The Star Trek: The Next Generation two-parter "Redemption" gets an awful lot of credit for igniting a frenzy amongst Trek fans to further study on the Klingon race, but, for my tastes, there was no better highwater mark than third season's "Sins of the Father."
The episode first aired on this day (in syndication) back in 1990. The original screenplay was submitted by Drew Deighan, but it was re-crafted into a teleplay credited to Ron Moore and W. Reed Moran. The story dealt with the Enterprise-D's Klingon officer Worf confronting a possible family shame. Despite things not being quite what they seemed, Worf did what he thought best to preserve the future of a warrior class that inevitably reject him over the falsehood.
Brilliantly written and brilliantly directed by the already-Trek veteran Les Landau, "Sins of the Father" remains an eminently watchable hour even to this day.
The episode first aired on this day (in syndication) back in 1990. The original screenplay was submitted by Drew Deighan, but it was re-crafted into a teleplay credited to Ron Moore and W. Reed Moran. The story dealt with the Enterprise-D's Klingon officer Worf confronting a possible family shame. Despite things not being quite what they seemed, Worf did what he thought best to preserve the future of a warrior class that inevitably reject him over the falsehood.
Brilliantly written and brilliantly directed by the already-Trek veteran Les Landau, "Sins of the Father" remains an eminently watchable hour even to this day.
Heck, I'm not even sure that Metropolis (1927) could even have been made without actress Brigitte Helm's participation. She appeared in no less than five different but related roles within the film, and it was only her first motion picture experience! (Tip: she's even the women beneath the film's signature robot; you can Google the web to find pictures of her in the garb with the faceplate removed.) Though she's no longer with us, Helm was born on this day in 1906.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
You don't get more 'Fantasy' than the James Bond films, long known for combining elements of Science Fiction with international espionage along with stunningly beautiful women. The late Eunice Gayson was revered as being one of the very first 'Bond girls,' and she deserves our praise for filling in so winningly opposite Sean Connery. Though she's no longer with us, Gayson was born on this day in 1928.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Tanya Lemani played a certain belly-dancer who was smitten with a certain ship's engineer aboard a certain space classic (Star Trek) in "Wolf In The Fold." Lemani was born on this day in 1945.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sigh. I really do need to read more. I remember that in my youth I tried to read something by the award-winning William Gibson -- I forget which novel -- but it honestly escaped me. It was probably a bit meatier than my young mind was up to, but the man's works continue to resonate with audiences. Also -- if memory serves -- I believe he penned a script for Alien 3 that was passed on by the studio but has certainly created some buzz. I think it's even available as a novel or something. Maybe I should check that out? Gibson was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though his dip into sci-fi was relatively short-lived, Patrick Duffy headlined Man From Atlantis with the kind of quiet grace one would expect of a man gifted with amphibious abilities. He went on to even greater fame with a starring role in TV's Dallas soap opera, but I fondly remember him as a hero from the deep. Duffy was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
All right, sci-fi fans! I've got two words for you today: Kurt Russell. In the 80's, Russell gave us the wonderful sci-fi two-fer as he headlined John Carpenter's The Thing and Escape From New York. (We'll forgive him for Escape From L.A.) The immortal Snake Plissken is a character Russell has said many times that he'd love to revisit, but I guess a solid script keeps escaping him.
But twice is never enough, and Russell went on to other leading sci-fi roles in the original Stargate movie as well as the underrated sci-fi thriller Soldier. Were I a betting man, I'd always put money on Kurt. And take my word for it: he's never too old to bring Plissken back to life. After all, I heard he was dead?
Russell was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
But twice is never enough, and Russell went on to other leading sci-fi roles in the original Stargate movie as well as the underrated sci-fi thriller Soldier. Were I a betting man, I'd always put money on Kurt. And take my word for it: he's never too old to bring Plissken back to life. After all, I heard he was dead?
Russell was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back in 1996, the always lovely Lesley-Anne Down jumped into Fantasy in a big way opposite Marc Singer aboard Beastmaster III: The Eye Of Braxus. Down was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Mark Boone Junior has made a few appearances in the realm of Science Fiction. He's been seen in Quantum Leap; had an uncredited role in Armageddon (1998); and provided voicework for the short-lived TRON: Uprising in 2012. Junior was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Gary Sinise went to the Red Planet (fictionally) compliments of Brian De Palma's rather lukewarm Mission To Mars (2000). SciFiHistory.Net also gives the man a shout for doing all of the good he does in support of America's troops. Sinise was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I ask you: what male among us could resist braving what remains after the Nuclear Apocalypse if we get damsels like the lovely Laurene Landon by our side? I'm okay with it, and such was the devastation that was America 3000. Landon was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of the slickest single-season SciFi comedies to come out of the 1990's was Fox TV's poorly received The Adventures Of Brisco County, Jr. As part of the cast, Christian Clemenson (above middle) played Socrates Poole, the occasionally nervous busybody who sometimes gave Brisco (fan favorite Bruce Campbell) his marching orders. Clemenson was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though she's no doubt far more well known for her work in comic circles, the lovely Vicki Lewis turned up as a brainy scientist trying to stop Godzilla (1998) from destroying mankind. Lewis was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The great Arye Gross even managed to steal a little scenery as the near-criminal in an early exchange with Tom Cruise from Steven Spielberg's Minority Report (2002). Gross was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Character actor Casey Siemaszko (above left, with the 3D glasses on) turned up as one of the trio supporting the nefarious Biff in Robert Zemeckis's Back To The Future (1985). Siemaszko was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Earlier in her professional career, the lovely Clare Grogan (above center) had a recurring spot aboard the BBC's Red Dwarf. Grogan was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In 1997, Rob Lowe joined Jodie Foster and Matthew McConaughey for Contact, the big screen adaptation of the Carl Sagan novel. Lowe was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Mathew St. Patrick did what he could to take on some Alien Raiders back in 2008, a B-movie with some respectable practical effects. The talented Thespian was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A bubbly and vivacious Marisa Coughlan lent her considerable bubblyness and vivaciousness to the deliciously retro Space Station 76, a SciFi comedy that came and went faster than Warp 10 from the cinemas in 2014. The talented actress has also booked appearances on The Burning Zone and The Twilight Zone previously. Coughlan was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Gina Holden is one of those actresses audiences always tend to root for. She's a rare talent who bounces around from franchise to franchise though never seems to come out with one of her own. Hopefully that'll change for her some day. In the meantime, she's built a fan base with her work in Stephen King's Dead Zone, Supernatural, Final Destination 3, The Butterfly Effect 2, Aliens Vs. Predator 2: Requiem, the ill-fated Flash Gordon TV series, Smallville, Fringe, Dracano, and much more. Holden was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Natalie Zea shows up more and more on the prime-time dial but, sadly, never seems to have true staying power. (As can happen, shows get cancelled or her character suffers some grisly fate.) Genre fans might recognize her from a few appearances aboard CBS's Under The Dome. Zea was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Brittany Daniel had a lot to worry about, staring down the alien invasion at the heart of the ill-received Skyline (2010). Daniel was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Oh, the things that happen when you get in bed with politics! Adult film temptress Stormy Daniels -- aka Stephanie Gregory -- proved she was a bit more than the girl next store when she became the poster child for the U.S. Democratic Party's attempt to dethrone a Presidency, but it all fell apart the way many should've predicted. I prefer to think of her not as a honey trap but as a legitimate Thespian making the screen a safer place with work like Sexbots: Programmed For Pleasure (2016) from Wicked Pictures. Bless her heart! Daniels was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Adult film temptress Katie Morgan have given SciFi fans something to look at with work in such genre properties as Space Nuts (2003) and Vixens From Venus (2016). Did she prove she had 'the right stuff?' Discriminating fans may want to research that outcome on their own. Morgan was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though I've been repeatedly told that superheroes have very little to do with Science Fiction, I tend to disagree. In fact, I'd argue that an awful lot of hero-based tales flirt with quality SciFi ideas, especially up-close-and-personal tales of origins that often tend to involve cutting edge science. Right now, the lovely Russkie Olesya Rulin is making waves as part of the ensemble cast that is the comic-inspired property Powers. Rulin was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The young and dreamy Eliza Bennett enjoyed an early role aboard Supernova (2005), and she's since appeared in more Fantasy-style properties on occasion. Still, fans can chock up appearance in Nanny McPhee (2005), Inkheart (2008), From Time To Time (2009), Roadkill (2011), and Grimm's Snow White (2012) as deserving of mention. Bennett was born on this day in 1992.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
John Boyega. Aka 'Finn.' Stormtrooper. Apparently, JJ Abrams thought it would be funny to cast a black man working in Imperial Sanitation in a little something called Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015). 'Nuff said? If not, you can add to that The Last Jedi and The Rise Of Skywalker for good measure. Personally, I didn't care for his character, but it is what it is. It is also interesting to note that once the Sequel Trilogy ended, Boyega was none too happy with the Mouse House and Lucasfilm, though rumors these days suggest that the parties have all mended their fences. Boyega was born on this day in 1992.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In 2016, Boyega earned a Saturn Awards nomination for his work as 'Best Actor' aboard Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In 2016, Boyega earned a Saturn Awards nomination for his work as 'Best Actor' aboard Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
A star is born!
On this day in 1966 (in Italy), The Murder Clinic first opened its doors for business. (Well ... theatrical business, that is.) Directed by Elio Scardamaglia and Lionello De Felice, the Horror/Thriller starred William Berger, Françoise Prévost, Mary Young, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"People are found murdered at an isolated mental hospital and a hooded figure is seen stalking the halls. The dean of the hospital cannot afford a police investigation due to his shady past n his ongoing experiments. While the dean is busy experimenting skin grafting on animals, his wife gets concerned when a beautiful guest arrives and her arrival threatens to jeopardize everything."
"People are found murdered at an isolated mental hospital and a hooded figure is seen stalking the halls. The dean of the hospital cannot afford a police investigation due to his shady past n his ongoing experiments. While the dean is busy experimenting skin grafting on animals, his wife gets concerned when a beautiful guest arrives and her arrival threatens to jeopardize everything."
On this day in 1967 (in Ireland), One Million Years B.C. gave audiences a little something extra to look at from the Stone Age. Directed by Don Chaffey, the Fantasy/Adventure starred Raquel Welch, John Richardson, and Percy Herbert. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Prehistoric man Tumak is banished from his savage tribe and meets pretty Loana, who belongs to a gentler coastal tribe, but he must fight caveman Payto to win her favors."
"Prehistoric man Tumak is banished from his savage tribe and meets pretty Loana, who belongs to a gentler coastal tribe, but he must fight caveman Payto to win her favors."
On this day in 1971 (in the U.S.), When Dinosaurs Ruled The Earth roared into theaters. Written (in part) and directed by Val Guest, the Fantasy feature starred former Playboy Playmate Victoria Vetri, Robin Hawdon, and Patrick Allen; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sanna escapes being sacrificed and meets Tara. Together, they live in a seaside tribe that worships the Sun God and survive the dangers of the creatures from the Mesozoic era."
For the record:
Though critics, academics, and other high-minded folks are quick to dismiss any feature starring a lady who appeared in a popular men's magazine of its time, When Dinosaurs Ruled The Earth was (nonetheless) nominated for an Academy Award in the category of 'Best Effects, Best Visual Effects.' Take that, haters.
"Sanna escapes being sacrificed and meets Tara. Together, they live in a seaside tribe that worships the Sun God and survive the dangers of the creatures from the Mesozoic era."
For the record:
Though critics, academics, and other high-minded folks are quick to dismiss any feature starring a lady who appeared in a popular men's magazine of its time, When Dinosaurs Ruled The Earth was (nonetheless) nominated for an Academy Award in the category of 'Best Effects, Best Visual Effects.' Take that, haters.
On this day in 1972 (in Belgium), The Omega Man delivered audiences with one dark look into our possible future. Directed by Boris Sagal from an adaptation of the Richard Matheson novel ("I Am Legend"), the film starred Charlton Heston, Rosalind Cash, and Anthony Zerbe. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Biological war has decimated life on Earth. Los Angeles is a windswept ghost town where Robert Neville tools his convertible through sunlit streets foraging for supplies."
For the record:
Actress Rosalind Cash received a nomination for 'Outstanding Actress In A Motion Picture' from the 1971 NAACP Image Awards for her work in the film.
"Biological war has decimated life on Earth. Los Angeles is a windswept ghost town where Robert Neville tools his convertible through sunlit streets foraging for supplies."
For the record:
Actress Rosalind Cash received a nomination for 'Outstanding Actress In A Motion Picture' from the 1971 NAACP Image Awards for her work in the film.
A star is born! On this day in 1973 (in Japan), Godzilla Vs Megalon roared at the box office for the very first time. Directed by Jun Fukuda, Yoshimitsu Banno, and Ishiro Honda, the Monster Movie starred Katsuhiko Sasaki, Hiroyuki Kawase, Yutaka Hayashi. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An inventor creates a humanoid robot named Jet Jaguar that is seized by the undersea nation of Seatopia. Using Jet Jaguar as a guide, the Seatopians send Megalon as vengeance for the nuclear tests that have devastated their society."
"An inventor creates a humanoid robot named Jet Jaguar that is seized by the undersea nation of Seatopia. Using Jet Jaguar as a guide, the Seatopians send Megalon as vengeance for the nuclear tests that have devastated their society."
On this day in 1983 (in the Netherlands), TRON opened the door to the digital age of Science Fiction. Written and directed by Steven Lisberger, the SciFi/Thriller starred Jeff Bridges, David, Warner, and Bruce Boxleitner. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A computer hacker is abducted into the digital world and forced to participate in gladiatorial games where his only chance of escape is with the help of a heroic security program."
For the record:
As well as founding an all-new Science Fiction franchise, TRON drew the attention of critics and audiences. At the 1983 Academy Awards, the feature enjoyed two nominations in the categories of 'Best Sound' and 'Best Costume Design.' At the 1983 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), TRON took home top honors in the category of 'Best Costumes' but had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Animated Film' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"A computer hacker is abducted into the digital world and forced to participate in gladiatorial games where his only chance of escape is with the help of a heroic security program."
For the record:
As well as founding an all-new Science Fiction franchise, TRON drew the attention of critics and audiences. At the 1983 Academy Awards, the feature enjoyed two nominations in the categories of 'Best Sound' and 'Best Costume Design.' At the 1983 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), TRON took home top honors in the category of 'Best Costumes' but had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Animated Film' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 1984 (in Japan), Bye Bye Jupiter (aka Sayonara Jupiter) enjoyed its theatrical release. Written and directed by Sakyo Komatsu, the SciFi/Drama starred Tomokazu Miura and Dangely Diane, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While extracting water from the Martian polar ice caps, ancient carvings are uncovered describing an alien spacecraft crashing into Jupiter, postponing plans to turn Jupiter into a second Sun."
"While extracting water from the Martian polar ice caps, ancient carvings are uncovered describing an alien spacecraft crashing into Jupiter, postponing plans to turn Jupiter into a second Sun."
A star is born! When you do a little research, you find that actor Peter Weller has actually made several significant dips into the realm of SciFi. One of the small visits: 1989's Leviathan (which premiered on this day back then). Here's the plot summary, compliments of IMDB.com (with a few edits by me for clarity):
"Underwater deep-sea miners encounter a Soviet wreck and bring back a dangerous cargo to their base on the ocean floor with horrifying results. In a story owing a lot to Alien and The Thing, the crew of the mining base must fight to survive against a genetic mutation that hunts them down one by one."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Leviathan enjoyed a wee bit of praise from the film festival circuit.
"Underwater deep-sea miners encounter a Soviet wreck and bring back a dangerous cargo to their base on the ocean floor with horrifying results. In a story owing a lot to Alien and The Thing, the crew of the mining base must fight to survive against a genetic mutation that hunts them down one by one."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Leviathan enjoyed a wee bit of praise from the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), Time Runner stopped the clock with its release on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Michael Mazo, the SciFi/Thriller starred Mark Hamill, Rae Dawn Chong, and Brion James. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"During the unstoppable alien invasion of 2022, one man flees through a wormhole to 1992 in hope of changing the future. But attempt after attempt is made by someone there to catch and kill him."
"During the unstoppable alien invasion of 2022, one man flees through a wormhole to 1992 in hope of changing the future. But attempt after attempt is made by someone there to catch and kill him."
A star is born!
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), Time Chasers took audiences on a chase ... through time! Written and directed by David Giancola, the SciFi/Thriller starred Matthew Bruch, Bonnie Pritchard, Peter Harrington, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An inventor comes up with a time machine, but must prevent its abuse at the hands of an evil C.E.O."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Time Chasers earned a wee bit of extra praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"An inventor comes up with a time machine, but must prevent its abuse at the hands of an evil C.E.O."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Time Chasers earned a wee bit of extra praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 1999 (in the Netherlands), Cybermaster (aka Shepherd II) crept its way into the home video market. Directed by Eli Necakov, the SciFi feature starred C. Thomas Howell and Heidi von Palleske, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a post-apocalyptic world survivors live underground organized in powerful cults. On of the Shepherds, a code name for assassin, has escaped to the surface with his targets and the cult leader who hired him can't allow that."
"In a post-apocalyptic world survivors live underground organized in powerful cults. On of the Shepherds, a code name for assassin, has escaped to the surface with his targets and the cult leader who hired him can't allow that."
On this day in 1999 (in Hungary), the 1984-produced The Noah's Ark Principle enjoyed its debut on television. Written and directed by Roland Emmerich, the SciFi/Drama starred Richy Müller, Franz Buchrieser, and Aviva Joel. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Near the end of the 20th century, WMDs (weapons of mass destruction) are retired. However, certain factions plan to use a science space station as a weapon against each other. The astronauts inside will decide the world's fate."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Noah's Ark Principle enjoyed a wee amount of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"Near the end of the 20th century, WMDs (weapons of mass destruction) are retired. However, certain factions plan to use a science space station as a weapon against each other. The astronauts inside will decide the world's fate."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Noah's Ark Principle enjoyed a wee amount of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Clockstoppers raced onto silver screens everywhere. Directed by Jonathan Frakes, the SciFi/Comedy starred Jesse Bradford, French Stewart, and Michael Biehn. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A teenager accidentally activates a machine that enables him to speed up his body so that other people seem to be standing still."
"A teenager accidentally activates a machine that enables him to speed up his body so that other people seem to be standing still."
On this day in 2006 (in Austria), the 1982-produced Mansion Of The Living Dead enjoyed an all-new home video release. Written and directed for the screen by Jesus Franco, the film starred Lina Romay, Antonio Mayans, Mabel Escano, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of vacationing waitresses visit a resort hotel on the Canary Islands, only to find that the former monastery's monks nearby have returned as living blind dead."
"A group of vacationing waitresses visit a resort hotel on the Canary Islands, only to find that the former monastery's monks nearby have returned as living blind dead."
A star is born! On this day in 2009, an Alien Presence was sensed in theaters. Directed by David DeCoteau, the SciFi/Drama starred Krista Allen and Avalon Barrie, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An alien teenager is apparently kept in a coma at a government compound with handsome medical students, but strange disturbances start to occur."
"An alien teenager is apparently kept in a coma at a government compound with handsome medical students, but strange disturbances start to occur."
A star is born! On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), the good people of Hollywood, California were treated to the silver screen premiere of Hot Tub Time Machine! Directed by Steve Pink from a script by Josh Heald, Sean Anders, and John Morris, the SciFi/Comedy starred John Cusack, Craig Robinson, and Rob Corddry. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A malfunctioning time machine at a ski resort takes a man back to 1986 with his two friends and nephew, where they must relive a fateful night and not change anything to make sure the nephew is born."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Hot Tub Time Machine enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Comedy Of The Year' from the 2010 Golden Schmoes Awards.
"A malfunctioning time machine at a ski resort takes a man back to 1986 with his two friends and nephew, where they must relive a fateful night and not change anything to make sure the nephew is born."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Hot Tub Time Machine enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Comedy Of The Year' from the 2010 Golden Schmoes Awards.
On this day in 2010, Slime City Massacre oozed its way into U.S. theaters. Written and directed by Gregory Lamberson, the SciFi feature starred Jennifer Bihl and Debbie Rochon, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the wake of a "dirty bomb" attack, a New York City neighborhood known as "Slime City" has been evacuated, except for the homeless ("displaced refugees"). Four squatters searching for food in the ruins of the Zachary Devon Soup Kitchen discover a supply of Zachary Devon's Home Brewed Elixir and Himalayan Yogurt. When they drink the elixir and eat the yogurt, they are transformed into hideous slime creatures driven to murder - an intermediate step as they are possessed by the spirits of Zachary Devon and the members of his Coven of Flesh, who committed suicide years earlier. When a greedy developer sets his sites on Slime City, he hires a team of mercenaries to wipe out the homeless population. It's a battle royal between the Slime Heads, the mercenaries, and bloodthirsty mutant cannibals!"
For the record:
To the film's credit, Slime City Massacre earned a bit of extra praise from screenings on the film festival circuit, including prizes for actresses Debbie Rochon and Brooke Lewis Bellas.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary copy of Slime City Massacre from actress Brooke Lewis Bellas. Interested in knowing what I thought of the flick? Readers can find my review right here.
"In the wake of a "dirty bomb" attack, a New York City neighborhood known as "Slime City" has been evacuated, except for the homeless ("displaced refugees"). Four squatters searching for food in the ruins of the Zachary Devon Soup Kitchen discover a supply of Zachary Devon's Home Brewed Elixir and Himalayan Yogurt. When they drink the elixir and eat the yogurt, they are transformed into hideous slime creatures driven to murder - an intermediate step as they are possessed by the spirits of Zachary Devon and the members of his Coven of Flesh, who committed suicide years earlier. When a greedy developer sets his sites on Slime City, he hires a team of mercenaries to wipe out the homeless population. It's a battle royal between the Slime Heads, the mercenaries, and bloodthirsty mutant cannibals!"
For the record:
To the film's credit, Slime City Massacre earned a bit of extra praise from screenings on the film festival circuit, including prizes for actresses Debbie Rochon and Brooke Lewis Bellas.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary copy of Slime City Massacre from actress Brooke Lewis Bellas. Interested in knowing what I thought of the flick? Readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 2011 (in Australia, Croatia, Hungary, Malaysia, Singapore, and Ukraine), Battle Los Angeles waged its way into theaters. Directed by Jonathan Liebesman, the SciFi feature starred Aaron Eckhart and Michelle Rodriguez, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"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.
On this day in 2012 (in Japan), Bloodrayne: The Third Reich invaded theaters. Directed by Uwe Boll, the SciFi/Fantasy film starred Natassia Malthe and Brendan Fletcher, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Rayne fights against the Nazis in Europe during World War II, encountering Ekart Brand, a Nazi leader whose target is to inject Adolf Hitler with Rayne's blood in an attempt to transform him into a dhampir and attain immortality."
"Rayne fights against the Nazis in Europe during World War II, encountering Ekart Brand, a Nazi leader whose target is to inject Adolf Hitler with Rayne's blood in an attempt to transform him into a dhampir and attain immortality."
A star is born! On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.), Skyhook enjoyed a limited theatrical release. Directed by Drew Hall from a script by Denny Wilkins, the SciFi/Drama starred Catalina Soto-Aguilar Kind, John DeLong, and Philip Fornah. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A material science expert is blackmailed to steal designs from a brilliant team of scientists who are building the world's first space elevator."
"A material science expert is blackmailed to steal designs from a brilliant team of scientists who are building the world's first space elevator."
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), The Mourning enjoyed its debut on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Marc Clebanoff, the SciFi/Mystery starred Michael Rene Walton, Dominique Swain, Kinga Philipps, and Brooke Lewis Bellas. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"20 years after going MIA in Desert Storm, Aaron returns home under mysterious conditions, not having aged since his disappearance, and must reestablish relationships with loved ones before an imminent return to an ambiguous other-worldly existence."
"20 years after going MIA in Desert Storm, Aaron returns home under mysterious conditions, not having aged since his disappearance, and must reestablish relationships with loved ones before an imminent return to an ambiguous other-worldly existence."
On this day in 2016 (in South Korea), Quarantine L.A. gave audiences another look at mankind's impending demise. Written and directed by Filip Maciejewicz, the SciFi/Thriller starred Bo Linton and Eugenia Kuzmina, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A group of seven strangers try to survive and escape from isolated Los Angeles that has been infected by a strange, human changing virus."
"A group of seven strangers try to survive and escape from isolated Los Angeles that has been infected by a strange, human changing virus."
A star is born! On this day in 2017, Atomica enjoyed its U.S. theatrical premiere. Directed by Dagen Merrill, the SciFi/Thriller starred Sarah Habel and Dominic Monaghan, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the near future, when communications go offline at a remote nuclear power plant isolated in the desert, a young safety inspector, Abby Dixon, is forced to fly out to bring them back online. Once inside the facility, mysterious clues and strange behaviors cause Abby to have doubts about the sanity, and perhaps identities, of the two employees onsite."
"In the near future, when communications go offline at a remote nuclear power plant isolated in the desert, a young safety inspector, Abby Dixon, is forced to fly out to bring them back online. Once inside the facility, mysterious clues and strange behaviors cause Abby to have doubts about the sanity, and perhaps identities, of the two employees onsite."
A star is born! On this day in 2017, Interstellar Civil War: Shadows Of The Empire enjoyed its U.S.theatrical debut. Written and directed by Albert Pyun (with some assistance from Cynthia Curnan), the SciFi/Thriller starred Kenzie Phillips and Brad Thornton, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Imperial Empire is attacked by an Alliance of rebels led by fanatical mystics. The ruler, Empress Nobu, the 8th generation of her family, wants to execute a bold plan to rescue a cyborg, Leah C6, trapped on the battle ravaged planet Endor. The Empress believes Leah C6 holds the secret to destroying the Alliance of Rebels before their insurgency can kill millions of citizens of the Empire. She recruits her heroic fleet commander, Lord General Luka Raan and asks him to gather a team from the Empire's elite soldiers, the Galactic Rangers. Raan assembles the team in the ruins of Endor which was attacked by depraved Rebels and outlaws led by, Kindo-Ker, a fanatical mystic in Dark Energy. The Galactic Rangers begin a desperate search to find and rescue Leah C6 before the Alliance Rebels can."
"The Imperial Empire is attacked by an Alliance of rebels led by fanatical mystics. The ruler, Empress Nobu, the 8th generation of her family, wants to execute a bold plan to rescue a cyborg, Leah C6, trapped on the battle ravaged planet Endor. The Empress believes Leah C6 holds the secret to destroying the Alliance of Rebels before their insurgency can kill millions of citizens of the Empire. She recruits her heroic fleet commander, Lord General Luka Raan and asks him to gather a team from the Empire's elite soldiers, the Galactic Rangers. Raan assembles the team in the ruins of Endor which was attacked by depraved Rebels and outlaws led by, Kindo-Ker, a fanatical mystic in Dark Energy. The Galactic Rangers begin a desperate search to find and rescue Leah C6 before the Alliance Rebels can."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Star Raiders: The Adventures Of Saber Raine enjoyed its initial release via the internet. Written and directed by Mark Steven Grove, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Casper Van Dien, Cynthia Rothrock, and James Lew. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Rocket ships, Rayguns, and Robots abound in this heart-pounding tale where the stellar adventurer Saber Raine is hired to guide three elite soldiers on a rescue mission to a mysterious planet on the outer rim of the galaxy."
ExtraExtra Alert:
Back in 2017, I received a complimentary DVD of Star Raiders in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the production? Readers can find them right here.
"Rocket ships, Rayguns, and Robots abound in this heart-pounding tale where the stellar adventurer Saber Raine is hired to guide three elite soldiers on a rescue mission to a mysterious planet on the outer rim of the galaxy."
ExtraExtra Alert:
Back in 2017, I received a complimentary DVD of Star Raiders in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the production? Readers can find them right here.
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), our planet was in jeopardy yet again with the release of Taking Earth. Written (in part) and directed by Grant Humphreys, the SciFi/Thriller starred Ronan Quarmby, Brad Richards, and Marco Torlage. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The human race is thrown into chaos as an alien invasion takes control of the planet in an effort to find one boy out of 7 billion people who holds the power to destroy them."
"The human race is thrown into chaos as an alien invasion takes control of the planet in an effort to find one boy out of 7 billion people who holds the power to destroy them."
On this day in 2017 (in Los Angeles, California), The Dark Tapes turned up some Fantasy frights by way of the found footage film format. Directed by Michael McQuown and Vincent J. Gaustini, the film starred David Banks, Sara Areyano, and Cortney Palm. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A genre-defying mixture of horror, sci-fi, myth, mystery and thrills told as four interlocking tales in one intelligent anthology. Ghosts, spirits, creatures, demons and more from the paranormal world collide with rational curiosity."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Dark Tapes enjoyed a wealth of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A genre-defying mixture of horror, sci-fi, myth, mystery and thrills told as four interlocking tales in one intelligent anthology. Ghosts, spirits, creatures, demons and more from the paranormal world collide with rational curiosity."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Dark Tapes enjoyed a wealth of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1951 (in the U.S.), Space Patrol aired "A Vacation At Lake Azure." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Solarguard.com:
"Superintendent Brand of the Space Port at Lake Azure on the planet Venus informs Commander Corry that his Aqua jet car is ready. Buzz decides to take a vacation at the Lake and test his new sea car with Tonga and Cadet Happy. Zurach, an escaped convict who has vowed revenge against Buzz, bullies the Superintendent into helping him sabotage the new ship. Perry Evans as Brand. Peter Foster as Zurach."
"Superintendent Brand of the Space Port at Lake Azure on the planet Venus informs Commander Corry that his Aqua jet car is ready. Buzz decides to take a vacation at the Lake and test his new sea car with Tonga and Cadet Happy. Zurach, an escaped convict who has vowed revenge against Buzz, bullies the Superintendent into helping him sabotage the new ship. Perry Evans as Brand. Peter Foster as Zurach."
On this day in 1966 (in the United Kingdom), Thunderbirds aired "Martian Invasion." Officially, this served as the twenty-fourth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Hood infiltrates a film set and engineers an accident during production that leaves two of the main actors trapped in a cave. As International Rescue responds the Hood sets about once again trying to steal footage of the organization in action."
"The Hood infiltrates a film set and engineers an accident during production that leaves two of the main actors trapped in a cave. As International Rescue responds the Hood sets about once again trying to steal footage of the organization in action."
On this day in 1978 (in the U.S.), The Incredible Hulk aired "The Beast Within." Officially, this served as the fourth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"David 'Bradburn' is researching control methods for animal aggression with a female doctor at a zoo. She gets into trouble when new animals keep dying from a mysterious illness."
"David 'Bradburn' is researching control methods for animal aggression with a female doctor at a zoo. She gets into trouble when new animals keep dying from a mysterious illness."
On this day in 1979 (in the U.S.), Wonder Woman aired "The Girl With A Gift For Disaster." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young woman with destructive psychokinetic powers unknowingly helps a thief steal priceless historical documents."
"A young woman with destructive psychokinetic powers unknowingly helps a thief steal priceless historical documents."
On this day in 1988 (in the U.S.), Probe aired "Black Cats Don't Walk Under Ladders (Do They?)." This served as the third episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"By appealing to his scientific vanity, Mickey manages to lure Austin to a talk show/expose to act as a scientific consultant as host Marty Corrigan tries to discredit a self-proclaimed witch, Sabrina."
"By appealing to his scientific vanity, Mickey manages to lure Austin to a talk show/expose to act as a scientific consultant as host Marty Corrigan tries to discredit a self-proclaimed witch, Sabrina."
On this day back in 1995 (in the U.S.), VR5 aired an episode titled "Dr. Strangechild." Here's the plot summary as provided by our friends over at TV.com:
"On her first VR assignment for The Committee, Sydney must find an unhappy and spiteful teenage genius - who after making a momentous discovery has run away from the top secret weapons research establishment where he worked - before he can do any harm. During her search, Sydney must try to deal with her own sense of solitude."
"On her first VR assignment for The Committee, Sydney must find an unhappy and spiteful teenage genius - who after making a momentous discovery has run away from the top secret weapons research establishment where he worked - before he can do any harm. During her search, Sydney must try to deal with her own sense of solitude."
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles aired an episode titled "Hide'n'Seek." According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"A massive bug mound has appeared outside of Buenos Aires and S.I.C.O.N. that the bugs are planning a counter-attack to retake the city that was just won by the troops and all air attacks against the mound have ended in disaster. Now the Roughnecks, along with two other squads, must sneak up to the mound and destroy the Plasma Bugs in order to allow the air attacks to commence. Can the Roughnecks accomplish their mission and what about Rico's feelings for Flores?"
"A massive bug mound has appeared outside of Buenos Aires and S.I.C.O.N. that the bugs are planning a counter-attack to retake the city that was just won by the troops and all air attacks against the mound have ended in disaster. Now the Roughnecks, along with two other squads, must sneak up to the mound and destroy the Plasma Bugs in order to allow the air attacks to commence. Can the Roughnecks accomplish their mission and what about Rico's feelings for Flores?"
And Syfy's Farscape roared back from its first season finale with the second season opener, "Mind the Baby," on this date back in the year 2000. Aeryn Sun managed to rescue Crichton and D'Argo from their drifting in space, but it all came at a grave cost she's had to hide from her friends. Her secret definitely changed the shape of things to come over the next several episodes.
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), The X-Files aired "Audrey Pauley." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Reyes is seriously injured in a car accident and finds herself in a hospital similar to purgatory with other hospital patients suffering from serious traumas. Slowly they all begin to disappear. Meanwhile, in the real world, Doggett refuses to accept his friend's 'mortal' wounds and uses a bizarre hospital employee to both connect with Reyes in the other-world and capture a 'Dr. Death.'"
"Reyes is seriously injured in a car accident and finds herself in a hospital similar to purgatory with other hospital patients suffering from serious traumas. Slowly they all begin to disappear. Meanwhile, in the real world, Doggett refuses to accept his friend's 'mortal' wounds and uses a bizarre hospital employee to both connect with Reyes in the other-world and capture a 'Dr. Death.'"
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), Children Of Dune aired the second installment of its three-part miniseries. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"As conspiracies to gain political power abound, Paul's power base is eroded from within and his highly ambitious sister, Alia is gaining a political foothold. Born aware of her ancestral memories, Alia is considered an abomination by the Bene Gesserit. The Lady Jessica, her mother returns to Dune (Arrakis) to visit her grandchildren Leto II and Ghanima. When one particular ancestor begins to possess Alia, Lady Jessica has to take refuge. Leto II and Ghanima devise a plan toward salvation."
"As conspiracies to gain political power abound, Paul's power base is eroded from within and his highly ambitious sister, Alia is gaining a political foothold. Born aware of her ancestral memories, Alia is considered an abomination by the Bene Gesserit. The Lady Jessica, her mother returns to Dune (Arrakis) to visit her grandchildren Leto II and Ghanima. When one particular ancestor begins to possess Alia, Lady Jessica has to take refuge. Leto II and Ghanima devise a plan toward salvation."
On this day in 2006 (in the United States), Doctor Who aired "Rose." Officially, this served as the first episode in the re-launched program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When ordinary shop-worker Rose Tyler meets a mysterious stranger called the Doctor she is drawn into his strange and dangerous world; her life will never be the same again."
"When ordinary shop-worker Rose Tyler meets a mysterious stranger called the Doctor she is drawn into his strange and dangerous world; her life will never be the same again."
Listen up, smilers: you'll get nothing but praise from me over the work done in the vastly underrated DC Universe outing, Green Lantern: The Animated Series. The program served up stellar CG animation along with terrific character in the Lantern universe and terrific, terrific storytelling. On this day in the year 2012, the first real episode after the two-part opener finally debuted on Cartoon Network. It was called "Razer's Edge," and here's the plot summary compliments of TV.com:
"Hal and Kilowog drop captive Red Lantern Razer off at a prison asteroid run by the Spider Guild. However, when they learn that the wardens are torturing their prisoners, they go back to investigate and are captured... leaving only Razer and Aya to rescue them."
"Hal and Kilowog drop captive Red Lantern Razer off at a prison asteroid run by the Spider Guild. However, when they learn that the wardens are torturing their prisoners, they go back to investigate and are captured... leaving only Razer and Aya to rescue them."
On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), Colony aired "Gateway," the finale to the program's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's what all of the scuttlebutt was about:
"After a high-value hostage is kidnapped by the Resistance, the Los Angeles block is placed on lockdown."
"After a high-value hostage is kidnapped by the Resistance, the Los Angeles block is placed on lockdown."
