I made the mistake of believing the pre-release press materials involved TV's Crusade series -- the Babylon 5 spin-off program -- namely that one didn't have to be fully aware of Babylon's mythology to enjoy the show. Excited, I tuned in when it premiered on this day in back in 1999, and I was utterly confused (FYI: I hadn't yet partaken of Babylon 5 except in small doses). The character and circumstances didn't quite make sense to me, though I enjoyed much of what I saw. As a consequence, I didn't stick with it, but I did pick it up on DVD later. True story. Here's the series premise from IMDB.com:
"Set right after the events of Babylon 5: A Call to Arms (1999), a team of soldiers and scientists led by Capt. Matthew Gideon have five years to find a cure for an alien plague decimating Earth."
"Set right after the events of Babylon 5: A Call to Arms (1999), a team of soldiers and scientists led by Capt. Matthew Gideon have five years to find a cure for an alien plague decimating Earth."
This is another one of those Science Fiction series whose pre-promotion just wasn't all that interesting: I mean ... another incarnation of The Invisible Man? What for? Are you bringing anything new to the idea, or is this just another attempt to bring viewers to a network? Well, it premiered on this day in 2000, and I eventually caught it in reruns ... and it was quite smart! The series struck a solid comic tone with its characters and situations, and I think it still deserves to be discovered today. If you're looking for it, find a way to stream it or maybe even purchase the DVDs. I think you'll be surprised. Here's the series' premise from IMDB.com:
"A thief and conman is given the means to become invisible, and ends up working for a government agency."
For the record:
To the show's credit, The Invisible Man received nominations for Saturn Awards in the categories of 'Best Syndicated/Cable Television Series' from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror in both the years 2001 and 2002. Well done.
"A thief and conman is given the means to become invisible, and ends up working for a government agency."
For the record:
To the show's credit, The Invisible Man received nominations for Saturn Awards in the categories of 'Best Syndicated/Cable Television Series' from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror in both the years 2001 and 2002. Well done.
I've said it before (recently on these pages, in fact), and even today I stand my it: Science Fiction comedies are not easy to accomplish. You need an absolute winning combination of ideas, emotion, and talent. Back To The Future excelled in all of those requirements, and much its success was do to the affable big-screen charm of its leading man: Michael J. Fox. Fox was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Just how good was Michael J. Fox in that seminal first installment of Back To The Future? Well, in 1986, he took home the Saturn Award for 'Best Actor' from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films. He was also nominated for the Golden Globe -- for the same work -- for their 1986 ceremony (but missed out on the win). Even more, he took home the 1985 Jupiter Award -- the German annual cinema ceremony -- for 'Best International Actor.' Needless to say, his great work was deservedly rewarded.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Just how good was Michael J. Fox in that seminal first installment of Back To The Future? Well, in 1986, he took home the Saturn Award for 'Best Actor' from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films. He was also nominated for the Golden Globe -- for the same work -- for their 1986 ceremony (but missed out on the win). Even more, he took home the 1985 Jupiter Award -- the German annual cinema ceremony -- for 'Best International Actor.' Needless to say, his great work was deservedly rewarded.
Late in her acting career, Herta Ware embraced Science Fiction by appearing in Cocoon (1985) and Cocoon: The Return (1988) as well as taking on the role of playing 'Yvette Picard,' the mother to Starfleet's legendary 'Jean-Luc Picard' on Star Trek: The Next Generation. A quick rundown of her resume at IMDB.com also shows she enjoyed some screen time aboard 2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984); Amazing Stories,; Beauty And The Beast; Critters 2: The Main Course (1988); Eerie, Indiana; Species (1995); Alien Nation: Millennium (1996); and Beyond Belief: Fact Or Fiction. Though she's no longer with us, Ware was born on this day in 1917.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Post Script:
Sigh. As can happen when storytellers get their mitts into continuity, Ware's work was kinda/sorta dismissed from Trek continuity when the Paramount+ streaming series, Star Trek: Picard, reduced the late actress's role to a figment of the captain's imagination. These writers postulated that -- when he was young -- Picard's mother actually died from suicide, thus reducing this event from The Next Generation to a moment in an overactive imagination.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Post Script:
Sigh. As can happen when storytellers get their mitts into continuity, Ware's work was kinda/sorta dismissed from Trek continuity when the Paramount+ streaming series, Star Trek: Picard, reduced the late actress's role to a figment of the captain's imagination. These writers postulated that -- when he was young -- Picard's mother actually died from suicide, thus reducing this event from The Next Generation to a moment in an overactive imagination.
German-born Gerd Oswald certainly left his mark on genre entertainment history from behind the camera. Though the bulk of his professional resume dealt with more conventional fare, he had the good fortune of working near the Golden Age of Television, helming episodes of both of those great anthology shows, The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits. He even helped bring adventures in the worlds of Irwin Allen's Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea and Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek to life. In 1985, he stepped back into the director's chair -- as his last work of record -- for a few visits to The Twilight Zone reboot on CBS television. Though he's no longer with us, Oswald was born on this day in 1919.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
It was once said about SciFi and Fantasy author Lin Carter that he just couldn't resist the urge to write. In his years as an author, poet, editor, and critic, he weaved his way in and around many, many realms of the imagination. In the late 1960's, he also contributed ideas and scripts to the animated incarnation of Marvel's Spider-Man produced by Krantz Films. Though he's no longer with us, Carter was born on this day in 1930.
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
The lovely Joan Marshall squared off legally against no less than 'Captain James T. Kirk' himself aboard a popular episode of Star Trek during its original run on television. The actress also made appearances on The Twilight Zone and The Munsters. Though she's no longer with us, Marshall was born on this day in 1931.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
[Source: Memory Alpha]
She's been a secretary, a Vegas showgirl, a pin-up model, a Playboy Playmate, and a silver screen actress! Her name is Marilyn Hanold, and fans were able to bask in her loveliness is such genre products as Space Ship Sappy (with the Three Stooges), The Brain That Wouldn't Die (1962), Frankenstein Meets The Space Monster (1965), and TV's Batman. Hanold was born on this day in 1938.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Hugo and Nebula Awarding winning SciFi author Joe Haldeman is best known for his work, The Forever War, a military/SciFi novel about Earthmen battling in an interstellar war. He's also a SFWA Grand Master as well as a member of the Science Fiction Hall of Fame. Haldeman was born on this day in 1943.
Among many other distinguished appearances, David Troughton assumed a guest role aboard an episode of the BBC's Doctor Who. Troughton was born on this day in 1950.
Hollywood leading man Johnny Depp has struggled to capitalize on the success of the Pirates of the Caribbean films, so maybe he ought to stick with what he does best: pirates. 2014's Transcendence was a particularly brutal box office failure (on the heels of an equally curious debacle that was The Lone Ranger), but I suspect his future remains bright. Depp was born on this day in 1963.
As a screenwriter, David Koepp has contributed to some of the most popular franchises of the modern generation of cinema, including Jurassic Park (1993), Mission: Impossible (1996), Spider-Man (2002), and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008). Koepp was born on this day in 1963.
After giving genre fans something to crow about in the 1990/91 series of The Flash, actress Gloria Reuben crossed over onto the big screen with a small role in Jean Claude Van Damme's Timecop (1994). Recently, she joined up with the resistance fighting the alien invasion on TNT's Falling Skies. Reuben was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Wow. Eddie Marsan is a bit of a theatrical chameleon: audiences have enjoyed his work in dramas, comedies, and the like. The talented, award-winning actor has the chops to appear is just about any genre, though we do tend to celebrate only SciFi and Fantasy in these parts. In that respect, he's been recognized as part of V For Vendetta (2005), Hancock (2008), The Sarah Jane Adventures, Snow White And The Huntsman (2012), Jack The Giant Slayer (2013), The World's End (2013), Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, Galavant, and Deadpool 2 (2018). Marsan was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In 2013's Dark Skies, Josh Hamilton found himself as the head of the Barret family fighting the encroachment of otherworldly, extraterrestrial forces. Hamilton was born on this day in 1969.
As I've said many times before, we here at SciFiHistory.Net have a special appreciation for SciFi's bit players: those actors and actresses simply working in the background trying to 'eek' out a living in the dog-eat-dog world of genre entertainment. In that respect, say 'Happy Birthday' to Jennifer Kitchen, a lovely talent who has enjoyed small roles in such properties as Smallville, The Dead Zone, Battlestar Galactica, Kyle XY, The 4400, Fringe, Alcatraz, Eve of Destruction, and The Flash. Kitchen was born on this day in 1971.
The lovely Michaela Conlin went where no man had gone before (well, where no woman had gone before anyway) with her work aboard Apple TV's For All Mankind. Conlin was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Former beauty queen turned actress Shandi Finnessey braved the SciFi mutation better known as Piranhaconda (2012) in a direct-to-TV release. Finnessey was born on this day in 1978.
Tough guy Brian Patrick Wade made things tough for the smilers in the Marvel TV universe with several guest appearances aboard Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Wade was born on this day in 1978.
It's true: if you had to judge whether or not actress Natalie Portman could in fact act based on the work she did in the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy, then you might be forced to conclude that she couldn't. For my tastes, I thought she did fine, considering the weaknesses inherent in the material. Whatever the case, she did show us her midriff in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, and, for that, male fandom will be forever thankful. Portman was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Mae Whitman has certainly come a long way from playing the President's daughter in Roland Emmerich's Independence Day (1996). She did a great comic turn on Arrested Development, and she continues to be one of the most sought after young actresses in demand today. Whitman was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I'll go to my grave singing the praises for Humans. I watched this one as it aired on AMC (in the US), and I was thrilled with it from start to finish as I found it one of the smartest and most compellingly watchable SciFi/Dramas of its kind. Sadly, it only lasted three seasons, but I'm not sure what more they could've done with it. In any event, Dino Fetscher enjoyed a role as a synthetic person in the show, and Fetscher was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lo and behold, easy-on-the-eyes Logan Browning went and found herself some Powers. On the program Powers, she plays 'Zora,' a superhuman who joins forces with humans in order to fight crime. Browning was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Russian-language Science Fiction and Fantasy films have been hit-or-miss with me. (Many, many more misses than hits, honestly.) Still, I'm willing to give them a try when they offer up talent the likes of Lukerya Ilyashenko. She's given genre a try with features like Dance To Death (2017) and The Blackout (2019). Ilyashenko was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I watched a good handful of episodes of the Brit's kinda/sorta superhero program, Misfits, and I'd have to say that Lauren Socha was definitely a bright spot in the show (so far as I cared). Socha was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As part of the film Survivor (2014), luscious Danielle Chuchran played 'Kate Mitra,' a young space traveler who finds herself battling against bloodthirsty aliens and post-Apocalyptic warriors. Chuchran was born on this day in 1993.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Cobra Kai regular Xolo Maridueña hung up his fighting shoes (albeit briefly) to give something else a try, namely serving as the voice actor behind one of the characters aboard for the ride that was Cleopatra In Space. Maridueña was born on this day in 2001.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1922 (in France), Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde enjoyed its cinematic transformation into evil, albeit silent. Directed by John S. Robertson, the SciFi/Horror starred John Barrymore, Martha Mansfield, and Brandon Hurst. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dr. Henry Jekyll experiments with scientific means of revealing the hidden, dark side of man and releases a murderer from within himself."
ExtraExtra Alert:
While the following tidbit -- as found on IMDB.com -- isn't necessarily tied to the production of this silent version of the classic Horror/Fantasy Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde, I think it still deserves a hearing. According to Gene Fowler (Barrymore's biographer), the actor actually got the seller of a house to lower the asking price by an even $1,000 by agreeing to appear in costume as Mr. Hyde regalia and make-up at the house's closing. That, my friends, is too cool a story not to share!
"Dr. Henry Jekyll experiments with scientific means of revealing the hidden, dark side of man and releases a murderer from within himself."
ExtraExtra Alert:
While the following tidbit -- as found on IMDB.com -- isn't necessarily tied to the production of this silent version of the classic Horror/Fantasy Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde, I think it still deserves a hearing. According to Gene Fowler (Barrymore's biographer), the actor actually got the seller of a house to lower the asking price by an even $1,000 by agreeing to appear in costume as Mr. Hyde regalia and make-up at the house's closing. That, my friends, is too cool a story not to share!
A star is born! On this day in 1944, the good people of Los Angeles, California were treated to the very first theatrical engagement ever of The Invisible Man's Revenge! Directed by Ford Beebe, the SciFi/Thriller starred Jon Hall, Evelyn Ankers, and Alan Curtis; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An eccentric scientist helps a fugitive from the law become invisible, unwittingly giving him the power to exact revenge on his former friends."
"An eccentric scientist helps a fugitive from the law become invisible, unwittingly giving him the power to exact revenge on his former friends."
On this day in 1950 (in Australia), Unknown Island appeared curiously in theaters. Directed by Jack Bernhard, the Fantasy starred Virginia Reed and Richard Denning, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An adventure seeker and his fiancée visit an uncharted island, only to find that it is inhabited by deadly dinosaurs and other creatures ready to attack."
"An adventure seeker and his fiancée visit an uncharted island, only to find that it is inhabited by deadly dinosaurs and other creatures ready to attack."
On this day in 1960 (in Italy), the good people of Turin were treated to an exclusive theatrical engagement of the original SciFi/Classic: The Time Machine! Directed by genre master George Pal from a script by David Duncan (adapting the H.G. Wells' novel), the film starred Rod Taylor, Yvette Mimieux, and Alan Young. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A man's vision for a utopian society is disillusioned when travelling forward into time reveals a dark and dangerous society."
For the record:
At the 1961 Academy Awards, The Time Machine took home top honors in the category of 'Best Effects - Special Effects.' The film also enjoyed a 1961 Hugo Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"A man's vision for a utopian society is disillusioned when travelling forward into time reveals a dark and dangerous society."
For the record:
At the 1961 Academy Awards, The Time Machine took home top honors in the category of 'Best Effects - Special Effects.' The film also enjoyed a 1961 Hugo Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
Mmmm, it's culturally delicious! On this day in 1973 (in Japan), Soylent Green was added to mankind cinematic diet. Directed by Richard Fleischer, the SciFi/Drama starred Charlton Heston and Edward G. Robinson, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the world ravaged by the greenhouse effect and overpopulation, an NYPD detective investigates the murder of a big company CEO."
For the record:
I always thought that Soylent Green was really one of the first "environmentally conscious" Science Fiction films, something which tried to look at our world as a whole and what we were perhaps doing to it. I'd argue that it certainly sparked a trend in SciFi flicks to go a bit deeper into subject matter than just warp drive and laser pistols. The film was recognized by many to be worthy of acclaim. In 1974, it won the Nebula Award for Best Dramatic Presentation as well as taking the Grand Prize at the Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival. In 1975, it won the Golden Scroll for Best Picture from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films.
"In the world ravaged by the greenhouse effect and overpopulation, an NYPD detective investigates the murder of a big company CEO."
For the record:
I always thought that Soylent Green was really one of the first "environmentally conscious" Science Fiction films, something which tried to look at our world as a whole and what we were perhaps doing to it. I'd argue that it certainly sparked a trend in SciFi flicks to go a bit deeper into subject matter than just warp drive and laser pistols. The film was recognized by many to be worthy of acclaim. In 1974, it won the Nebula Award for Best Dramatic Presentation as well as taking the Grand Prize at the Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival. In 1975, it won the Golden Scroll for Best Picture from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films.
On this day in 1978 (in the U.S.), Damien: Omen II enjoyed its full U.S. theatrical release. Directed by Don Taylor and Mike Hodges, the Horror/Fantasy starred William Holden, Lee Grant, and Jonathan Scott-Taylor. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Damien the Antichrist, now about to turn thirteen years old, finally learns of his destiny under the guidance of an unholy disciple of Satan. Meanwhile dark forces begin to eliminate all those who suspect the child's true identity."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Damien: Omen II enjoyed a 1979 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Special Effects.'
"Damien the Antichrist, now about to turn thirteen years old, finally learns of his destiny under the guidance of an unholy disciple of Satan. Meanwhile dark forces begin to eliminate all those who suspect the child's true identity."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Damien: Omen II enjoyed a 1979 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Special Effects.'
A star is born! Being as old as I am, I've often found it difficult to impress upon younger viewers -- say today's youth -- what science fiction was like back in the day when the first episode of Star Wars set the movie industry on fire. Everyone -- and I do mean "everyone" -- wanted in on that action, even when that meant greenlighting G-rated films to bring in the masses. Case in point: Walt Disney's The Cat From Outer Space premiered theatrically on this day in 1978. And where's the reboot, Hollywood? Huh? Where's that reboot? Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Three scientists help an Alien feline, stranded on Earth, to repair its damaged spacecraft in order to return home but their efforts are hampered by inept army officials and foreign spies."
"Three scientists help an Alien feline, stranded on Earth, to repair its damaged spacecraft in order to return home but their efforts are hampered by inept army officials and foreign spies."
On this day in 1982 (in Colombia), Hangar 18 examined the possibilities of a downed UFO within U.S. airspace. Directed by James L. Conway, the SciFi/Drama starred Darren McGavin, Robert Vaughn, and Gary Collins; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After a UFO crashes in Arizona, due to a space collision with a NASA satellite launch, the U.S. government tries to cover-up the incident for political reasons."
"After a UFO crashes in Arizona, due to a space collision with a NASA satellite launch, the U.S. government tries to cover-up the incident for political reasons."
On this day in 1984, Panic enjoyed its U.S. broadcast television premiere. Directed by Tonino Ricci, the SciFi/Horror starred David Warbeck and Janet Agren, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A scientist's experiment with a deadly bacteria goes awry and leaves him horribly deformed. The monstrous man then runs amok in his town."
"A scientist's experiment with a deadly bacteria goes awry and leaves him horribly deformed. The monstrous man then runs amok in his town."
A star is born! On this day in 1984 (in the Philippines), the Fantasy-themed Sword of the Valiant opened in theatres. (It wouldn't open inside the United States for a few months more.) The feature starred Miles O'Keeffe and Sean Connery, and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"Gawain was a squire in King Arthur's court when the Green Knight burst in and offered to play a game with a brave knight. No knights stand to defend their king's honor. Except for the valiant Gawain. After being quickly knighted Gawain plays the game, but learns that it's all a trick, and he has lost. But the Green Knight shows mercy, letting Gawain grow a year older before having to face the consequences. Gawain journeys across the land, learning about life, saving damsels, and solving the Green Knight's riddle."
"Gawain was a squire in King Arthur's court when the Green Knight burst in and offered to play a game with a brave knight. No knights stand to defend their king's honor. Except for the valiant Gawain. After being quickly knighted Gawain plays the game, but learns that it's all a trick, and he has lost. But the Green Knight shows mercy, letting Gawain grow a year older before having to face the consequences. Gawain journeys across the land, learning about life, saving damsels, and solving the Green Knight's riddle."
On this day in 1988 (in Greece), the future was so bright that it all led to organized homicide in the silver screen adaptation of Stephen King's The Running Man. Directed by Paul Michael Glaser, the SciFi/Thriller starred Arnold 'Screw Your Freedom' Schwarzenegger, Maria Conchita Alonzo, and Yaphet Koto. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Ben Richards is an innocent man who is sentenced to the Running Man game show, a futuristic audience participation capital punishment television show. While Ben is running from champions with chainsaws and sharpened hockey sticks, the host is busy with calls to the network about ratings."
For the record:
Despite being somewhat tepid, The Running Man is not without some praise. At the 1988 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actor Richard Dawson took home top honors in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor' for his work in the film. Otherwise, the picture had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Costumes' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"Ben Richards is an innocent man who is sentenced to the Running Man game show, a futuristic audience participation capital punishment television show. While Ben is running from champions with chainsaws and sharpened hockey sticks, the host is busy with calls to the network about ratings."
For the record:
Despite being somewhat tepid, The Running Man is not without some praise. At the 1988 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actor Richard Dawson took home top honors in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor' for his work in the film. Otherwise, the picture had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Costumes' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born! I'll agree with most that it's hard to figure out what to make out of Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, which premiered on this day theatrically back in 1989. Sure, the plot left audiences kinda/sorta scratching their head, but -- for all its blemishes -- Trek V has some of the best character moments (i.e. the campfire scene, Sybok discovering Spock's and Bones' respective 'pains,' etc.) in the entire film series. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Captain Kirk and his crew must deal with Mr. Spock's long-lost half-brother who hijacks the Enterprise for an obsessive search for God at the center of the galaxy."
For the record:
Sigh. It goes without saying that -- cough -- Star Trek V: The Final Frontier rarely gets cited as any Star Trek enthusiast's favorite cinematic outing for the classic crew. In fact, the film took home an incredible three out of five trophies it had the chance to earn from the 1990 Razzie Awards! Franchise juggernaut William Shatner took home two wins ('Worst Actor' and 'Worst Director') while producer Harve Bennett collected the coveted 'Worst Picture' award. Still, a few decades later -- in 2010 -- Final Frontier was included as part of the Star Trek: Original Motion Picture Collection DVD set that actually won the Saturn Award that year in the category of 'Best DVD Collection.' So ... take that, you haters!
ExtraExtra Alert:
I penned a feature article on what I felt was The Final Frontier's biggest creative mistake, and interested readers can check it out right here.
"Captain Kirk and his crew must deal with Mr. Spock's long-lost half-brother who hijacks the Enterprise for an obsessive search for God at the center of the galaxy."
For the record:
Sigh. It goes without saying that -- cough -- Star Trek V: The Final Frontier rarely gets cited as any Star Trek enthusiast's favorite cinematic outing for the classic crew. In fact, the film took home an incredible three out of five trophies it had the chance to earn from the 1990 Razzie Awards! Franchise juggernaut William Shatner took home two wins ('Worst Actor' and 'Worst Director') while producer Harve Bennett collected the coveted 'Worst Picture' award. Still, a few decades later -- in 2010 -- Final Frontier was included as part of the Star Trek: Original Motion Picture Collection DVD set that actually won the Saturn Award that year in the category of 'Best DVD Collection.' So ... take that, you haters!
ExtraExtra Alert:
I penned a feature article on what I felt was The Final Frontier's biggest creative mistake, and interested readers can check it out right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1993, the residents of Washington D.C. were treated to the silver screen theatrical premiere of Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park. Adapted from the Michael Crichton novel, the film starred Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A pragmatic paleontologist touring an almost complete theme park on an island in Central America is tasked with protecting a couple of kids after a power failure causes the park's cloned dinosaurs to run loose."
For the record:
Despite launching one of Science Fictions better franchises to emerge from the 1990's, the first Jurassic Park was the recipient of a whole lotta well-earned praise. At the 1994 Academy Awards, the film took home the Oscars in the categories of 'Best Sound,' 'Best Effects - Sound Effects Editing,' and 'Best Effects - Visual Effects.' It also took home the 1994 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' At the 1994 Saturn Awards, it was recognized with an incredible 11 nominations and took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Director,' and -- you guessed it -- 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"A pragmatic paleontologist touring an almost complete theme park on an island in Central America is tasked with protecting a couple of kids after a power failure causes the park's cloned dinosaurs to run loose."
For the record:
Despite launching one of Science Fictions better franchises to emerge from the 1990's, the first Jurassic Park was the recipient of a whole lotta well-earned praise. At the 1994 Academy Awards, the film took home the Oscars in the categories of 'Best Sound,' 'Best Effects - Sound Effects Editing,' and 'Best Effects - Visual Effects.' It also took home the 1994 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' At the 1994 Saturn Awards, it was recognized with an incredible 11 nominations and took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Director,' and -- you guessed it -- 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), Witchcraft V: Dance With The Devil enjoyed its launch in the home video marketsphere! Directed by Talun Hsu from a script by James Merendino and Steve Tymon, the Horror/Fantasy starred Marklen Kennedy, Carolyn Taye-Loren, and Nicole Sassaman. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An evil warlock takes over a rock club. He uses beautiful, large-breasted and frequently nude women to try to collect enough souls so that he may be able to bring Satan to Earth."
"An evil warlock takes over a rock club. He uses beautiful, large-breasted and frequently nude women to try to collect enough souls so that he may be able to bring Satan to Earth."
A star is born ... and riddle me this! On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), the good people of Los Angeles, California were treated to an exclusive silver screen premiere event when Batman Forever was shown. Directed by Joel Schumacher, the film starred Val Kilmer, Tommy Lee Jones, and Jim Carrey. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Batman must battle former district attorney Harvey Dent, who is now Two-Face and Edward Nygma, The Riddler with help from an amorous psychologist and a young circus acrobat who becomes his sidekick, Robin."
For the record:
Any chance to see Batman on the big screen is a big event, and Batman Forever turned out to be a very solid hit with audiences and organizations alike. At the 1996 Saturn Awards, the film scored four nominations ('Best Special Effects,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Costumes,' and 'Best Fantasy Film'), and the flick also scored three nominations ('Best Effects - Sound Effects Editing,' 'Best Sound,' and 'Best Cinematography') from the 1996 Academy Awards.
"Batman must battle former district attorney Harvey Dent, who is now Two-Face and Edward Nygma, The Riddler with help from an amorous psychologist and a young circus acrobat who becomes his sidekick, Robin."
For the record:
Any chance to see Batman on the big screen is a big event, and Batman Forever turned out to be a very solid hit with audiences and organizations alike. At the 1996 Saturn Awards, the film scored four nominations ('Best Special Effects,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Costumes,' and 'Best Fantasy Film'), and the flick also scored three nominations ('Best Effects - Sound Effects Editing,' 'Best Sound,' and 'Best Cinematography') from the 1996 Academy Awards.
Today's public service announcement: just like vinegar and water, lasers and chimpanzees do not mix.
A star is born! On this day in 1995 (in Canada and the U.S.), Congo beat its mighty drum with a theatrical release on the silver screen. Crafted by Michael Crichton and John Patrick Shanley for the screen and directed by Frank Marshall, the SciFi/Thriller starred Laura Linney, Tim Curry, and Dylan Walsh. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When an expedition to the African Congo ends in disaster, a new team is assembled to find out what went wrong."
For the record:
Congo was a bit of a mixed bag so far as its reception by audiences, critics, and beyond is concerned.
At the 1996 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the flick scored three nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
At the 1996 Razzie Awards, the flick scored an incredible five nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Worst Screenplay,' 'Worst Director,' 'Worst Supporting Actress,' 'Worst Supporting Actor,' and 'Worst Picture,' the last being a nod directed at producer Kathleen Kennedy.
A star is born! On this day in 1995 (in Canada and the U.S.), Congo beat its mighty drum with a theatrical release on the silver screen. Crafted by Michael Crichton and John Patrick Shanley for the screen and directed by Frank Marshall, the SciFi/Thriller starred Laura Linney, Tim Curry, and Dylan Walsh. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When an expedition to the African Congo ends in disaster, a new team is assembled to find out what went wrong."
For the record:
Congo was a bit of a mixed bag so far as its reception by audiences, critics, and beyond is concerned.
At the 1996 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the flick scored three nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
At the 1996 Razzie Awards, the flick scored an incredible five nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Worst Screenplay,' 'Worst Director,' 'Worst Supporting Actress,' 'Worst Supporting Actor,' and 'Worst Picture,' the last being a nod directed at producer Kathleen Kennedy.
On this day in 1995 (in Finland), RoboCop 3 reported back to the streets for duty. Directed by Fred Dekker, the SciFi/Thriller starred Robert John Burke, Nancy Allen, and Mario Machado; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Robocop saves the day once more. This time the half man/half robot takes on ruthless developers who want to evict some people on "their" land."
For the record:
I wouldn't exactly say that 'the third times a charm' for RoboCop as audiences and critics were largely disappointed with this outing. Not only did we lose the greater Peter Weller in the central role, but the script also kills off Murphy's parter, Anne Lewis (Nancy Allen). Still, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films gave it nominations (in 1994) for 'Best Supporting Actress' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"Robocop saves the day once more. This time the half man/half robot takes on ruthless developers who want to evict some people on "their" land."
For the record:
I wouldn't exactly say that 'the third times a charm' for RoboCop as audiences and critics were largely disappointed with this outing. Not only did we lose the greater Peter Weller in the central role, but the script also kills off Murphy's parter, Anne Lewis (Nancy Allen). Still, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films gave it nominations (in 1994) for 'Best Supporting Actress' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 1998, the truth was out there (yet again) with the release of Alien Agenda: Endangered Species on home video. Written and directed by the team of Cabriel Campisi, Ron Ford, Kevin J. Lindenmuth, and Tim Ritter, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Debbie Rochon and Joel D. Wynkoop. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Fritz and Megan find themselves working at 'The Complex', a facility that secretly watches extraterrestrial activity. Unable to trust anyone else because of the alien invasion, they decide to infiltrate the mutant infested wasteland of Florida and fight the invaders."
"Fritz and Megan find themselves working at 'The Complex', a facility that secretly watches extraterrestrial activity. Unable to trust anyone else because of the alien invasion, they decide to infiltrate the mutant infested wasteland of Florida and fight the invaders."
On this day in 2000 (in Denmark and Mexico), Supernova exploded on silver screens. Directed by Walter Hill, the SciFi/Drama starred James Spader and Angela Bassett, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Supernova chronicles the search and rescue patrol of a medical ship in deep space in the early 22nd century and its six-member crew which includes a captain and pilot, a co-pilot, a medical officer, a medical technician, a search and rescue."
"Supernova chronicles the search and rescue patrol of a medical ship in deep space in the early 22nd century and its six-member crew which includes a captain and pilot, a co-pilot, a medical officer, a medical technician, a search and rescue."
A star is born ... and this one is crawling with spiders! On this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), Ice Spiders enjoyed its premiere on television. Directed by Tibor Takacs from a script by Eric Miller, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Patrick Muldoon, Vanessa Williams, and Thomas Calabro. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A top-secret Government project has produced giant spiders and they have escaped, killing and eating everything in sight."
"A top-secret Government project has produced giant spiders and they have escaped, killing and eating everything in sight."
A star is born! On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), A Foundling enjoyed its big screen premiere when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Dances With Films Festival. Written and directed by Carly Lyn, the SciFi/Western starred Cindy Chiu, Tim Chiou, and Nora J. Novak. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Virginia - a young Chinese woman in the old west - rescues her long lost sister, Mattie, from a brothel in Arizona. On their journey home to San Bernardino, they discover the strange, steaming wreckage of an otherworldly craft. Inside the vehicle, Mattie finds a very mysterious baby."
"Virginia - a young Chinese woman in the old west - rescues her long lost sister, Mattie, from a brothel in Arizona. On their journey home to San Bernardino, they discover the strange, steaming wreckage of an otherworldly craft. Inside the vehicle, Mattie finds a very mysterious baby."
A star is born ... and this one had lens flares all over it! On this day in 2011 (in Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and a few other countries around the world), Super 8 enjoyed its unveiling to the masses-at-large. Written and directed by JJ Abrams, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Elle Fanning, AJ Michalka, and Kyle Chandler. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"During the summer of 1979, a group of friends witness a train crash and investigate subsequent unexplained events in their small town."
For the record:
At the 2012 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Super 8 took home trophies in two big categories ('Best Director' and 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor') while missing out in three other possibilities ('Best Writing,' 'Best Science Fiction Film' and a different 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor' nomination).
"During the summer of 1979, a group of friends witness a train crash and investigate subsequent unexplained events in their small town."
For the record:
At the 2012 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Super 8 took home trophies in two big categories ('Best Director' and 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor') while missing out in three other possibilities ('Best Writing,' 'Best Science Fiction Film' and a different 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor' nomination).
On this day in 2016 (in Australia), Arrowhead (aka Alien Arrival) arrived in theaters. Written and directed by Jesse O'Brien, the SciFi feature starred Dan Mor and Aleisha Rose, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A tech is sprung from prison by a revolutionary leader who promises him an opportunity to save his father from a scheduled execution if he completes a data-stealing mission. But it goes awry, stranding him on a strange alien moon."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Arrowhead enjoyed a wee bit of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I purchased a DVD copy of Arrowhead and gave it a watch. Interested in knowing what I thought of the project? Readers can find my review right here.
"A tech is sprung from prison by a revolutionary leader who promises him an opportunity to save his father from a scheduled execution if he completes a data-stealing mission. But it goes awry, stranding him on a strange alien moon."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Arrowhead enjoyed a wee bit of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I purchased a DVD copy of Arrowhead and gave it a watch. Interested in knowing what I thought of the project? Readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1956, Adventures Of Superman aired "The Phantom Ring." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Clark looks into joining a gang whose members possess special coins that allow them to perform crimes while invisible."
"Clark looks into joining a gang whose members possess special coins that allow them to perform crimes while invisible."
On this day in 1963 (in the United Kingdom), Fireball XL5 aired "The Day The Earth Froze." Officially, this served as the thirty-fifth episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The crew of Fireball XL27 arrives to Space City on a coma status. A note indicates that Planet Zavia is a threat to Earth and Steve, Venus and the Professor take Fireball XL5 to this icy planet. However, the inhabitants of this planet are planning a revenge on Earth men by sending a ray powerful enough to block Sun rays on Earth and start a new Ice Age..."
"The crew of Fireball XL27 arrives to Space City on a coma status. A note indicates that Planet Zavia is a threat to Earth and Steve, Venus and the Professor take Fireball XL5 to this icy planet. However, the inhabitants of this planet are planning a revenge on Earth men by sending a ray powerful enough to block Sun rays on Earth and start a new Ice Age..."
On this day in 1992, Mann & Machine aired "Torch Song." This served as the fifth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Eve's capacity for emotion expands when she makes friends with a singer fearful of a music executive suspected of killing her sister."
"Eve's capacity for emotion expands when she makes friends with a singer fearful of a music executive suspected of killing her sister."
It all came down to this: on this day in 1996, SeaQuest 2032 aired "Weapons Of War." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As seaQuest patrols a free trade zone between the UEO and Macronesia, Lieutenant O'Neill's online romance turns out to be a defector from an elusive Asian power known as the Chaodai, a power that attacks both the UEO and Macronesia with its impressive sub-fighter capability. In this final adventure, one member of SeaQuest's crew will not live to see another day."
"As seaQuest patrols a free trade zone between the UEO and Macronesia, Lieutenant O'Neill's online romance turns out to be a defector from an elusive Asian power known as the Chaodai, a power that attacks both the UEO and Macronesia with its impressive sub-fighter capability. In this final adventure, one member of SeaQuest's crew will not live to see another day."
On this day in 1997, Babylon 5 aired "The Face Of The Enemy." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Garibaldi sets up Sheridan who is promptly taken into custody by Clark's men. The reason behind Garibaldi's behavior and what happened to him when he disappeared in his Starfury is revealed."
"Garibaldi sets up Sheridan who is promptly taken into custody by Clark's men. The reason behind Garibaldi's behavior and what happened to him when he disappeared in his Starfury is revealed."
On this day in 1997, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "In The Cards." Officially, this served as the twenty-fifth episode in the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jake and Nog go through hell and high water, from participating in an auction to dealing with the Dominion, to receiving a Willie Mays baseball card, all in order to cheer up the war-fatigued Captain Sisko."
"Jake and Nog go through hell and high water, from participating in an auction to dealing with the Dominion, to receiving a Willie Mays baseball card, all in order to cheer up the war-fatigued Captain Sisko."
It all began right here: on this day in 1999, Crusade aired "War Zone." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Capt. Matthew Gideon assembles the crew that will be with him on the experimental starship Excalibur. Their mission: explore the reaches of space to find a cure for the deadly Drakh virus that will overrun Earth in five years."
"Capt. Matthew Gideon assembles the crew that will be with him on the experimental starship Excalibur. Their mission: explore the reaches of space to find a cure for the deadly Drakh virus that will overrun Earth in five years."
It all began right here: on this day in 2000, television delivered audiences yet one more incarnation of The Invisible Man. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Facing life without parole for a crime he ultimately didn't commit, crook Darien Fawkes is offered a pardon if he'll agree to participate in his brother's medical experiment: the insertion into his brain of a synthetic gland which secretes a light-bending substance called Quicksilver, which renders whoever or whatever is cloaked in it invisible. But Quicksilver also breaks down Darien's sanity without the regular injection of a counter-agent, and when terrorists gun down everyone involved in the project and steal all the relevant information, Darien is recruited by the experiment's backers, an ultra-secret and under-funded intelligence agency subsidized by the Department of Fish and Game, to stop the terrorists, avenge his brother's death, and get a fresh hit of the counter-agent."
"Facing life without parole for a crime he ultimately didn't commit, crook Darien Fawkes is offered a pardon if he'll agree to participate in his brother's medical experiment: the insertion into his brain of a synthetic gland which secretes a light-bending substance called Quicksilver, which renders whoever or whatever is cloaked in it invisible. But Quicksilver also breaks down Darien's sanity without the regular injection of a counter-agent, and when terrorists gun down everyone involved in the project and steal all the relevant information, Darien is recruited by the experiment's backers, an ultra-secret and under-funded intelligence agency subsidized by the Department of Fish and Game, to stop the terrorists, avenge his brother's death, and get a fresh hit of the counter-agent."
On this day in 2013 (in Canada), Continuum aired 'Second Degree." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Kiera visits her friend Elena's grave only to find that someone has removed her body. She assumes it has to have been taken by someone who knew she was from the future. She learns that an Agent Warren from "Section 6" has already retrieved the two Liber8 bodies from the morgue and shipped them to an unknown destination. Meanwhile, Julian Randol's trial is set to begin. Kiera sees Sonya at the courthouse but she manages to elude. Kiera detects that one of the jurors is acting strangely and thinks Sonya may have gotten to him. Alec is upset when his mother lies on the witness stand. He's scheduled to testify the next day and must now choose between lying for his family or telling the truth. Jim Martin gets a visit from Travis who threatens and reminds him of what they expect from him when he becomes mayor. After sleeping with Alec, Emily receives a visitor. She's quite adept at taking care of herself."
"Kiera visits her friend Elena's grave only to find that someone has removed her body. She assumes it has to have been taken by someone who knew she was from the future. She learns that an Agent Warren from "Section 6" has already retrieved the two Liber8 bodies from the morgue and shipped them to an unknown destination. Meanwhile, Julian Randol's trial is set to begin. Kiera sees Sonya at the courthouse but she manages to elude. Kiera detects that one of the jurors is acting strangely and thinks Sonya may have gotten to him. Alec is upset when his mother lies on the witness stand. He's scheduled to testify the next day and must now choose between lying for his family or telling the truth. Jim Martin gets a visit from Travis who threatens and reminds him of what they expect from him when he becomes mayor. After sleeping with Alec, Emily receives a visitor. She's quite adept at taking care of herself."
So far as this viewer is concerned, TNT's Falling Skies finally found a story worth telling when writers gave up on all of the 'wandering tales' of Earth's survivors, placed them at a single location, and started to actually develop a resistance against the alien invaders. The show opened its third season on this day in 2013. The first installment was titled "On Thin Ice," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Season three of Falling Skies opens seven months after the 2nd Mass arrived in Charleston. In the interim, Tom has been elected to political office, but he has his hands full as the resistance continues to battle the alien invaders."
"Season three of Falling Skies opens seven months after the 2nd Mass arrived in Charleston. In the interim, Tom has been elected to political office, but he has his hands full as the resistance continues to battle the alien invaders."
On this day in 2013, Falling Skies aired "Collateral Damage." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Volm discover a power source for Espheni weapons and encourage Tom to seek its destruction. Hal has nightmares involving his relationship with Karen. The loyalty of the Volm is questioned. The team also discover a mole is among them."
"The Volm discover a power source for Espheni weapons and encourage Tom to seek its destruction. Hal has nightmares involving his relationship with Karen. The loyalty of the Volm is questioned. The team also discover a mole is among them."
