Hey, look now: I don't want to sound mean, but -- boy, oh boy! -- there are some children of the 1980's who have a vastly fonder recollection of Krull than I do. The movie sure looked like it was going to be another brilliant sci-fi/fantasy in the Star Wars vein. Heck, the ads were so good, I remember that we had to drive a few towns over in order to see the picture in its debut weekend. (That happened back in the day when those of us grew up in small town America.) What a stinker! Mediocrity never looked so tepid as it did on this day back in 1983. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A prince and a fellowship of companions set out to rescue his bride from a fortress of alien invaders who have arrived on their home planet."
For the record:
Despite its overwhelming mediocrity, Krull did catch the attention of the fine folks at the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films. For the 1984 Saturn Awards, they gave it three nominations: 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Music,' and 'Best Fantasy Film.' It didn't win any trophies, however. But it did take home a coveted statue for 'Worst Picture' from the 1983 Stinkers Bad Movie Awards. That's gotta count for something, no?
"A prince and a fellowship of companions set out to rescue his bride from a fortress of alien invaders who have arrived on their home planet."
For the record:
Despite its overwhelming mediocrity, Krull did catch the attention of the fine folks at the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films. For the 1984 Saturn Awards, they gave it three nominations: 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Music,' and 'Best Fantasy Film.' It didn't win any trophies, however. But it did take home a coveted statue for 'Worst Picture' from the 1983 Stinkers Bad Movie Awards. That's gotta count for something, no?
Oscar-nominated actress Maria Ouspenskaya didn't stick to appearing in only highbrow dramas; she dabbled in some cinematic Fantasy with work aboard Beyond Tomorrow (1940), The Wolf Man (1941), Frankenstein Meets The Wolf Man (1943), and Tarzan And The Amazons (1945). Though she's no longer with us, Ouspenskaya was born on this day in 1876. [Source: IMDB.com]
Melvin Belli was many things to many people, but his primary job before he turned up in an episode of Star Trek's third season (pictured above from "And The Children Shall Lead") was as a criminal defense and personal injury lawyer. Believe it or not, Belli was the lawyer who represented Jack Ruby, the man responsible for killing Lee Harvey Oswald for (apparently) what he did to President John F. Kennedy. Though he's no longer with us, Belli was born on this day in 1907.
Stephen McNally managed to squeeze in nearly one hundred and fifty different screen roles during his time in the business. Genre fans might recognize him from work aboard The Outer Limits, The Sixth Sense, and The Six Million Dollar Man. Though he's no longer with us, McNally was born on this day in 1911. [Source: IMDB.com]
Screen veteran Richard Egan enjoyed a wealth of screen time in Gog (1954), one of the SciFi flicks that first explored the risks of man and robots. Though he's no longer with us, Egan was born on this day in 1921. [Source: IMDB.com]
Frank Marth was a semi-regular face on television in the days of my youth. He enjoyed screen time aboard Inner Sanctum, My Favorite Martian, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, The Green Hornet, The Invaders, Marooned (1969), Kolchak: The Night Stalker, The Six Million Dollar Man, Wonder Woman, The Bionic Woman, Captain America (1979), Battlestar Galactica, The Incredible Hulk, Voyagers!, and Airwolf. Though he's no longer with us, Marth was born on this day in 1922.
Lloyd Bochner (above center) was a terrific genre actor who left behind a legacy of over two hundred different screen credits. He's been a part of The Twilight Zone, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, The Green Hornet, The Starlost, The Bionic Woman, The Six Million Dollar Man, The Amazing Spider-Man, Battlestar Galactica, Millennium (1989), and Superboy. Though he's no longer with us, Bochner was born on this day in 1924.
The Green Slime (1968) is certainly one of the grooviest SciFi flicks of its era, but the feature is deservedly lampooned for its obvious camp sensibilities. Robert Horton played the tough Commander Jack Rankin in the film, and -- though he's no longer with us -- Horton was born on this day in 1924.
Bless you, director Mike Hodges! From what I've read, I realize that Flash Gordon (1980) may not have been the easiest shoot ever, but your perseverence is admirable as the film even today continues to corral new fans. Hodges was born on this day in 1932. [Source: IMDB.com]
I do understand perfectly those folks who don't accept The Adventures of Brisco County Jr. as "legitimate Science Fiction," and -- to be fair -- it's probably not. It was definitely more Fantasy at times than it was traditional Western, and the great Robert Fuller (above left, standing) ever slipped in a few appearances on the show. Fuller was born on this day in 1933.
David Warner has been on my radar all the way back to the Nicholas Meyer flick, Time After Time, when he played Jack the Ripper, who stole H.G. Wells time machine and traveled to the future in order to avoid prosecution. Malcolm McDowell played Wells, and Wells went after him. Then, he was absolutely hysterical as 'Evil' in Time Bandits. Of course, no one can forget is additions to the Star Trek universe: he was 'St. John Talbott' in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier and 'Chancellor Gorkon' in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. Though he's no longer with us, Warner was born on this day in 1941. [Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
I penned a few words of reflection regarding the actor's passing in 2022. Interested readers can find them right here.
ExtraExtra Alert:
I penned a few words of reflection regarding the actor's passing in 2022. Interested readers can find them right here.
As can happen all too often, Charles Hallahan was a victim of The Thing compliments of John Carpenter's classic horror SciFi hybrid back in 1982. The actor also scored roles in Nightwing (1979), Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983), Warlock: The Armageddon (1993), Roswell (1994), and The Visitor (1997). Though he's no longer with us, Hallahan was born on this day in 1943.
I've no doubt that Dennis Stewart will be remembered for his work as the heavy in Grease (1978), but he also scored guest spots aboard such favorites as Wonder Woman, The Greatest American Hero, and Misfits Of Science. Though he's no longer with us, Stewart was born on this day in 1947.
Though she's probably remembered more for her work aboard the Police Academy franchise, the lovely Leslie Easterbrook has trafficked in genre projects, including roles aboard Misfits of Science, Superman: The Animated Series, and Lavalantula (2015). Easterbrook was born on this day in 1949.
Movie tough guy Mike Starr has even been able to adapt his heavy personae for the world of Science Fiction -- albeit via the holodeck -- for an episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Starr was born on this day in 1950.
Jack Blessing (shown above from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's stellar episode Trials and Tribble-ations) is one of those great character actors who turns up all over the place but perhaps never draws enough attention. He's also been seen in roles aboard Galaxy of Terror (1981), SeaQuest 2032, and The X-Files. Though he's no longer with us, Blessing was born on this day in 1951.
Though their love was never meant to be, Wendy Hughes found herself smitten with a certain starship captain aboard "Lessons," an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Though she's no longer with us, Hughes was born on this day in 1952.
The lovely Jeannetta Arnette enjoyed a guest role aboard Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, but her genre credits don't end there: she's also been seen on Brave New World (1980), Roswell (TV), Invasion (TV), Lost, Fringe, and Extant. Arnette was born on this day in 1954.
Marcus Gilbert has explored some royal intrigue by way of Fantasy properties such as the BBC's long-running Doctor Who and Sam Raimi's Army Of Darkness (1992). Gilbert was born on this day in 1958. [Source: IMDB.com]
Nicolas Briançon played a part in the French SciFi/Thriller Mutants (2009), a story with a decidedly domestic spin on the Zombie Apocalypse. Briançon was born on this day in 1962.
The lovely Alexandra Paul rose to the challenge of saving the day aboard Firequake (2014). She's also had roles in Cyber Bandits (1995), Arthur's Quest (1999), A.I. Assault (2006), and Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens (2016). Paul was born on this day in 1963.
Dean Haglund has a fairly ordinary face but for his run as one of 'the Lone Gunmen' on Fox TV's The X-Files (as well as their single season spin-off series) he came to work looking much more disheveled. He's also a favorite on the convention circuit from what I've read. Haglund was born on this day in 1965.
Timothy Omundson has been around quality genre entertainment as long as he's been acting. He's given fans appearances in such programs as SeaQuest 2032, Dark Skies, Starship Troopers, Xena: Warrior Princess, as well as doing tons of voice work in the world of Star Wars. Omundson was born on this day in 1969.
Ato Essandoh has dabbled in the realms of Science Fiction and Fantasy with work aboard Netflix's Altered Carbon and Fox's Dark Phoenix (2019). Essandoh was born on this day in 1972. [Source: IMDB.com]
What's a kid to do when he's hauled around with his single mom from one job to the next? Well, if you're Wil Wheaton, then you find a way to drive the flagship of the Federation, that's what you do! It wasn't easy being Wesley Crusher -- superbrain, wonderchild, dork -- but Wheaton did it with an unflappable charm. Though he wasn't around for the entire seven-year run, Wheaton continues to be a part of the ever expanding Star Trek community. Wheaton was born on this day back in 1972.
Stephen Dorff (above left) appeared alongside Debi Mazur and Dennis Hopper in the SciFi cult flick Space Truckers (1996). Dorff was born on this day in 1973.
Dileep Rao continues to find challenging roles in the realm of genre entertainment. Fans probably recognize him from roles aboard Avatar (2009), Inception (2010), Touch, and Z Nation. Rao was born on this day in 1973.
The entirely photogenic Lana Kinnear had a small role in Iron Man (2008) as none other than 'Stan's girl.' Kinnear was born on this day in 1976.
Megan Hayes continues to delight even in the smallest of opportunities. She's booked screen time aboard +1 (2013), The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013), and Max Steel (2016). Hayes was born on this day in 1980.
As I've always said: SciFi fans love the tough chicks! Those who stand up and face off the invading aliens hordes get special recognition from these corners of the World Wide Web, so kudos are owed to Rachel Miner for facing off against those dastardly forces in 2011's 51 (pictured above). The actress has also appeared in The X-Files, The Butterfly Effect 3: Revelations, No Ordinary Family, and Supernatural. Miner was born on this day in 1980.
Sure, I know that the WB's Smallville may not qualify as Science Fiction to some, but I've always given anything with Superman a pass largely because he's an alien being. (So sue me, purists!) Anyway, the lovely Allison Mack played Chloe Sullivan -- Clark Kent's friend-in-waiting -- to delight of fanboys everywhere. Mack was born on this day in 1982.
Dominic Burgess enjoyed a guest spot aboard the fateful "Bad Wolf," an episode of the BBC's Doctor Who. Burgess was born on this day in 1982.
Aboard the family-friendly SciFi series Aaron Stone, the lovely Tania Gunadi (center above) played Emma Lau. As a voice actress, she as also the identity behind Miko Nakadai on the animated Transformers Prime. Gunadi was born on this day in 1983.
Alas, not even the inclusion of the fetching Genesis Rodriguez was enough to save ABC's Time After Time serialized adaptation from the chopping block as the show was removed from the schedule after only but a few episodes. Rodriguez was born on this day in 1987.
Munro Chambers proved he had the "right stuff" to tackle Science Fiction in the flick Turbo Kid which was released back in 2015. Chambers was born on this day in 1990.
Maestro Harrell (above right) experienced a few moments of happiness before all scat hit the fan as part of AMC's Walking Dead spin-off, Fear The Walking Dead. Harrell was born on this day in 1991.
Relative newcomer Lino Facioli is doing what a future noble should do aboard HBO's stellar Game Of Thrones, but dare I tell the lad that any of the lands of Westeros are no place to earn on-the-job experience? Facioli was born on this day in 2000.
Newcomer T.J. McGibbon (center) got her big start and her big finish in the Marvel Universe with a plumb role aboard X-Men: Apocalypse (2016), her cinematic death serving to set Magneto's new quest in motion. McGibbon was born on this day in 2005.
On this day in 1953, George Pal's cinematic adaptation of H.G. Wells' The War Of The Worlds enjoyed its very first U.S. theatrical engagement with a special premiere in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Directed by Byron Haskin, the SciFi/Thriller starred Gene Barry, Ann Robinson, and Les Tremayne. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The residents of a small town in California are excited when a flaming meteor lands in the hills. Their joy is tempered somewhat when they discover that it has passengers who are not very friendly."
For the record:
Those who follow Science Fiction and Fantasy are well aware of The War Of The Worlds importance in the genre as it's been revisited countless times. There have been multiple film and television incarnations. As for the original? It won the 1954 Academy Award for 'Best Special Effects.' It won the 1954 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' And in 2011 it was inducted into the National Film Registry so that it can be preserved for the ages.
"The residents of a small town in California are excited when a flaming meteor lands in the hills. Their joy is tempered somewhat when they discover that it has passengers who are not very friendly."
For the record:
Those who follow Science Fiction and Fantasy are well aware of The War Of The Worlds importance in the genre as it's been revisited countless times. There have been multiple film and television incarnations. As for the original? It won the 1954 Academy Award for 'Best Special Effects.' It won the 1954 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' And in 2011 it was inducted into the National Film Registry so that it can be preserved for the ages.
On this day in 1955 (in Finland), This Island Earth landed in Earth theaters to amaze and startle audiences. Directed by Joseph M. Newman, the SciFi feature starred Rex Reason, Jeff Morrow, and Faith Domergue; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Aliens come to Earth seeking scientists to help them in their war."
For the record:
In 2007, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated This Island Earth's 2007 home video release in the category of 'Best DVD Classic Film Release.'
"Aliens come to Earth seeking scientists to help them in their war."
For the record:
In 2007, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated This Island Earth's 2007 home video release in the category of 'Best DVD Classic Film Release.'
On this day in 1961 (in Japan), Walt Disney schooled audiences with The Absent Minded Professor. Directed by Robert Stevenson, the SciFi/Comedy starred Fred MacMurray, Nancy Olson, and Keenan Wynn. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A college professor invents an anti-gravity substance which a corrupt businessman wants for himself."
For the record:
The Absent Minded Professor scored a total of three nominations from the 1962 Academy Awards, though the film took home no trophies. Still, it's an honor to be nominated for such expertise as 'Best Effects - Special Effects,' 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration, Black-and-White,' and 'Best Cinematography, Black-and-White.'
"A college professor invents an anti-gravity substance which a corrupt businessman wants for himself."
For the record:
The Absent Minded Professor scored a total of three nominations from the 1962 Academy Awards, though the film took home no trophies. Still, it's an honor to be nominated for such expertise as 'Best Effects - Special Effects,' 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration, Black-and-White,' and 'Best Cinematography, Black-and-White.'
A star is born! On this day in 1966 (in Italy), the War Between The Planets broke out ... theatrically, that is. Directed by Antonio Margheriti, the SciFi feature starred Giacomo Rossi Stuart, Ombretta Colli, and Enzo Fiermonte; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Scientists try to prevent a collision between Earth and a planet that is heading for it."
For the record:
Interestingly enough, director Antonio Margheriti delivered four films to the silver screen during 1966-1967, and all of these who the basis of a loose Science Fiction saga I've seen called the 'Gamma One Quadrilogy' in articles online. While costumes and sets were re-used -- the chief setting for these flicks was the Gamma One Space Station -- different casts were involved. For those wanting to explore the titles separately -- and in the proper order -- they are Wild, Wild Planet (1966), War Of The Planets (1966), War Between The Planets (1966), and Snow Devils (1967).
"Scientists try to prevent a collision between Earth and a planet that is heading for it."
For the record:
Interestingly enough, director Antonio Margheriti delivered four films to the silver screen during 1966-1967, and all of these who the basis of a loose Science Fiction saga I've seen called the 'Gamma One Quadrilogy' in articles online. While costumes and sets were re-used -- the chief setting for these flicks was the Gamma One Space Station -- different casts were involved. For those wanting to explore the titles separately -- and in the proper order -- they are Wild, Wild Planet (1966), War Of The Planets (1966), War Between The Planets (1966), and Snow Devils (1967).
On this day in 1970, the 1965-produced Invasion of the Astro-Monster finally found its way to a theatrical release in the United States. Directed by Ishirô Honda, the film starred Nick Adams, Akira Takarada, and Jun Tazaki. According to IMDB.com, here's what all of the fuss was about:
"Aliens from Planet X request the use of Godzilla and Rodan to fight off King Ghidorah, but have a better use for the three monsters."
"Aliens from Planet X request the use of Godzilla and Rodan to fight off King Ghidorah, but have a better use for the three monsters."
On this day in 1971 (in Hungary), the 1962-produced Amphibian Man made a splash with a rare theatrical re-release. Directed by the team of Vladimir Chebotaryov and Gennadiy Kazanskiy, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Vladimir Korenev, Anastasiya Vertinskaya, and Mikhail Kozakov. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"People living in a seaside town are frightened by reports about an unknown creature in the ocean. Nobody knows what it is, but it's really the son of Doctor Salvator. The doctor performed surgery on his son and now young Ichtiandr can live underwater. This gives him certain advantages, but creates a lot of problems."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Amphibian Man enjoyed a wee bit of praise on the film festival circuit.
"People living in a seaside town are frightened by reports about an unknown creature in the ocean. Nobody knows what it is, but it's really the son of Doctor Salvator. The doctor performed surgery on his son and now young Ichtiandr can live underwater. This gives him certain advantages, but creates a lot of problems."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Amphibian Man enjoyed a wee bit of praise on the film festival circuit.
A star is born ... and it was properly animated! On this day in 1981 (in the United States), the SciFi spectacle that was Heavy Metal screeched onto the silver screen. The project employed a team of directors and writers for various segments -- essentially an animated anthology film loosely stitched together by a central thread -- and starred the voices of Richard Romanus, John Candy, and Joe Flaherty. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A glowing green orb - which embodies ultimate evil - terrorizes a young girl with an anthology of bizarre and fantastic stories of dark fantasy, eroticism and horror."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Heavy Metal scored an impressive 1982 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"A glowing green orb - which embodies ultimate evil - terrorizes a young girl with an anthology of bizarre and fantastic stories of dark fantasy, eroticism and horror."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Heavy Metal scored an impressive 1982 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 1982 (in Argentina), Megaforce took to the wheels and raced into cinematic history. Directed by Hal Needham, the SciFi feature starred Barry Bostwick, Michael Beck, and Persis Khambatta; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ace Hunter is the leader of Megaforce, an elite group of American soldiers who travel the world to fight Evil. In this case, Evil is represented by a third rate dictator who they must blow to bits."
For the record:
I guess it can't be all that bad ... or can it? At the 1983 Razzie Awards, Megaforce enjoyed three nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Worst Supporting Actor,' 'Worst Director,' and 'Worst Picture.'
"Ace Hunter is the leader of Megaforce, an elite group of American soldiers who travel the world to fight Evil. In this case, Evil is represented by a third rate dictator who they must blow to bits."
For the record:
I guess it can't be all that bad ... or can it? At the 1983 Razzie Awards, Megaforce enjoyed three nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Worst Supporting Actor,' 'Worst Director,' and 'Worst Picture.'
On this day in 1982 (in Argentina), Sorceress cast a spell on audiences. Directed by Jack Hill, the Fantasy feature starred Leigh and Lynette Harris, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Hell-bent on becoming the ultimate ruler of the universe by sacrificing his firstborn, the powerful conjurer of illusions and master of the Black Arts, Traigon, makes an unholy pact with the evil deity, Kalghara. However, fate has other plans, and as the magician's wife gives her last breath to protect her newborn twin daughters, Traigon dies. Nearly two long decades later--imbued with the unlimited white force of their mentor, Krona--the dauntless warrior-sisters, Mira and Mara, embark on a dangerous mission to avenge their slaughtered mother and to defeat the resurrected warlock once and for all. Who shall live and who shall die in the final clash between good and evil?"
"Hell-bent on becoming the ultimate ruler of the universe by sacrificing his firstborn, the powerful conjurer of illusions and master of the Black Arts, Traigon, makes an unholy pact with the evil deity, Kalghara. However, fate has other plans, and as the magician's wife gives her last breath to protect her newborn twin daughters, Traigon dies. Nearly two long decades later--imbued with the unlimited white force of their mentor, Krona--the dauntless warrior-sisters, Mira and Mara, embark on a dangerous mission to avenge their slaughtered mother and to defeat the resurrected warlock once and for all. Who shall live and who shall die in the final clash between good and evil?"
On this day in 1983 (in Sweden), Battletruck shifted into high gear and roared onto the silver screen. Directed by Harley Cokeliss, the SciFi feature starred Michael Beck and James Wainwright, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Post World War III futuristic tale of collapsed governments & bankrupt countries heralding a new lawless age."
"Post World War III futuristic tale of collapsed governments & bankrupt countries heralding a new lawless age."
A star is born! On this day in 1988 (in the U.S.), Monkey Shines delivered audiences with a strange union of man and beast. Written (in part) and directed by George A. Romero, the Horror/Fantasy starred Jason Beghe, John Pankow, and Kate McNeil. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A quadriplegic man has a trained monkey help him with his paralysis, until the little monkey begins to develop feelings, and rage, against its new master."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Monkey Shines earned a good deal of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A quadriplegic man has a trained monkey help him with his paralysis, until the little monkey begins to develop feelings, and rage, against its new master."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Monkey Shines earned a good deal of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 1988 (in Portugal), somebody's dream came true with the theatrical release of Nightmare At Noon (aka Death Street). Written (in part) and directed by Nico Mastorakis, the SciFi/Horror starred George Kennedy, Wings Hauser, and Bo Hopkins. According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Scientists poison the water supply of a small town, turning the residents into homicidal maniacs who kill each other and anybody who passes through."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Nightmare At Noon enjoyed a wee bit of praise on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray for a new release of Nightmare At Noon. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
"Scientists poison the water supply of a small town, turning the residents into homicidal maniacs who kill each other and anybody who passes through."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Nightmare At Noon enjoyed a wee bit of praise on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray for a new release of Nightmare At Noon. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1993 (in Germany), Full Moon Pictures' Robot Wars enjoyed its release on home video. Directed by Albert Band, the SciFi release starred Don Michael Paul and the lovely Barbara Crampton, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the year 2041, the rebel Centros are a plague to the survivors of the great toxic gas scare of 1993. A renegade Megarobot pilot and an archaeologist must team up (despite personal differences, a reluctant romance, and official pressure to cease and desist) to thwart the Centro's attempts to resurrect a hidden Megarobot, with which they can challenge the prevailing order."
ExtraExtra Alert:
If you're interested in a bit more, then check out SciFiHistory.Net's review of Robot Wars right here.
"In the year 2041, the rebel Centros are a plague to the survivors of the great toxic gas scare of 1993. A renegade Megarobot pilot and an archaeologist must team up (despite personal differences, a reluctant romance, and official pressure to cease and desist) to thwart the Centro's attempts to resurrect a hidden Megarobot, with which they can challenge the prevailing order."
ExtraExtra Alert:
If you're interested in a bit more, then check out SciFiHistory.Net's review of Robot Wars right here.
A star is born ... or is that born again? On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), the Alien Nation franchise got just a little bit bigger with the small screen debut of Alien Nation: The Udara Legacy. Written (in part) and directed by Kenneth Johnson, the SciFi/Telefilm continued the drama and adventures of the single-season television series and brought back stars Gary Graham, Eric Pierpoint, and Michele Scarabelli to roles they'd made famous. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Matt and George investigate a series of strange occurrences involving Newcomers, who are found to be programmed to carry out someone's dirty work. The method by which they are brainwashed dates back to the slave ship's resistance movement, the Udara, of which Susan was a part. Susan and George's lives are further disrupted when Buck enrolls in the police academy."
For the record:
It certainly bears mentioning that Alien Nation: The Udara Legacy didn't pass unnoticed by industry peers. In fact, the telefilm garnered two nominations from the Online Film & Television Association in the categories of 'Best Makeup/Hairstyling in a Motion Picture or Miniseries' and 'Best Visual Effects in a Motion Picture or Miniseries.'
"Matt and George investigate a series of strange occurrences involving Newcomers, who are found to be programmed to carry out someone's dirty work. The method by which they are brainwashed dates back to the slave ship's resistance movement, the Udara, of which Susan was a part. Susan and George's lives are further disrupted when Buck enrolls in the police academy."
For the record:
It certainly bears mentioning that Alien Nation: The Udara Legacy didn't pass unnoticed by industry peers. In fact, the telefilm garnered two nominations from the Online Film & Television Association in the categories of 'Best Makeup/Hairstyling in a Motion Picture or Miniseries' and 'Best Visual Effects in a Motion Picture or Miniseries.'
A star is born! On this day in 1997, the family-friendly Goobers! (aka Mystery Monsters) premiered on home video. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Tommy has just joined the cast of the top-rated kids' show, "Captain Mike's Mystery Monsters," and is anxious to find out just how the special effects crew gets the monsters to work. Imagine his surprise when he discovers they're not special effects at all! Adding to the situation, the monsters' original owner, evil Queen Mara, has returned to Earth to reclaim her property and take revenge on Captain Mike for stealing them."
"Tommy has just joined the cast of the top-rated kids' show, "Captain Mike's Mystery Monsters," and is anxious to find out just how the special effects crew gets the monsters to work. Imagine his surprise when he discovers they're not special effects at all! Adding to the situation, the monsters' original owner, evil Queen Mara, has returned to Earth to reclaim her property and take revenge on Captain Mike for stealing them."
A star is born ... or is that 'franchised'? On this day in 2002 (in Germany), the Cube universe got just a bit bigger when Cube 2: Hypercube played for audiences in attendance of the München Fantasy Filmfest. Directed by Andrzej Sekula, the SciFi/Thriller starred Kari Matchett, Geraint Wyn Davies, and Grace Lynn Kung. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Eight strangers awaken with no memory, in a puzzling cube-shaped room where the laws of physics do not always apply."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Cube 2: Hypercube enjoyed a wee bit of praise from the film festival circuit.
"Eight strangers awaken with no memory, in a puzzling cube-shaped room where the laws of physics do not always apply."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Cube 2: Hypercube enjoyed a wee bit of praise from the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2008, things got a little Jurassic with the release of 100 Million BC. The feature starred Michael Gross and Greg Evigan, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A scientist leads a team of Navy SEALs back in time to the Cretaceous Period to rescue the first team he sent back during the 1940s. Things go wildly when he accidentally brings a giant dinosaur back into Los Angeles."
"A scientist leads a team of Navy SEALs back in time to the Cretaceous Period to rescue the first team he sent back during the 1940s. Things go wildly when he accidentally brings a giant dinosaur back into Los Angeles."
A star is born! On this day in 2008 (in the U.S.), Stargate: Continuum sought to give the Stargate series one of its big finishes. Directed by Martin Wood, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Ben Browder, Amanda Tapping, and Christopher Judge. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Ba'al travels back in time and prevents the Stargate program from being started. SG-1 must somehow restore history."
"Ba'al travels back in time and prevents the Stargate program from being started. SG-1 must somehow restore history."
A star is born! On this day in 2008, WarGames: The Dead Code gave audiences another look at our cybernetic doom. It starred Matt Lanter and Amanda Walsh, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The United State's Department of Homeland Security is led to believe an American teen hacker playing a terrorist-attack simulator game online is a real terrorist out to destroy the U.S."
"The United State's Department of Homeland Security is led to believe an American teen hacker playing a terrorist-attack simulator game online is a real terrorist out to destroy the U.S."
A star is born! Director Jon Favreau attached himself to another comics-to-movie property when he spawned Cowboys & Aliens into theatres on this day in 2011 (in Canada, U.S., and India). Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A spaceship arrives in Arizona, 1873, to take over the Earth, starting with the Wild West region. A posse of cowboys and natives are all that stand in their way."
"A spaceship arrives in Arizona, 1873, to take over the Earth, starting with the Wild West region. A posse of cowboys and natives are all that stand in their way."
On this day in 2016, Lace Crater enjoyed a limited U.S. theatrical release. Written and directed by Harrison Atkins, the Fantasy film starred Lindsay Burdge and Peter Vack, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Opting to sleep in the allegedly-haunted guest house while spending a weekend in the Hamptons with friends, Ruth, a lonely young woman in her mid-twenties who's had too much to drink, strikes up a conversation that leads to a sexual encounter with Michael, a burlap-draped ghost that casually appears before her. Through this inter-paranormal relation, Ruth contracts an STD with alarming effects."
"Opting to sleep in the allegedly-haunted guest house while spending a weekend in the Hamptons with friends, Ruth, a lonely young woman in her mid-twenties who's had too much to drink, strikes up a conversation that leads to a sexual encounter with Michael, a burlap-draped ghost that casually appears before her. Through this inter-paranormal relation, Ruth contracts an STD with alarming effects."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in the U.S. and Vietnam), Viral caused a 'viral' sensation with audiences. It starred Sofia Black-D'Elia and Analeigh Tipton, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Following the outbreak of a virus that wipes out the majority of the human population, a young woman documents her family's new life in quarantine and tries to protect her infected sister."
"Following the outbreak of a virus that wipes out the majority of the human population, a young woman documents her family's new life in quarantine and tries to protect her infected sister."
It all began right here: on this day in 1970, Ace Of Wands premiered on television. According to our friends at TV.com, here's the premise behind "One and One and One Are Four":
"Tarot and his companions try to recover an experimental nerve stimulator stolen from a research lab, which could be used as a weapon even though it was invented to cure paralysis."
"Tarot and his companions try to recover an experimental nerve stimulator stolen from a research lab, which could be used as a weapon even though it was invented to cure paralysis."
On this day in 1994, Robocop: The Series aired "Sisters In Crime." This served as the seventeenth episode to the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"When his sexist views anger feminists, The OCP Chairman is kidnapped by a band of shapely rebels and forced to do housework, while Chip Chayken and his sexy partner plan to rip-off OCP."
"When his sexist views anger feminists, The OCP Chairman is kidnapped by a band of shapely rebels and forced to do housework, while Chip Chayken and his sexy partner plan to rip-off OCP."
On this day back in 2005, Stargate: SG-1 aired the third episode of its ninth season. The hour was titled "Origin," and here's the summary compliments of our friends at IMDB.com:
"Using the Ancients' communication stones, Dala and Daniel continue to occupy the bodies of two people on a distant planet. They are rescued by a prior to the Ori and are taken to the city of the gods. Daniel learns something about their religion - fire is of key importance - and subsequently meets the Doci, who is able to communicate directly with the Ori. Daniel determines that the Ori were once Alterans - the group that later became known as the Ancients - but ascended in a different way. They also believe in their mission - to have everyone in the universe recognize them as their god - or die. At the SGC, Dr. Lam and Dr. Lee have been trying to break the communications link, but with little success. SG-1 meanwhile comes across an Ori prior who is now preaching their religion in our galaxy."
"Using the Ancients' communication stones, Dala and Daniel continue to occupy the bodies of two people on a distant planet. They are rescued by a prior to the Ori and are taken to the city of the gods. Daniel learns something about their religion - fire is of key importance - and subsequently meets the Doci, who is able to communicate directly with the Ori. Daniel determines that the Ori were once Alterans - the group that later became known as the Ancients - but ascended in a different way. They also believe in their mission - to have everyone in the universe recognize them as their god - or die. At the SGC, Dr. Lam and Dr. Lee have been trying to break the communications link, but with little success. SG-1 meanwhile comes across an Ori prior who is now preaching their religion in our galaxy."
The 4400 was a program I enjoyed quite a bit; I just thought that -- after a certain point -- it didn't seem to bring anything all that fresh and/or new to its primary storyline exploring the returnees. On this day in 2007, the show began winding down with its last few episodes. "Till We Have Built Jerusalem" aired in that fourth season, and here's the plot summary:
"Shawn gets bad publicity when he ends up having sex with the daughter of a woman whom he cured and it turns out to be a trap when the girl tells the media her story. Maia paints a vision that at first doesn't make sense, but then the nerds at NTAC match it to the most polluted - and more crucially, abandoned - part of Seattle, making it the perfect hiding place for Collier, his 4400s and P+es. Tom and Diana try to investigate, but find out that Collier has set an uncrossable perimeter around his "Promise City". When Collier starts broadcasting live footage of a P+ turning the poisoned water perfectly clean and declares his peaceful intentions but also states that they are not to be interfered, the government sends in a squad of super soldiers to take him down."
"Shawn gets bad publicity when he ends up having sex with the daughter of a woman whom he cured and it turns out to be a trap when the girl tells the media her story. Maia paints a vision that at first doesn't make sense, but then the nerds at NTAC match it to the most polluted - and more crucially, abandoned - part of Seattle, making it the perfect hiding place for Collier, his 4400s and P+es. Tom and Diana try to investigate, but find out that Collier has set an uncrossable perimeter around his "Promise City". When Collier starts broadcasting live footage of a P+ turning the poisoned water perfectly clean and declares his peaceful intentions but also states that they are not to be interfered, the government sends in a squad of super soldiers to take him down."
