Making its television serial debut in the United States on this day back in 2006, Marvel's Blade brought the daywalker into homes by way of casting Sticky Fingaz (aka Kirk Jones) as the man on a mission to rid the world of vampires. Jill Wagner, Nelson Lee, Jessica Gower, Neil Jackson, and Paulette Victor-Lifton rounded out the regular crew. The show lasted only a truncated 'summer season' of twelve episodes; and the rest -- as they say -- is history. Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"The adventures of the half human/vampire hunter."
"The adventures of the half human/vampire hunter."
Maybe it's blasphemous for me to say this, but -- as good as Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone is -- I've always found there are only a rare few as powerful today as they were quite possibly when they originally aired. "Eye of the Beholder" qualifies, mostly because it has one simple point to make, and it does so winningly. Some of this is obviously owed to its star, the lovely Maxine Stuart, who found herself truly and bizarrely beautiful in a world much less so. Though she's no longer with us, Stuart was born on this day in 1918.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Meh. I know most of fandom loves Spaceballs. I wasn't all that impressed. It was good, sure, but like so much of Mel Brooks' style of zany humor, it took far too many easy ways out. It does have a few classic bits, though, and for that I'm thankful. And I really wanted to like it, as I think his Young Frankenstein is one of the finest pure comedies ever made. Alas, it wasn't meant to be. Brooks was born on this day in 1926.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When you enjoy a career as eclectic as the Karate Kid's Pat Morita, then you have to make some room for SciFi. Pat did, sporting roles in such projects as Man From Atlantis, The Incredible Hulk, Slapstick of Another Kind (1982), Harry and the Hendersons, Space Rangers, Timemaster (1995), Earth Minus Zero (1996), and The Outer Limits. Though he's no longer with us, Morita was born on this day in 1932.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Either as a producer or as a screenwriter, Ronald Shusett maintains a unique grasp on ideas that translate uniquely well into theatrical experiences. Genre fans might recognize his name from such projects as Alien (1979), Phobia (1980), Dead & Buried (1981), The Final Terror (1983), Aliens (1986), King Kong Lives (1986), Total Recall (1990), and Freejack (1992) amongst a few other. Shusett was born on this day in 1935.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Tony Young played 'Kryton' aboard Star Trek's "Elaan of Troyius" episode. He also made visits to the worlds of Gemini Man, The Six Million Dollar Man, Spider-Woman (animated), Knight Rider, and Quantum Leap. Though he's no longer with us, Young was born on this day in 1937.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman John Byner dabbled in SciFi/Comedy with a role aboard Robodoc (2009). He also provided some voicework to Walt Disney's 1985 animated Fantasy picture The Black Cauldron. Byner was born on this day in 1937.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Marilyn Lightstone has lent her face and voice to a variety of genre-related projects, including work aboard Heavy Metal (1981), Spasms (1983), Challenge of the GoBots, Starman, Abraxas: Guardian of the Universe (1990), Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventures, The NeverEnding Story (TV), and Stargate: Infinity. Lightstone was born on this day in 1940.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Have I ever mentioned before that Science Fiction has more than its fair share of cheesy entries? Take, for example, Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine (1965), which features a villain whose devious plot involves using an army of bikini-clad women to seduce the world's most powerful men. Allegedly, the film's single redeeming quality is that its 'fembots' were the inspiration for the same assassin used in the Austin Powers flick; but I'd argue a second redeeming quality is casting the dreamy Pamela Rodgers to wear a golden bikini. Hubba-hubba, Pam. Rodgers was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Throughout an impressive, illustrative career, veteran character actor Bruce Davison has popped in and out of a handful of Sci-Fi properties. He's probably best known as the politician who was opposed to the mutants in the first X-Men movie, but he's also appeared in Last Resort, Lost, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, the rebooted Battlestar Galactica, and Star Trek: Enterprise among many, many others. Davison was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress Kathy Bates made a rare foray into the realm of Science Fiction with an appearance as a figure of authority in the 2008 remake of The Day The Earth Stood Still. Bates was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Aussie actress Sandy Gore had a small handful of roles in the world of Syfy's popular Farscape television series, and she also starred aboard Halfway Across the Galaxy and Turn Left in the 1993-1994 TV season. Gore was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sorry, folks, but I don't game. Still, I've heard plenty about the Halo property, and I've read that actor Steve Downes provides the voice for 'Master Chief' in all iterations of the game. Downes was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As a companion to Doctor Who, the lovely Lalla Ward went from guest star into the role of 'Romana' when another actress opted out of the program. The woman even married costar Tom Baker and remained his wife for little over a year before divorcing. Ward was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Oh, Hollywood, you cruel, cruel beast! After the original Star Trek series was canceled, it found strange, new life in TV syndication. It was, literally, on all of the time. So Paramount Pictures decided they'd do another series, this one called Star Trek: Phase II. Of the Enterprise's original members, Leonard Nimoy wasn't interested in returning, and a young David Gautreaux was cast to play a new Vulcan crewmember, Xon. (Given Spock's popularity, producers believed this new Vulcan was destined for pop culture success with an audience hungry for more Trek.) Well, Star Wars happened, so Paramount kinda/sorta scrapped plans for that spin-off series; but, thankfully, Gautreaux was still given a role in Star Trek: The Motion Picture so's I can mention him here. Gautreaux was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
You may not know her name, but the odds are quite good that you've seen one of the films she's produced. Raffaella De Laurentiis has helped bring some unique visions to the screen, including such properties as Conan The Barbarian (1982), Timebomb (1991), Dragonheart (1996), Kull the Conqueror (1997), and Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004). De Laurentiis was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress Alice Krige brought an unmistakably sensual creepiness to her portrayal of the Borg Queen as part of the uber-successful Star Trek: First Contact movie, a role she reprised in Star Trek: Voyager's series finale, "Endgame." Krige continues to work in terrific character roles, but she'll always be remembered for her properties of assimilation. Krige was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
That fellow tucked in behind a goofy Simon Pegg is none other than Christopher Doohan, son of the late James Doohan (Scotty from the original Star Trek franchise). The younger Doohan continues to bring the elder Doohan back to life as part of his contribution to the web series Star Trek: Continues wherein he plays the Enterprise's signature engineer. Doohan was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Elizabeth Barondes is no stranger to the worlds of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Though her resume appears somewhat light as of late, she still maintains credentials for work aboard Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, The Adventures of Brisco County Jr., Night of the Scarecrow (1995), Not of This Earth (1995), Wing Commander IV: The Price of Freedom (video game), and The Cell 2 (2009). Barondes was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I tried watching USA Network's Falling Water. I really did. But my patience with mind-bending premises got in the way, so I tuned it out. In any event, kudos to actress Jessica Hecht for squeezing in an appearance or two on the show. She's also participated with Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Limitless, and Netflix's Jessica Jones. Hecht was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I kid you not: according to IMDB.com, the lovely Mary Stuart Masterson received her big screen debut as one of the li'l urchins aboard The Stepford Wives (1975). Masterson was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The beautiful Sara Stewart has managed to squeeze in a few genre appearances between her mainstream fare. She's been aboard such items as Space Island One, Doctor Who (voicework), Batman Begins (2005), Demons, Ashes to Ashes, Wizards Vs Aliens, and Transformers: The Last Knight (2017). Stewart was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Political activist and occasional actor John Cusack experienced the Mayan Prophecy up close and personal aboard Roland Emmerich's 2012 (2009). Cusack was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though he's quite possible best known for his work in Fox TV's quirky Ally McBeal, Gil Bellows (pictured above left) has a respectable resume when it comes to the realm of Science Fiction. Most recently, he had a lead role in Syfy's Ascension, but he's also had parts in The Twilight Zone, Final Days of Planet Earth, Smallville, FlashForward, Sanctuary, and Extraterrestrial. Bellows was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Full disclosure: I didn't much care for what Man of Steel (2013) did to the Superman mythology, essentially making Superman's father Jor-El into a bloated action figure, but it is what it is. I did like the work the lovely Ayelet Zurer did in bringing the life of 'Lara' -- Superman's mother -- to cinema life. Zurer was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In Steven Spielberg's alien abduction miniseries Taken, actor Steve Burton played 'Captain Russell Keys,' a patriot who suffered some cruel treatment at the hands of scientists. Burton was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Benito Martinez guested aboard Fox TV's short-lived Almost Human in 2013. He's also enjoyed exposure aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation, The X-Files, Firefly, Torchwood, and Supernatural. Martinez was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Visionary industrial Elon Musk took a few moments off of leading mankind into the future to make a brief cameo aside Robert Downey Jr. in Iron Man 2 (2010). Musk was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I know a lot of folks didn't care for Jurassic Park III, but I honestly had fun with it. For starters, it's always great for another visit to the island itself, and the cast did a great job trying to recapture some of the magic of the original film. A young Alessandro Nivola (pictured above left) joined Sam Neill (from the original film, you might recall), and he did a fine job as the young upstart with a knack for adventure. Nivola was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When Universal Pictures re-imagined The Thing back in 2011, studio suits cast the talented Carsten Bjørnlund in the role of 'Karl.' Bjørnlund was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Scottish-born Kirsty Mitchell faced down some hungry predators in the SciFi/Horror hybrid Lake Placid 3 (2010). Mitchell was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jeff Geddis has been squeezing big ideas into small parts since he launched on his professional career. Fans might recognize him from work aboard PSI Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal, Earth: Final Conflict, Jason X (2001), Odyssey 5, and Monster Island (2004). Geddis was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If you don't love Felicia Day (shown above from her work in Dragon Age), then that only proves you don't know Felicia Day. This self-professed genre geek is a pure delight, cleverly managing her addition to all things nerdy by attaching herself to some wonderfully insane projects themselves. Check out Rock Jocks (2012) if you haven't seen it, where she plays a lovely computer technician whose responsible for secretly keeping the Earth safe from all of those impending meteor strikes. Day was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Elaine Tan enjoyed a guest spot aboard "Sleep No More," a ninth season episode of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Tan was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Director Jon Watts eagerly put his creative stamp on the Marvel Cinematic Universe by bringing Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) to the silver screen. He followed that up by doing much of the same with Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019). Watts was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
After an impressive debut aboard the vampire thriller Let The Right One In, young Kåre Hedebrant entered the realm of Science Fiction with a role aboard Sweden's Real Humans. Hedebrant was born on this day in 1995.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1943 (in Brazil), Night Monstser brought a little Horror into the light. Directed by Ford Beebe, this Universal Pictures' feature starred Bela Lugosi, Irene Hervey, and Lionel Atwill; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Kurt Ingston, a rich recluse, invites the doctors who left him a hopeless cripple to his desolate mansion in the swamps as one by one they meet horrible deaths."
"Kurt Ingston, a rich recluse, invites the doctors who left him a hopeless cripple to his desolate mansion in the swamps as one by one they meet horrible deaths."
A star is born! On this day in 1957, Beginning of the End enjoyed its U.S. theatrical debut. Directed by genre legend Bert I. Gordon with a script (in part) from Star Trek producer Fred Freiberger, the SciFi/Horror feature starred Peter Graves, Peggie Castle, and Morris Ankrum. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Audrey Ames, an enterprising journalist, tries to get the scoop on giant grasshoppers accidentally created at the Illinois State experimental farm. She endeavors to save Chicago, despite a military cover-up."
For the record:
For what it's worth, IMDB.com's trivia section re: the film indicates that director Gordon actually penned the film's script, but -- for reasons I can't locate -- Freiberger and Lester Gorn are credited with it. What I find unusual about that specifically is that the film is Gorn's sole contribution to entertainment per his IMDB.com page. Curious. Curious, indeed. It also bears mentioning that those lovable knuckleheads at MST3K had their way with this picture in one of their episodes. Kudos.
"Audrey Ames, an enterprising journalist, tries to get the scoop on giant grasshoppers accidentally created at the Illinois State experimental farm. She endeavors to save Chicago, despite a military cover-up."
For the record:
For what it's worth, IMDB.com's trivia section re: the film indicates that director Gordon actually penned the film's script, but -- for reasons I can't locate -- Freiberger and Lester Gorn are credited with it. What I find unusual about that specifically is that the film is Gorn's sole contribution to entertainment per his IMDB.com page. Curious. Curious, indeed. It also bears mentioning that those lovable knuckleheads at MST3K had their way with this picture in one of their episodes. Kudos.
A star is born! On this day in 1957, the SciFi/Chiller The Unearthly found itself in front of audiences. Directed by Boris Petroff, the film starred John Carradine, Tor Johnson, and Myron Healey; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Mad doctor uses patients at his isolated psychiatric institute as subjects in his attempts to create longevity by surgically installing an artificial gland in their skulls, with disastrous results."
"Mad doctor uses patients at his isolated psychiatric institute as subjects in his attempts to create longevity by surgically installing an artificial gland in their skulls, with disastrous results."
On this day in 1962 (in Mexico), The Absent Minded Professor lifted up the hearts and minds of audiences with the help of flubber. Directed by Robert Stevenson, the SciFi/Comedy starred Fred MacMurray and Nancy Olson, and 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 1971, the Fantasy classic Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory enjoyed its original silver screen premiere in Chicago, Illinois! Roald Dahl adapted his book for the project that was directed by Mel Stuart. The cast included the incomparable Gene Wilder along with Jack Albertson and Peter Ostrum in central roles. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The world is astounded when Willy Wonka, for years a recluse in his factory, announces that five lucky people will be given a tour of the factory, shown all the secrets of his amazing candy, and one will win a lifetime supply of Wonka chocolate. Nobody wants the prize more than young Charlie, but as his family is so poor that buying even one bar of chocolate is a treat, buying enough bars to find one of the five golden tickets is unlikely in the extreme. But in movieland, magic can happen. Charlie, along with four somewhat odious other children, get the chance of a lifetime and a tour of the factory. Along the way, mild disasters befall each of the odious children, but can Charlie beat the odds and grab the brass ring?"
For the record:
In 2014, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry, selected for its historical, cultural, and aethetic contributions to filmdom.
"The world is astounded when Willy Wonka, for years a recluse in his factory, announces that five lucky people will be given a tour of the factory, shown all the secrets of his amazing candy, and one will win a lifetime supply of Wonka chocolate. Nobody wants the prize more than young Charlie, but as his family is so poor that buying even one bar of chocolate is a treat, buying enough bars to find one of the five golden tickets is unlikely in the extreme. But in movieland, magic can happen. Charlie, along with four somewhat odious other children, get the chance of a lifetime and a tour of the factory. Along the way, mild disasters befall each of the odious children, but can Charlie beat the odds and grab the brass ring?"
For the record:
In 2014, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry, selected for its historical, cultural, and aethetic contributions to filmdom.
A star is born! On this day in 1972 (in New York City, New York), The Mind Snatchers enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever. Ron Whyte adapted the stage play written by Dennis Reardon, and Bernard Girard directed the motion picture. It starred Christopher Walken, Joss Ackland, and Ronny Cox. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A German scientist works on a way of quelling overly aggressive soldiers by developing implants that directly stimulate the pleasure centers of the brain."
"A German scientist works on a way of quelling overly aggressive soldiers by developing implants that directly stimulate the pleasure centers of the brain."
On this day in 1980 (in Israel and Japan), Luke Skywalker jumped back into action with the silver screen release of Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back. Directed by Irvin Kershner, the Space Fantasy starred Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After the Rebels are brutally overpowered by the Empire on the ice planet Hoth, Luke Skywalker begins Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued across the galaxy by Darth Vader and bounty hunter Boba Fett."
For the record:
At the 1981 Academy Awards, The Empire Strikes Back took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Sound' along with a Special Achievement Oscar for 'Visual Effects.' At the 1981 Saturn Awards, the film took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also in 1981, it took home the Hugo Award in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"After the Rebels are brutally overpowered by the Empire on the ice planet Hoth, Luke Skywalker begins Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued across the galaxy by Darth Vader and bounty hunter Boba Fett."
For the record:
At the 1981 Academy Awards, The Empire Strikes Back took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Sound' along with a Special Achievement Oscar for 'Visual Effects.' At the 1981 Saturn Awards, the film took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also in 1981, it took home the Hugo Award in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born ... and this one's animated! On this day in 1987 (in Japan), Black Magic M-66 (aka Burakku Majikku M-66) was first unleashed to the hungry masses. Directed by the team of Hiroyuki Kitakubo and Shirow Masamune (who also penned the script), the project featured the voices of Yû Mizushima, Ichirô Nagai, and Shinji Ogawa. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A freelance reporter discovers that two killer androids are running loose and have a little girl for a kill target."
"A freelance reporter discovers that two killer androids are running loose and have a little girl for a kill target."
On this day in 1991 (in the U.S.), Scanners 2: The New Order returned viewers to the SciFi/Horror hybrid universe. Directed by Christian Duguay, the feature starred David Hewlett, Tom Butler, and Deborah Raffin; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A scanner discovers a plot by renegade elements in the city government to take power with the help of evil scanners."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Scanners 2 enjoyed a Saturn Award nomination in 1992 in the category of 'Best Genre Video Release.'
"A scanner discovers a plot by renegade elements in the city government to take power with the help of evil scanners."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Scanners 2 enjoyed a Saturn Award nomination in 1992 in the category of 'Best Genre Video Release.'
A star is born! On this day in 1993, the SciFi/Telefilm Lifepod enjoyed its initial run on television. Directed by Ron Silver (who also enjoyed a role in the film), the feature starred Robert Loggia, Jessica Tuck, and Stan Shaw; and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"Lifepod chronicles the trip of eight passengers after the ship on which they were traveling blew up on Christmas Eve 2168. Immediately people start dying. The passengers begin to investigate why the ship blew up and how it relates to them."
"Lifepod chronicles the trip of eight passengers after the ship on which they were traveling blew up on Christmas Eve 2168. Immediately people start dying. The passengers begin to investigate why the ship blew up and how it relates to them."
On this day in 1996 (in Sweden), Pamela Anderson's Barb Wire let herself loose cinematically. Joining her aboard the SciFi/Satire were Xander Berkeley and Jennifer Banko, and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"During the Second American Civil War in 2017, Barb Wire owns a nightclub called the Hammerhead. Things become complicated when her ex-lover Axel Hood, who is married to the fugitive Corrina Devonshire, re-enters her life."
For the record:
Woof. Though I suspect Barb Wire is not without its merits, the feature film did manage to draw the attention of the Razzie Awards ... which recognized the effort with an incredible six nominations. Star Pamela Anderson took home top honors in the category of 'Worst New Star,' but the film missed out of statues in the categories of 'Worst Original Song,' 'Worst Screen Couple,' 'Worst Actress,' 'Worst Screenplay,' and 'Worst Picture.'
"During the Second American Civil War in 2017, Barb Wire owns a nightclub called the Hammerhead. Things become complicated when her ex-lover Axel Hood, who is married to the fugitive Corrina Devonshire, re-enters her life."
For the record:
Woof. Though I suspect Barb Wire is not without its merits, the feature film did manage to draw the attention of the Razzie Awards ... which recognized the effort with an incredible six nominations. Star Pamela Anderson took home top honors in the category of 'Worst New Star,' but the film missed out of statues in the categories of 'Worst Original Song,' 'Worst Screen Couple,' 'Worst Actress,' 'Worst Screenplay,' and 'Worst Picture.'
On this day in 2002 (in Finland), things were a bit infectious with the release of Contagion on home video. Directed by John Murlowski, the SciFi/Drama starred Bruce Boxleitner, Megan Gallagher, and Lin Shaye; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A pair of criminals infect the president of the United States with a deadly virus. His only hope is to give in to their demands, but he refuses to cooperate with terrorists. Now it is up to Dr. Diane Landis to save his life."
"A pair of criminals infect the president of the United States with a deadly virus. His only hope is to give in to their demands, but he refuses to cooperate with terrorists. Now it is up to Dr. Diane Landis to save his life."
A star is born! On this day in 2005 (in the United Kingdom), another screen iteration of the seminal invasion story -- War Of The Worlds -- was unveiled on home video. Adapted (in part) from the H.G. Wells' novel and directed by David Michael Latt, the SciFi/Fantasy starred C. Thomas Howell, Rhett Giles, and Andy Lauer. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A determined meteorologist must embark on a nationwide journey to find his son during a massive alien invasion that's goal is to exterminate the human race."
"A determined meteorologist must embark on a nationwide journey to find his son during a massive alien invasion that's goal is to exterminate the human race."
On this day in 2006, X-Men's Bryan Singer did what he could to bring down the DC Comics movie universe with his awful, awful film - Superman Returns. It starred Brandon Routh as Big Blue, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Superman reappears after a long absence, but is challenged by an old foe who uses Kryptonian technology for world domination."
For the record:
At the 2007 Academy Awards, Superman Returns enjoyed an Oscar nomination (but no win) in the category of 'Best Achievement In Vusual Effects.' The Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films was quite smitten with the production, giving it an incredible 11 Saturn Award nominations; the film won top honors in the categories of 'Best Music,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Fantasy Film.' And on the flip side of things, actress Kate Bosworth enjoyed a nomination for 'Worst Supporting Actress' from the 2007 Razzie Awards.
"Superman reappears after a long absence, but is challenged by an old foe who uses Kryptonian technology for world domination."
For the record:
At the 2007 Academy Awards, Superman Returns enjoyed an Oscar nomination (but no win) in the category of 'Best Achievement In Vusual Effects.' The Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films was quite smitten with the production, giving it an incredible 11 Saturn Award nominations; the film won top honors in the categories of 'Best Music,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Fantasy Film.' And on the flip side of things, actress Kate Bosworth enjoyed a nomination for 'Worst Supporting Actress' from the 2007 Razzie Awards.
On this day in 2010 (in Hungary), Transmorphers: Fall Of Man premiered on television. Directed by Scott Wheeler with a script from Shane Van Dyke, the SciFi/Thriller starred Bruce Boxleitner, Jennifer Rubin, and Russ Kingston; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In this present day prequel, the robot invaders attack the Earth, forcing a small band of humans to seek refuge below the surface of the planet."
"In this present day prequel, the robot invaders attack the Earth, forcing a small band of humans to seek refuge below the surface of the planet."
A star is born ... and this one's frozen solid! On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), audiences were downright chilly with the broadcast television debut of 2012: Ice Age. Directed by Travis Fort from a story by Paul Sinor and Victoria Dadi, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Patrick Labyorteaux, Julie McCullough, and Katie Wilson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A volcanic eruption in Iceland sends a glacier towards North America, causing everything in it's path to freeze. A family man struggles to escape the onslaught of the coming ice age."
"A volcanic eruption in Iceland sends a glacier towards North America, causing everything in it's path to freeze. A family man struggles to escape the onslaught of the coming ice age."
A star is born! On this day in 2011 (in Germany), it was Hell on earth when the film enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever playing for audiences in attendance of the Munich International Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Tim Fehlbaum, the Apocaylpse/Drama starred Lilo Baur, Marco Calamandrei, and Lisa Viscari; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the not too distant future, people struggle to survive their greatest enemy, the sun."
For the record:
At the 2012 German Film Awards, Hell enjoyed an incredible six nominations in the major categories but only took home the top prize in the category of 'Best Film Score.' Otherwise, the feature did enjoy a lot of praise on the film festival circuit.
"In the not too distant future, people struggle to survive their greatest enemy, the sun."
For the record:
At the 2012 German Film Awards, Hell enjoyed an incredible six nominations in the major categories but only took home the top prize in the category of 'Best Film Score.' Otherwise, the feature did enjoy a lot of praise on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2012 (in South Korea), the 2009-produced Nine Miles Down enjoyed a brief theatrical run. Written (in part) and directed by Anthony Waller, the feature starred Adrian Paul, Amanda Douge, and Kate Nauta. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A security expert is sent to a remote scientific camp to investigate strange things that are happening."
"A security expert is sent to a remote scientific camp to investigate strange things that are happening."
On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.), the 1967-produced Snow Devils enjoyed a special broadcast on U.S. television. Directed by Antonio Margheriti, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Giacomo Rossi Stuart, Ombretta Colli, and Renato Baldini. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Amidst a general melting of the ice caps, a weather station in the Himalayas is destroyed and Gamma I commander Rod Jackson and his partner, Frank Pulasky are sent to investigate. Joined by Lisa Nielson (looking for her fiance) and Sharu, their Sherpa guide, they are captured by a race of hairy blue-bodied giants whose leader explains they are the Aytia and have established this relay station on Earth to aid in their plan to create a vast ice plane so their race can leave their doomed solar system and conquer the Earth. Escaping from the outpost, Jackson finds out the aliens' main base is on one of Jupiter's moons, Callisto, and he and Pulasky are sent into space to battle the Aytia before human life on Earth is destroyed."
For the record:
Interestingly enough, director Antonio Margheriti delivered four films to the silver screen during 1966-1967, and all of these who the basis of a loose Science Fiction saga I've seen called the 'Gamma One Quadrilogy' in articles online. While costumes and sets were re-used -- the chief setting for these flicks was the Gamma One Space Station -- different casts were involved. For those wanting to explore the titles separately -- and in the proper order -- they are Wild, Wild Planet (1966), War Of The Planets (1966), War Between The Planets (1966), and Snow Devils (1967).
"Amidst a general melting of the ice caps, a weather station in the Himalayas is destroyed and Gamma I commander Rod Jackson and his partner, Frank Pulasky are sent to investigate. Joined by Lisa Nielson (looking for her fiance) and Sharu, their Sherpa guide, they are captured by a race of hairy blue-bodied giants whose leader explains they are the Aytia and have established this relay station on Earth to aid in their plan to create a vast ice plane so their race can leave their doomed solar system and conquer the Earth. Escaping from the outpost, Jackson finds out the aliens' main base is on one of Jupiter's moons, Callisto, and he and Pulasky are sent into space to battle the Aytia before human life on Earth is destroyed."
For the record:
Interestingly enough, director Antonio Margheriti delivered four films to the silver screen during 1966-1967, and all of these who the basis of a loose Science Fiction saga I've seen called the 'Gamma One Quadrilogy' in articles online. While costumes and sets were re-used -- the chief setting for these flicks was the Gamma One Space Station -- different casts were involved. For those wanting to explore the titles separately -- and in the proper order -- they are Wild, Wild Planet (1966), War Of The Planets (1966), War Between The Planets (1966), and Snow Devils (1967).
On this day in 2015 (in Mexico), Arnold Schwarzenegger gave saving the future another attempt with a limited theatrical run of Terminator Genisys. Directed by Alan Taylor, the film also brought Jason Clarke, Emilia Clarke, and Jai Courtney for the visual ride of their lives; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When John Connor, leader of the human resistance, sends Sgt. Kyle Reese back to 1984 to protect Sarah Connor and safeguard the future, an unexpected turn of events creates a fractured timeline."
For the record:
In 2016, Terminator Genisys was nominated in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film' by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films ... but it didn't win.
"When John Connor, leader of the human resistance, sends Sgt. Kyle Reese back to 1984 to protect Sarah Connor and safeguard the future, an unexpected turn of events creates a fractured timeline."
For the record:
In 2016, Terminator Genisys was nominated in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film' by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films ... but it didn't win.
On this day in 2017, Okja enjoyed its U.S. theatrical release. The feature starred Tilda Swinton and Paul Dano, and here's the plot summary that's been provided by IMDB.com:
"A young girl risks everything to prevent a powerful, multinational company from kidnapping her best friend - a fascinating beast named Okja."
"A young girl risks everything to prevent a powerful, multinational company from kidnapping her best friend - a fascinating beast named Okja."
On this day in 2018, Luis And The Aliens delivered SciFi, Comedy, and Fantasy to the youngest among us. The animated project starred the voices of Callum Maloney, Dermot Magennis, and Ian Coppinger; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An 11-year-old boy befriends three aliens after they crash their spaceship onto the grounds of an closed gas station by his house."
"An 11-year-old boy befriends three aliens after they crash their spaceship onto the grounds of an closed gas station by his house."
On this day in 2019 (in Germany), Monster Island lumbed out to the masses via its release on home video. Written and directed by Mark Atkins, the film starred Eric Roberts, Toshi Toda, and Adrian Bouchet; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Gigantic monsters threaten to destroy everything in their path as mankind remains defenseless."
"Gigantic monsters threaten to destroy everything in their path as mankind remains defenseless."
Suns out, guns out! On this day in 2019 (in South Korea), Mutant Blast blasted onto screens for audiences in attendance of the BiFan - Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Fernando Alle, the SciFi/Comedy starred Pedro Barão Dias, Maria Leite, and João Vilas. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Maria, a fearless soldier, and TS-347, a man with superhuman strength, are being pursued by a military cell responsible for scientific experiments that have resulted in a zombie apocalypse."
For the record:
Mutant Blast has been the recipient of great and consistent praise on the film festival circuit.
"Maria, a fearless soldier, and TS-347, a man with superhuman strength, are being pursued by a military cell responsible for scientific experiments that have resulted in a zombie apocalypse."
For the record:
Mutant Blast has been the recipient of great and consistent praise on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1962, The Andromeda Breakthrough aired "Cold Front." This served as the first episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Andromeda has survived her fall into the underground pool. She and John Fleming go on the run from the British authorities."
"Andromeda has survived her fall into the underground pool. She and John Fleming go on the run from the British authorities."
On this day in 1985 (in West Germany), Buck Rogers In The 25th Century aired "Space Rockers." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When an evil rock impresario devises a means to implant a hypnotic signal into a rock band's music to drive their young audience berserk, Buck must thwart his schemes of conquest."
"When an evil rock impresario devises a means to implant a hypnotic signal into a rock band's music to drive their young audience berserk, Buck must thwart his schemes of conquest."
On this day in 1996, Sliders aired "Invasion." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary that's provided via IMDB.com:
"After accidentally shooting down a spacecraft, the Sliders are pursued between worlds by the eye-eating Kromaggs, in their first appearance, as this new enemy hunts and then interrogates them for their home coordinates while in prison on Earth 113."
"After accidentally shooting down a spacecraft, the Sliders are pursued between worlds by the eye-eating Kromaggs, in their first appearance, as this new enemy hunts and then interrogates them for their home coordinates while in prison on Earth 113."
On this day in 2002, Stargate: SG-1 aired the fourth episode of its sixth season. The hour was called "Frozen," and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"The SG-1 team travels to the Antarctic science station when the scientists there discover an ancient body in the ice. The age of the ice core samples would indicate that the body predates mankind. As they thaw the body, it comes to life. It's a young woman who they call Ayiana. As Ayiana gains strength, those around her all fall ill having contracted an unknown virus which they believe Ayiana carried. The new arrival also shows healing powers and can seemingly cure any illness just by touch. As she does so however she weakens to the point of death. In the end, only Col. O'Neill remains untreated and SGC seeks the help of the Tok'ra who offer an unexpected solution."
"The SG-1 team travels to the Antarctic science station when the scientists there discover an ancient body in the ice. The age of the ice core samples would indicate that the body predates mankind. As they thaw the body, it comes to life. It's a young woman who they call Ayiana. As Ayiana gains strength, those around her all fall ill having contracted an unknown virus which they believe Ayiana carried. The new arrival also shows healing powers and can seemingly cure any illness just by touch. As she does so however she weakens to the point of death. In the end, only Col. O'Neill remains untreated and SGC seeks the help of the Tok'ra who offer an unexpected solution."
Also on this day in 2002, Farscape aired the fourth episode of its fourth (and final) season. The title was a play on words -- "Lava's A Many Splendored Thing" -- and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The crew is on the way to rendezvous with Moya. After ingesting a concoction of Noranti's they stop for a break on a planet. Rygel is captured and entombed in amber by raiders."
"The crew is on the way to rendezvous with Moya. After ingesting a concoction of Noranti's they stop for a break on a planet. Rygel is captured and entombed in amber by raiders."
It all began right here: on this day in 2006, Blade: The Series came into broadcast television existence with the premiere of its pilot episode. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Blade joins forces with Krista Starr to help her get revenge on an evil vampire who killed her fraternal twin brother."
"Blade joins forces with Krista Starr to help her get revenge on an evil vampire who killed her fraternal twin brother."
On this day in 2003, Mobile Suit Gundam Seed aired "Decisive Fire." This served as the thirty-eighth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
It all came down to this: on this day in 2011, the BBC's Primeval aired the final episode of its televised existence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Abby and Matt follow Connor through the anomaly,finding themselves in a vast wasteland,in which they fight off predators before returning to their own time. Eventually realising that he has been used by Helen Cutter Burton sacrifices himself along with the destruction of the New Dawn machine but the team still have to close off the giant anomaly by merging it with the smaller one created by Connor and causing it to implode. The world is saved but,as the team heads off on another mission, Matt has a disturbing confrontation."
"Abby and Matt follow Connor through the anomaly,finding themselves in a vast wasteland,in which they fight off predators before returning to their own time. Eventually realising that he has been used by Helen Cutter Burton sacrifices himself along with the destruction of the New Dawn machine but the team still have to close off the giant anomaly by merging it with the smaller one created by Connor and causing it to implode. The world is saved but,as the team heads off on another mission, Matt has a disturbing confrontation."
On this day in 2012 (in Finland), Doctor Who aired "Army of Ghosts." This served as the twelfth episode in the relaunched program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As the ghosts of loved ones appear, the whole world celebrates. But as the Doctor investigates he believes that there is a more sinister motive behind their appearence. And deep within the Torchwood tower, a mysterious sphere containing the greatest enemies of the Doctor is opened..."
"As the ghosts of loved ones appear, the whole world celebrates. But as the Doctor investigates he believes that there is a more sinister motive behind their appearence. And deep within the Torchwood tower, a mysterious sphere containing the greatest enemies of the Doctor is opened..."
On this day in 2012, Disney's TRON: Uprising aired "Identity." This served as the fifth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Beck's memory falls to pieces after his identity disc is stolen; he and Tron must find it before his alter-ego is revealed."
"Beck's memory falls to pieces after his identity disc is stolen; he and Tron must find it before his alter-ego is revealed."
On this day in 2015, TNT's Falling Skies premiered its fifth and final season with the airing of "Find Your Warrior." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Tom's life hangs in the balance as his beamer drifts into space during which he encounters a surprising guest. Meanwhile, the 2nd Massachusetts go on the offensive against the Espheni."
"Tom's life hangs in the balance as his beamer drifts into space during which he encounters a surprising guest. Meanwhile, the 2nd Massachusetts go on the offensive against the Espheni."
For AMC, it all started right here: on this day in 2015, Humans premiered on the cable network. This adaptation of the show starred Gemma Chan and Pixie Davis, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Hawkins family acquire a Synth named Anita, which creates new tensions for Laura; Leo is on the run with his Synth; Pete feels pushed aside by his wife's Synth; George won't part with his."
"The Hawkins family acquire a Synth named Anita, which creates new tensions for Laura; Leo is on the run with his Synth; Pete feels pushed aside by his wife's Synth; George won't part with his."
On this day in 2015, World Trigger aired "The Have-Not." This served as the thirty-sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary compliments of CrunchyRoll.com:
"Aftokrator retreats, but the wounds of the war are deep. Border struggles to revitalize Mikado City, Yuma searches for the missing Replica, and Osamu remains unconscious. In his dreams, he recalls why he joined Border, and why he seeks to protect Chika."
"Aftokrator retreats, but the wounds of the war are deep. Border struggles to revitalize Mikado City, Yuma searches for the missing Replica, and Osamu remains unconscious. In his dreams, he recalls why he joined Border, and why he seeks to protect Chika."
On this day in 2016, Zoo aired "The Day of the Beast." This served as the first episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Following the dramatic shift in violent animal behavior, the team attempts to rescue Jamie and the leopard whose DNA may hold the key to curing the animal crisis."
"Following the dramatic shift in violent animal behavior, the team attempts to rescue Jamie and the leopard whose DNA may hold the key to curing the animal crisis."
On this day in 2016, Zoo aired "Caraquet." This served as the second episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The team discovers a shocking mutation that threatens the life of one of their own."
"The team discovers a shocking mutation that threatens the life of one of their own."
On this day in 1953, The Shadow radio serial aired "Policy Of Death." According to our friends at The Shadow Wiki, all of the details surrounding this particular tale have been sadly lost to history. Not even The Shadow knows!
