa and Tegan encounter the frog like Monarch, ruler of the doomed planet Urbanka. Only to find Monarch has abducted generations of humans from different cultures and converted them into cyborgs. The Doctor and Tegan discover Monarch's true goal is to travel faster than the speed of light, and traveling back into time where he will meet himself and wipe out the human race, repopulating the Earth with his own race."
Word to the wise: resisting the Visitors can be hazardous to your health! On this day in 1985, "The Betrayal" aired, putting Earth's last heroes in even greater jeopardy when facing the alien menace. Here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"While Bates remains in a coma Charles plots to overthrow him, elsewhere Willie is gravely wounded so the rebels kidnap a medical student of the Visitors."
"While Bates remains in a coma Charles plots to overthrow him, elsewhere Willie is gravely wounded so the rebels kidnap a medical student of the Visitors."
On this day in 1996 (in the United Kingdom), The Demon Headmaster aired the sixth and final episode of the program's first season. According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"S.P.L.A.T. find a way into Vulcan Towers, but what can they do now? The controller is making his escape in a helicopter, and has rigged the building to catch fire should anyone try and leave!"
"S.P.L.A.T. find a way into Vulcan Towers, but what can they do now? The controller is making his escape in a helicopter, and has rigged the building to catch fire should anyone try and leave!"
On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), the plot thickened on Dark Skies. The hour (its twelfth hour) was titled "The Warren Omission," and here's the episode summary from TV.com:
"With the Warren Commission looking into the assassination of his brother, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy asks John to testify. Despite Bach's warning, Kennedy paves the way with his own testimony before Loengard describes the events that led him into Majestic. And while John has a long way to go before convincing a skeptical Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren and his fellow commission members of his story, Bach decides to thoroughly discredit him anyway."
"With the Warren Commission looking into the assassination of his brother, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy asks John to testify. Despite Bach's warning, Kennedy paves the way with his own testimony before Loengard describes the events that led him into Majestic. And while John has a long way to go before convincing a skeptical Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren and his fellow commission members of his story, Bach decides to thoroughly discredit him anyway."
On this day in 2001 (in Canada), the RoboCop: Prime Directives mini-series aired "Resurrection." Officially, this served as the mini-series' third installment, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"David Kaydick, an insane ex-OCP employee, forces John Cable to help him obtain the Legion virus, which will threaten the human race. Meanwhile, System Support are closing in on Robocop."
"David Kaydick, an insane ex-OCP employee, forces John Cable to help him obtain the Legion virus, which will threaten the human race. Meanwhile, System Support are closing in on Robocop."
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), Mobile Suit Gundam Seed aired "Burnings Clouds of Sand." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
The journey that was the five season long arch of Fox TV's stellar Fringe wound down on this day in 2013 when the network aired its two-part series finale. The first hour was titled "Liberty," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"As the Observers evaluate Michael and begin to learn of his abilities and potential, Olivia embarks on a dangerous quest to rescue him."
"As the Observers evaluate Michael and begin to learn of his abilities and potential, Olivia embarks on a dangerous quest to rescue him."
On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), Fringe aired the final episode of its five-series arc, an hour titled "An Enemy of Fate." According to IMDB.com, here's the summary:
"As the Observers close in Walter and September desperately work to complete the plan but one obstacle after another hinders their progress."
"As the Observers close in Walter and September desperately work to complete the plan but one obstacle after another hinders their progress."
