One of the better genre shows to come out of the last century was -- in fact -- the sorely under-promoted G Vs. E (aka Good Vs. Evil), a show that kinda/sorta came and went all too fast for it to build an audience. Featuring a fabulous cast set agains the backdrop of some otherworldly shenanigans, it still managed to squeeze out a Saturn Award nomination (in the year 2000) in the category of 'Best Syndicated Television Series.' If you do anything today, then make the effort to find this one online somewhere and check it out. It's funny and fabulous, just the way audiences like 'em. Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"Heavenly agents of the "Corps" fight against demonic Morlocks in Hollywood."
"Heavenly agents of the "Corps" fight against demonic Morlocks in Hollywood."
Eureka was one of those rare SciFi entries that didn't quite tickle my fancy well enough to hang with it. I made it through the first season and half of the second before I dropped it off my DVR. Don't get me wrong: I loved the premise, and I thought it had a terrific cast. It's just that its stories didn't draw me in the way I like to be drawn in, and I searched out other entities. In any event, kudos to Syfy for hanging with it as long as they did, as I'm well aware it earned itself a fairly loyal fan base. Who knows? Maybe I'll binge all of it someday to see what I missed. It premiered on this day in 2006. Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"A U.S. Marshal becomes the sheriff of Eureka, a remote, cozy little Northwestern town where the best minds in the US have secretly been tucked away to build futuristic inventions for the government which often go disastrously wrong."
"A U.S. Marshal becomes the sheriff of Eureka, a remote, cozy little Northwestern town where the best minds in the US have secretly been tucked away to build futuristic inventions for the government which often go disastrously wrong."
Hume Cronyn was only one of an ensemble of delightful old codgers wiling away their time in a Florida retirement community when they found swimming in the presence of an alien spore may've opened up the Fountain of Youth in Ron Howard's Cocoon. He followed that up with a great role in Batteries Not Included (1987). Though he's no longer with us, Cronyn was born on this day in 1911.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 1986 Saturn Awards, Cronyn enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Actor' for his work aboard Cocoon (1985). While he didn't take home the trophy, it certainly bodes well that his return to the franchise with 1989's Cocoon: The Return garnered him his second Saturn Awards nomination in the same category.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 1986 Saturn Awards, Cronyn enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Actor' for his work aboard Cocoon (1985). While he didn't take home the trophy, it certainly bodes well that his return to the franchise with 1989's Cocoon: The Return garnered him his second Saturn Awards nomination in the same category.
SciFi fans may not know his face, but serious geeks will recognize the voice of Marvin Miller ... he's the uncredited voice of Robby The Robot, as featured in Forbidden Planet (1956) and a whole host of other appearances. Furthermore, his talents -- and that incredible voice -- was put to great work across an impressive number of screen credits, including visits to such stops as Red Planet Mars (1954), Space Patrol, Godzilla Raids Again (1955), King Dinosaur (1955), The Deadly Mantis (1957), The Story Of Mankind (1957), Gigantis The Fire Monster (1959), The Day The Earth Froze (1959), The Phantom Planet (1961), Jonny Quest, Batman, The Green Hornet, Aquaman, Fantastic Four, Fantastic Voyage, Blood Of The Iron Maiden (1970), Fantastic Planet (1973), Submersion Of Japan (1973), Land Of The Lost, Electra Woman And Dyna Girl, Empire Of The Ants (1977), Wonder Woman, and Gremlins (1984). Though he's no longer with us, Miller was born on this day in 1913.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Editor's Note:
I think it's also deserving of mention that Miller was the man taped to originally record a spoken-version adaptation of The Bible back in his day. Some might think this is no big deal, but -- for the record -- he was the first actor ever contracted to do it for audiences. That, my friends, is trivia worth knowing.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Editor's Note:
I think it's also deserving of mention that Miller was the man taped to originally record a spoken-version adaptation of The Bible back in his day. Some might think this is no big deal, but -- for the record -- he was the first actor ever contracted to do it for audiences. That, my friends, is trivia worth knowing.
With over five decades in the entertainment business, thank goodness that Burt Kwouk always managed to make time for genre projects, including roles in The Avengers, The Tomorrow People (1978), Doctor Who, and Space Precinct. Though he's no longer with us, Kwouk was born on this day in 1930.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sure, director Paul Verhoeven (above left) gave us Showgirls (arguably one of the worst films ever made), but he's also the genius who directed Robocop, Total Recall, and Starship Troopers ... so as far as I'm concerned that all but makes up for it! Verhoeven was born on this day in 1938.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I received a promotional re-release of RoboCop (1987) 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 1988 Saturn Awards, Verhoeven took home top honors -- deservedly, if I do say so myself -- for his work in the category of 'Best Director' to RoboCop (1987).
- At the 1991 Saturn Awards, the man missed out on taking home the 'Best Director' trophy for his work in bringing Total Recall (1990) to the screen.
- At the 1998 Saturn Awards, Verhoeven earned another 'Best Director' nomination for his work in bringing Starship Troopers (1997) to audiences.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I received a promotional re-release of RoboCop (1987) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
In his youth, Orley Lindgren learned that there indeed was life 'out there' with his world aboard Red Planet Mars (1952). Lindgren was born on this day in 1939.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Adult film temptress Brigitte Sky explored her very own 'final frontier' aboard the SciFi/Camp feature The Love Factor (1969). Though she's no longer with us, Skay was born on this day in 1940.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Capricorn One is a relatively dated but pretty brilliant conspiracy yarn about a doomed moon mission that the US government decides to instead fake on television. It stars a young OJ Simpson, Sam Waterson, and James Brolin ... who just so happens to celebrate his birthday today. Brolin was born on this day in 1940.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I think I'm one of the rare few who watched all of NBC's adaptation of The Martian Chronicles (1980) and actually enjoyed all of the program; as the Ray Bradbury novel has always been one of my favorites, I suspect my opinion was probably 'colored' a bit by that reality. In any event, I didn't realize that James Faulkner had a key role in the miniseries as the Martian 'Mr. K.' Faulkner was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
It was arguably one of those 'blink and you'll miss it' moments, but billionaire Richard Branson enjoyed the small role as a space shuttle astronaut aboard Bryan Singer's awful Superman Returns (2006). Branson was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The great Margo Martindale recently guested aboard CBS TV's SciFi comedy, BrainDead, with Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Martindale was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Screenwriter Gary Goddard certainly has a few genre credentials worthy of mention. First off, he was one of the creators behind the late 80's SciFi/Serial Captain Power And The Soldiers Of The Future. Also, he penned the script for the video introduction to Universal Studios' theme park experience Jurassic Park: The Ride. Lastly, he crafted the script for Star Trek: The Experience's 'The Klingon Encounter.' Goddard was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Those of us prefer the original Battlestar Galactica appreciate the contributions made to the mythology by all of its stars, big and small, such as the lovely Audrey Landers who appeared Dirk Benedict in the episode, "The Young Lords." The actress also made an appearance on Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. Landers was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back in 1989, lovely Anne-Marie Johnson played Athena in Robot Jox. Since that time, she's also had the good fortune to participate in Babylon 5, Asteroid, and The X-Files. Johnson was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of receiving a promotional release of Robot Jox (1989) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of receiving a promotional release of Robot Jox (1989) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
As her career has been around far more impactful dramas, Elizabeth McGovern hasn't considered much Science Fiction, but she did have a role in 1990's oft-overlooked The Handmaid's Tale. McGovern was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
You probably wouldn't recognize Lee Arenberg (pictured above right in makeup) when he played Tellarite Ambassador Gral (twice) aboard Star Trek: Enterprise on UPN. The actor also boasts guest starring appearances in Martians Go Home, Class of 1999, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, RoboCop 3, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Waterworld, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Project: ALF, The Apocalypse, and Star Trek: Voyager. Arenberg was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In his youth, Michael Sharrett explored the dangerous effects of 'microchipping' to bring back the dead aboard Deadly Friend (1986) for Warner Bros. Sharrett was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Vin Diesel doesn't get enough love. Granted, he's got a very solid career with the Fast and Furious franchise, but, for my tastes, I'd rather watch him in action flicks the likes of Pitch Black, the interesting Chronicles of Riddick, and even the tepid just plain Riddick. Also: "he is Groot." Diesel was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The popularity of today's The Flash (CW) program often times makes viewers forget that the scarlet speedster had another televised life on CBS many moons ago; but those of us who remember the program fondly will tell you it was a source of great superhero entertainment as well. On it, a young Alex Désert (above left) often found himself as Barry Allen's key ally. Désert was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I wrote a 'Flashback' review of The Flash's pilot episode to honor an all-new Blu-ray release of the series from Warner Archive. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I wrote a 'Flashback' review of The Flash's pilot episode to honor an all-new Blu-ray release of the series from Warner Archive. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
Andre Royo (pictured) arrived relatively late in the game that was so much of Fox TV's Fringe, but he played a key ally to Agent Olivia Dunham. The versatile actor has also been a part of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Heroes, and ABC TV's Agent Carter series. Royo was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Grant Bowler is doing what he can to keep the peace as one of our world's last lawmen after aliens invade the planet in Syfy's Defiance. But the actor has definitely been around the genre block -- as they say -- and he's enjoyed opportunities to shine aboard such other vehicles as Farscape, On The Beach (2000), The Lost World, Lost, True Blood, Panic At Rock Island (2011), The Cape, Atlas Shrugged: Part 1 (2011), Remains (2011), 400 Days (2015), The Car: Road To Revenge (2019), Super Volcano (2022), 20.0 Megaquake (2022), and Ice Storm (2023). Grant was born on this day back in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though I've no doubt I'll always remember Hoon Lee for his work on Cinemax's Banshee (one of the greatest action series in the history of television, people), I'm thrilled that he had a role aboard Fox TV's Fringe so that I can feature him here. The talented actor has always done voicework as part of the long-running Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated program as well. Lee was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Valerie Cruz makes a habit of playing strong and confident females. She played 'Kathy Sullivan' (pictured above) on Syfy's Alphas program. She also appeared in ABC TV's single season alien drama Invasion. Other visits to the realms of the Fantastic include work aboard The Dresden Files, No Man's Land: The Rise Of Reeker (2008), Dollhouse, The Devil's Tomb (2009), True Blood, Grimm, and Charmed. Cruz was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The dreamy Elsa Pataky has only dabbled in the realm of SciFi and Fantasy with a role in 2003's Beyond Re-Animator. Thankfully, she made a pretty respectable return to the genre with work aboard the poorly-received Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024). Pataky was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though she gravitates more toward conventional stuff, Kelly Reilly gave Science Fiction a whirl aboard the UK's A For Andromeda (2006) redux. Other genre roles were explored in such projects as Dead Bodies (2003), Puffball: The Devil's Eyeball (2007), Eden Lake (2008), Innocence (2013), and Eli (2019). Reilly was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Screen sexpot Kristen Bell had a role in NBC's horribly uneven Heroes back when it actually tried making sense. She's since gone on to marriage, mother, and Walt Disney's Frozen. She also looked into the hereafter with a top role aboard The Good Place, a sitcom set in the realm of the afterlife. Bell was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 2009 Saturn Awards, Bell received a nod by way of a nomination in the category of 'Best Guest Performance In A Television Series' for her stop to Heroes.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 2009 Saturn Awards, Bell received a nod by way of a nomination in the category of 'Best Guest Performance In A Television Series' for her stop to Heroes.
Fresh from trying to avert the Apocalypse with Brad Pitt in the deservedly-maligned World War Z (sorry, folks, the book was better), actor Michiel Huisman signed aboard the BBC's stellar clone drama Orphan Black in the role of 'Cal Morrison.' More recently, he found some small screen success aboard Zack Snyder's underwhelming Rebel Moon streaming event. Huisman was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 2019 Saturn Awards, Huisman earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor In Streaming Presentation' for his work aboard 2018's Netflix miniseries The Haunting Of Hill House.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 2019 Saturn Awards, Huisman earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor In Streaming Presentation' for his work aboard 2018's Netflix miniseries The Haunting Of Hill House.
Indian-born Priyanka Chopra showed what moves she had in the realm of Fantasy with a role in the SciFi/Superhero flick Krrish (2006). Chopra was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Dreamy Rosalind Halstead (pictured) appeared in 2009's TV miniseries reboot of The Day of the Triffids. Other genre projects on the lady's resume include The Fades, Rage Of The Yeti (2011), Dominion, Lucky Man, and Disney+'s Andor series. Halstead was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
James Norton took a swing at the Hollywood life with a top role in the Flatliners (2017) reboot. Sadly, the film tanked. Thankfully, that wasn't the end of things for the talented actor, and fans might notice his work aboard Doctor Who, Dragon Age: Inquisition (2014), Black Mirror, and Joss Whedon's ill-fated The Nevers. Norton was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ambyr Childers has put her pipes to good use voicing characters from such genre properties as Guardians Of Oz (2015) and TV's The Magicians. She also found a bit of screen time aboard the Horror/Thriller Playback (2012). Childers was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
TNT's Falling Skies wasn't a bad SciFi/Alien Invasion drama; rather, it just really didn't bring anything all that new to the whole sub-genre of projects. Relative newcomer Taylor Russell played Evelyn, one of the survivors during the show's final season. Plus, she turned up as a regular aboard Netflix's Lost In Space reboot. Russell was born on this day in 1994.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 2019 Saturn Awards, Russell earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress In Streaming Presentation' for her work aboard Netflix's Lost In Space.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I did a look back review at Lost In Space's pilot episode because I'd wanted to revisit it after the passage of time. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 2019 Saturn Awards, Russell earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress In Streaming Presentation' for her work aboard Netflix's Lost In Space.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I did a look back review at Lost In Space's pilot episode because I'd wanted to revisit it after the passage of time. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1960 (in Canada), the good people of Toronto were treated to an exclusive theatrical engagement of 13 Ghosts. Directed by William Castle from a story by Robb White, the Horror/Fantasy starred Charles Herbert, Jo Morrow, and Martin Milner. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A family inherits what proves to be a haunted house, but a special pair of goggles allows them to see their ghostly tormentors."
"A family inherits what proves to be a haunted house, but a special pair of goggles allows them to see their ghostly tormentors."
On this day in 1964 (in Japan), those interested were allowed to check into the Horror Castle ... but they never checked out! Directed by Antonio Margheriti, the Horror/Fantasy starred Rossana Podesta, Georges Riviere, and Christopher Lee. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Women are being tortured to death with various torture devices in the dungeon of an old castle by a deformed, hooded, holocaust survivor."
"Women are being tortured to death with various torture devices in the dungeon of an old castle by a deformed, hooded, holocaust survivor."
A star is born! On this day in 1973 (per Wikipedia.org), Sssssss sank its merciless fangs into interested audiences. Directed by Bernard L. Kowalski, the SciFi/Horror starred Dirk Benedict (of impending Battlestar Galactica fame), Strother Martin, and Heather Menzies-Urich (who would soon appear in the Logan's Run television series). According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the feature film:
"David, a college student, is looking for a job. He is hired by Dr. Stoner as a lab assistant for his research and experiments on snakes. David also begins to fall for Stoner's young daughter, Kristina. However, the good doctor has secretly brewed up a serum that can transform any man into a King Cobra snake-and he plans to use it on David."
For the record:
The film was nominated for the 1973 Saturn Award in the category of Best Science Fiction Film; alas, it lost out to the more cerebral Soylent Green.
"David, a college student, is looking for a job. He is hired by Dr. Stoner as a lab assistant for his research and experiments on snakes. David also begins to fall for Stoner's young daughter, Kristina. However, the good doctor has secretly brewed up a serum that can transform any man into a King Cobra snake-and he plans to use it on David."
For the record:
The film was nominated for the 1973 Saturn Award in the category of Best Science Fiction Film; alas, it lost out to the more cerebral Soylent Green.
On this day in 1975 (in Japan), The Freakmaker (aka The Mutations) delivered some freakish visions to audiences. Directed by Jack Cardiff from a script by Robert D. Weinbach and Edward Mann, the SciFi/Horror starred Donald Pleasence, Tom Baker, and Brad Harris. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A scientist experiments with crossing humans and plants, for which he uses his students."
"A scientist experiments with crossing humans and plants, for which he uses his students."
A star is born! On this day in 1980 (in the U.S.), Prom Night was held for interested victims. Directed by Paul Lynch, the Horror/Thriller starred Jamie Lee Curtis, Leslie Nielsen, and Casey Stevens. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"At a high school senior prom, a masked killer stalks four teenagers who were responsible for the accidental death of a classmate six years previously."
"At a high school senior prom, a masked killer stalks four teenagers who were responsible for the accidental death of a classmate six years previously."
On this day in 1984 (in France), The Exterminators Of The Year 3000 took to the desolate roads after the Apocalypse. Directed by Guiliano Carnimeo, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Robert Iannucci, Alicia Moro, and Luciano Pigozzi. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the year 3000, the Earth has been rendered a desert by nuclear war. A group of survivors goes in search of rare and valuable water, but standing in their way are the evil Exterminators, who live only to cause pain and misery."
"In the year 3000, the Earth has been rendered a desert by nuclear war. A group of survivors goes in search of rare and valuable water, but standing in their way are the evil Exterminators, who live only to cause pain and misery."
On this day in 1986 (in the U.S. and Canada), James Cameron's Aliens went into the first phase of its full theatrical release. The film 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.
A star is born! On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), Vamp tried to draw first blood at the domestic box office. Written (in part) and directed by Richard Wenk, the Horror/Fantasy starred Chris Makepeace, Sandy Baron, and Robert Rusler. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two fraternity pledges travel to a sleazy bar in search of a stripper for their college friends, unaware it is occupied by vampires."
"Two fraternity pledges travel to a sleazy bar in search of a stripper for their college friends, unaware it is occupied by vampires."
A star is born! On this day in 1980 (in Canada and the U.S.), Arachnophobia crawled onto silver screens everywhere. Directed by Frank Marshall, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jeff Daniels, Julian Sands, and John Goodman. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A species of South American killer spider hitches a lift to the U.S. in a coffin and starts to breed and kill."
"A species of South American killer spider hitches a lift to the U.S. in a coffin and starts to breed and kill."
A star is born! On this day in 1990 (in the U.S.), Future Zone enjoyed its launch into the home video marketplace. Written and directed by David A. Prior, the SciFi/Fantasy starred David Carradine, Ted Prior, and Gail Jensen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Sequel to 'Future Force' has John Tucker's son traveling back in time 30 years to save his father from being killed by thugs he is currently pursuing back in 1990."
"Sequel to 'Future Force' has John Tucker's son traveling back in time 30 years to save his father from being killed by thugs he is currently pursuing back in 1990."
A star is born! On this day in 1995, the SciFi/Telefilm The Alien Within (aka Unknown Origin) turned up the heat. The feature starred Roddy McDowall, Alex Hyde-White, and Melanie Shatner; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Crew of an undersea mining platform falls prey to mysterious and dangerous parasite. The parasite has the ability to affect people's minds, so survivors can't be certain who is safe and who is infected."
"Crew of an undersea mining platform falls prey to mysterious and dangerous parasite. The parasite has the ability to affect people's minds, so survivors can't be certain who is safe and who is infected."
On this day in 1996 (in Argentina and Hungary), Screamers enjoyed a little time up in the light and shadows. Adapted from a work by Philip K. Dick, the film was directed by Christian Duguay and starred Peter Weller, Jennifer Rubin, and Roy Dupuis. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A military commander stationed off planet during an interplanetary war travels through the devastated landscape to negotiate a peace treaty, but discovers that the primitive robots they built to kill enemy combatants have gained sentience."
For the record:
At the 1996 Genie Awards (which recognized excellence in Canadian television and film production), Screamers enjoyed three nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role,' 'Best Achievement in Art Direction/Production Design,' and 'Best Achievement in Music - Original Score.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I purchased the Shout Factory release of the Science Fiction film. If you're interested in knowing what I thought, then you can check out my review right here.
"A military commander stationed off planet during an interplanetary war travels through the devastated landscape to negotiate a peace treaty, but discovers that the primitive robots they built to kill enemy combatants have gained sentience."
For the record:
At the 1996 Genie Awards (which recognized excellence in Canadian television and film production), Screamers enjoyed three nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role,' 'Best Achievement in Art Direction/Production Design,' and 'Best Achievement in Music - Original Score.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I purchased the Shout Factory release of the Science Fiction film. If you're interested in knowing what I thought, then you can check out my review right here.
On this day in 1996 (in Australia), The Arrival visited Earth's audiences in theatres. The SciFi/Thriller starred Charlie Sheen, Ron Silver, and Teri Polo; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Zane, an astronomer, discovers intelligent alien life. But the aliens are keeping a deadly secret, and will do anything to stop Zane from learning it."
"Zane, an astronomer, discovers intelligent alien life. But the aliens are keeping a deadly secret, and will do anything to stop Zane from learning it."
During the summer of 2001, Universal Pictures took audiences back to Jurassic Park III with a film that didn't get all that much love from fans, but, for what it was, I enjoyed it fine enough. The first will always be my favorite, but what's not to love about seeing dinosaurs back up on the big screen? Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A decidedly odd couple with ulterior motives convince Dr. Alan Grant to go to Isla Sorna (the second InGen dinosaur lab.), resulting in an unexpected landing...and unexpected new inhabitants on the island."
"A decidedly odd couple with ulterior motives convince Dr. Alan Grant to go to Isla Sorna (the second InGen dinosaur lab.), resulting in an unexpected landing...and unexpected new inhabitants on the island."
On this day in 2006 (in Hungary), audiences took a ride on the Alien Express. Directed by Turi Meyer from a story by Tom Alexander and Brian Smith, the Horror/Fantasy starred Lou Diamond Phillips, Sean Bott, and Steven Brand. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A new super train is built when a meteorite crashes near by, releasing a tiny creature. Once it kills and consumes everyone on board the train, it begins to grow and multiply into hordes of different creatures."
"A new super train is built when a meteorite crashes near by, releasing a tiny creature. Once it kills and consumes everyone on board the train, it begins to grow and multiply into hordes of different creatures."
A star is born!
On this day in 2006 (in Canada), The Kovak Box enjoyed its first screening ever for audiences of the Montreal Fantasia Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Daniel Monzón, the SciFi/Thriller starred Timothy Hutton, Lucía Jiménez, and David Kelly. Here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"A sci-fi writer (Hutton) is invited to an island for a conference, only to discover that he's been lured into a trap."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Kovak Box earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"A sci-fi writer (Hutton) is invited to an island for a conference, only to discover that he's been lured into a trap."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Kovak Box earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), Aftermath took audiences on another tour of our impending Apocalypse. Directed by Peter Engert from a story by Christian McDonald, the SciFi/Horror starred C.J. Thomason, Monica Keena, and Edward Furlong. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Thanks to a devastating nuclear war, a group of people find themselves crammed together in a house in rural Texas, struggling to cope with radiation poisoning, grief and the locals."
"Thanks to a devastating nuclear war, a group of people find themselves crammed together in a house in rural Texas, struggling to cope with radiation poisoning, grief and the locals."
On this day in 2014 (in Estonia, Finland, Iceland, and a few other countries), Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes showed that those intelligent simians were well on the way toward conquering what was left of our planet. 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.'
On this day in 2014 (in the U.S. and a host of other countries), Hollyweird served audiences up another dark, dismal and dour look at mankind's anarchic future with The Purge: Anarchy. The feature starred Frank Grillo, Carmen Ejogo, and Zach Gilford; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Three groups of people intertwine and are left stranded in the streets on Purge Night, trying to survive the chaos and violence that occurs."
"Three groups of people intertwine and are left stranded in the streets on Purge Night, trying to survive the chaos and violence that occurs."
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in Italy), Roboshark made it clear that it would never be safe to go back into the water! Written (in part) and directed by Jeffery Scott Lando, the SciFi/Thriller starred Alexis Peterman, Matt Rippy, and Nigel Barber; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A great white bites a UFO aircraft in the Pacific and turns into a robo/shark hybrid."
"A great white bites a UFO aircraft in the Pacific and turns into a robo/shark hybrid."
On this day in 1952, Tales Of Tomorrow aired "Ahead Of His Time." This served as the forty-first episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The world in 2052 is a pretty wonderful place - no wars, no poverty, no famines - but all humankind is about to be destroyed because of a small miscalculation in a scientific experiment a century earlier set off a chain reaction that will contaminate the Earth with a lethal amount of radiation. With only hours before the end of the world, a 21st century scientist attempts to send a message to colleagues a hundred years in the past to prevent the mistake using a 20th century man's new time machine."
"The world in 2052 is a pretty wonderful place - no wars, no poverty, no famines - but all humankind is about to be destroyed because of a small miscalculation in a scientific experiment a century earlier set off a chain reaction that will contaminate the Earth with a lethal amount of radiation. With only hours before the end of the world, a 21st century scientist attempts to send a message to colleagues a hundred years in the past to prevent the mistake using a 20th century man's new time machine."
On this day in 1953, Space Patrol aired "The Stolen Evidence." This served as the twenty-ninth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TVGuide.com:
"Government officials are suspected of treason."
"Government officials are suspected of treason."
On this day in 1959, The Invisible Man aired "Play To Kill." This served as the sixth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An actress runs down a hobo by accident, but a blackmailer threatens to expose her secret."
"An actress runs down a hobo by accident, but a blackmailer threatens to expose her secret."
On this day in 1964, "A Race Against Death" aired as part of Doctor Who's first season. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com: "With Ian having fallen victim to the Sensorites' plague, the Doctor is desperate to find a cure. But the City Administrator is still determined to rid his world of aliens."
On this day in 1966 (in Japan), The Space Giants aired "Attack Of The Molesaurus." This served as the third episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by YouTube.com:
"Reports are flooding into the NPI offices from Shizuoka that a monster has smashed the train Ito Mura was on. Mr. Mizuno wants pictures of course and sends more reporters to cover the breaking story. Worried that Rodak is behind these events, Miko and his mother call Mr. Mizuno to see if he's heard anything. Then Rodak appears on television : « Listen to me, Earthlings! Soon your planet will belong to me. I have already conquered every other planet in space. Yes, all the rest of the Universe now is mine. All that remains for me to conquer is Earth. And I shall now make you mine. This is my ultimatum: in two days Earth must surrender to me!"
"Reports are flooding into the NPI offices from Shizuoka that a monster has smashed the train Ito Mura was on. Mr. Mizuno wants pictures of course and sends more reporters to cover the breaking story. Worried that Rodak is behind these events, Miko and his mother call Mr. Mizuno to see if he's heard anything. Then Rodak appears on television : « Listen to me, Earthlings! Soon your planet will belong to me. I have already conquered every other planet in space. Yes, all the rest of the Universe now is mine. All that remains for me to conquer is Earth. And I shall now make you mine. This is my ultimatum: in two days Earth must surrender to me!"
On this day in 1986 (in Belgium), Misfits Of Science aired "Against All Oz." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode in the program's only season of original broadcast existence; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Billy attempts to break the world record for staying awake, he begins to have hallucinations concerning his past adventures. He finds himself in an alternate reality where all his friends have different personalities and different jobs."
"When Billy attempts to break the world record for staying awake, he begins to have hallucinations concerning his past adventures. He finds himself in an alternate reality where all his friends have different personalities and different jobs."
On this day in 1993 (in Germany), Quantum Leap aired "A Song For The Soul." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's fourth season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Singing in a 1960's black girl band, Sam must save one member from an unscrupulous nightclub owner."
"Singing in a 1960's black girl band, Sam must save one member from an unscrupulous nightclub owner."
It all came down to this: on this day in 1998, TV's incarnation of Timecop bowed out of broadcast existence with the airing of "The Future, Jack, The Future." According to TVGuide.com, here's the plot summary:
"Logan and Hemmings trek back to 1990 to solve a mystery about a missing co-worker who may be involved in a sabotage scheme against the TEC."
"Logan and Hemmings trek back to 1990 to solve a mystery about a missing co-worker who may be involved in a sabotage scheme against the TEC."
On this day in 1998, Weird Science aired "Night Of The Swingin' Steves." This served as the sixteenth episode in the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"The return of the X-file FBI agents and the alien race called Steve."
"The return of the X-file FBI agents and the alien race called Steve."
It all began right here: on this day in 1999, GvsE (aka Good vs Evil) aired its pilot episode, "Orange Volvo." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When Chandler Smythe is murdered, he doesn't go to his eternal rest. Instead he finds himself enlisted by a mysterious organisation (The Corps) to help wage the never-ending war of Good vs. Evil on Earth. Smythe's first mission, with his partner Henry, involves trying to free a condemned man who was convicted of killing a cop. A cop who is, not only still alive, but a Morlock. A Morlock is the epitome of evil on Earth and someone who tries to recruit humans to evil."
"When Chandler Smythe is murdered, he doesn't go to his eternal rest. Instead he finds himself enlisted by a mysterious organisation (The Corps) to help wage the never-ending war of Good vs. Evil on Earth. Smythe's first mission, with his partner Henry, involves trying to free a condemned man who was convicted of killing a cop. A cop who is, not only still alive, but a Morlock. A Morlock is the epitome of evil on Earth and someone who tries to recruit humans to evil."
On this day in 2003, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Lifeboat." This served as the sixth episode in the long-running program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While exploring an crashed alien ship full of passengers in cryostasis, an alien force has downloaded a number of their consciousnesses into Daniel."
"While exploring an crashed alien ship full of passengers in cryostasis, an alien force has downloaded a number of their consciousnesses into Daniel."
On this day in 2003, Tremors: The Series aired "The Sounds of Silence." This served as the tenth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With Burt out of town, Tyler and a visiting scientist must save Perfection from swarms of flesh-eating insects which produce deafeningly loud sounds, courtesy of MixMaster."
"With Burt out of town, Tyler and a visiting scientist must save Perfection from swarms of flesh-eating insects which produce deafeningly loud sounds, courtesy of MixMaster."
On this day in 2004, The 4400 aired "The New and Improved Carl Morrissey." This served as the second episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Another one of The 4400 begins to show strange behavior. Carl Morrissey suddenly shows immense strength and the urge to remove criminals from Bradley Park to bring it back to its old state."
"Another one of The 4400 begins to show strange behavior. Carl Morrissey suddenly shows immense strength and the urge to remove criminals from Bradley Park to bring it back to its old state."
It all began right here: on this day in 2006, Syfy opened the television doors on Eureka. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for its first episode:
"After a strange accident sidelines Eureka's sheriff, U.S. Marshal Jack Carter takes over the investigation into the mysterious phenomenon that led to the death of a resident."
"After a strange accident sidelines Eureka's sheriff, U.S. Marshal Jack Carter takes over the investigation into the mysterious phenomenon that led to the death of a resident."
On this day in 2011, Alphas aired "Cause and Effect." This served as the second episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary provided by IMDB.com:
"A problematic former patient of Rosen's escapes as Rosen is getting acquainted with his Department of Defense liaison, and the rest of the team tries to balance their normal lives with their work as Alphas."
"A problematic former patient of Rosen's escapes as Rosen is getting acquainted with his Department of Defense liaison, and the rest of the team tries to balance their normal lives with their work as Alphas."
On this day in 2018, USA's SciFi series Colony aired "Bonzo." This served as the twelfth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the premise that's listed on IMDB.com:
"Will and the outliers must save Kynes from Snyder's IGA force."
"Will and the outliers must save Kynes from Snyder's IGA force."
Sorry, folks, I don't 'game' ... but I can tell you that on this day in 2003 a little something something called Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic was released to the commercial marketplace via Lucas Arts. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the premise behind all of the Jedi action:
"A republic soldier, training to become a Jedi Knight, is given the task of halting the conquest of Darth Malak by discovering the location of a weapon known as the Star Forge."
"A republic soldier, training to become a Jedi Knight, is given the task of halting the conquest of Darth Malak by discovering the location of a weapon known as the Star Forge."
