A star is born! Please don't ask me to explain the logic of this, but Outlander is exactly the kind of B-movie I could watch forever. The story has just the right mix of camp and curiosity that I've no problem suspending disbelief since quite a bit of it doesn't make much sense to begin with. Still, it's confection for the brain. The film's release record is one of those mysteries forever shrouded in confusion, but -- for reasons I won't pretend to understand -- studio executives were happy burying this flick with a release on this day back in 2008 ... in Latvia. (Yes, I typed Latvia. You read that right. Nothing against any Latvians who might be here reading this ... but Latvia?!?!) If you haven't seen it ... well, then I would guess that you've probably already decided it isn't your cup of tea. But from where I'm sitting it tastes just right. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"During the reign of the Vikings, Kainan, a man from a far-off world, crash lands on Earth, bringing with him an alien predator known as the Moorwen. Though both man and monster are seeking revenge for violence committed against them, Kainan leads the alliance to kill the Moorwen by fusing his advanced technology with the Viking's Iron Age weaponry."
For the record:
This quiet little sleeper didn't pass everyone without earning a bit of praise. Despite some modest attention from the film festival circuit, it also received a nomination in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film' from the 2009 Scream Awards.
"During the reign of the Vikings, Kainan, a man from a far-off world, crash lands on Earth, bringing with him an alien predator known as the Moorwen. Though both man and monster are seeking revenge for violence committed against them, Kainan leads the alliance to kill the Moorwen by fusing his advanced technology with the Viking's Iron Age weaponry."
For the record:
This quiet little sleeper didn't pass everyone without earning a bit of praise. Despite some modest attention from the film festival circuit, it also received a nomination in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film' from the 2009 Scream Awards.
Born on this day in 1913, Paul Myron Anthony Linebarger -- better known to Sci-Fi fans under his pseudonym Cordwainer Smith -- was a noted expert on psychological warfare. According to Wikipedia, his most celebrated Sci-Fi short -- "Scanners Live In Vain" -- is published in the first volume of classic tales, The Science Fiction Hall of Fame (1929-1964). Collections and/or novels of his include You Will Never Be The Same, Quest of the Three Worlds, and Norstrilia. [Source: Wikipedia.org]
I sometimes grow weary of explaining to all of you young Turks what Sci-Fi was like for an old dogs like me back in the days before Star Wars. Well, look no further than 1973's Westworld. This formative flick was written and directed by Michael Crichton (yes, that Michael Crichton), and its story explored the dangers of a widespread animatronic robot malfunction in an adult-themed amusement park. The Gunslinger who went all bang-bang cray-cray was played by Yul Brynner. Though Mr. Brynner's no longer with us, he was born on this day back in 1920. [Source: IMDB.com]
Funny lady Brett Somers (above left) put the laughs on hold for a nice guest appearance aboard the popular late 1970's SciFi series Battlestar Galactica. Though she's no longer with us, Somers was born on this day in 1924. [Source: IMDB.com]
Oh, the world of Science Fiction owes a debt to actor David Graham. For the record, he served as one of the earliest voices for Doctor Who's nefarious Daleks, as well as playing other roles a few times. He's also contributed to the worlds of Supercar, The Avengers, Fireball XL5, Doctor Who and the Daleks (1965), Stingray, Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. (1966), Thunderbirds, Out of the Unknown, Timeslip, The Tomorrow People, Supergirl (1984), Space Precinct, and Thunderbirds Are Go. Graham was born on this day in 1925. [Source: IMDB.com]
The great Bruce McGill turns up all over the place in all kinds of genres, but he has dabbled in Science Fiction from time to time with roles in Star Trek: Voyager, Babylon 5, and Quantum Leap. McGill was born on this day in 1950. [Source: IMDB.com]
Confession time: most of you folks are probably crazier about Avatar than I was. Sure, it was a good story, but it wasn't anything groundbreaking if you've been around the block a few times. However, I loved its cast, among them being the very conspiratorial Stephen Lang. He followed up that jaunt in Sci-Fi with as a series' regular in Fox TV's ambitious but flat Terra Nova. Lang was born on this day in 1952. [Source: IMDB.com]
Timeless beauty Sela Ward had a brief but important role as President Lanford in the long-awaiting sequel, Independence Day: Resurgence (2016), for 20th Century Fox. Ward was born on this day in 1956. [Source: IMDB.com]
Lisa Rinna joined David Hasselhoff -- the original Nick Fury -- in the 1998 telefilm, Nick Fury: Agent of Shield, back in 1998. Rinna was born on this day in 1963. [Source: IMDB.com]
Craig Charles delivered the laughs as part of his gig aboard the long-running Red Dwarf (1988-2016). He also squeezed in a visit to the wide, wide world of Lexx. Charles was born on this day in 1964. [Source: IMDB.com]
Liane Curtis has definitely garnered attention for her work in the world of genre entertainment, including roles aboard The Brother from Another Planet (1984), Critters 2 (1988), and Phantom 2040 (animated). Curtis was born on this day in 1965. [Source: IMDB.com]
Home Improvement's Debbe Dunning played tough and lovely (not that it got her much before her cinematic demise) for her part aboard Leprecaun 4: In Space (1996). Dunning was born on this day in 1966. [Source: IMDB.com]
Somehow, Greg Grunberg used his influence with long-time Hollywood pal JJ Abrams to weasel himself into a role in Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens ... not that anyone can blame him. Grunberg was born on this day in 1966. [Source: IMDB.com]
Justin Chambers suited up -- well, in an animated way -- to play 'The Flash' aboard Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013), arguably one of the best of the DC Animated Features. Chambers was born on this day in 1970. [Source: IMDB.com]
Michael Rosenbaum is another young actor who I think turns in some pretty impressive work no matter where he shows up. While he was around, he was one of the better things on the WB's Smallville, though the show lasted longer than it should have. He's also lent his vocal talents to a handful of DC Comics animated projects including Justice League and the Justice League: Doom direct-to-DVD production. Rosenbaum was born on this day in 1972. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Bridgette Andersen played a li'l girl who was all too happy to adopt herself a Japanese robot in the SciFi/Comedy Too Much (1987). Though she's no longer with us, Andersen was born on this day in 1975. [Source: IMDB.com]
When she was an urchin, Hollywood executive Brandy Gold had a small part aboard V: The Final Battle miniseriers. Gold was born on this day in 1977. [Source: IMDB.com]
In the role of Vandal Savage, Casper Crump made things rough for all of the Legends of Tomorrow as part of the CW program's inaugural season. Crump was born on this day in 1977. [Source: IMDB.com]
Melanie Papalia has brought her winning smile and wholesome good looks to such genre projects as Smallville, Supernatural, Blade: The Series, Painkiller Jane, Super Hybrid (2011), Extraterrestrial (2014), and Travelers. Papalia was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
Well, thank goodness Serinda Swan has absolutely no reservations about playing dress-up! She looks terrific, no? Plus, she's a talented actress -- to say the least -- one who looks great in whatever costume she dons. Watch for her curves on display in Tron: Legacy, as well as her brief stint as Zatanna in the WB's Smallville. Swan was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
A former contestant of several beauty pageants, Rachael Taylor turned into a big screen actress with an important role aboard Michael Bay's Transformers (2007). Taylor was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
Count me amongst the folks who honestly believed the makers of The Hunger Games deserved a massive lawsuit on behalf of the makers of Japan's Battle Royale, for which the lovely Aki Maeda was one of its players. Maeda was born on this day in 1985. [Source: IMDB.com]
The young rogue A.J. LoCascio brought vocal life to the older yet still rogueish 'Han Solo' aboard the Walt Disney animated project Star Wars: Forces of Destiny. LoCascio was born on this day in 1987. [Source: IMDB.com]
The first rule when fighting pterodactyls: never bring a handgun. But that's what you do when the script calls for it, and a fetching Candice Nunes probably proved more up to the challenge than most in Terrordactyl (2016). Nunes was born on this day in 1988. [Source: IMDB.com]
Actress and prolific geek Katie Wilson braved the Apocalypse that was at the chilly heart of 2012: Ice Age (2011) for Asylum Studios. Wilson was born on this day in 1990. [Source: IMDB.com]
Connor Paolo stepped up into the major leadership role in the SciFi/Fantasy Stake Land (2010) for Glass Eye Pix. Paolo was born on this day in 1990. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1949 (in Sweden), Siren Of Atlantis probes the depths of cinematic Fantasy. Based on the Pierre Benoit novel "L'Atlantide," the feature starred Maria Montez, Jean-Pierre Aumont, and Dennis O'Keefe; and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"A pair of explorers stumble across a lost city of the jungle ruled by a mysterious queen."
"A pair of explorers stumble across a lost city of the jungle ruled by a mysterious queen."
On this day in 1952 (in Denmark), those dastardly critters from Unknown Island roared to life in theatres once more. Directed by Jack Bernhard, the Fantasy/Adventure starred Virginia Grey, Phillip Reed, and Richard Denning; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An adventure seeker and his fiancée visit an uncharted island, only to find that it is inhabited by deadly dinosaurs and other creatures ready to attack."
"An adventure seeker and his fiancée visit an uncharted island, only to find that it is inhabited by deadly dinosaurs and other creatures ready to attack."
On this day in 1967 (in Uruguay), Frankenstein Conquers The World (aka Frankenstein Vs. Baragon) conquered the box office. Directed by genre legend Ishirô Honda, the monster movie starred Nick Adams, Kumi Mizuno, and Tadao Yakashima; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Near the end of WWII, Germans transport the immortal heart of Frankenstein's monster to Japan, where it is seeming lost in the bombing of Hiroshima. Years later a wild boy is found, born from the immortal heart."
"Near the end of WWII, Germans transport the immortal heart of Frankenstein's monster to Japan, where it is seeming lost in the bombing of Hiroshima. Years later a wild boy is found, born from the immortal heart."
On this day in 1969 (in Ireland), Lightning Bolt (aka Operazione Goldman) showed up packing heat. Directed by Antonio Margheriti, the SciFi/Thriller starred Anthony Eisley, Wandisa Guida, and Diana Lorys; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A U.S. agent goes undercover as a rich playboy to stop a madman from destroying a NASA moon project."
"A U.S. agent goes undercover as a rich playboy to stop a madman from destroying a NASA moon project."
On this day in 1975 (in Italy and Mexico), the Fantasy-themed The Holy Mountain enjoyed theatrical release. Written by, directed by and starring Alejando Jodorowky, the film also featured Horacio Salinas, Zamira Saunders, and Juan Ferrara. According to our friends at IMDB, here's the premise:
"In a corrupt, greed-fueled world, a powerful alchemist leads a Christ-like character and seven materialistic figures to the Holy Mountain, where they hope to achieve enlightenment."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Holy Mountain enjoyed a modest amount of praise on the film festival circuit.
"In a corrupt, greed-fueled world, a powerful alchemist leads a Christ-like character and seven materialistic figures to the Holy Mountain, where they hope to achieve enlightenment."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Holy Mountain enjoyed a modest amount of praise on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1980 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Horror hybrid known as Monstroid submerged from the murky depths. Directed by the team of Kenneth Hartford and Herbert L. Strock, the feature starred James Mitchum, Philip Carey; and John Carradine; and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"A rural Colombian village is attacked by a horrible sea serpent, aroused by industrial pollution of a nearby lake. Based on a real event that took place in June of 1971."
"A rural Colombian village is attacked by a horrible sea serpent, aroused by industrial pollution of a nearby lake. Based on a real event that took place in June of 1971."
A star is born! On this day in 1981 (in Japan), Mobile Suit Gundam II: Soldiers of Sorrow deepened the Gundam mythology. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After managing to survive attacks by Zeon's Char Aznable and Garma Zabi, the crew of Federation warship White Base and its mobile suits battle Zeon forces through Asia, Europe, and the Atlantic Ocean if they are to reach Earth Federation's headquarters alive. During that process many of its crewmembers like Amuro Ray, Bright Noah, Kai Shinden, Sayla Mass, Mirai Yashima, Fraw Bow, and Hayato Kobayashi must overcome their fears, losses, immaturities, and insecurities in order to survive."
"After managing to survive attacks by Zeon's Char Aznable and Garma Zabi, the crew of Federation warship White Base and its mobile suits battle Zeon forces through Asia, Europe, and the Atlantic Ocean if they are to reach Earth Federation's headquarters alive. During that process many of its crewmembers like Amuro Ray, Bright Noah, Kai Shinden, Sayla Mass, Mirai Yashima, Fraw Bow, and Hayato Kobayashi must overcome their fears, losses, immaturities, and insecurities in order to survive."
On this day in 1987 (in India), Aliens rocked the box office to its immortal core. Written (in part) and directed by James Cameron, the SciFi/Thriller starred Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, and Lance Henriksen; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Fifty-seven years after surviving an apocalyptic attack aboard her space vessel by merciless space creatures, Officer Ripley awakens from hyper-sleep and tries to warn anyone who will listen about the predators."
For the record:
Simply put, Aliens was then and remains today nothing short of phenomenal. While the original established the property, I'd argue that it took the sequel to firmly establish it as a proper Science Fiction franchise. Multiple films have explored the growing mythology behind the Xenomorphs, and 20th Century Fox even paired the aliens up with the Predator for a picture or two. Still, Aliens won the Oscars for 'Best Sound Editing' and 'Best Special Effects' at the 1987 Academy Awards, and the picture even garnered an acting nomination for Weaver -- a rarity for a SciFi film.
"Fifty-seven years after surviving an apocalyptic attack aboard her space vessel by merciless space creatures, Officer Ripley awakens from hyper-sleep and tries to warn anyone who will listen about the predators."
For the record:
Simply put, Aliens was then and remains today nothing short of phenomenal. While the original established the property, I'd argue that it took the sequel to firmly establish it as a proper Science Fiction franchise. Multiple films have explored the growing mythology behind the Xenomorphs, and 20th Century Fox even paired the aliens up with the Predator for a picture or two. Still, Aliens won the Oscars for 'Best Sound Editing' and 'Best Special Effects' at the 1987 Academy Awards, and the picture even garnered an acting nomination for Weaver -- a rarity for a SciFi film.
On this day in 1989 (in Greece), the SciFi/Comedy My Stepmother Is An Alien enjoyed its theatrical run. Written by the team of Jerico Stone, Herschel Weingrod, and Timothy Harris, the SciFi/ Comedy was directed by Richard Benjamin and starred Dan Aykroyd, Kim Basinger, and Alyson Hannigan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A creature from another planet tries to seduce a shy Earth physicist to gain control over his researches. The result of this important mission much exceeded her expectations."
For the record:
At the 1990 Saturn Awards, My Stepmother Is An Alien enjoyed a pair of nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Actress' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In late 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving a copy of a new Blu-ray release of the film. If you're interested in knowing my thoughts of the SciFi/Comedy, you can find them right here.
"A creature from another planet tries to seduce a shy Earth physicist to gain control over his researches. The result of this important mission much exceeded her expectations."
For the record:
At the 1990 Saturn Awards, My Stepmother Is An Alien enjoyed a pair of nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Actress' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In late 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving a copy of a new Blu-ray release of the film. If you're interested in knowing my thoughts of the SciFi/Comedy, you can find them right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1990 (in France), Flesh Gordon Meets The Cosmic Cheerleaders enjoyed its theatrical run. The feature starred Vince Murdocco and Robyn Kelly, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Space-faring hero and galactically-renowned stud Flesh Gordon is kidnapped by a group of space cheerleaders hoping to use him to save their planet. A being simply known as Evil Presence has been rendering the men of their world impotent, and the women are desperate for some form of relief. Flesh's girlfriend Ardor, meanwhile, is following behind to try to keep him out of trouble, but soon finds herself kidnapped by Evil Presence's henchman who has plans of his own. Can Flesh get the men of this planet standing tall once again?"
"Space-faring hero and galactically-renowned stud Flesh Gordon is kidnapped by a group of space cheerleaders hoping to use him to save their planet. A being simply known as Evil Presence has been rendering the men of their world impotent, and the women are desperate for some form of relief. Flesh's girlfriend Ardor, meanwhile, is following behind to try to keep him out of trouble, but soon finds herself kidnapped by Evil Presence's henchman who has plans of his own. Can Flesh get the men of this planet standing tall once again?"
On this day in 1997, Carl Sagan's Contact entered theatres, starring Jodie Foster and Matthew McConaughy. The film gave audiences a more academic portrait of communication taking place between the human race and some species "out there." Here's the plot summary, compliments of our friends at IMDB.com:
"Dr. Ellie Arroway, after years of searching, finds conclusive radio proof of intelligent aliens, who send plans for a mysterious machine."
For the record:
At the 1998 Academy Awards, Contact was nominated in the category of 'Best Sound' but missed out on taking home top honors. For the 1998 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actress Jodie Foster took home the 'Best Actress Award' and Jena Malone took home the 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor/Actress' Award while the film missed out on the trophies in categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Writer,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Lastly, Contact did take home the Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' in 1998.
"Dr. Ellie Arroway, after years of searching, finds conclusive radio proof of intelligent aliens, who send plans for a mysterious machine."
For the record:
At the 1998 Academy Awards, Contact was nominated in the category of 'Best Sound' but missed out on taking home top honors. For the 1998 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actress Jodie Foster took home the 'Best Actress Award' and Jena Malone took home the 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor/Actress' Award while the film missed out on the trophies in categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Writer,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Lastly, Contact did take home the Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' in 1998.
1997's Cube premiered on this day (in the Netherlands), and it explored the story of strangers trapped inside a mechanical prison that kept changing shape and altering the conditions for those desperately trying to escape. It created a strong enough buzz when it was eventually released on home video that it spawned a small franchise all of its own. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Six complete strangers with widely varying personalities are involuntarily placed in an endless maze containing deadly traps."
For the record:
Cube was a bit of a sensation both on the film festival circuit as well as within the general awards arena. In 1999, it enjoyed a nomination from the Saturn Awards in the category of 'Best Home Video Release.' At the 1999 Fantasporto Film Festival, the film was awarded the Jury Prize as well as top honors in the categories of 'Best Special Effects' and 'Best Film.' Lastly, the Genie Awards -- which recognizes excellence in Canadian film and TV production -- blessed the flick with an incredible five nominations (but no wins) largely in technical categories.
"Six complete strangers with widely varying personalities are involuntarily placed in an endless maze containing deadly traps."
For the record:
Cube was a bit of a sensation both on the film festival circuit as well as within the general awards arena. In 1999, it enjoyed a nomination from the Saturn Awards in the category of 'Best Home Video Release.' At the 1999 Fantasporto Film Festival, the film was awarded the Jury Prize as well as top honors in the categories of 'Best Special Effects' and 'Best Film.' Lastly, the Genie Awards -- which recognizes excellence in Canadian film and TV production -- blessed the flick with an incredible five nominations (but no wins) largely in technical categories.
On this day in 2001, Chris Lee Productions and partners launched Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within as a theatrical motion picture. The property was based on a series of popular role-playing games, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the year 2065, the next great assault against an invading race of phantom-like aliens is about to be launched. Dr. Aki Ross, a brilliant young scientist, races to find the invaders' secrets, not only to save the planet, but herself as well after her body is infected by alien particles. She teams up with the prestigious Deep Eyes military squadron, led by her old friend Grey Edwards. But as Aki, her mentor Dr. Sid, and Grey work toward a peaceful end, the scheming General Hein devises a plot to eradicate the aliens in one swift, destructive blow...even if it destroys the Earth right along with them."
"In the year 2065, the next great assault against an invading race of phantom-like aliens is about to be launched. Dr. Aki Ross, a brilliant young scientist, races to find the invaders' secrets, not only to save the planet, but herself as well after her body is infected by alien particles. She teams up with the prestigious Deep Eyes military squadron, led by her old friend Grey Edwards. But as Aki, her mentor Dr. Sid, and Grey work toward a peaceful end, the scheming General Hein devises a plot to eradicate the aliens in one swift, destructive blow...even if it destroys the Earth right along with them."
A star is born! On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), the residents of New York City were treated to the silver screen theatrical debut of The Island. Directed by Michael Bay, the SciFi/Thriller starred Ewan McGregor, Scarlett Johansson, and Djimon Hounsou; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A man living in a futuristic sterile colony begins to question his circumscribed existence when his friend is chosen to go to the Island, the last uncontaminated place on earth."
For the record:
The Island is not without its fans, though this glossy adventure seems to have been forgotten a bit with the passage of time. Still, in 2006, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated it for the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film,' though it failed to win top honors.
"A man living in a futuristic sterile colony begins to question his circumscribed existence when his friend is chosen to go to the Island, the last uncontaminated place on earth."
For the record:
The Island is not without its fans, though this glossy adventure seems to have been forgotten a bit with the passage of time. Still, in 2006, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated it for the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film,' though it failed to win top honors.
On this day in 2008, Eddie Murphy attempted another dubious flirtation with Science Fiction with the theatrical release of Meet Dave. Murphy's The Adventures of Pluto Nash (2002) had pretty much tanked at the box office, and Meet Dave really didn't fare any better. (Believe it or not, rumors persist that the funnyman was linked originally to Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home in the role that ultimately ended up going to Catherine Hicks.) Still, here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A crew of miniature aliens operate a spaceship that has a human form. While trying to save their planet, the aliens encounter a new problem, as their ship becomes smitten with an Earth woman."
"A crew of miniature aliens operate a spaceship that has a human form. While trying to save their planet, the aliens encounter a new problem, as their ship becomes smitten with an Earth woman."
On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), Cyborg She turned up the heat (and electricity, it would seem) on Science Fiction and Romance. Written and directed by Jae-young Kwak, the feature film starred Haruka Ayase, Keisuke Koide, and Risa Ai; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A lonely university student develops a romance with a beautiful interesting woman, who turns out to be a cyborg from the future."
"A lonely university student develops a romance with a beautiful interesting woman, who turns out to be a cyborg from the future."
A star is born! On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.), the attendees of Comic-Con in San Diego, California were treated to the theatrical premiere of Dredd. Directed by Pete Travis, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Karl Urban as the titular judge, jury, and executioner from the pages of the comic book along with such other luminaries (in supporting roles) as Olivia Thirlby, Lena Headey, and Wood Harris. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a violent, futuristic city where the police have the authority to act as judge, jury and executioner, a cop teams with a trainee to take down a gang that deals the reality-altering drug, SLO-MO."
"In a violent, futuristic city where the police have the authority to act as judge, jury and executioner, a cop teams with a trainee to take down a gang that deals the reality-altering drug, SLO-MO."
On this day in 2013 (in Germany), The Crown And The Dragon enjoyed its release on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Anne K. Black, the Fantasy/Adventure starred Amy De Bhrún, David Haydn, and Tim Treloar; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young noblewoman must fulfill her calling to become the long foretold Paladin."
"A young noblewoman must fulfill her calling to become the long foretold Paladin."
On this day in 2014, the apes returned to take their role in Earth's future when Dawn of the Planet of the Apes premiered theatrically. Directed by Matt Reeves, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, and Andy Serkis; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The fragile peace between apes and humans is threatened as mistrust and betrayal threaten to plunge both tribes into a war for dominance over the Earth."
For the record:
Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes was the second film in an all-new trilogy that re-introduced the Apes saga to audiences around the world, and it was widely celebrated. At the 2015 Academy Awards, the film was nominated in the category of 'Best Achievement In Visual Effects.' At the 2015 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the flick received an incredible eight nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Music,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"The fragile peace between apes and humans is threatened as mistrust and betrayal threaten to plunge both tribes into a war for dominance over the Earth."
For the record:
Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes was the second film in an all-new trilogy that re-introduced the Apes saga to audiences around the world, and it was widely celebrated. At the 2015 Academy Awards, the film was nominated in the category of 'Best Achievement In Visual Effects.' At the 2015 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the flick received an incredible eight nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Music,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in Japan), Tag had one young woman questioning the nature of her reality. Written (in part) and directed by Sion Sono, the Fantasy/Drama starred Reina Triendl, Mariko Shinoda, and Erina Mano; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A girl's life cascades into chaos as everyone around her suffers a gruesome fate while she becomes less certain of who she is and her once-once normal."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Tag enjoyed a pair of wins -- 'Best Actress' and 'Best Film' -- on the film festival circuit.
"A girl's life cascades into chaos as everyone around her suffers a gruesome fate while she becomes less certain of who she is and her once-once normal."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Tag enjoyed a pair of wins -- 'Best Actress' and 'Best Film' -- on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2015 (in the United Kingdom and the U.S.), audiences sought out The Answer on home video. Written and directed by Iqbal Ahmed, the SciFi/Thriller starred Austin Hébert, Alexis Carra, and David S. Lee. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After being attacked, an introverted young man must follow clues left by his dead parents in order to figure out who is after him - and who he really is."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Answer enjoyed a win on the film festival circuit.
"After being attacked, an introverted young man must follow clues left by his dead parents in order to figure out who is after him - and who he really is."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Answer enjoyed a win on the film festival circuit.
Ouch! That's gonna leave a mark! On this day in 2016 (in the United Kingdom), Sharktopus Vs. Pteracuda took a bite out of the home video market ... among other things. Directed by Kevin O'Neill from a script from Matt Yamashita, this Fantasy/Comedy starred Wilhem Abreu, Keisha Shadè Akinyemi, and Lorena Alemany; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An American scientist creates a half-pterodactyl, half-barracuda creature, Pteracuda, which inevitably escapes, leaving the Sharktopus to stop it."
"An American scientist creates a half-pterodactyl, half-barracuda creature, Pteracuda, which inevitably escapes, leaving the Sharktopus to stop it."
On this day in 1953, Space Patrol aired "The Mysterious Ocean In Space." This served as the twenty-eighth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Commander Corry and his crew discover a massive body of water flowing in the middle of space. Investigating, they learn that criminals on Mars are in the process of stealing of Earth's water unless the planet's government pays them an extraordinary ransom."
"Commander Corry and his crew discover a massive body of water flowing in the middle of space. Investigating, they learn that criminals on Mars are in the process of stealing of Earth's water unless the planet's government pays them an extraordinary ransom."
On this day in 1955 (in the United Kingdom), The Invisible Man aired "Picnic With Death." This served as the fifth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Peter's existence as an invisible man becomes public knowledge, while Sally's friend needs help when her stepfather plots to kill her mother."
"Peter's existence as an invisible man becomes public knowledge, while Sally's friend needs help when her stepfather plots to kill her mother."
On this day in 1964, the long-running BBC series Doctor Who continued its inaugural season with the episode "Hidden Danger." Here's the summary, provided by IMDB.com: "The Doctor, Susan and Ian agree to accompany the Sensorites to their home planet in the hope of finding a cure for John. But not everyone is willing to welcome them there."
On this day in 1966 (in Japan), The Space Giants aired "The Subterranean Menace." This served as the second episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by The Space Giants Series Guide:
"Goldar takes Mikko to his base, located deep in the heart of the active volcano Mt. Olympian. There Mikko meets Goldar’s wife Silvar (Mol), and Mathusam, the elderly, white-haired scientist. Goldar and Silvar are taken with Mikko and ask Mathusam to create a son for them in Mikko’s image. He grants their wish, creating “Gam”, a boy robot who can change to a rocket just like his parents. Mathusam also gives Mikko a supersonic whistle to call for help whenever he is in danger. One blast will summon Gam, two blasts will call Silvar and three blasts will bring Goldar the Space Avenger into action! As a show of force, Rodak sends his mechanical creature Molesaurus (Moguness) to Earth. Mikko returns to his parents’ home and learns his father Tom Mura has been assigned to cover the story. Tom boards a train, but suddenly the creature Molesaurus attacks from underground! The survivors of the trainwreck seek shelter. Mikko and his mother learn about the accident and wonder if Tom is still alive."
"Goldar takes Mikko to his base, located deep in the heart of the active volcano Mt. Olympian. There Mikko meets Goldar’s wife Silvar (Mol), and Mathusam, the elderly, white-haired scientist. Goldar and Silvar are taken with Mikko and ask Mathusam to create a son for them in Mikko’s image. He grants their wish, creating “Gam”, a boy robot who can change to a rocket just like his parents. Mathusam also gives Mikko a supersonic whistle to call for help whenever he is in danger. One blast will summon Gam, two blasts will call Silvar and three blasts will bring Goldar the Space Avenger into action! As a show of force, Rodak sends his mechanical creature Molesaurus (Moguness) to Earth. Mikko returns to his parents’ home and learns his father Tom Mura has been assigned to cover the story. Tom boards a train, but suddenly the creature Molesaurus attacks from underground! The survivors of the trainwreck seek shelter. Mikko and his mother learn about the accident and wonder if Tom is still alive."
On this day in 1997, The Outer Limits aired "Feasibility Study." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Joshua Haywood is a single parent who has his hands full with his daughter Sarah who wants to elope with her motorcycle driving boyfriend. They wake up one morning to find that there is no electricity, water or telephone service. When Joshua tries to leave their suburban neighborhood, he finds their way is blocked by an electrical field of some kind. Sarah has plans to run off but she meets an alien creature who is dying and she too is infected. Joshua eventually learns the truth: their entire neighborhood has been carried off to a distant planet to see if humans would be suitable as slave labor. For Joshua, there is only one course of action available to the survivors."
"Joshua Haywood is a single parent who has his hands full with his daughter Sarah who wants to elope with her motorcycle driving boyfriend. They wake up one morning to find that there is no electricity, water or telephone service. When Joshua tries to leave their suburban neighborhood, he finds their way is blocked by an electrical field of some kind. Sarah has plans to run off but she meets an alien creature who is dying and she too is infected. Joshua eventually learns the truth: their entire neighborhood has been carried off to a distant planet to see if humans would be suitable as slave labor. For Joshua, there is only one course of action available to the survivors."
On this day in 1998, TV's Timecop aired "D.O.A." This served as the eighth episode in the program's only season on the Boob Tube, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Acting on a surprise visit from "his future" Claire, Logan less than ten hours to stop a murder - Matuzek's and his own."
"Acting on a surprise visit from "his future" Claire, Logan less than ten hours to stop a murder - Matuzek's and his own."
On this day in 1998, Weird Science aired "School Spirits." This served as the fourteenth episode in the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ghosts from past Farber High School teachers don't want the library built over the old facility lounge."
"Ghosts from past Farber High School teachers don't want the library built over the old facility lounge."
On this day in 2003, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Revisions." This served as the fifth episode in the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"SG-1 investigate a seemingly idyllic and subtly advanced human colony sheltered inside an energy dome on an otherwise inhospitable planet."
"SG-1 investigate a seemingly idyllic and subtly advanced human colony sheltered inside an energy dome on an otherwise inhospitable planet."
On this day in 2003, Tremors: The Series aired "Graboid Rights." This served as the ninth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Protesters swarm Perfection, demanding the inhabitants to leave because their presence is supposedly harming El Blanco. El Blanco is behaving very erratically indeed. One of the protesters turns out to be Nancy's daughter, Mindy."
"Protesters swarm Perfection, demanding the inhabitants to leave because their presence is supposedly harming El Blanco. El Blanco is behaving very erratically indeed. One of the protesters turns out to be Nancy's daughter, Mindy."
On this day in 2004, 'they' came back ... and by 'they' I mean several thousand people who had previously been abducted by UFOs. The 4400 was a solid Sci-Fi-themed mainstay on the USA Network for all of its four seasons, exploring the stories of various former abductees and the government agency that was tasked with uncovering the conspiracy behind who they were, why they were taken, where they went, and what happened to them as a result of their experience.
On this day in 2008 (in the United States), Doctor Who aired "Midnight." This served as the tenth episode of the relaunched program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As part of a well-deserved holiday, the Doctor takes a tour on a planet called Midnight. Little does he know that something is knocking on the walls, although the planet shouldn't be inhabited. Soon the passengers begin to panic when one of them is possessed."
"As part of a well-deserved holiday, the Doctor takes a tour on a planet called Midnight. Little does he know that something is knocking on the walls, although the planet shouldn't be inhabited. Soon the passengers begin to panic when one of them is possessed."
On this day in 2011, the mildly Sci-Fi-themed Alphas premiered with its pilot episode. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Ominous messages steer a man to a building's rooftop, where he executes an improbable shooting in the opener of the series following a team of people with extraordinary abilities who investigate crimes linked to others like them."
"Ominous messages steer a man to a building's rooftop, where he executes an improbable shooting in the opener of the series following a team of people with extraordinary abilities who investigate crimes linked to others like them."
On this day in 1964 (in Mexico), The Outer Limits released "The Galaxy Being" on home video. Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Adventurous radio station operator contacts a fellow experimenter in another galaxy. The operator locks in 3D communication, but a DJ who wants to impress his girlfriend with the station's range, boosts the signal all the way up, unknowingly sucking the alien, who's composed of electricity, into the remote desert town."
"Adventurous radio station operator contacts a fellow experimenter in another galaxy. The operator locks in 3D communication, but a DJ who wants to impress his girlfriend with the station's range, boosts the signal all the way up, unknowingly sucking the alien, who's composed of electricity, into the remote desert town."
