Though I could be wrong, VR.5 was one of the many SciFi programs the Fox TV Network ushered into its lineup in hopes of tapping some of the audience share they had cornered with Chris Carter's The X-Files. (As you can guess, it didn't come anywhere near those numbers.) It premiered on this day in 1995 and gave suitable eye candy Lori Singer a short-lived career beyond her break-out role in Footloose (1984). Despite a solid cast including David McCallum, Anthony Head, and Louise Fletcher, VR.5 failed to richly tap the world of virtual reality to the point that it had a real chance on the network, and it remains just one more loose end for the realm of Science Fiction to tie up.
I was one of the audience who had to wait until Powers came out on DVD for me to enjoy it; and -- for the record -- I did enjoy it quite a bit. I'll concede it was occasionally uneven, but I think it really struck a chord with those who found it streaming or otherwise. Alas, as can happen with genre projects, it lasted only two seasons; and here's the series' premise as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Set in a world where humans and super heroes co-exist, a homicide detective, who had his own powers taken from him, investigates crimes involving superhumans along with his partner."
"Set in a world where humans and super heroes co-exist, a homicide detective, who had his own powers taken from him, investigates crimes involving superhumans along with his partner."
Seriously, folks, I'm gonna keep bringing the film up until every single one of you sees it! The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951) is one of the finest sci-fi flicks of all time, and one of its stars, Sam Jaffe, celebrates his birthday today. Though he's no longer with us, Jaffe was born on this day in 1891.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Richard Haydn delivered his measured gravitas to the role of 'Professor Summerlee' aboard The Lost World (1960). Though he's no longer with us, Haydn was born on this day in 1905.
If you haven't seen the 1958-1959 BBC version of Quatermass and the Pit (TV miniseries), then you've missed something special, including a great performance by Cec Linder as 'Dr. Matthew Roney.' Though he's no longer with us, Linder was born on this day in 1921.
Robert Dowdell played a key role in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century's first season, playing the duplicitous Galen in the powerful episode "Planet of the Slave Girls." He also enjoyed leading role status aboard Irwin Allen's classic Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea in the 1960's. Though he's no longer with us, Dowdell was born on this day in 1932.
Special effects artist Ron Gress has been involved with such projects as Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979), Spacehunter: Adventures In The Forbidden Zone (1983), The Fifth Element (1997), The Time Machine (2002), and Star Trek: Nemesis (2002). Gress was born on this day in 1942.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
[Source: Memory Alpha]
I've never quite enjoyed Red Dwarf the way that so many have. What I've seen has been interesting; I guess I've just never been compelled to sit down and explore more of it. In any event, Robert Llewellyn played 'Kryten' -- a mechanoid -- aboard the beloved program, and Llewellyn was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
HubbaHubba Alert: the delicious Shannon Tweed enjoyed a bit of leather and lace for her work aboard the SciFi/Fantasy film Electra (1996) for Electra Film Productions, Inc. Tweed was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back in the days when her career was on fire, a luscious little lady named Sharon Stone was pairing alongside such leading men in such sci-fi action thrillers as Total Recall (1990). Her career has since cooled down considerably, but, every now and then, she appears in a movie hoping to show us what a real-life screen siren looks like. Stone was born on this day in 1958.
Among Jasmine Guy's many screen roles are guest spots aboard such properties as The Outer Limits Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, The Vampire Diaries, and Syfy's short-lived Superstition. Guy was born on this day in 1962.
The sexy and funny Paget Brewster has provided vocalwork to such projects as Godzilla: The Series, The Venture Bros., and Justice League: Gods and Monsters (2015). Brewster was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
And speaking of The Day The Earth Stood Still (see above citation re: Sam Jaffe): the film endured a Hollywood remake back in 2008 with Keanu Reeves taking over the central role, but critical favorite Jon Hamm also played a key role in the updating. To be fair, the film has suffered a lot of maligning, but I didn't think it was all that bad ... until it kinda/sorta veered off the rails in the final reel. Hamm was born on this day in 1971.
The fresh-faced Iva Hasperger turned up aboard the SciFi/Monster Movie Dinoshark (2010) for no less than Roger Corman. Hasperger was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Bree Turner is one of the regulars who helped to make NBC's Fantasy-themed Grimm such a wild, wild ride. Turner was born on this day in 1977.
Sadly, Edi Gathegi's character of Darwin wasn't really around X-Men: First Class long enough for audiences to get to know him; but the actor continues to seek out and explore roles in more mainstream fare on the big and small screen. Gathegi was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Thanks for a mountain of latex, I'll bet few people recognized funnyman Danny Pudi in his cameo aboard Paramount Pictures' Star Trek Beyond. He also had a fabulous supporting role aboard NBC's short-lived Superhero/Comedy Powerless, a show that deserved a wider audience. Pudi was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Natasha Alam showed up packing heat aboard Project 12: The Bunker (2012), and she continues to seek out quality genre roles today. She's also dabbled in the realm of Fantasy with a recurring role aboard HBO's True Blood during its run on the premium cable channel. Alam was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Rafe Spall played 'Millburn' aboard the Ridley Scott SciFi feature, Prometheus (2012). He also played the lead aboard the 2012's Fantasy flick, Earthbound. Spall was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I often have to defend myself for 'defending' TRON: Legacy. Yeah, I get that maybe it wasn't exactly "the cat's meow" that everyone expected a sequel to the kinda/sorta groundbreaking TRON from so many years earlier, but if you go back and look at TRON that film hasn't exactly aged all that well. And Legacy's sleek and high-tech future looking vastly more believable up on the silver screen that did TRON's quaint and humble beginnings. One of the many things Legacy had going for it was actress Olivia Wilde. Her Quorra was a nimble computer-generated fighter who looked at even her digitized world with a kind of wide-eyed optimism ... and she sure looked slick as hell as decked out in black. She returned to the genre we love so much the next summer when she headlined Cowboys & Aliens (2011) opposite Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford, no less. Wilde was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Cooper Andrews braved the Zombie Apocalypse aboard AMC's epic The Walking Dead. He also enjoyed a spiffy small role aboard Shazam! (2017) for Warner Bros. Andrews was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As the above picture reminds us, you're likely to get trapped behind a bit of lens flare if JJ Abrams' is directing the motion picture ... and that's almost what happened to Ser'Darius Blain with his work aboard the deservedly-maligned Star Trek Into Darkness (2013). Blain was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Oh, look how far you've come! In her youth, a young, perky, and pigtailed Emily Osment appeared in Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams (2002) and Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over (2003). Osment was born on this day in 1992.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Grace Victoria Cox found herself trapped Under The Dome, a CBS TV adaptation of the popular Stephen King novel. She left those none-too-tranquil waters for a spot aboard Netflix's equally none-too-tranquil SciFi series The Society. Cox was born on this day in 1995.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The young Madeleine Arthur found herself trapped in a corner (or was she?) by a very dangerous looking creature aboard The X-Files episode "Ghouli." Arthur was born on this day in 1997.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1934 (in Portugal), Deluge flooded theaters. (Snicker snicker!) Directed by Felix E. Feist, the Disaster/Drama starred Peggy Shannon, Lois Wilson, and Sidney Blackmer. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A massive earthquake strikes the United States, which destroys the West Coast and unleashes a massive flood that threatens to destroy the East Coast as well."
"A massive earthquake strikes the United States, which destroys the West Coast and unleashes a massive flood that threatens to destroy the East Coast as well."
On this day in 1958 (in Sweden), The Amazing Colossal Man turned in some big box office business. The feature starred Glenn Langan and Cathy Downs, and here's the plot summary that's listed on IMDB.com:
"A military officer survives a nuclear blast, only to begin to uncontrollably grow into an increasingly unstable giant."
"A military officer survives a nuclear blast, only to begin to uncontrollably grow into an increasingly unstable giant."
A star is born! On this day in 1962, audiences were swept up on a Journey To The Seventh Planet! Written (in part) and directed by Sidney W. Pink, the SciFi feature starred John Agar, Carl Ottosen, and Ove Sprogøe; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A U.N. space expedition to the planet Uranus discovers a bizarrely familiar world right out of their own heads, featuring places and people the crew members recall from their past. It's all part of a fantasy created by the planet's master, a giant, pulsating brain that can also turn their worst thoughts into reality."
"A U.N. space expedition to the planet Uranus discovers a bizarrely familiar world right out of their own heads, featuring places and people the crew members recall from their past. It's all part of a fantasy created by the planet's master, a giant, pulsating brain that can also turn their worst thoughts into reality."
On this day in 1969 (in Sweden), The Blood Beast Terror sucked the life out of innocent victims at the box office. Directed by Vernon Sewell from a script by Peter Bryan, the Horror/Fantasy starred Peter Cushing, Robert Flemyng, and Wanda Ventham. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A scientist, working with genetics, creates a creature that is capable of transforming back and forth between a giant Death Head moth and a beautiful woman. The creature masquerades as his daughter when she is in her human incarnation and feeds on the blood of her victims when she is in the moth form."
ExtraExtra Alert:
Late in 2022, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray of The Blood Beast Terror via a distributor relationship. Interested in knowing what I thought of this creature feature? You can find my review right here.
"A scientist, working with genetics, creates a creature that is capable of transforming back and forth between a giant Death Head moth and a beautiful woman. The creature masquerades as his daughter when she is in her human incarnation and feeds on the blood of her victims when she is in the moth form."
ExtraExtra Alert:
Late in 2022, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray of The Blood Beast Terror via a distributor relationship. Interested in knowing what I thought of this creature feature? You can find my review right here.
A star is born! Silent Running is one of those SciFi films I know I've seen; I just don't have much recollection of it. Generally, that means I either (A) didn't much care for the film's story or (B) didn't much care for the film's message. I get fickle like that sometimes. Here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"In a future where all flora is extinct on Earth, an astronaut is given orders to destroy the last of Earth's botany, kept in a greenhouse aboard a spacecraft."
For the record:
At the 1973 Hugo Awards, Silent Running was nominated in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation,' but it failed to take home the coveted trophy.
"In a future where all flora is extinct on Earth, an astronaut is given orders to destroy the last of Earth's botany, kept in a greenhouse aboard a spacecraft."
For the record:
At the 1973 Hugo Awards, Silent Running was nominated in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation,' but it failed to take home the coveted trophy.
On this day in 1978 (in Greece), Close Encounters Of The Third Kind demonstrated to audiences that we were -- most definitely -- not alone. Written (in part) and directed by Steven Spielberg, the SciFi/Drama starred Richard Dreyfus, Melinda Dillon, and Teri Garr. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Roy Neary, an Indiana electric lineman, finds his quiet and ordinary daily life turned upside down after a close encounter with a UFO, spurring him to an obsessed cross-country quest for answers as a momentous event approaches."
For the record:
At the 1978 Saturn Awards, the film took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Music' and 'Best Director' while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' At the 1978 Academy Awards, Close Encounters took home a single Oscar -- 'Best Cinematography' -- though Frank E. Warner also took home as Special Achievement Award for his work on the project. The flick had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Actress In A Supporting Role,' 'Best Music - Original Score,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' and 'Best Director.' Lastly, the Hugo Awards nominations the film in its category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"Roy Neary, an Indiana electric lineman, finds his quiet and ordinary daily life turned upside down after a close encounter with a UFO, spurring him to an obsessed cross-country quest for answers as a momentous event approaches."
For the record:
At the 1978 Saturn Awards, the film took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Music' and 'Best Director' while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' At the 1978 Academy Awards, Close Encounters took home a single Oscar -- 'Best Cinematography' -- though Frank E. Warner also took home as Special Achievement Award for his work on the project. The flick had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Actress In A Supporting Role,' 'Best Music - Original Score,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' and 'Best Director.' Lastly, the Hugo Awards nominations the film in its category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born! Those rascals we last saw Escape To Witch Mountain finally did Return From Witch Mountain on this day in 1978. These alien do-gooders couldn't be kept away from Walt Disney box office gold, and here's the plot summary for this sequel compliments of IMDB.com:
"Tia and her brother Tony have supernatural powers, can communicate and move things with the power of their mind alone. They arrive on Earth for a visit in Los Angeles. When Tony uses his powers to prevent an accident, he gets into the hands of Dr. Gannon, a ruthless scientist who's constantly striving for power over the world. He puts him a device into the brain that allows him to control Tony's will. Tia gets help from a kids gang to free Tony and save the Earth."
"Tia and her brother Tony have supernatural powers, can communicate and move things with the power of their mind alone. They arrive on Earth for a visit in Los Angeles. When Tony uses his powers to prevent an accident, he gets into the hands of Dr. Gannon, a ruthless scientist who's constantly striving for power over the world. He puts him a device into the brain that allows him to control Tony's will. Tia gets help from a kids gang to free Tony and save the Earth."
A star is born! On this day in 1978 (in the U.S.), The Fury was finally unleashed on audiences! (Well ... theatrically, that is.) Directed by Brian De Palma from a script by John Farris, the Fantasy/Horror starred Amy Irving, Andrew Stevens, and Kirk Douglas. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A former CIA agent uses the talents of a young psychic to help retrieve his telekinetic son from terrorists, who want to use his mental powers for evil."
For the record:
At the 1979 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), William Tuttle and Rick Baker took home trophies for their work in the film in the category of 'Best Make-Up.'
"A former CIA agent uses the talents of a young psychic to help retrieve his telekinetic son from terrorists, who want to use his mental powers for evil."
For the record:
At the 1979 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), William Tuttle and Rick Baker took home trophies for their work in the film in the category of 'Best Make-Up.'
On this day in 1980 (in Egypt and South Africa), Alien tore its way into the beating heart of theaters. Directed by Ridley Scott, the feature starred Sigourney Weaver and Harry Dean Stanton, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After a space merchant vessel receives an unknown transmission as a distress call, one of the crew is attacked by a mysterious life form and they soon realize that its life cycle has merely begun."
"After a space merchant vessel receives an unknown transmission as a distress call, one of the crew is attacked by a mysterious life form and they soon realize that its life cycle has merely begun."
On this day in 1984 (in Italy), theatre audiences were treated to yet one more look at the Apocalypse with The Final Executioner. The feature starred William Mang and Marina Costa, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"After a nuclear holocaust, as the rest of society regresses to primitivism, a small, "elite" group that has managed to escape radioactive contamination takes it upon itself to exterminate those it sees as "unfit", including certain members of its own group."
"After a nuclear holocaust, as the rest of society regresses to primitivism, a small, "elite" group that has managed to escape radioactive contamination takes it upon itself to exterminate those it sees as "unfit", including certain members of its own group."
A star is born ... or is it animated?! On this day in 1990 (in Japan), the band got back together again for the theatrical release of Dragon Ball Z: The World's Strongest. Directed by Daisuke Nishio, the animated Fantasy starred the voices of Masako Nozawa, Toshio Furukawa, and Mayumi Tanaka. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Z-Fighters must stop a mad scientist out to take over the world."
"The Z-Fighters must stop a mad scientist out to take over the world."
On this day in 1995 (in Japan), Cyborg III: The Recycler brought a bit of robot madness to the consumers of home video. Directed by Michael Schroeder, the SciFi/Thriller starred Zach Galligan, Khrystyne Haje, and Richard Lynch. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Prepare yourself for the all too deadly future. Cash, the heroine of Cyborg 2, is living safe in the free zone. But not for long. Biomechanical problems are taking down her systems and a visit to a doctor in Silica confirms her worst fears. She is more then a marvel of cyborg technology. She is the first of her kind to become a creator-she is pregnant."
"Prepare yourself for the all too deadly future. Cash, the heroine of Cyborg 2, is living safe in the free zone. But not for long. Biomechanical problems are taking down her systems and a visit to a doctor in Silica confirms her worst fears. She is more then a marvel of cyborg technology. She is the first of her kind to become a creator-she is pregnant."
A star is born! On this day in 1995, The Demolitionist enjoyed its U.S. theatrical premiere in Los Angeles, California. This SciFi/Thriller was directed by Robert Kurtzman and starred the lovely Nicole Eggert and genre-favorite Bruce Abbott. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A murdered police officer is brought back to life by a cold-hearted scientist to serve as "The Demolitionist", the ultimate crime-fighting weapon in a city overrun by criminals and internal corruption."
"A murdered police officer is brought back to life by a cold-hearted scientist to serve as "The Demolitionist", the ultimate crime-fighting weapon in a city overrun by criminals and internal corruption."
On this day in 1995, the 1987-produced Japanese anime Wings Of Honneamise enjoyed a U.S. theatrical release. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In an alternative Earth, a young astronaut participates in a controversial fledgling space program."
"In an alternative Earth, a young astronaut participates in a controversial fledgling space program."
On this day in 1998, the SciFi/B-Movie Mars found its way to audiences. The flick starred Olivier Gruner and Shari Belafonte, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In the future, Mars has been colonized. A martial artist arrives to investigate what happened to his brother. A powerful mining company is the prime suspect."
"In the future, Mars has been colonized. A martial artist arrives to investigate what happened to his brother. A powerful mining company is the prime suspect."
On this day in 2000, the big budget film Mission To Mars opened theatrically to mostly disappointing reviews. The Brian De Palma film certainly didn't ignite a frenzy amongst mankind for us to rush to the red planet, that's for sure. (I watched this finally, and good God was it awful!) Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"When the first manned mission to Mars meets with a catastrophic and mysterious disaster, a rescue mission is launched to investigate the tragedy and bring back any survivors."
"When the first manned mission to Mars meets with a catastrophic and mysterious disaster, a rescue mission is launched to investigate the tragedy and bring back any survivors."
A star is born! On this day in 2003 (in the United Kingdom), Absolon took audiences on a dark ride into a desolate world. Directed by David De Bartolome from a script by Brad Mirman, the SciFi/Thriller starred Christopher Lambert, Lou Diamond Phillips, and Kelly Brook. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a world ravaged by disease, he's the only cure... and the last hope for human-kind."
"In a world ravaged by disease, he's the only cure... and the last hope for human-kind."
A star is born ... and this one is undead! On this day in 2004 (in the U.S.), the good people of Los Angeles, California were treated to the silver screen premiere of Dawn Of The Dead. Directed by Zack Snyder, the Horror/Fantasy starred Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, and Mekhi Phifer. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A nurse, a policeman, a young married couple, a salesman and other survivors of a worldwide plague that is producing aggressive, flesh-eating zombies, take refuge in a mega Midwestern shopping mall."
For the record:
To the film's credit, this updating of the George A. Romero classic scored a lot of positive attention. At the 2005 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, Dawn Of The Dead scored four impressive nominations in such categories as 'Best Makeup/Creature FX,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Wide-Release Film.' At the 2004 Bram Stoker Awards, screenwriter James Gunn scored a nomination in the category of 'Screenplay.' Lastly, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films gave it two nominations for its 2005 Saturn Awards in the categories of 'Best Make-Up' and 'Best Horror Film.'
"A nurse, a policeman, a young married couple, a salesman and other survivors of a worldwide plague that is producing aggressive, flesh-eating zombies, take refuge in a mega Midwestern shopping mall."
For the record:
To the film's credit, this updating of the George A. Romero classic scored a lot of positive attention. At the 2005 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, Dawn Of The Dead scored four impressive nominations in such categories as 'Best Makeup/Creature FX,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Wide-Release Film.' At the 2004 Bram Stoker Awards, screenwriter James Gunn scored a nomination in the category of 'Screenplay.' Lastly, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films gave it two nominations for its 2005 Saturn Awards in the categories of 'Best Make-Up' and 'Best Horror Film.'
On this day in 2006 (in the United Kingdom), Evil Aliens crashed down into Earth's theatres. The feature starred Emily Booth and Sam Butler, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A TV crew, desperate to boost ratings, arrive on a remote Welsh farming island to investigate an intriguing incident. A local girl and her boyfriend had been abducted by aliens, who also impregnated her."
"A TV crew, desperate to boost ratings, arrive on a remote Welsh farming island to investigate an intriguing incident. A local girl and her boyfriend had been abducted by aliens, who also impregnated her."
A star is born! On this day in 2007 (in Spain), Doctor Infierno first opened its practice for theatrical business. Written (in part) and directed by Paco Limón, the Horror/Fantasy starred Arturo De Bobadilla, David Ransanz, and Belinda Fernández. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Doc Hell, famous gynecologist, wants to control the entire world. His plan: to heal the humanity using a miraculous medicine, in exchange for its complete submission. But his goals will be compromised when an unexpected detail, García Nurse, seeks revenge. The killer sent to her annihilation has failed. Nurse, murderer, one neighbor's boyfriend, the building manager, and a handful of other nasty people will be all involved in a crazy madness under the secret bunker of the Doctor Hell."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Doctor Infierno enjoyed a good amount of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"Doc Hell, famous gynecologist, wants to control the entire world. His plan: to heal the humanity using a miraculous medicine, in exchange for its complete submission. But his goals will be compromised when an unexpected detail, García Nurse, seeks revenge. The killer sent to her annihilation has failed. Nurse, murderer, one neighbor's boyfriend, the building manager, and a handful of other nasty people will be all involved in a crazy madness under the secret bunker of the Doctor Hell."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Doctor Infierno enjoyed a good amount of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2009 (in Japan), the good people of Budokan came out to enjoy the silver screen premiere of the live-action adaptation of Dragonball Evolution. Directed by James Wong, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Justin Chatwin, James Marsters, and Chow Yun-Fat. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The young warrior Son Goku sets out on a quest, racing against time and the vengeful King Piccolo, to collect a set of seven magical orbs that will grant their wielder unlimited power."
For the record:
In 2009, the Golden Schmoes Awards gave Dragonball Evolution a solid nomination in the category of 'Worst Movie Of The Year.'
"The young warrior Son Goku sets out on a quest, racing against time and the vengeful King Piccolo, to collect a set of seven magical orbs that will grant their wielder unlimited power."
For the record:
In 2009, the Golden Schmoes Awards gave Dragonball Evolution a solid nomination in the category of 'Worst Movie Of The Year.'
On this day in 2011 (in Argentina, Hong Kong, Israel, South Korea, Kuwait, and a few more places), Battle Los Angeles raged on the silver screen. Written by Christopher Bertolini and directed by Jonathan Liebesman, the SciFi/Actioner starred Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez, and Bridget Moynahan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Los Angeles and other cities around the world are being bombarded by meteors that seem to be slowing down once they hit the earth's atmosphere. The earth is suddenly being invaded by space aliens that have landed off the shore of LA, and who begin killing everybody along the beach. The military is ordered into action. Marine Staff Sergeant Nantz (Aaron Eckhart), who was about to retire, is reassigned to a new platoon. The platoon, flown by chopper to the forward operating base at Santa Monica Airport, is being led by a new 2nd Lt. Martinez (Ramon Rodriguez). They are sent on a mission to rescue some civilians who are trapped at the police station within alien territory. They only have 3 hours to complete their mission and get out before the Air Force bombs that zone."
For the record:
The film enjoyed a handful of screen nominations as well as a single win (for composer Brian Tyler). Talk was strong for some time promising a sequel, but to date there's been no follow-up.
"Los Angeles and other cities around the world are being bombarded by meteors that seem to be slowing down once they hit the earth's atmosphere. The earth is suddenly being invaded by space aliens that have landed off the shore of LA, and who begin killing everybody along the beach. The military is ordered into action. Marine Staff Sergeant Nantz (Aaron Eckhart), who was about to retire, is reassigned to a new platoon. The platoon, flown by chopper to the forward operating base at Santa Monica Airport, is being led by a new 2nd Lt. Martinez (Ramon Rodriguez). They are sent on a mission to rescue some civilians who are trapped at the police station within alien territory. They only have 3 hours to complete their mission and get out before the Air Force bombs that zone."
For the record:
The film enjoyed a handful of screen nominations as well as a single win (for composer Brian Tyler). Talk was strong for some time promising a sequel, but to date there's been no follow-up.
A star is born! On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.), Extracted was just one of the motion pictures to enjoy its theatrical debut on the screens of the South By Southwest Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Nir Paniry, the SciFi/Thriller starred Sasha Roiz, Jenny Mollen, and Dominic Bogart. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A scientist who has invented a technology to construct virtual realities from people's memories finds himself in a perilous situation, after he reluctantly allows it to be used for a purpose he never imagined."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Extracted enjoyed a modest amount of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A scientist who has invented a technology to construct virtual realities from people's memories finds himself in a perilous situation, after he reluctantly allows it to be used for a purpose he never imagined."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Extracted enjoyed a modest amount of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2014, Bigfoot Wars aired as a SciFi/Telefilm. It starred Larry Jack Dotson and Holt Boggs, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"A small town becomes the focal point of a brutal clash between man and a legendary beast."
"A small town becomes the focal point of a brutal clash between man and a legendary beast."
On this day in 2016 (in South Korea), Rise of the Dinosaurs didn't exactly roar but was released. The film starred Gary Stretch and Corin Nemec, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A commando squad rescues a hostage being held by a terrorist, but their helicopter is shot down and falls into an unexplored valley. They quickly realize it is inhabited by dinosaurs, for which soldiers are a tasty morsel."
"A commando squad rescues a hostage being held by a terrorist, but their helicopter is shot down and falls into an unexplored valley. They quickly realize it is inhabited by dinosaurs, for which soldiers are a tasty morsel."
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), At First Light enjoyed its first light of day when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the South By Southwest Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Jason Stone, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Stefanie Scott, Théodore Pellerin, and Saïd Taghmaoui. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Alex is floating unconscious in a lake when light from a UFO of light saves her by enhancing her abilities such as telekinesis and healing power. Her friend Sean helps her. The authorities want her - not just for stealing a police car."
For the record:
At the 2019 Leo Awards (the organization recognizing excellence in film production in British Columbia), At First Light enjoyed taking home the covet trophy in the category of 'Best Visual Effects In A Motion Picture.' Alas, producers had to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in the category of 'Best Sound In A Motion Picture.'
"Alex is floating unconscious in a lake when light from a UFO of light saves her by enhancing her abilities such as telekinesis and healing power. Her friend Sean helps her. The authorities want her - not just for stealing a police car."
For the record:
At the 2019 Leo Awards (the organization recognizing excellence in film production in British Columbia), At First Light enjoyed taking home the covet trophy in the category of 'Best Visual Effects In A Motion Picture.' Alas, producers had to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in the category of 'Best Sound In A Motion Picture.'
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Elizabeth Harvest enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition ever when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the South By Southwest Film Festival. Written and directed by Sebastian Gutierrez, the SciFi/Horror starred Abbey Lee, Ciarán Hinds, and Carla Gugino. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A brilliant man marries a beautiful woman and shows her his home, stating that it's all hers - except a room she can't enter. First chance she enters and discovers what might be human cloning. When the husband returns she pays the price."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Elizabeth Harvest garnered a bit of positive attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A brilliant man marries a beautiful woman and shows her his home, stating that it's all hers - except a room she can't enter. First chance she enters and discovers what might be human cloning. When the husband returns she pays the price."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Elizabeth Harvest garnered a bit of positive attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Fast Color dazzled audiences with its first theatrical exhibition ever when it was screened at the South By Southwest Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Julia Hart, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Gugu Mbatha-Raw, David Strathairn, and Lorraine Toussaint. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"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 2020 (in the U.S.), Bloodsucker's Planet touched down on Earth in the home video market. Written and directed by Mark Beal, the SciFi/Horror starred Cory W. Ahre, Jessica Bell, and Adrienne Dobson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In this '60s retro prequel to the bizarro-noir Bloodsucker's Handbook (AKA Enchiridion), Bloodsucker's Planet follows the crew of the space ship Argosy as they respond to a distress signal from the industrial Planet Mara only to discover the planet is ruled by the sinister Mother Vampire. Along the way, they encounter disease-carrying Mara bats, a talking space roach, and Adrianna, the gynoid whose developing self-awareness is aided by her collection of vintage romance comics."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Bloodsucker's Planet enjoyed a bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"In this '60s retro prequel to the bizarro-noir Bloodsucker's Handbook (AKA Enchiridion), Bloodsucker's Planet follows the crew of the space ship Argosy as they respond to a distress signal from the industrial Planet Mara only to discover the planet is ruled by the sinister Mother Vampire. Along the way, they encounter disease-carrying Mara bats, a talking space roach, and Adrianna, the gynoid whose developing self-awareness is aided by her collection of vintage romance comics."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Bloodsucker's Planet enjoyed a bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1958, Adventures Of Superman aired "The Superman Silver Mine." This served as the sixth episode of the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"A prospector who has hit it rich donates a silver mine to needy children and names it the "Superman Silver Mine." A crook, who bears a strong resemblance to the prospector, abducts him. The prospector refuses to disclose the location of the mine. Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen are imprisoned while investigating. The crook has a metal plate in his head and Clark uses this fact (and his X-Ray vision) to figure out what's going on. Now, it's up to Superman to bring the criminals to justice and free the prisoners."
"A prospector who has hit it rich donates a silver mine to needy children and names it the "Superman Silver Mine." A crook, who bears a strong resemblance to the prospector, abducts him. The prospector refuses to disclose the location of the mine. Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen are imprisoned while investigating. The crook has a metal plate in his head and Clark uses this fact (and his X-Ray vision) to figure out what's going on. Now, it's up to Superman to bring the criminals to justice and free the prisoners."
On this day in 1961, TV viewers were treated to another installment of Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone. The tale was called "Static," and it was the twentieth episode of the second season. According to IMDB.com, here's what all of the hubbub was about:
"An old radio is taking bitter bachelor Ed Lindsay back to a happier time before what he considers worthless tripe on television when he starts picking up radio programs from the 1930's and 1940's."
"An old radio is taking bitter bachelor Ed Lindsay back to a happier time before what he considers worthless tripe on television when he starts picking up radio programs from the 1930's and 1940's."
On this day in 1963, Gerry Anderson's Fireball XL5 aired "The Forbidden Planet." This served as the twentieth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Professor Matic and Dr.Stamp are working on a space station capable of observing other planets. However, the close planet of Nutopia does not like this kind of intrusion and abducts both men. It's up to Steve, Venus and Fireball XL5 to come and rescue them..."
"Professor Matic and Dr.Stamp are working on a space station capable of observing other planets. However, the close planet of Nutopia does not like this kind of intrusion and abducts both men. It's up to Steve, Venus and Fireball XL5 to come and rescue them..."
On this day in 1966, Gerry Anderson's Thunderbirds aired "Attack Of The Alligators!" This served as the twenty-third episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dr. Orchard has developed a food additive called theramine. It has the ability to substantially increase the size of animals. A sample is accidentally spilled into the drain system that feeds into the local swamp. The effects are devastating on the local wildlife and the isolated laboratory comes under attack by giant alligators. This triggers International rescue to try and save those trapped inside and contain the spread of a biological disaster."
"Dr. Orchard has developed a food additive called theramine. It has the ability to substantially increase the size of animals. A sample is accidentally spilled into the drain system that feeds into the local swamp. The effects are devastating on the local wildlife and the isolated laboratory comes under attack by giant alligators. This triggers International rescue to try and save those trapped inside and contain the spread of a biological disaster."
On this day in 1978, The Incredible Hulk aired "Final Round." This served as the third episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"David 'Benson' is saved from a couple of muggers by a boxer nicknamed 'Rocky' and becomes his friend and corner-man. Unfortunately the young man suffers from high blood pressure and is being used to ferry drugs by an unscrupulous manager."
"David 'Benson' is saved from a couple of muggers by a boxer nicknamed 'Rocky' and becomes his friend and corner-man. Unfortunately the young man suffers from high blood pressure and is being used to ferry drugs by an unscrupulous manager."
On this day in 1978, TV's Wonder Woman aired "Seance Of Terror." This served as the nineteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Several attendees of a World Peace Conference are lured away by a psychic boy who takes Polaroids featuring deceased loved ones. As Diana failed to protect one of the dignitaries, she is taken off the case and told to go on vacation."
"Several attendees of a World Peace Conference are lured away by a psychic boy who takes Polaroids featuring deceased loved ones. As Diana failed to protect one of the dignitaries, she is taken off the case and told to go on vacation."
On this day in 1980, Blake's 7 aired "Ultraworld." This served as the tenth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Liberator detects a mysterious spiky metal globe floating in space. Avon deduces that it is an artificial planet, but can't raise any communication. Then Cally disappears - apparently abducted inside the "planet". As well as affecting minds, this "Ultraworld" turns out to be capable of stealing them - and using the zombified bodies of space travelers to trap others. But the crew must ultimately face the menace that rules from the center of the Ultraworld..."
"The Liberator detects a mysterious spiky metal globe floating in space. Avon deduces that it is an artificial planet, but can't raise any communication. Then Cally disappears - apparently abducted inside the "planet". As well as affecting minds, this "Ultraworld" turns out to be capable of stealing them - and using the zombified bodies of space travelers to trap others. But the crew must ultimately face the menace that rules from the center of the Ultraworld..."
On this day in 1985, Knight Rider aired "The Nineteenth Hole." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Michael and K.I.T.T. come to the aid of the granddaughter of a friend of Devon's, Jamie Downs, who is organizing a charity race in the small town of Marberry."
"Michael and K.I.T.T. come to the aid of the granddaughter of a friend of Devon's, Jamie Downs, who is organizing a charity race in the small town of Marberry."
On this day in 1988, Probe aired "Untouched By Human Hands." This served as the second episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Austin is called in when a reactor built by Serendip malfunctions, and a staff member inside is dead. The body is inaccessible because of the high levels of radiation flooding the chamber."
"Austin is called in when a reactor built by Serendip malfunctions, and a staff member inside is dead. The body is inaccessible because of the high levels of radiation flooding the chamber."
On this day in 1990, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "The Offspring." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"After returning from a cybernetics conference to the Enterprise, Data creates his own "child," much to the chagrin of his captain, and without regards to the ramifications with Starfleet."
"After returning from a cybernetics conference to the Enterprise, Data creates his own "child," much to the chagrin of his captain, and without regards to the ramifications with Starfleet."
On this day in 1995, The X-Files aired "Død Kalm." This served as the nineteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The crew of a US military ship that went missing in the Norwegian Sea is found dead from what seems to be rapid aging. Thinking it's another Philadelphia Experiment, Mulder boards the ghost ship along with Scully and a local skipper."
"The crew of a US military ship that went missing in the Norwegian Sea is found dead from what seems to be rapid aging. Thinking it's another Philadelphia Experiment, Mulder boards the ghost ship along with Scully and a local skipper."
It all began right here: on this day in 1995, the sci-fi drama VR5 premiered on Fox TV. I didn't get the chance to see this one when it aired in its original run, but I've often heard good things about it. Here's the plot summary for the pilot episode, as provided by our friends at TV.com:
"Welcome to the game, ...." Sydney Bloom, a loner VR hobbyist, stumbles on a whole new dimension of VR when she inadvertently discovers that she can "pull" anyone into VR with her via the phone lines. When she innocently uses it on a man she is dating, she learns, to her horror, that he's a serial rapist/killer. To complicate matters, her inquiries into VR have brought her to the attention of a super-secret intelligence operation called "the Committee". Her life is changed forever by the words "Welcome to the game, Sydney Bloom ...."
"Welcome to the game, ...." Sydney Bloom, a loner VR hobbyist, stumbles on a whole new dimension of VR when she inadvertently discovers that she can "pull" anyone into VR with her via the phone lines. When she innocently uses it on a man she is dating, she learns, to her horror, that he's a serial rapist/killer. To complicate matters, her inquiries into VR have brought her to the attention of a super-secret intelligence operation called "the Committee". Her life is changed forever by the words "Welcome to the game, Sydney Bloom ...."
On this day in 2000, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Nemesis." This served as the twenty-second episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ready to go on vacation, O'Neill is beamed away by the Asgard. Thor tells him that Earth is faced with an enemy even worse than the Goa'uld."
"Ready to go on vacation, O'Neill is beamed away by the Asgard. Thor tells him that Earth is faced with an enemy even worse than the Goa'uld."
On this day in 2002, The X-Files aired "Providence." This served as the tenth episode of the program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Scully's baby becomes a bargaining chip for a psychotic UFO cult that feels the baby is ultimately connected to a UFO they have uncovered."
"Scully's baby becomes a bargaining chip for a psychotic UFO cult that feels the baby is ultimately connected to a UFO they have uncovered."
It all came down to this: on this day in 2003 (in the United Kingdom), Farscape aired "Bad Timing." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode in the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With their Crystherium stores low, the Scarrans must travel to Earth through a wormhole as those flowers grow there. With Pilots help, Crichton tries to collapse the wormhole leading back to Earth."
"With their Crystherium stores low, the Scarrans must travel to Earth through a wormhole as those flowers grow there. With Pilots help, Crichton tries to collapse the wormhole leading back to Earth."
On this day in 2006, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Camelot." This served as the twentieth episode of the long-running program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed upon IMDB.com:
"Based on the information Vala gave them, SG-1 travels to the planet where Merlin may have hidden his secret weapon to defeat ascended beings. There they find an appropriately medieval village and learn that Merlin kept a library there. The locals have never been inside owing to a curse that on anyone who dares enter but SG-1 finds a way in. Once inside, they find a secret chamber that may reveal the location of the weapon. SGC meanwhile have located the Ori's supergate."
"Based on the information Vala gave them, SG-1 travels to the planet where Merlin may have hidden his secret weapon to defeat ascended beings. There they find an appropriately medieval village and learn that Merlin kept a library there. The locals have never been inside owing to a curse that on anyone who dares enter but SG-1 finds a way in. Once inside, they find a secret chamber that may reveal the location of the weapon. SGC meanwhile have located the Ori's supergate."
It all began right here: on this day in 2015, Powers leapt into the broadcast superhero game. The first installment was simply billed as its pilot episode, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Christian Walker is a cop in special Powers Division for policing super-powered criminals. Walker is an ex-'Power' and yearns for his powers. An unidentified drug kills an old power friend at the same time when Walker loses his partner to another Power. A new partner, a mystery girl and visits to the past of Walker through former friends now enemies Wolfe, who was caught and incarcerated by Walker himself and Johnny who Walker believes to be dead results in a surprisingly intense pilot episode."
"Christian Walker is a cop in special Powers Division for policing super-powered criminals. Walker is an ex-'Power' and yearns for his powers. An unidentified drug kills an old power friend at the same time when Walker loses his partner to another Power. A new partner, a mystery girl and visits to the past of Walker through former friends now enemies Wolfe, who was caught and incarcerated by Walker himself and Johnny who Walker believes to be dead results in a surprisingly intense pilot episode."
On this day in 2015, Powers aired "Like A Power." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After Calista tries to find her powers in a more drastic way, she meets RetroGirl whom Christian knows more about than he's letting on. Meanwhile his partner makes her first official Powers arrest. After a while Christian becomes more suspicious about Johnny Royalle's death, and visits Wolf to seek his help."
"After Calista tries to find her powers in a more drastic way, she meets RetroGirl whom Christian knows more about than he's letting on. Meanwhile his partner makes her first official Powers arrest. After a while Christian becomes more suspicious about Johnny Royalle's death, and visits Wolf to seek his help."
On this day in 2015, Powers aired "Mickey Rooney Cries No More." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As a lethal powers-enhancing drug is unleashed on the public, Detectives Walker and Pilgrim seek out the criminal mastermind behind it with the help of iconic Power, Retro Girl. As clues come to light, Walker considers the possibility that Wolfe, his dangerous former mentor turned nemesis, might have the answers he seeks."
"As a lethal powers-enhancing drug is unleashed on the public, Detectives Walker and Pilgrim seek out the criminal mastermind behind it with the help of iconic Power, Retro Girl. As clues come to light, Walker considers the possibility that Wolfe, his dangerous former mentor turned nemesis, might have the answers he seeks."
On this day in 2016, Colony aired "Zero Day." This served as the ninth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Will wants to remove the family from the occupation; Snyder tries to protect his office."
"Will wants to remove the family from the occupation; Snyder tries to protect his office."
