It's rare when we get to experience monumentally perfect moments in film.
I've told my wife that the first time I saw Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan in theatres that you could hear a pin drop during Mr. Spock's final scene with his captain, and that pretty much remains the case today when we've had the good fortune to see it again at festivals and retro-cinema nights. It's an amazingly perfect scene, rendered brilliant by the players, as is the rest of the classic Science Fiction film. Arguably, it's the best in the entire series.
On this day in 1982, Khan first premiered in theatres.
Directed by Nicholas Meyer from a story by Gene Roddenberry, Jack B. Sowards, and Harve Bennett, the film starred William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and Ricardo Montalban. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With the assistance of the Enterprise crew, Admiral Kirk must stop an old nemesis, Khan Noonien Singh, from using the life-generating Genesis Device as the ultimate weapon."
For the record:
I've told my wife that the first time I saw Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan in theatres that you could hear a pin drop during Mr. Spock's final scene with his captain, and that pretty much remains the case today when we've had the good fortune to see it again at festivals and retro-cinema nights. It's an amazingly perfect scene, rendered brilliant by the players, as is the rest of the classic Science Fiction film. Arguably, it's the best in the entire series.
On this day in 1982, Khan first premiered in theatres.
Directed by Nicholas Meyer from a story by Gene Roddenberry, Jack B. Sowards, and Harve Bennett, the film starred William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and Ricardo Montalban. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With the assistance of the Enterprise crew, Admiral Kirk must stop an old nemesis, Khan Noonien Singh, from using the life-generating Genesis Device as the ultimate weapon."
For the record:
- At the 1983 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films), actor William Shatner took home the Saturn Award trophy in the category of 'Best Actor.' Walter Koenig enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor.' Lastly, the film also enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
- At the 1983 Hugo Awards, the film received a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
Veteran character actor Geoffrey Palmer has enjoyed great roles across all genres, but Doctor Who fans might know him best from appearances in the 1970's serial "The Mutants" and as 'Captain Hardaker' in "Voyage of the Damned." His long career also afforded visits to Out Of The Unknown, Doomwatch, and Alice Through The Looking Glass (1998). Though he's no longer with us, Palmer was born on this day in 1927.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran actor Bruce Dern has had an amazing career, though if you do any amount of research you're likely to find that he's played an awful lot of heavies, psychos, and generally deranged malcontents. Still, a man's gotta work, and Dern has indeed worked very hard in the business. Sci-fi fans know him best as astronaut/botanist Freeman Lowell, the spaceborne caretaker of Earth's last flora aboard a vast space station in Silent Running. When Lowell is given an order to destroy the plants and return home, he decides to take matters into his own hands. Here's the trailer if you're interested: link Dern was born on this day back in 1936.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Star Trek: The Next Generation's first season had a handful of great guest appearances, of which the lovely Michelle Phillips kinda/sorta rekindled a spark of her own with Capt. Jean-Luc Picard. Her career also boasts appearances aboard Automan and Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman. Phillips was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Derek McGrath got all "blue in the face" for his guest visits to the greater world of Star Trek: Voyager. McGrath was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Carlene Watkins has a solid career most of which was spent in network television properties. Genre fans might recognize her from such adventures as The Bionic Woman, The Secret Empire, and Galactica 1980. Watkins was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As a writer and producer, Paul De Meo was responsible for so many properties near and dear to genre enthusiasts around the world. In one way, shape, or form, he contributed to such entities as Trancers (1984), Zone Troopers (1985), Elminators (1986), Pulse Pounders (1988), Arena (1989), The Flash, Trancers II (1991), The Rocketeer (1991), Trancers III (1992), Trancers IV: Jack Of Swords (1994), Trancers V: Sudden Deth (1994), Viper, The Sentinel, Trancers VI (2002), and a whole host of impressive video games that likely kept players busy for hours. Though he's no longer with us, De Meo was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
- In 2023, I received an all-new home video release of Arena (1989) -- which De Meo scripted -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
- In 2024, I received an all-new home video release of The Flash (1990-1991) -- which De Meo produced -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review of the series' pilot right here.
Screen veteran Keith David shared the silver screen with no less than Vin Diesel himself in 2000's Pitch Black and then again in 2004's The Chronicles Of Riddick. His 'man of faith' was a terrific counterpart to Riddick's man of desolation. David was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I received an all-new home video release of The Chronicles Of Riddick (2004) -- in which David played a role -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I received an all-new home video release of The Chronicles Of Riddick (2004) -- in which David played a role -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Decorated actor Bradley Walsh brought a bit of elder maturity to his work aboard the long-running SciFi/Serial Doctor Who during its run. Walsh was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
While I did find the first Transformers movie kinda/sorta fun, the only real bright spot in that entire franchise (so far as this viewer is concerned) were the wonderful performances by the reliable Kevin Dunn and Julie White (centered) as the parents Witwicky. They were 'real' (and funny!) in films that embraced the imaginery, and there's something to be said for that measure of legitimate nuance. Plus ... isn't Julie just lovely in that old-style, classy, big studio kind of way? White was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Earlier in her professional career, Bahni Turpin enjoyed a handful of appearances aboard UPN's Star Trek: Voyager. She also experienced the world of Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman in a guest spot. Turpin was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sean Pertwee has to be one of the busiest actors alive today. Just check out his IMDB.com profile, and you'll see he has over 100 projects to his name throughout his career. Sci-fi fans have seen him in Equilibrum, U.F.O. (aka Alien Uprising). Doomsday, and Event Horizon. And for those who aren't aware, Sean is the son of the late John Pertwee, the third man to play the legendary time traveler Doctor Who. Pertwee was born on this day in 1964 ... and, boy, he sure looks like his dad!
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Scott Wolf (above left) got into the SciFi business with the role of smarmy tele-journalist and official spokesperson on behalf of the invading aliens in the rebooted V television series. Wolf was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Julie Gardner has left her own indelible imprint on the world of Science Fiction and Fantasy thanks to her producing abilities over such properties as Doctor Who, The Sarah Jane Adventures, Torchwood, Da Vinci's Demons, and Intruders. Gardner was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: Doctor Who Online Guide]
[Source: Doctor Who Online Guide]
Not long after the fetching Izabella Scorupco went after Russian hackers with James Bond in GoldenEye (1995), she turned her sights on fighting dragons with Christian Bale in Fantasy-themed Reign Of Fire (2002). Scorupco was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Noah Wyle blasted to stardom with a role as a young medical doctor on NBC's ER, but genre fans have come to accept him as Tom Mason, one of the leaders of Earth's resistance against an invading force in Steven Spielberg's TNT sci-fi show, Falling Skies. Mr. Wyle was born on this day back in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ronald Moore's newfangled interpretation of Battlestar Galactica was well done most of the time (there are a few episodes I thought lukewarm, at best), but the show certainly packed itself to the gills with some impressive players. James Callis made waves as 'Dr. Gaius Baltar,' a man wracked with guilt over his betrayal of his planet and his people. Callis was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I know a few folks who -- at the time of the film's released -- claimed that Sky Captain And The World of Tomorrow was one of the greatest SciFi films ever made. Meh. Its pacing was too lethargic, and too many characters had too little depth for my tastes. Though -- like most -- I did dig its look. Angelina Jolie played the mysterious eye-patched captain of some weird sky barge, and she did a nice job with it. Jolie was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
- At the 2002 Saturn Awards, Jolie earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Actress' for her work aboard Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001).
- At the 2005 Saturn Awards, she earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress' for her work aboard Sky Captain And The World Of Tomorrow (2004).
- At the 2009 Saturn Awards, Jolie took home top honors in the category of 'Best Actress' for her work aboard Changeling (2008).
- At the 2011 Saturn Awards, she earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Actress' for her work in Salt (2010).
- At the 2015 Saturn Awards, Jolie earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Actress' for her work in Maleficent (2014).
Adult temptress Brandin Rackley has definitely put her assets up for ample observation in such properties as Vampire In Vegas (2009), Cleavagefield (2009), Bikini Frankenstein (2010), Twilight Vamps (2010), Dirty Blondes From Beyond (2012), Femalien: Starlight Saga (2022), Haunted Hotties (2022), and Frankenspy (2023). Rackely was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though he'll no doubt be remembered for his role of Juice on FX's Sons of Anarchy, Theo Rossi has given SciFi fans some work to (Sam)crow about as well. He's turned up in ABC's Lost, CBS's Jericho, Cloverfield, as well as Fox's Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and (later) Alcatraz. Rossi was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Tim Rozon breaths life into no less than 'Doc Holliday' aboard Syfy's Fantasy-themed Wynonna Earp. Rozon was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Armed only with his knowledge of science and a mullet of epic proportions, Josh McDermitt is making risky business out of surviving the Apocalypse aboard AMC's juggernaut The Walking Dead. McDermitt was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Although I can appreciate good performances as much as the next person, I just couldn't sit through very much of Fox TV's Gotham: it's constant 'wink and nod' delivery of the first season really rubbed me wrong. Still, kudos to Robin Lord Taylor for bringing to life 'Oswald Cobblepot' for the Fantasy program. Taylor was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman T.J. Miller proved he couldn't stand up to so much as a lady in Ryan Reynold's Deadpool (2016). Not so funny when there's a chick at your throat, are you, T.J.? Miller was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back in 2005's rather forgettable Aeon Flux, Amelia Warner played the theatrical younger sister Una Flux to Charlize Theron's leading role for which the film is named. Warner was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jillian Murray (above right) found out the hard way that beauty is only skin deep when she caught up with Cabin Fever: Patient Zero (2014). Murray was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The deliriously sexy Oona Chaplin was reduced to a somewhat bloody existence in the guise of 'Talisa Maegyr' for HBO's Fantasy Game Of Thrones ... and she suffered an equally bloody fate. (Can you say "Red Wedding"?) Chaplin was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Fresh-faced Jordan Hinson brought her youthful exuberance to Syfy's Eureka in its early days, and -- by the time the show was over -- she had matured into a very fetching young lass. Her IMDB.com profile shows that she's still dabbling in some campy SciFi properties, so let's all be thankful for small favors. Hinson was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Standing just a smidge over five feet tall, Kathryn Prescott long ago learned to make up for any shortcoming in big performances. As far as genre projects go, she's booked time aboard Being Human, Reign, and The Hive (2015); here's hoping she lands many, many more. Prescott was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress Ella-June Henrard enjoyed a good amount of screen time with a role aboard Boy 7 (2015) for Proton Cinema. Henrard was born on this day in 1993.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1943 (in the U.S.), Captive Wild Woman enjoyed its very first theatrical engagement ever. Directed by Edward Dmytryk, the SciFi/Horror starred John Carradine, Evelyn Ankers, and Milburn Stone; and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"An insane scientist doing experimentation in glandular research becomes obsessed with transforming a female gorilla into a human...even though it costs human life."
"An insane scientist doing experimentation in glandular research becomes obsessed with transforming a female gorilla into a human...even though it costs human life."
On this day in 1958, the Soviet-language SciFi film Doroga K Zvezdam enjoyed its U.S theatrical premiere. Directed by Pavel Klushantsev from a story by Boris Lyapunov and Vasiliy Solovyov, the SciFi/Drama starred Georgi Solovyov, Leonid Khmara, and Georgi Kulbush. Here's the plot summary that's listed on IMDB.com:
"A groundbreaking popular science fiction film about the past and future of astronautics, from the first experiments by Konstantin Tsiolkovsky to the manned spaceflight and colonization of the Moon."
"A groundbreaking popular science fiction film about the past and future of astronautics, from the first experiments by Konstantin Tsiolkovsky to the manned spaceflight and colonization of the Moon."
On this day in 1965 (in Finland), somebody opened up a Crack In The World. Well, cinematically, that is. Directed by Andrew Marton from a story by Jon Manchip White and Julian Zimet, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Dana Andrews. Janette Scott, and Kieron Moore. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A dying scientist pushes forward his project to tap through to the Earth's magma layer, with results that threaten to destroy the Earth as we know it."
"A dying scientist pushes forward his project to tap through to the Earth's magma layer, with results that threaten to destroy the Earth as we know it."
On this day in 1979 (in Denmark), The Chosen enjoyed its theatrical release. Written (in part) and directed by Alberto De Martino, the Horror/Fantasy starred Kirk Douglas, Simon Ward, and Agostina Belli. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An executive in charge of a Middle Eastern nuclear plant discovers that his son is the Anti Christ and sets out to stop him from using the nuclear power at his fingertips to wipe out mankind."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Chosen earned a wee bit of extra attention from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"An executive in charge of a Middle Eastern nuclear plant discovers that his son is the Anti Christ and sets out to stop him from using the nuclear power at his fingertips to wipe out mankind."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Chosen earned a wee bit of extra attention from a screening on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1987 (in Mexico), Walt Disney's Flight Of The Navigator took flight. Directed by Randal Kleiser, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Joey Kramer, Paul Reubens, and Cliff De Young. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 1978, a boy travels 8 years into the future and has an adventure with an intelligent, wisecracking alien ship."
For the record:
The film certain took flight with the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films as it was nominated for 1987 Saturn Awards in the categories of 'Best Director,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"In 1978, a boy travels 8 years into the future and has an adventure with an intelligent, wisecracking alien ship."
For the record:
The film certain took flight with the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films as it was nominated for 1987 Saturn Awards in the categories of 'Best Director,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 1989 (in Italy), Deadly Weapon fired onto the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed by Michael Miner, the SciFi/Thriller starred Rodney Eastman, Kim Walker, and Gary Frank; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A teenage boy who's bullied both at school by the seniors and at his home by his abusive father finds an experimental laser weapon in a river and ponders revenge. The army general who lost the gun sends his units after the kid."
For the record:
To the film's credit, actor Rodney Eastman enjoyed a 1990 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor.'
"A teenage boy who's bullied both at school by the seniors and at his home by his abusive father finds an experimental laser weapon in a river and ponders revenge. The army general who lost the gun sends his units after the kid."
For the record:
To the film's credit, actor Rodney Eastman enjoyed a 1990 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor.'
A star is born! On this day in 1990 (in the United Kingdom), Crash And Burn crashed and burned with its initial home video release. Directed by Charles Band from a story by J.S. Cardone, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Paul Ganus, Megan Ward, and Ralph Waite. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Unicom is a powerful organization overseeing most of the world after its economic collapse. They have banned computers and robots in an attempt to insure "life, liberty, and the pursuit of economic stability". When a Unicom Synth robot infiltrates a southwest TV station and kills the manager, a revolutionary against the gestapo-like corporation, a lowly Unicom delivery man must help the rest of the station survive through the incoming "thermal storm."
"Unicom is a powerful organization overseeing most of the world after its economic collapse. They have banned computers and robots in an attempt to insure "life, liberty, and the pursuit of economic stability". When a Unicom Synth robot infiltrates a southwest TV station and kills the manager, a revolutionary against the gestapo-like corporation, a lowly Unicom delivery man must help the rest of the station survive through the incoming "thermal storm."
On this day in 1992, Alien Space Avenger crashed down into Earth's theatres! Written (in part) and directed by Richard W. Haines, the film starred Robert Prichard, Michael McCleery, and Charity Staley. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In 1939 a spaceship carrying four alien escaped prisoners crash-lands on Earth and the aliens take over the bodies of four locals. Fifty years later the aliens find out that an artist has written a comic book called "Space Avenger," which they believe is about them. They go to New York to try to kill the artist."
"In 1939 a spaceship carrying four alien escaped prisoners crash-lands on Earth and the aliens take over the bodies of four locals. Fifty years later the aliens find out that an artist has written a comic book called "Space Avenger," which they believe is about them. They go to New York to try to kill the artist."
A star is born! On this day in 1992 (in Italy), Dead Alive (aka Braindead) enjoyed its theatrical premiere at the Fantafestival. Written (in part) and directed by Peter Jackson, the Horror/Fantasy starred Timothy Balme, Diana Peñalver, and Elizabeth Moody. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young man's mother is bitten by a Sumatran rat-monkey. She gets sick and dies, at which time she comes back to life, killing and eating dogs, nurses, friends, and neighbors."
For the record:
"A young man's mother is bitten by a Sumatran rat-monkey. She gets sick and dies, at which time she comes back to life, killing and eating dogs, nurses, friends, and neighbors."
For the record:
- At the 1993 Saturn Awards, Dead Alive earned nominations in the categories 'Best Special Effects' and 'Best Horror Film.'
- At the 1994 Saturn Awards, Dead Alive took home the trophy in the category of 'Best Genre Video Release.'
A star is born! On this day in 1993 (in Italy), Ticks drew first blood with its theatrical debut at the Dylan Dog Horror Fest. Directed by Tony Randel from a story by Brent V. Friedman, the Horror/Fantasy starred Rosalind Allen, Ami Dolenz, and Seth Green. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of troubled teenagers are led by social workers on a California wilderness retreat, not knowing that the woods they are "camping in have become infested by mutated, blood-sucking ticks."
For the record:
At the 1993 Fangoriai Chainsaw Awards, Ticks enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Limited-Release/Direct-To-Video Film.'
"A group of troubled teenagers are led by social workers on a California wilderness retreat, not knowing that the woods they are "camping in have become infested by mutated, blood-sucking ticks."
For the record:
At the 1993 Fangoriai Chainsaw Awards, Ticks enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Limited-Release/Direct-To-Video Film.'
On this day in 2002 (in Canada), Creature From The Haunted Sea enjoyed its submergence on home video. Directed by Roger Corman from a story by Charles B. Griffith, the Horror/Fantasy starred Antony Carbone, Robert Towne, and Robert Bean. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"American crook Renzo Capetto sees a chance to make a bundle when a Caribbean island has a revolution. He plans to help loyalists (and the national treasury) escape on his boat, then kill the men and blame their deaths on a mythical sea monster. Trouble ensues when the _real_ monster shows up!"
"American crook Renzo Capetto sees a chance to make a bundle when a Caribbean island has a revolution. He plans to help loyalists (and the national treasury) escape on his boat, then kill the men and blame their deaths on a mythical sea monster. Trouble ensues when the _real_ monster shows up!"
A star is born! On this day in 2005, Crimson Force aired as a SciFi/Telefilm for interested audiences. Directed by David Flores from a story by Thomas P. Vitale and Rob Mecarini, the feature starred Tony Amendola, Taylor Mac Bowyer, and Julia Rose. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The first space crew to land on Mars find themselves in the middle of a Martian civil war."
"The first space crew to land on Mars find themselves in the middle of a Martian civil war."
On this day in 2008 (in Denmark), audiences saw yet one more incarnation of a destroyed future with the silver screen release of Doomsday. Written and directed by Neil Marshall, the SciFi/Thriller starred Rhona Mitra, Bob Hoskins, and Alexander Siddig; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A futuristic action thriller where a team of people work to prevent a disaster threatening the future of the human race."
"A futuristic action thriller where a team of people work to prevent a disaster threatening the future of the human race."
On this day in 2008 (in Japan), I Am Omega took audiences on yet another tour of the Apocalypse. Directed by Griff Furst, the SciFi/Horror film starred Mark Dacascos, Geoff Meed, and Jennifer Lee Wiggins. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In post apocalyptic LA being rampaged by zombie like cannibals humans that have some kind of genetic infection local man renchard is forced to live a daily struggle as he trys to locate radio signals and find a cure."
"In post apocalyptic LA being rampaged by zombie like cannibals humans that have some kind of genetic infection local man renchard is forced to live a daily struggle as he trys to locate radio signals and find a cure."
On this day in 2009 (in Canada, Estonia, and the U.S.), Splice first premiered theatrically. Written (in part) and directed by Vincenzo Natali, the Horror/SciFi starred Adrien Brody, Sarah Polley, and Delphine Chanéac. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two young rebellious scientists are told by their employers to halt groundbreaking work that has seen them produce new creatures with medical benefits by splicing together multiple organisms' DNA. They decide to secretly continue their work, but this time splicing in human DNA."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Splice was a bit of a rave success with certain audiences, a few of which warrant some extra attention below.
"Two young rebellious scientists are told by their employers to halt groundbreaking work that has seen them produce new creatures with medical benefits by splicing together multiple organisms' DNA. They decide to secretly continue their work, but this time splicing in human DNA."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Splice was a bit of a rave success with certain audiences, a few of which warrant some extra attention below.
- At the 2011 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Splice earned two nominations -- one in the category of 'Best Make-Up' and one as 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
- At the 2011 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, the film was recognized with an incredible six nominations (but no trophies) in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Worst Film,' Best Score,' 'Best Makeup/Creature FX,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Wide-Release Film.'
- At the 2011 Genie Awards (recognizing film excellence in Canadian production), Splice earned four big nominations (yet no trophies) in 'Best Achievement In Editing,' 'Best Achievement In Sound Editing,' 'Best Achievement In Direction,' and 'Best Motion Picture.'
A star is born! On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), Red Factions: Origins sprang into existence. Directed by Michael Nankin, the feature starred Brian J. Smith, Kate Vernon, and Robert Patrick. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"On a Mars colony in the year 2145, an officer in a rebel militia discovers that his sister, who was abducted a dozen years before, is still alive and has been raised as a soldier whose goal is to bring about the destruction of her brother's faction."
"On a Mars colony in the year 2145, an officer in a rebel militia discovers that his sister, who was abducted a dozen years before, is still alive and has been raised as a soldier whose goal is to bring about the destruction of her brother's faction."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Thriller Shortwave was first screened for audiences of the Dances With Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Ryan Gregory Phillips, the film starred Cristobal Tapia Montt, Katie Carthen, and Nina Senicar. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A modern and unrelentingly tense psychological thriller based on a theory of the origins of shortwave radio frequencies, Shortwave is an unnerving reminder that some stones are best left unturned."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Shortwave was a phenomenon of its own making on the film festival circuit.
"A modern and unrelentingly tense psychological thriller based on a theory of the origins of shortwave radio frequencies, Shortwave is an unnerving reminder that some stones are best left unturned."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Shortwave was a phenomenon of its own making on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), the good people of Hollywood, California were treated to the big screen launch of X-Men: Dark Phoenix. Written and directed by Simon Kinberg, the Superhero/Fantasy starred James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, and Jennifer Lawrence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Jean Grey begins to develop incredible powers that corrupt and turn her into a Dark Phoenix, causing the X-Men to have to decide if her life is worth more than all of humanity."
For the record:
At the 2020 Razzie Awards, X-Men: Dark Phoenix earned two nominations in the categories of 'Worst Supporting Actress' and 'Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-Off, Or Sequel.'
"Jean Grey begins to develop incredible powers that corrupt and turn her into a Dark Phoenix, causing the X-Men to have to decide if her life is worth more than all of humanity."
For the record:
At the 2020 Razzie Awards, X-Men: Dark Phoenix earned two nominations in the categories of 'Worst Supporting Actress' and 'Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-Off, Or Sequel.'
On this day in 2020 (in Italy), Fast Color enjoyed a premiere on television. Written (in part) and directed by Julia Hart, the SciFi/Drama starred Gugu Mbatha-Raw, David Strathairn, and Saniyya Sidney; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After years in hiding, a woman is forced to go on the run when her superhuman abilities are discovered. Years after having abandoned her family, the only place she has left to hide is home."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Fast Color enjoyed a good amount of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit and beyond.
"After years in hiding, a woman is forced to go on the run when her superhuman abilities are discovered. Years after having abandoned her family, the only place she has left to hide is home."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Fast Color enjoyed a good amount of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit and beyond.
On this day in 2021 (in Estonia, Japan, and Lithuania), Boss Level took it up a notch ... cinematically, that is. Written (in part) and directed by Joe Carnahan, the SciFi/Thriller starred Frank Grillo, Naomi Watts, and Mel Gibson; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Trapped in a time loop that constantly repeats the day of his murder, a former special forces agent must unlock the mystery behind his untimely demise."
"Trapped in a time loop that constantly repeats the day of his murder, a former special forces agent must unlock the mystery behind his untimely demise."
On this day in 2021 (in Germany), Man Made Monster enjoyed its release on home video. Directed by George Waggner, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Lionel Atwill, Lon Chaney Jr, and Anne Nagel. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mad scientist turns a man into an electrically-controlled monster to do his bidding."
"A mad scientist turns a man into an electrically-controlled monster to do his bidding."
A star is born! On this day in 2021 (in the U.S.), Zooey enjoyed its initial release via the Information Superhighway. Written (in part) and directed by Ryan Harriss, the SciFi/Comedy starred Oscar Gubelman, Lawrence J. Hughes, and Zen Hunter. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When a young boy, Noah, meets Zooey, a young girl living in a motel, they form an unbreakable bond. Soon after Noah discovers a secret about her that changes the course of his summer forever."
"When a young boy, Noah, meets Zooey, a young girl living in a motel, they form an unbreakable bond. Soon after Noah discovers a secret about her that changes the course of his summer forever."
On this day in 1954 (in the U.S.), Space Patrol aired "The Martian Totem Head." Officially, this served as the twenty-third episode in the program's fourth season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Commander Corry and Cadet Happy resume their search for the lost treasure of the Carnigans, while trying to avoid a gang of criminals who plan to steal the gold and jewels. Corry manages to unravel one of the Carnigans riddles concerning the treasure's location only to find it leads to another that warns of death and destruction should anyone but a member of that civilization attempt to remove it from its hiding place."
"Commander Corry and Cadet Happy resume their search for the lost treasure of the Carnigans, while trying to avoid a gang of criminals who plan to steal the gold and jewels. Corry manages to unravel one of the Carnigans riddles concerning the treasure's location only to find it leads to another that warns of death and destruction should anyone but a member of that civilization attempt to remove it from its hiding place."
On this day in 1955 (in the U.S.), Adventures of Superman aired "Olsen's Millions." Officially, this served as the seventh episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After rescuing a cat owned by eccentric Mrs. Peabody (Elizabeth Patterson), cub reporter Jimmy Olsen (Jack Larson) is given a reward--of one million dollars! Much to the dismay of his friends Clark (George Reeves) and Lois (Noel Neill), Jimmy begins throwing away his money on useless creature comforts, including a butler named Herbert (Leonard Carey), who turns out to be in cahoots with con man Stacy Tracey (Richard Reeves). First attempting to defraud Jimmy, Stracy ends up locking the neophyte millionaire and Lois in a safe--whereupon the pair is forced to incinerate "Olsen's millions" in order to create smoke signals that will summon Superman to their rescue."
"After rescuing a cat owned by eccentric Mrs. Peabody (Elizabeth Patterson), cub reporter Jimmy Olsen (Jack Larson) is given a reward--of one million dollars! Much to the dismay of his friends Clark (George Reeves) and Lois (Noel Neill), Jimmy begins throwing away his money on useless creature comforts, including a butler named Herbert (Leonard Carey), who turns out to be in cahoots with con man Stacy Tracey (Richard Reeves). First attempting to defraud Jimmy, Stracy ends up locking the neophyte millionaire and Lois in a safe--whereupon the pair is forced to incinerate "Olsen's millions" in order to create smoke signals that will summon Superman to their rescue."
On this day in 1955 (in the U.S.), Science Fiction Theatre aired "Death At 2 A.M." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Police suspect a scientist and his helper of murder. Problem is, neither man has the strength needed to kill the victim in the manner he was killed."
"Police suspect a scientist and his helper of murder. Problem is, neither man has the strength needed to kill the victim in the manner he was killed."
On this day in 1955 (in the U.S.), Tom Corbett, Space Cadet launched "Fight For Survival." Officially, this served as the twenty-fifth episode in the program's fourth season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's that episode's plot summary:
"Tom, Astro and T.J. are delivering a battered spaceship to a Venusian shipyard to be junked when the engines malfunction and the cadets are forced to abandoned ship. The three men land in a remote swamp and, after reuniting manage to find their way to a rescue station. Their relief is short-lived when nearby volcanoes suddenly become active and threatens to kill the cadets with their heat and deadly gas before they can be rescued."
"Tom, Astro and T.J. are delivering a battered spaceship to a Venusian shipyard to be junked when the engines malfunction and the cadets are forced to abandoned ship. The three men land in a remote swamp and, after reuniting manage to find their way to a rescue station. Their relief is short-lived when nearby volcanoes suddenly become active and threatens to kill the cadets with their heat and deadly gas before they can be rescued."
On this day in 1966 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Savages: Part 2." Officially, this served as the thirty-ninth episode in the program's third season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Doctor, Steven and Dodo investigate why there are Savages in the Elders' city and uncover the true price of the Elders' perfect society."
"The Doctor, Steven and Dodo investigate why there are Savages in the Elders' city and uncover the true price of the Elders' perfect society."
On this day in 1973 (in the United Kingdom), The Tomorrow People aired "The Slave Of Jedikiah: Part 5." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"In aiming to rescue Kenny and the saps, the Tomorrow People meet the argon-breathing cyclops Renash. His true reason for capturing telepaths isn't all that unreasonable, but heavy-handed tactics have resulted in a robot going berserk aboard his spaceship, shooting holes everywhere and making the rescue of all dangerously difficult. Meanwhile, TIM fears the end of the Tomorrow People and insists one member stay behind in the planned rescue attempt."
"In aiming to rescue Kenny and the saps, the Tomorrow People meet the argon-breathing cyclops Renash. His true reason for capturing telepaths isn't all that unreasonable, but heavy-handed tactics have resulted in a robot going berserk aboard his spaceship, shooting holes everywhere and making the rescue of all dangerously difficult. Meanwhile, TIM fears the end of the Tomorrow People and insists one member stay behind in the planned rescue attempt."
On this day in 1978 (in the U.S.), Project U.F.O. aired "Sighting 4013: The St. Hilary Incident." Officially, this served as the thirteen episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed on IMDB.com:
"Major Gatlin and S Sgt. Fitz go to the St. Hilary Catholic Observatory in Arizona to investigate a sighting by two nuns. One of the nun's wants to leave the order for a career in astrophysics also claims to have communicated with the UFO."
"Major Gatlin and S Sgt. Fitz go to the St. Hilary Catholic Observatory in Arizona to investigate a sighting by two nuns. One of the nun's wants to leave the order for a career in astrophysics also claims to have communicated with the UFO."
On this day in 1979 (in the U.S.), Battle Of The Planets aired "Victims Of The Hawk." Officially, this served as the thirty-sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"A young, married couple stayed behind to help defend a base from an attack by Spectra. Both survived and were brought back to Earth as heroes. Zoltar wants to eliminate them (both are eyewitnesses to the Spectran attack) and both have parents that are highly placed in the government. He orders them kidnapped and brought to Spectra. It's up to G-Force to rescue the two from Zoltar."
"A young, married couple stayed behind to help defend a base from an attack by Spectra. Both survived and were brought back to Earth as heroes. Zoltar wants to eliminate them (both are eyewitnesses to the Spectran attack) and both have parents that are highly placed in the government. He orders them kidnapped and brought to Spectra. It's up to G-Force to rescue the two from Zoltar."
On this day in 1985 (in France), The Ray Bradbury Theater aired "The Playground." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Charles Underhill lives in the suburb with his young son Steve, but he does not allow Steve to play in the nearby playground with other children. Charles has a childhood trauma with the bully Ralph and his friends, and he frequently sees Ralph's ghost challenging him, until the day he decides to go to the playground with Steve and face the wounds of his past."
"Charles Underhill lives in the suburb with his young son Steve, but he does not allow Steve to play in the nearby playground with other children. Charles has a childhood trauma with the bully Ralph and his friends, and he frequently sees Ralph's ghost challenging him, until the day he decides to go to the playground with Steve and face the wounds of his past."
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), Weird Science aired "Sex Ed." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After Lisa becomes the instructor of her re-imagined sex education class, Gary gets a lab project to "do it" in front of the whole class with his sexy lab partner."
"After Lisa becomes the instructor of her re-imagined sex education class, Gary gets a lab project to "do it" in front of the whole class with his sexy lab partner."
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), Total Recall 2070 aired "Brightness Falls." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's only season of original broadcast existence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Farve and Moralez investigate the death of a cult leader who was crucified in his home, while Hume looks in on his paranoid father who's convinced the retirement home is spying on him."
"Farve and Moralez investigate the death of a cult leader who was crucified in his home, while Hume looks in on his paranoid father who's convinced the retirement home is spying on him."
On this day in 2000 (in Canada), Code Name: Eternity aired "The Long Drop." Officially, this served as the fourth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While watching the news Ethaniel sees his brother proclaiming that a businessman just seen committing suicide was pushed. Ethaniel and Laura head down to the scene and they find themselves ending up as the police's main suspects. Gant captures them and after they escape they try to follow his brothers trail and find him before Banning does."
"While watching the news Ethaniel sees his brother proclaiming that a businessman just seen committing suicide was pushed. Ethaniel and Laura head down to the scene and they find themselves ending up as the police's main suspects. Gant captures them and after they escape they try to follow his brothers trail and find him before Banning does."
On this day in 2004 (in Australia), Wicked Science aired "Exploding Melon." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Elizabeth, in her secret underground lab, works on a new invention. But the power she uses attracts the attention of Mr Tesslar. Meanwhile, Toby tries unsuccessfully to track her down using his new creation, a superbug, on Garth. Garth responds by trashing Toby and Russ' science project: a hydroponically grown watermelon. Annoyed by the interruptions, Elizabeth decides to divert Tesslar's suspicions onto Toby. She modifies the hydroponics water pump, to implicate Toby for the excess power usage. What she doesn't know is that Toby has genetically modified a new super watermelon seed, one that will grow overnight. The excess water is soaked up by the super watermelon and it grows to the size of a VW. Toby, Russ and Dina rush to destroy the huge melon before Tesslar finds out, resulting in an enormous explosion of pink goo."
"Elizabeth, in her secret underground lab, works on a new invention. But the power she uses attracts the attention of Mr Tesslar. Meanwhile, Toby tries unsuccessfully to track her down using his new creation, a superbug, on Garth. Garth responds by trashing Toby and Russ' science project: a hydroponically grown watermelon. Annoyed by the interruptions, Elizabeth decides to divert Tesslar's suspicions onto Toby. She modifies the hydroponics water pump, to implicate Toby for the excess power usage. What she doesn't know is that Toby has genetically modified a new super watermelon seed, one that will grow overnight. The excess water is soaked up by the super watermelon and it grows to the size of a VW. Toby, Russ and Dina rush to destroy the huge melon before Tesslar finds out, resulting in an enormous explosion of pink goo."
On this day in 2005 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Boom Town." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode to the (restarted) program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Stopping off in present-day Cardiff to recharge the TARDIS, The Doctor, Rose and Jack encounter an old foe in the midst of hatching a scheme that could destroy the entire planet."
"Stopping off in present-day Cardiff to recharge the TARDIS, The Doctor, Rose and Jack encounter an old foe in the midst of hatching a scheme that could destroy the entire planet."
On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), A Good Knight's Quest aired the fifteenth episode of its only season of original broadcast existence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Chosen One must find his guide in the In-between."
"The Chosen One must find his guide in the In-between."
On this day in 2011 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "A Good Man Goes To War." Officially, this served as the seventh episode of the relaunched series' sixth season, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"A member of The Doctor's team has been abducted and he will call in every favor and maybe even go to war to get them back."
"A member of The Doctor's team has been abducted and he will call in every favor and maybe even go to war to get them back."
On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.), Lightning Point (aka Alien Surf Girls) aired "Feelings." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's only season of original broadcast existence. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Kiki is moved to tears by Amber's singing, Amber makes an important discovery - Luminans can only experience emotions on Earth. Meanwhile, Zoey has fallen in love with surfing and goes out every day - that is, until Brandon steals her wave and makes her break Amber's prized surf board - Having never experienced anger, Zoey is a ticking time bomb and when Brandon and Madison team up to push her buttons, Zoey starts creating mini-earthquakes around Lightning Point. Can Amber make Zoey realise that she needs to let her anger out, before she explodes the Diner?"
"When Kiki is moved to tears by Amber's singing, Amber makes an important discovery - Luminans can only experience emotions on Earth. Meanwhile, Zoey has fallen in love with surfing and goes out every day - that is, until Brandon steals her wave and makes her break Amber's prized surf board - Having never experienced anger, Zoey is a ticking time bomb and when Brandon and Madison team up to push her buttons, Zoey starts creating mini-earthquakes around Lightning Point. Can Amber make Zoey realise that she needs to let her anger out, before she explodes the Diner?"
On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), all of the stages were set for what looked to be a massive showdown -- as above so below -- on the CW's teen-themed Apocalypse drama, The 100. The first part of the two-part first season finale was titled "We Are Grounders: Part 1," and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Clarke and Finn come face to face with a new enemy after Lincoln rescues them from Anya, while Bellamy, Raven, Octavia and Jasper deal with a vengeful Murphy. On the Ark, Jaha makes a plan to try and get to Earth."
"Clarke and Finn come face to face with a new enemy after Lincoln rescues them from Anya, while Bellamy, Raven, Octavia and Jasper deal with a vengeful Murphy. On the Ark, Jaha makes a plan to try and get to Earth."
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Twin Peaks: The Return aired the fifth episode in its only season of original broadcast existence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Case files."
"Case files."
On this day in 1950, The Shadow radio serial aired "Death And The Duchess." Unfortunately, it would appear that the details involving this episode are lost to history, and I've found no synopsis on the internet.
