On this day in 2019, Netflix got into the outer space business with the premiere of Another Life. Created by Aaron Martin, the property lasted two seasons -- for those interested in those kind of facts -- and it brought such faces as Katee Sackhoff Samuel Anderson, and A.J. Rivera to the streaming giant. Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"Astronaut Niko Breckenridge and her young crew face unimaginable danger as they go on a high-risk mission to explore the genesis of an alien artifact."
"Astronaut Niko Breckenridge and her young crew face unimaginable danger as they go on a high-risk mission to explore the genesis of an alien artifact."
Think what you may about Friends' regular Matt LeBlanc, but he was about the only thing that somehow felt right in the 1998 attempted reboot of Lost In Space (1998). The film performed poorly (mostly when you figure in its unwarranted $80M budget), and, alas, that was the last we saw of it. Leblanc was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Late in his professional career, Cyril Luckham played the 'White Guardian' across a few episodes of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Other screen credits include gainful employment aboard The Venusian (1954), My Partner The Ghost, The Guardians, Tales Of The Unexpected, and Jackanory. Though he's no longer with us, Luckham was born on this day in 1907.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran funnyman Jack Gilford joined others of his generation in Ron Howard's delightful Cocoon as well as Daniel Petrie's Cocoon: The Return, a franchise that saw our most senior citizens rejuvenated into their second youth via some otherworldly influence. He also paid visits to The Ghost & Mrs. Muir, Get Smart, Once Upon A Mattress (1972), Caveman (1981), and Anna To The Infinite Power (1983). Though he's no longer with us, Gilford was born on this day in 1908.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of the coolest episodes of Buck Rogers In The 25th Century was "Return Of The Fighting 69th," an adventure that gave several screen greats of a previous generation the chance to mix it up SciFi-style with Capt. Rogers. The great Woody Strode made an appearance aboard that hour. As for other forays into the realms of the fantastic? Well, he had a few, and you can to the list Bride Of The Gorilla (1951), Mandrake The Magician (1954), Batman, Tarzan, Kingdom Of The Spiders (1977), Scream (1981), and Fantasy Island. Though he's no longer with us, Strode was born on this day in 1914.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When the Invisible Man returned in the not-so-subtly named The Invisible Man Returns (1940), he brought along the lovely Nan Grey as his love interest. Though she's no longer with us, Grey was born on this day in 1918.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Kevin Stoney had the good fortune of appearing in the greater universe of Doctor Who not once, not twice, but three times. (And -- for the record -- they were three completely different characters!). IMDB.com reports that he also served time aboard The Prisoner, The Avengers, The Blood Beast Terror (1968), Out Of The Unknown, Doomwatch, The Tomorrow People, Space:1999, The Quatermass Conclusion (1979), Hammer House Of Horror, and Blake's 7. Though he's no longer with us, Stoney was born on this day in 1920.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I received a complimentary new release of The Blood Beast Terror (1968) from a distributor in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I received a complimentary new release of The Blood Beast Terror (1968) from a distributor in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
Actor-turned-director Al Adamson took an admirable swing at completing some genre shlock for a generation of moviegoers with such features as Psycho A Go Go (1965), Blood Of Ghastly Horror (1967), Blood Of Dracula's Castle (1969), Satan's Sadists (1969), Horror Of The Blood Monsters (1970), Brain Of Blood (1971), Dracula Vs. Frankenstein (1971), Nurse Sherri (1977), Cinderella 2000 (1977), and Death Dimension (1978). Though he's no longer with us, Adamson was born on this day in 1929.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Mark my words: holding a gun on the Doctor is never a great idea! Still, that's something William Marlowe did in "The Mind Of Evil," a serial from the BBC's Doctor Who. The actor also found roles aboard Out Of This World, Journey To The Unknown, and The Avengers. Though he's no longer with us, Marlowe was born on this day in 1930.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Another familiar face from my relative TV youth belongs to Ken Swofford. His resume boasts appearances aboard The Andromeda Strain (1971), The Girl With Something Extra, The Six Million Dollar Man, Battlestar Galactica (ABC), Captain America II: Death Too Soon (1979), The Incredible Hulk, Fantasy Island, Voyagers, Knight Rider, The Stepford Children (1987), Max Headroom, and The Highwayman. Though he's no longer with us, Swofford was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
August Schellenberg turned in a great two-part performance aboard SGU: Stargate Universe during the program's run. Though he's no longer with us, Schellenberg was born on this day in 1936.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On behalf of Miller Consolidated Pictures, the lovely Arriane Ulmer went Beyond The Time Barrier in 1960. Ulmer was born on this day in 1937.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Todd Armstrong played Jason himself in the 1963 version of Jason and the Argonauts. One of his last roles on film was in a guest-starring player for The Greatest American Hero. Though he's no longer with us, Armstrong was born on this day in 1937.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In an effort to help Montgomery Scott get to the bottom of the murder involved with Star Trek's "Wolf In The Fold," the lovely character played by Pilar Seurat ends up becoming his next victim! Though she's no longer with us, Seurat was born on this day in 1938.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Janet Margolin joined genre regular John Saxon in the Gene Roddenberry telefilm Planet Earth (1974). A review of her resume suggests that the bulk of Margolin's work was in far more conventional fare as opposed to genre shows and movies. One her last big screen appearances of note was a small spot in Ghostbusters II (1989). Though she's no longer with us, Margolin was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Aboard the Doctor Who serial named "The Monster of Peladon," the lovely Nina Thomas played 'Thalira.' Otherwise, a review of her career suggests this very well may have been her only dalliance in the realms of Science Fiction and Fantasy. In 1996, however, she ventured into Horror with a role aboard the TV miniseries Wilderness. Thomas was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lynne Frederick broke hearts as the lovely lass facing an Apocalypse (of sorts) against an ant collective in 1974's Phase IV ... and she broke them again when she shook off her Earthly bonds far too early from a substance abuse problem at such a tender young age (39). According to IMDB.com, she got her professional screen debut in the Apocalypse/Drama No Blade Of Grass (1970) for Theodora Productions. She also made a visit to the world of Gerry Anderson's Space:1999 for good measure. Also, in 1975, she enjoyed a prominent role in the Fantasy/Western The Four Of The Apocalypse. Though she's no longer with us, Frederick was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
What was world-renowned supermodel Iman thinking when she agreed to step into the cast of a Science Fiction movie? Why, she was probably thrilled at the chance to match wits with Star Trek's legendary Captain Kirk! The Undiscovered Country pitted Iman's Martia as a duplicitous shapeshifter who kinda/sorta comes to the Federation's aid even though her motives prove less than stellar. Iman was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Tom McCamus dabbled in the business of cloning with a role as Dr. Nealon in the BBC's cerebral Orphan Black. He also had a prominent spot aboard the cult favorite, Mutant X, back in its day. McCamus was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though her resume boasts far more exposure in the world of daytime television, Katherine Kelly Lang (pictured) did give genre fans a little something to cheer about with a sexy appearance in 1996's Subliminal Seduction, an adult-themed drama that explored the use of computer and subliminal messaging to control the minds of (ahem) sexy women like Katherine Kelly Lang. (Sign me up!) Lang was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Dru-Anne Perry headlined 1986's SciFi/Cult flick Vicious Lips, one of the only true SciFi/Musicals in existence. Perry was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With as many projects she's had to her name, one would think that the funny and talented Illeana Douglas might make more time for some quality Science Fiction or Fantasy; but except for small roles aboard The Adventures of Pluto Nash (2002) and the short-lived The Cape I guess it just wasn't meant to be. (Dare I mention 2015's Mega Shark Vs. Kolossus?) Douglas was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The great D.B. Woodside (above, with wings!) soared into the realm of Fantasy with a premiere role aboard Fox TV's Lucifer. Woodside was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Chloë Annett has been a part of the Red Dwarf saga for several moons. She also had a prominent role in the time travel and crime procedural, Crime Traveller, back in 1997. Annett was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress Miriam Shor stepped into the Marvel Movie Universe with a small role aboard Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023). As for other genre appearances? Fans might recognize her from stops in Bedazzled (2000), BioShock, and Netflix's Jessica Jones. Shor was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Folks recognize David Denman (pictured) for his role as Roy Anderson in NBC's popular The Office sitcom, but he did have a small role in 2013's After Earth that bears mentioning here. Denman was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Aaron Craven has built a career out of many small roles in some of the most interesting SciFi properties of record. He's secured appearances on First Wave, The Outer Limits, The 4400, Kyle XY, Stargate: SG-1, Stargate: Atlantis, The Day The Earth Stood Still (2008), Alien Trespass, Smallville, Fringe, Continuum, Independence Daysaster, and The Flash. Craven was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jay R. Ferguson served as one of the regulars aboard NBC's short-lived SciFi drama Surface during its 2005-2006 television season. Ferguson was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Bryan Cogman is just one of the many talented people helping to bring George R.R. Martin's Game Of Thrones so magically to life for HBO. Cogman was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Whuuuut?! Bring a hammer to a superhero fight? That looks to be what Zawe Ashton is up to with her Marvel Movie Universe debut aboard The Marvels (2023) for Marvel and the Mouse House. She's also made an appearance aboard the wide, wide world of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who for good measure. Ashton was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Before heading off to play in the world of TV's Quantico, Lenny Platt had the chance to suit up as one of Gotham's finest aboard -- that's right, you guessed it -- Fox TV's Gotham. He also enjoyed a recurring role aboard the short-lived SciFi/Drama The Hot Zone during its run. Platt was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When The Flash returned to the CW in the fall of 2015, the super-dreamy Shantel VanSanten joined the show in the recurring role as Patty Spivot for a time (and got her heart broken! Nice going, Barry!). The actress has also paid visits to such properties as The Final Destination (2009), Beauty And The Beast, Something Wicked (2014), The Messengers, Timeless, and For All Mankind. VanSanten was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In his youth, Michael Welch made a splash within Trek mythology when he took on the role of 'Artim' in 1998's lukewarm Star Trek: Insurrection. Since that time, the man has continued building a resume, and he's even dabbled again in SciFi and Fantasy by garnering roles in The Pretender, The X-Files, The Invisible Man, Touched By An Angel, Birds Of Prey, Stargate: SG-1, Day Of The Dead (2008), the Twilight franchise of films, Grimm, A Haunting In Cawdor (2015), Lucifer, Blood Craft (2019), and Quantum Leap. Welch was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
His appearance in Trek didn't go unnoticed, and -- in 1999 -- the Young Artists Awards presented him with a trophy in the category of 'Best Performance In A Feature Film - Supporting Young Actor.'
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
His appearance in Trek didn't go unnoticed, and -- in 1999 -- the Young Artists Awards presented him with a trophy in the category of 'Best Performance In A Feature Film - Supporting Young Actor.'
The lovely Linsey Godfrey squeezed in some work aboard Altergeist (2014) while holding down a regular gig with a daytime soap opera. Her resume also boasts visits to such realms of the fantastic as the short-lived TV series Surface and the kid-friendly Wizards Of Waverly Place. Godfrey was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Andrew Caldwell took a clean shot at Fantasy with a recurring role aboard The CW's iZombie. The busy actor has also served time aboard Transformers (2007), Avatar: The Last Airbender (animated), and The Librarians. Caldwell was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ah, I do so love a good Supergirl ... and lovely Meg Donnelly voiced one animated incarnation of the lady from Krypton aboard the direct-to-DVD project Legion Of Super-Heroes. The actress also earned fans and chased ghosts for her role aboard the single-season outing Supernatural-themed spin-off, The Winchesters. Donnelly was born on this day in 2000.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1952 (in Australia), the Apocalypse/Drama Five enjoyed a theatrical run. Written (in part) and directed by Arch Oboler, the feature film starred Williams Phipps, Susan Douglas Rubes, and James Anderson; and here's the plot summary that's been provided by IMDB.com:
"The world is destroyed in a nuclear holocaust. Only five Americans survive, including a pregnant woman, a neo-Nazi, a black man and a bank clerk."
For the record:
In 1952, the Writers Guild Of America nominated Five in the category of 'Best Written American Low Budget' Feature.
"The world is destroyed in a nuclear holocaust. Only five Americans survive, including a pregnant woman, a neo-Nazi, a black man and a bank clerk."
For the record:
In 1952, the Writers Guild Of America nominated Five in the category of 'Best Written American Low Budget' Feature.
On this day in 1952 (in Australia), the Science Fiction classic The Day The Earth Stood Still found its space legs in theatres. Directed by Robert Wise, the feature starred Michael Rennie, Hugh Marlowe, and Patricia Neal; and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"An alien lands and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets."
For the record:
In all honesty, The Day The Earth Stood Still didn't really catch much attention so far as awards ceremonies go back in the 1950's. It's greatest claim to fame, however, is that it's grown increasingly well-regarded in the years since, so much so that, in 1995, it was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry which seeks to preserve pictures for their lasting artistic and aesthetic contribution.
"An alien lands and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets."
For the record:
In all honesty, The Day The Earth Stood Still didn't really catch much attention so far as awards ceremonies go back in the 1950's. It's greatest claim to fame, however, is that it's grown increasingly well-regarded in the years since, so much so that, in 1995, it was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry which seeks to preserve pictures for their lasting artistic and aesthetic contribution.
On this day in 1969 (in West Germany), Hell was on Earth with the theatrical run of Goke, Body Snatcher From Hell. Directed by Hajime Satô, the SciFi/Horror starred Teruo Yoshida, Tomomi Satô, and Eizô Kitamura; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The survivors of a plane crash in a remote area are attacked by blob-like alien creatures that turn their victims into blood-thirsty vampires."
"The survivors of a plane crash in a remote area are attacked by blob-like alien creatures that turn their victims into blood-thirsty vampires."
Jurassic Park is original, you say? My foot, it is! On this day in 1969 (in West Germany), man met monster in The Valley of Gwangi, a bit of a SciFi schlockfest that saw cowboys finding dinosaurs still alive and well in Forbidden Valley. The film even features the creature effects of the legendary Ray Harryhausen. Jim O'Connolly directed the script from William Bast, Julian More, and Willis H. O'Brien; and the feature starred James Franciscus, Gina Golan, and Richard Carlson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A cowboy named Tuck Kirby seeks fame and fortune by capturing an Allosaurus living in the Forbidden Valley and putting it in a Mexican circus. His victim, called the Gwangi, turns out to have an aversion to being shown in public."
"A cowboy named Tuck Kirby seeks fame and fortune by capturing an Allosaurus living in the Forbidden Valley and putting it in a Mexican circus. His victim, called the Gwangi, turns out to have an aversion to being shown in public."
On this day in 1979 (in France), the theatrical version of Buck Rogers In The 25th Century soared as best as it could onto the silver screen. Directed by Daniel Haller with a script from Glen A. Larson and Leslie Stevens (based on the characters created by Philip Francis Nowlan), the film starred Gil Gerard, Erin Gray, and Pamela Hensley. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A 20th century astronaut emerges out of 500 years of suspended animation into a future time where Earth is threatened by alien invaders."
For the record:
Thankfully, there are a few nuggets of gold found in this curiously-dated version of the Buck Rogers saga. At the 1980 Saturn Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, Buck took hold the statue in the category of 'Best Costumes' but missed out in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress' (for Pamela Hensley). However, at the 1979 Stinkers Bad Movie Awards, genre favorite Erin Gray had to endure a nomination for 'Worst Actress.' Ouch.
"A 20th century astronaut emerges out of 500 years of suspended animation into a future time where Earth is threatened by alien invaders."
For the record:
Thankfully, there are a few nuggets of gold found in this curiously-dated version of the Buck Rogers saga. At the 1980 Saturn Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, Buck took hold the statue in the category of 'Best Costumes' but missed out in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress' (for Pamela Hensley). However, at the 1979 Stinkers Bad Movie Awards, genre favorite Erin Gray had to endure a nomination for 'Worst Actress.' Ouch.
A star is born! On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), it was chills and spills a'plenty with the theatrical debut of Haunted Honeymoon. Written by (in part), directed by, and starring Gene Wilder, the Horror/Comedy also cast Gilda Radner, Dom DeLuise, and Jonathan Pryce. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two radio voice actors are getting married. Larry has fits of fear. A shrink needs 36 hours to scare him to death and cure him - during a family reunion at a scary family castle."
"Two radio voice actors are getting married. Larry has fits of fear. A shrink needs 36 hours to scare him to death and cure him - during a family reunion at a scary family castle."
A star is born! On this day in 1986 (in Brazil and the U.S.), Maximum Overdrive failed to reach its maximum potential at the box office. Written and directed by Stephen King, the film starred Emilio Estevez, Pat Hingle, and Laura Harrington; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A group of people try to survive when machines start to come alive and become homicidal."
For the record:
Sometimes it rains ... sometimes it pours ... but Maximum Overdrive enjoyed a pair of curious nominations from the Razzie Awards, which gave the nod (but not the wins) to Emilio Estevez as 'Worst Actor' and Stephen King as 'Worst Director.' Ouch. Next time, Steve? Maybe stay in your lane.
"A group of people try to survive when machines start to come alive and become homicidal."
For the record:
Sometimes it rains ... sometimes it pours ... but Maximum Overdrive enjoyed a pair of curious nominations from the Razzie Awards, which gave the nod (but not the wins) to Emilio Estevez as 'Worst Actor' and Stephen King as 'Worst Director.' Ouch. Next time, Steve? Maybe stay in your lane.
A star is born ... or is that porn? On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), the good people of Lexington, Kentucky were treated to the silver screen debut of the X-rated SciFi/Romp Pleasure Maze. Written and directed by Duck Dumont, the Adult film starred Buck Adams, Tracey Adams, and Stacey Donovan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In this futuristic story, "nightdroids" are android hookers that are tested in the Pleasure Maze before they are released for the public to enjoy. Stacey Donovan is among the droids that is evaluated for peak sexual performance."
"In this futuristic story, "nightdroids" are android hookers that are tested in the Pleasure Maze before they are released for the public to enjoy. Stacey Donovan is among the droids that is evaluated for peak sexual performance."
On this day in 1991 (in Czechoslovakia), the original Star Wars enjoyed a theatrical run. Written and directed by George Lucas, the feature starred Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, and Peter Mayhew; and here's the premise that's listed on Amazon.com:
"Young farm boy Luke Skywalker is thrust into a galaxy of adventure when he intercepts a distress call from the captive Princess Leia. The event launches him on a daring mission to rescue her from the clutches of Darth Vader and the Evil Empire."
For the record:
To the delight of many, the original Star Wars did very well at the 1978 Academy Awards, taking home statues in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' and 'Best Music - Original Score.' It also deservedly cleaned up at the Saturn Awards, taking home trophies for 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Outstanding Editing,' 'Outstanding Sound,' 'Outstanding Art Direction,' and 'Outstanding Set Decoration.' Lastly, it took home the Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"Young farm boy Luke Skywalker is thrust into a galaxy of adventure when he intercepts a distress call from the captive Princess Leia. The event launches him on a daring mission to rescue her from the clutches of Darth Vader and the Evil Empire."
For the record:
To the delight of many, the original Star Wars did very well at the 1978 Academy Awards, taking home statues in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' and 'Best Music - Original Score.' It also deservedly cleaned up at the Saturn Awards, taking home trophies for 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Outstanding Editing,' 'Outstanding Sound,' 'Outstanding Art Direction,' and 'Outstanding Set Decoration.' Lastly, it took home the Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1998 (in Taiwan), Armageddon took the silver screens in spectacular high gloss entertainment! The big budget extravaganza starred Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck, and Will Patton as the warriors sent to save the Earth itself from an extinction level event. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Due to a shuttle's unfortunate demise in outer space, NASA becomes aware of a doomsday asteroid that is on a collision course with Earth. It seems that the only way to knock it off course is to drill into its surface and detonate a nuclear weapon. But as NASA's under-funded yet resourceful team train the world's best drillers for the job, the social order of the world begins to break down as the information reaches the public and hysteria results. As high-ranking officials play politics with the effort, the drilling team all faces deep personal issues which may jeopardize humanity's last chance..."
For the record:
Wow. What to say about Armageddon? Well, on April 22, 2013, director Michael Bay finally apologized for loosing the cinematic spectacle upon all of mankind. (Isn't it interesting, though, that one of its principle writers -- JJ Abrams -- remains silent, eh?) To be honest, I didn't think the film was bad enough that we deserved an apology for it: sadly, it was your typical summer blockbuster event, which is to say it was big, loud, dumb, and (mostly) fun. It enjoyed a healthy number of award nominations, and it even won 'Best Science Fiction Film' at the 1999 Saturn Awards (an honor shared with mildly confusing Dark City). Plus the film featured one of Aerosmith's biggest ballads in years -- "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" -- originally penned by the great Diane Warren. Maybe it's best to think of Armageddon as Hollywood's truest case of buyer beware: you never know what you're going to get.
"Due to a shuttle's unfortunate demise in outer space, NASA becomes aware of a doomsday asteroid that is on a collision course with Earth. It seems that the only way to knock it off course is to drill into its surface and detonate a nuclear weapon. But as NASA's under-funded yet resourceful team train the world's best drillers for the job, the social order of the world begins to break down as the information reaches the public and hysteria results. As high-ranking officials play politics with the effort, the drilling team all faces deep personal issues which may jeopardize humanity's last chance..."
For the record:
Wow. What to say about Armageddon? Well, on April 22, 2013, director Michael Bay finally apologized for loosing the cinematic spectacle upon all of mankind. (Isn't it interesting, though, that one of its principle writers -- JJ Abrams -- remains silent, eh?) To be honest, I didn't think the film was bad enough that we deserved an apology for it: sadly, it was your typical summer blockbuster event, which is to say it was big, loud, dumb, and (mostly) fun. It enjoyed a healthy number of award nominations, and it even won 'Best Science Fiction Film' at the 1999 Saturn Awards (an honor shared with mildly confusing Dark City). Plus the film featured one of Aerosmith's biggest ballads in years -- "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" -- originally penned by the great Diane Warren. Maybe it's best to think of Armageddon as Hollywood's truest case of buyer beware: you never know what you're going to get.
A star is bornn! On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), They Nest dished out SciFi/Horror only the way SciFi/Horror films do with its very first airing on television. Directed by Ellory Elkayem, the film starred Thomas Calabro, Dean Stockwell, and John Savage; and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"A Maine island becomes infested with lethal insects that root inside their victims, while a local doctor battles the bugs and incorrigible locals that don't believe him."
For the record:
To the film's credit, They Nest enjoyed a wee bit of praise from the film festival circuit.
"A Maine island becomes infested with lethal insects that root inside their victims, while a local doctor battles the bugs and incorrigible locals that don't believe him."
For the record:
To the film's credit, They Nest enjoyed a wee bit of praise from the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2008, Mulder and Scully kinda/sorta came out of retirement on the silver screen to bring The X-Files: I Want To Believe to the masses. Meh. It wasn't the story longtime fans really wanted to see, but they still went to see it anyway. It was a far more conventional tale, one with little mythology or conspiracy to satiate those who had waited so long. Here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Mulder and Scully are called back to duty by the FBI when a former priest claims to be receiving psychic visions pertaining to a kidnapped agent."
"Mulder and Scully are called back to duty by the FBI when a former priest claims to be receiving psychic visions pertaining to a kidnapped agent."
A star is born! On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), the good people of Madisonville, Kentucky were treated to the big screen debut of GoatSucker. Written and directed by Steve Hudgins, the Horror/Fantasy starred Randy Hardesty, Kim Welsh, and Neil Vowels. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Capitalizing on a rash of sightings of the legendary creature called El Chupacabra, Spanish for The GoatSucker, a touristy hiking company creates a GoatSucker hiking tour. The pleasant hike turns into a nightmare when disturbing events cause the group to suspect that The GoatSucker may be more than just a legend."
"Capitalizing on a rash of sightings of the legendary creature called El Chupacabra, Spanish for The GoatSucker, a touristy hiking company creates a GoatSucker hiking tour. The pleasant hike turns into a nightmare when disturbing events cause the group to suspect that The GoatSucker may be more than just a legend."
A star is born! On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), Malibu Shark Attack tried to take a bite out of the home viewing audience. Directed by David Lister from a story by Keith Shaw, the Horror/Fantasy starred Renee Bowen, Remi Broadway, and Joel Amos Byrnes. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A tsunami floods Malibu and unleashes a hunting pack of deep-water prehistoric goblin sharks, targeting a group of lifeguards trapped in their half-submerged station on stilts and a team of construction workers stranded in a flooded house."
"A tsunami floods Malibu and unleashes a hunting pack of deep-water prehistoric goblin sharks, targeting a group of lifeguards trapped in their half-submerged station on stilts and a team of construction workers stranded in a flooded house."
A star is born! On this day in 2014, Lucy beat the box office competition to a bloody pulp. Written and directed by genre legend Luc Besson, the film starred Scarlett Johansson, Morgan Freeman, and Amr Waked; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A woman, accidentally caught in a dark deal, turns the tables on her captors and transforms into a merciless warrior evolved beyond human logic."
For the record:
At the 2015 ceremony hosted by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, Lucy was nominated for the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Action/Adventure Film.'
"A woman, accidentally caught in a dark deal, turns the tables on her captors and transforms into a merciless warrior evolved beyond human logic."
For the record:
At the 2015 ceremony hosted by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, Lucy was nominated for the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Action/Adventure Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in Spain and the U.S.), Lavalantula crept and crawled into our collective consciousness. Mike Mendez directed from a script from himself, Neil Elman, and Ashley O'Neil. The film starred Steve Guttenberg, Patrick Renna, and Nia Peeples; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Volcanic eruptions in Los Angeles unleash a swarm of gigantic, lava-breathing tarantulas."
"Volcanic eruptions in Los Angeles unleash a swarm of gigantic, lava-breathing tarantulas."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), Dam Sharks tried to take a bite out of the broadcast television market. Directed by the team of James and Jon Kondelik, the Fantasy/Comedy starred Jason London, Jessica Blackmore, and Robert Craighead; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Voracious sharks use human bodies to build dams."
"Voracious sharks use human bodies to build dams."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Simple Creature enjoyed its release via the Internet. Written and directed by Andrew Finnigan, the SciFi/Horror starred Russell Hodgkinson, Tony Doupe, and Peter Tiemann; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An obliviously modern college student gets into a near-fatal bus accident, but is reborn through hybrid technology by her biotech father and his advanced lab."
"An obliviously modern college student gets into a near-fatal bus accident, but is reborn through hybrid technology by her biotech father and his advanced lab."
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in South Korea), Illang: The Wolf Brigade blasted through the political and social chaos with a silver screen debut. Written (in part) and directed by Jee-woon Kim, the SciFi/Thriller starred Dong-won Gang, Han Hyo-joo, and Jung Woo-sung; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Set in the distant future where both North and South Koreas agree to establish a joint government, which has been in preparation for a duration of 7 years, the plot focuses on political uprisings on opposing sides which grow fierce when a special police unit is formed to stop the chaos."
For the record:
At the 2018 Blue Dragon Awards, Illang: The Wolf Brigade enjoyed two nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Cinematography-Lighting' and 'Best Art Direction.' At the 2018 Grand Bell Awards, Illang won top honors in the category of 'Best Costume Design' but had to settle for nominations only in the categories of 'Best Art Direction,' 'Best Lighting,' and the Special Effects 'Technical Award.'
"Set in the distant future where both North and South Koreas agree to establish a joint government, which has been in preparation for a duration of 7 years, the plot focuses on political uprisings on opposing sides which grow fierce when a special police unit is formed to stop the chaos."
For the record:
At the 2018 Blue Dragon Awards, Illang: The Wolf Brigade enjoyed two nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Cinematography-Lighting' and 'Best Art Direction.' At the 2018 Grand Bell Awards, Illang won top honors in the category of 'Best Costume Design' but had to settle for nominations only in the categories of 'Best Art Direction,' 'Best Lighting,' and the Special Effects 'Technical Award.'
On this day in 1964 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who continued his journey through his inaugural season, airing an episode titled "Kidnap." Here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"The City Administrator is determined to destroy the Doctor and his friends and his paranoia prevents the Doctor's cure from being distributed."
"The City Administrator is determined to destroy the Doctor and his friends and his paranoia prevents the Doctor's cure from being distributed."
On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), The Outer Limits aired "A Special Edition." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"TV journalist Donald Rivers goes on the air with solid proof that the government and private defense contractors have been engaging in secret genetic cloning, however someone will do anything to stop him."
"TV journalist Donald Rivers goes on the air with solid proof that the government and private defense contractors have been engaging in secret genetic cloning, however someone will do anything to stop him."
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), GvsE (aka Good vs Evil) aired "Men Are From Mars, Women Are Evil." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Henry and Chandler infiltrate the world of sleazy strip clubs to capture Dr. Love, a serial killer who preys on red-headed strippers. Chandler comes very close to breaking one of The Corps' main rules, that they are forbidden to have any sort of relationship with humans, when he and one of the strippers, Cherry Vallance, fall in love with each other."
"Henry and Chandler infiltrate the world of sleazy strip clubs to capture Dr. Love, a serial killer who preys on red-headed strippers. Chandler comes very close to breaking one of The Corps' main rules, that they are forbidden to have any sort of relationship with humans, when he and one of the strippers, Cherry Vallance, fall in love with each other."
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), Tremors: The Series aired "The Key." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Vegas mobsters target El Blanco once again in an attempt to retrieve the precious key he swallowed."
"Vegas mobsters target El Blanco once again in an attempt to retrieve the precious key he swallowed."
On this day in 2004 (in the U.S.), USA Network's The 4400 aired the third episode of its first season. The hour was titled "Becoming," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Baldwin and Skouris deal with returnee Oliver Knox, involved in a series of murders. Jordan Collier, hotel magnate, puts himself in front as 4400 spokesman."
"Baldwin and Skouris deal with returnee Oliver Knox, involved in a series of murders. Jordan Collier, hotel magnate, puts himself in front as 4400 spokesman."
On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), Alphas aired "Anger Management." Officially, this served as the third episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The team moves to new offices following the attack on Rosen; violent riots break out on the east coast, which are linked to a runaway teen."
"The team moves to new offices following the attack on Rosen; violent riots break out on the east coast, which are linked to a runaway teen."
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Somewhere Between aired "2.0." Officially, this served as the second episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Intent on preventing a murder, Laura joins forces with Nico - an ex cop - to look for the killer's next victim."
"Intent on preventing a murder, Laura joins forces with Nico - an ex cop - to look for the killer's next victim."
It all began right here: on this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), Netflix launched Another Life onto its streaming platform. The first episode was titled "Across The Universe," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After saying goodbye to her family on Earth, Niko wakes in space to find the Salvare off course and divided loyalties among her young crew."
"After saying goodbye to her family on Earth, Niko wakes in space to find the Salvare off course and divided loyalties among her young crew."
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), Another Life aired "Through The Valley Of Shadows." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As tempers fray aboard the ship, the crew suits up for an expedition to an uncharted planet; On Earth, Erik tries to decode a clue from the artifact."
"As tempers fray aboard the ship, the crew suits up for an expedition to an uncharted planet; On Earth, Erik tries to decode a clue from the artifact."
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), Another Life aired "Nervous Breakdown." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Niko flies blind as she contends with a damaged ship and an onboard contagion; Renowned reporter Harper Glass hounds Erik for information."
"Niko flies blind as she contends with a damaged ship and an onboard contagion; Renowned reporter Harper Glass hounds Erik for information."
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), Another Life aired "Guilt Trip." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A ship malfunction leaves Niko trapped in a state of deep sleep, where she dreams again and again about the worst day of her life."
"A ship malfunction leaves Niko trapped in a state of deep sleep, where she dreams again and again about the worst day of her life."
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), Another Life aired "A Mind Of Its Own." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"On an expedition to a mysterious moon, Sasha attempts to make first contact with a second artifact as Niko and Cas get brutally honest with each other."
"On an expedition to a mysterious moon, Sasha attempts to make first contact with a second artifact as Niko and Cas get brutally honest with each other."
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), Another Life aired "I Think We're Alone Now." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While Niko races against the clock to save her ship and crew, she remembers the first time she met Cas; Sasha fears his mental state is deteriorating."
"While Niko races against the clock to save her ship and crew, she remembers the first time she met Cas; Sasha fears his mental state is deteriorating."
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), Another Life aired "Living The Dream." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Erik's new approach with the artifact leads to a shocking development and grave consequences; Sasha digs for information on the Salvare's defenses."
"Erik's new approach with the artifact leads to a shocking development and grave consequences; Sasha digs for information on the Salvare's defenses."
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), Another Life aired "How The Light Gets Lost." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Emotions run high during the Salvare's strange trip through a dark matter field; Sasha zeroes in on William's weakness; Erik receives devastating news."
"Emotions run high during the Salvare's strange trip through a dark matter field; Sasha zeroes in on William's weakness; Erik receives devastating news."
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), Another Life aired "Heart And Soul." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The battle for control of the ship reaches critical mass as Sasha's endgame becomes clear; Erik interrogates Harper after her close encounter."
"The battle for control of the ship reaches critical mass as Sasha's endgame becomes clear; Erik interrogates Harper after her close encounter."
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), Another Life aired "Hello." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When the Salvare finally reaches its destination, Niko and her crew are staggered by what awaits them on the surface."
"When the Salvare finally reaches its destination, Niko and her crew are staggered by what awaits them on the surface."
On this day in 2006, the Star Trek novel Burning Dreams (by Margaret Wander Bonanno) was first released. According to our friends at Amazon.com, here's the plot summary:
"Before James T. Kirk, another captain stood on the bridge of the U.S.S. Enterprise™, spearheading its mission of exploration into the uncharted reaches of the galaxy. He was a man driven to perfection, a brooding soul whose haunted eyes reflected the burden of the impossible standards he set for himself, and for whom his longtime science officer, Spock, one day would risk everything. Yet, little is truly known about the enigmatic Christopher Pike, the events that defined him...or the secrets that consumed him. From the embers of his early childhood among Earth's blossoming interstellar colonies, to the terrifying conflagration that led him back to the world of his birth; from the mentor who would ignite young Chris's desire to return to the stars, to the career he blazed in Starfleet that would end in supreme sacrifice -- the path of Pike's astonishing life leads through fire again and again. But even amid the ashes of Talos IV, the forbidden world on which he would live out the remainder of his days, the dreams smoldering still within his aging, radiation-ravaged breast fan the flames of Pike's spirit to accomplish one final task...."
"Before James T. Kirk, another captain stood on the bridge of the U.S.S. Enterprise™, spearheading its mission of exploration into the uncharted reaches of the galaxy. He was a man driven to perfection, a brooding soul whose haunted eyes reflected the burden of the impossible standards he set for himself, and for whom his longtime science officer, Spock, one day would risk everything. Yet, little is truly known about the enigmatic Christopher Pike, the events that defined him...or the secrets that consumed him. From the embers of his early childhood among Earth's blossoming interstellar colonies, to the terrifying conflagration that led him back to the world of his birth; from the mentor who would ignite young Chris's desire to return to the stars, to the career he blazed in Starfleet that would end in supreme sacrifice -- the path of Pike's astonishing life leads through fire again and again. But even amid the ashes of Talos IV, the forbidden world on which he would live out the remainder of his days, the dreams smoldering still within his aging, radiation-ravaged breast fan the flames of Pike's spirit to accomplish one final task...."
On this day in 1957, the SciFi/Radio drama X Minus One aired "The Haunted Corpse." This served as the popular program's 104th episode, and here's the plot summary as provided by the Old Time Radio Downloads website:
"Dr. Horn believed that we were all human corpses inhabited by ghosts an he had invented a machine that could separate the two without destroying them."
"Dr. Horn believed that we were all human corpses inhabited by ghosts an he had invented a machine that could separate the two without destroying them."
On this day in 1985, the BBC Radio Drama Doctor Who aired "Slipback: Episode 01" on Radio 4 in the United Kingdom. The episode saw Colin Baker return to the role of the Timelord, and here's the premise from the TARDIS Data Core:
"The Sixth Doctor and Peri share an adventure on board a starship taken over by its dual personality computer, which tries to take the ship back to the dawn of the universe and start life again. Along the way the duo meet a couple of comedy policemen, an art thief and a captain who wants to infect his crew with one of his diseases... "
"The Sixth Doctor and Peri share an adventure on board a starship taken over by its dual personality computer, which tries to take the ship back to the dawn of the universe and start life again. Along the way the duo meet a couple of comedy policemen, an art thief and a captain who wants to infect his crew with one of his diseases... "
