Believe it or not! On this day in 1981 (in the U.S.), one of my personal favorite programs to come out of the 1980's premiered when The Greatest American Hero first took flight. Basically, it was the story of ordinary school teacher Ralph Hinckley who -- by a twist of fate -- experienced a close encounter with aliens who gifted him a suit that would endow him with superhuman abilities. The only problem? Well, Ralph lost the instruction book, so he's left to pretty much 'make it up as he goes.' It wasn't exactly what one might call cutting edge special effects, but it worked for its time, though Hero remains one of those properties definitely ripe for a reboot. Here's the series' premise from IMDB.com:
"A teacher is asked to be a superhero using a special alien suit with powers he can barely understand or control."
For the record:
"A teacher is asked to be a superhero using a special alien suit with powers he can barely understand or control."
For the record:
- Over the course of the program's run on television, The Greatest American Hero was up for a Primetime Emmy Award a total of four different times in several different categories.
- In 2006, The Greatest American Hero took home the much deserved Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Retro Television Release On DVD' with a complete series set dropped into the consumer marketplace.
On this day in 2009 (in Australia), Stormworld came to life for television audiences. I've read a little about this one though honestly not all that much, but I did stumble across one critic who gave the show a solid rating based on its attempt at world-building. Again, I couldn't say that's accurate, but the premise as provided by Wikipedia.org sounds curious enough:
"The show follows two boys, Jason (Andrew Jenkins) and Lee (Calum Worthy), after they are transported to an alien world (Stormworld) with three suns, through a vortex while on a boat trip that started in Vancouver, Canada. The boys receive help from Flees (Valentina Barron) a seasoned veteran of living on Stormworld who has a special boat named Stormrider. The boys, as new arrivals or "access crashers" as the local inhabitants call them, find shelter at The Settlement."
For the record:
Over the course of the show's run, Stormworld enjoyed a total of two Leo Awards win ("Best Youth or Children's Program or Series" and "Best Performance in a Youth or Children's Program or Series") to recognize its excellence in action.
"The show follows two boys, Jason (Andrew Jenkins) and Lee (Calum Worthy), after they are transported to an alien world (Stormworld) with three suns, through a vortex while on a boat trip that started in Vancouver, Canada. The boys receive help from Flees (Valentina Barron) a seasoned veteran of living on Stormworld who has a special boat named Stormrider. The boys, as new arrivals or "access crashers" as the local inhabitants call them, find shelter at The Settlement."
For the record:
Over the course of the show's run, Stormworld enjoyed a total of two Leo Awards win ("Best Youth or Children's Program or Series" and "Best Performance in a Youth or Children's Program or Series") to recognize its excellence in action.
Hollywood heavyweight Peter Graves enjoyed a phenomenal career while he was in the limelight, even turning up as a guest star aboard Buck Rogers In The 25th Century for good measure. Though he's no longer with us, Graves was born on this day in 1926.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Why, it took no less than Harve Bennett and Jack B. Sowards to craft a story that would return the crew of the Enterprise to the silver screen in a manner that matched the vibe of the original television series. He also scripted an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation for good measure. Though he's no longer with us, Sowards was born on this day in 1929.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Erik Holland certainly (above left) has a resume rich with genre appearances. He's scored screen time aboard Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea, The Invaders, Star Trek, The Six Million Dollar Man, Wonder Woman, Man From Atlantis, The Bionic Woman, Galatica 1980, Ghostbusters II (1989), and Stargate (1994). Holland was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The beautiful Leslie Parrish was fetching enough to catch the attention of the gods themselves with her work aboard Star Trek's "Who Mourns For Adonais?" Parrish was born on this day in 1935.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
[Source: Memory Alpha]
Actor J.G. Hertzler certain knows what Star Trek fans would love to see, and that's why he'll occasionally show up at conventions in full costume and make-up as Martok, the Klingon he played on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Hertlzer was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Character actor Brad Dourif has done some incredible big and small screen work. While I remember him best from HBO's Western series Deadwood, Trek enthusiasts know him as the psychologically troubled crewman Lon Suder from Star Trek: Voyager. He also had a great bit in Alien Resurrection (1997) as the biologist trying to 'educate' the newly cloned species of aliens. Delicious! Dourif was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Writer/director Luc Beeson won over sci-fi fans with his entirely campy The Fifth Element (1997). (Personally, I didn't much care for it.) More recently, he brought Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets (2017) to the silver screen. (Personally, I didn't much care for that, either.) Beeson was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of receiving a promotional Blu-ray of Kamikaze (1986), one of Besson's earliest Science Fiction scripts. Interested in my thoughts on the production? Readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of receiving a promotional Blu-ray of Kamikaze (1986), one of Besson's earliest Science Fiction scripts. Interested in my thoughts on the production? Readers can find my review right here.
SciFi fandom let out a collective gasp in 2004 when it heard of Babylon 5 regular Richard Biggs passing at the ripe young age of 44. His take as Dr. Stephen Franklin on the J. Michael Straczynski space opera was considered by many to be part of the show's thematic core. Though he's no longer with us, Biggs was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With over thirty professional screen credits to his name, Thomas Ian Griffith is probably best known for his work aboard the wider Karate Kid universe (Karate Kid III and Netflix's Cobra Kai). Still, genre fans might know him from his other work, namely some screen chewing roles in Kull The Conqueror (1997), Vampires (1998), and Timecop: The Berlin Decision (2003). Griffith was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A number of years ago, I was stuck in a California airport waiting for a flight home when I recognized a lady sitting just across from me in the terminal. She had a small entourage (nothing all that big or grand -- another lady and a child or two in tow). I figured she was somebody important because a security guard was hanging around near her, but I honestly couldn't place her. Anyway, I went up to the desk to check on my flight, and I asked the gal at the ticket counter.
"I'm not supposed to say anything," she admitted to me in a hushed voice, "but that's Vanessa Williams." It turns out Ms. Williams was waiting for a flight to Vegas to get away for the weekend. Go figure.
Vanessa had a great little role in an episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as an ambassador on Risa -- the pleasure planet. Woof!
She was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
"I'm not supposed to say anything," she admitted to me in a hushed voice, "but that's Vanessa Williams." It turns out Ms. Williams was waiting for a flight to Vegas to get away for the weekend. Go figure.
Vanessa had a great little role in an episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as an ambassador on Risa -- the pleasure planet. Woof!
She was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
I don't worship at the trough of Stephen King as much as others who follow media seem to, but HBO's adaptation of King's The Outsider was very well done and expertly cast, including a great performance by Yul Vazquez as one of the authorities trying to resolve a somewhat supernatural murder mystery. The actor has also found employment among such projects as Tales From The Crypt, Touched By An Angel, War Of The Worlds (2005), Anamorph (2007), Futurestates, Person Of Interest, The Lottery, and Midnight, Texas. Vazquez was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The first lady of Hip-Hop -- Queen Latifah -- set aside her love of music briefly so that she could plumb the depths of the ocean in the SciFi/Fantasy Sphere (1998) for Warner Bros. Latifah was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman Dane Cook dipped into the realm of Fantasy with a brief role aboard Starz Networks' adaptation of Neil Gaiman's American Gods. Cook was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The CW's long-running Supernatural very loosely fits the bit for a traditional 'Fantasy' program. Plus, I've got a soft spot for the program because I like its leads and the program is very well made. In any event, the lovely Danneel Ackles joined the program in a special role not all that long ago, and Ackles was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Based on the visual evidence, you don't to find yourself on Chantelle Barry's bad side! This lovely lady appears both in the flesh or just vocally whenever the spirit moves her (and employment beckons, of course), and she's been a part of Alien Encounter (2008), Miss 2059, and Doom Patrol. Barry was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
2008's Outlander is the kind of film sci-fi fans either love or they hate: it's a modern-day B movie about a spaceman who is crashed on Earth only to find himself wrapped up in aiding a band of Vikings rid their world of the dragon he accidentally brought with him. (FYI: I loved it.) In it, the lovely Sophia Myles -- of Underworld fame -- plays a spunky shield maiden. Myles was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
By gosh, if all cops look like Vanessa Evigan, feel free to call the popo whenever you like! I'll even volunteer for a frisking! The lovely lady wore the badge for her work aboard Sand Sharks (2012). She's also enjoyed time in the world of genre entertainment with roles aboard You Wish, Journey To The Center Of The Earth (2008), and Blood Ransom (2014). Evigan was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Marian Zapico certainly made an impression on fandom with her appearance in Tekken (2010) for Crystal Sky Pictures. As for other adventures in the realms of the Fantastic? She can be found on display in Tontine (2010). Zapico was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Don't go away, Cindy Busby! Genre loves you ... it's just that ... well ... we don't get to see you all that often. You're hip deep in far too conventional properties for us. Still, I've learned to take what I can get. She's dabbled in wares like Superstorm (2007), The Vampire Diaries, Behemoth (2011), Ghost Storm (2011), Mega Cyclone (2011), Supernatural, and The Tomorrow People ... all with good performances. Please. Please come back. Busby was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Lily Collins is certainly "living the dream." She's got a famous dad (better known as Phil Collins), and she's got a fabulous movie career, appearing in such films as Mirror Mirror and the SciFi/Fantasy flick Priest (2011). She also headlines The Mortal Instruments film franchise. Collins was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Russian-born actress Alyssa Lozovskaya shown as a young woman trapped in a curious Fantasy aboard Ron Hopper's Misfortune (2020) from La Ira Film. Lozovskaya was born on this day in 1995.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
It's pretty clear that the career of Julia Goldani Telles doesn't include a good amount of genre work, but -- in the meantime -- we can be thankful for a big role in the Horror/Fantasy Slender Man (2018). Telles was born on this day in 1995.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of Madeline Carroll's earliest roles was as the 'White Queen' in Resident Evil: Extinction (2007). She also had a guest spot aboard ABC TV's popular Lost when it was on the air. As for other adventures in SciFi, Fantasy, and Horror? Fans can catch glimpses of her aboard such projects as Night Stalker, When A Stranger Calls (2006), The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006), Astro Boy (2009), Astro Boy Vs. The Junkyard Pirates (2010), and R.L. Stine's The Haunting Hour. Carroll was born on this day in 1996.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The fresh-faced Ciara Bravo dipped her toes into the realms of Science Fiction and Fantasy with work aboard Second Chance and Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. She also squeezed herself into an episode of the Horror series Into The Dark during its run. Bravo was born on this day in 1997.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Abigail Cowen's star is just starting to rise on the genre horizon. Fans might recognize her from a handful of smaller appearances early in her career, but she's starting to get meatier opportunities. To date, she's impressed viewers of Netflix's Stranger Things, The Power Couple, Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina, Netflix's Fate: The Winx Saga, and Witch Hunt (2021). Cowen was born on this day in 1998.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Fresh-faced Jada Facer continues to build a resume worth following, though her genre work is a bit light. Still, she's been up to the task in such entities as Henry Danger, Battle For Skyark (2015), and The Thundermans. Facer was born on this day in 2001.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born ... but this one was cobbled together from the dead! On this day in 1910 (in the U.S.), what's been reported to be the very first filmed incarnation of the immortal Frankenstein came to life on the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed for the screen by J. Searle Dawley, the SciFi/Horror starred Mary Fuller, Charles Ogle, and Augustus Phillips. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The first filmed version of Frankenstein. The young doctor discovers the secret of life, which he uses to create a perfect human. Things do not go according to plan."
"The first filmed version of Frankenstein. The young doctor discovers the secret of life, which he uses to create a perfect human. Things do not go according to plan."
A star is born! On this day in 1920, Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde enjoyed its big screen U.S. theatrical premiere for audiences in New York City. Directed by John S. Robertson, the SciFi/Horror starred John Barrymore, Martha Mansfield, and Brandon Hurst. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dr. Henry Jekyll experiments with scientific means of revealing the hidden, dark side of man and releases a murderer from within himself."
ExtraExtra Alert:
While the following tidbit -- as found on IMDB.com -- isn't necessarily tied to the production of this silent version of the classic Horror/Fantasy Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde, I think it still deserves a hearing. According to Gene Fowler (Barrymore's biographer), the actor actually got the seller of a house to lower the asking price by an even $1,000 by agreeing to appear in costume as Mr. Hyde regalia and make-up at the house's closing. That, my friends, is too cool a story not to share!
"Dr. Henry Jekyll experiments with scientific means of revealing the hidden, dark side of man and releases a murderer from within himself."
ExtraExtra Alert:
While the following tidbit -- as found on IMDB.com -- isn't necessarily tied to the production of this silent version of the classic Horror/Fantasy Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde, I think it still deserves a hearing. According to Gene Fowler (Barrymore's biographer), the actor actually got the seller of a house to lower the asking price by an even $1,000 by agreeing to appear in costume as Mr. Hyde regalia and make-up at the house's closing. That, my friends, is too cool a story not to share!
A star is born! On this day in 1938 (in Japan), King Kong got his 'Kong' on in another part of the world when Japanese cinema was treated to the theatrical premiere of The King Kong That Appeared In Edo (aka Edo ni arawareta Kingu Kongu: Henge no maki). Directed by Sôya Kumagai from a story by Daijô Aoyama, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Eizaburô Matsumoto, Fuminori Ohashi, and Reizaburo Ichikawa. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In part one of this silent two-part film, an ape nicknamed King Kong by its master kidnaps the daughter of a wealthy man as part of a revenge plot by one of his lackeys. The story concludes in King Kong Appears in Edo: The Episode of Gold (1938)."
"In part one of this silent two-part film, an ape nicknamed King Kong by its master kidnaps the daughter of a wealthy man as part of a revenge plot by one of his lackeys. The story concludes in King Kong Appears in Edo: The Episode of Gold (1938)."
On this day in 1957 (in Italy), the Flight To Mars took off theatrically. Directed by Lesley Selander, the SciFi feature starred Marquerite Chapman and Cameron Mitchell, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Five astronauts successfully fly to Mars where they encounter seemingly friendly and advanced inhabitants who harbor covert plans to use their ship to invade Earth."
"Five astronauts successfully fly to Mars where they encounter seemingly friendly and advanced inhabitants who harbor covert plans to use their ship to invade Earth."
A star is born ... and this one looks quite skinny! On this day in 1964 (in the U.S.), the good people of Phoenix, Arizona were treated to an exclusive theatrical premiere event of The Flesh Eaters. Directed by Jack Curtis from a story by Arnold Drake, the SciFi/Horror starred Martin Kosleck, Byron Sanders, and Barbara Wilkin. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An alcoholic actress, her personal assistant, and their pilot are downed on a secluded isle by bad weather, where a renegade Nazi scientist is using ocean life to develop a solvent for human flesh. The tiny flesh-eating sea critters that result certainly give our heroes a run for their money - and lives."
"An alcoholic actress, her personal assistant, and their pilot are downed on a secluded isle by bad weather, where a renegade Nazi scientist is using ocean life to develop a solvent for human flesh. The tiny flesh-eating sea critters that result certainly give our heroes a run for their money - and lives."
On this day in 1974 (in Denmark), Soylent Green whet the appetites of interested moviegoers. Directed by Richard Fleischer, the SciFi/Classic starred Charlton Heston and Edward G. Robinson, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the world ravaged by the greenhouse effect and overpopulation, an NYPD detective investigates the murder of a big company CEO."
"In the world ravaged by the greenhouse effect and overpopulation, an NYPD detective investigates the murder of a big company CEO."
On this day in 1976, Gawain And The Green Knight took one for the team ... cinematically, that is. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The medieval legend of a supernatural knight who challenges the king's men to kill him."
"The medieval legend of a supernatural knight who challenges the king's men to kill him."
A star is born! On this day in 1976 (in the United Kingdom), the good people of London, England were treated to an exclusive theatrical premiere event of The Man Who Fell To Earth. Directed by Nicolas Roeg from a story by Paul Mayersberg and Walter Tevis, the SciFi/Fantasy starred David Bowie, Rip Torn, and Candy Clark. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Thomas Jerome Newton is a humanoid alien who comes to Earth to get water for his dying planet. He starts a high technology company to get the billions of dollars he needs to build a return spacecraft, and meets Mary-Lou, a girl who falls in love with him. He does not count on the greed and ruthlessness of business here on Earth, however."
For the record:
At the 1977 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, The Man Who Fell To Earth missed out on taking home the trophy in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film' but actor David Bowie did leave with the gold in the category of 'Best Actor.'
"Thomas Jerome Newton is a humanoid alien who comes to Earth to get water for his dying planet. He starts a high technology company to get the billions of dollars he needs to build a return spacecraft, and meets Mary-Lou, a girl who falls in love with him. He does not count on the greed and ruthlessness of business here on Earth, however."
For the record:
At the 1977 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, The Man Who Fell To Earth missed out on taking home the trophy in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film' but actor David Bowie did leave with the gold in the category of 'Best Actor.'
A star is born! On this day in 1980 (in Poland), Golem was unearthed ... theatrically, that is. Written (in part) and directed by Piotr Szulkin, the SciFi feature starred Marek Walczewski and Krystyna Janda, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The film is set in a terrorizing world of the future, where technology commands the movements of individuals, supervised by the doctors, carrying out a program to improve the human race. Thus, instead of doctors creating a monster, the monsters are already there as the species of the future - but one of them is suspected by the doctors of being a human being. That is Golem in reverse."
"The film is set in a terrorizing world of the future, where technology commands the movements of individuals, supervised by the doctors, carrying out a program to improve the human race. Thus, instead of doctors creating a monster, the monsters are already there as the species of the future - but one of them is suspected by the doctors of being a human being. That is Golem in reverse."
On this day in 1980 (in Spain), Kirk and the crew of the Starship Enterprise returned to active duty with the theatrical release of Star Trek: The Motion Picture. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When an alien spacecraft of enormous power is spotted approaching Earth, Admiral James T. Kirk resumes command of the overhauled USS Enterprise in order to intercept it."
"When an alien spacecraft of enormous power is spotted approaching Earth, Admiral James T. Kirk resumes command of the overhauled USS Enterprise in order to intercept it."
A star is born ... or is that 'porn'? On this day in 1981 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to the premiere of The Satisfiers Of Alpha Blue. Written and directed for the screened by Gerard Damiano, the Adult/Fantasy starred Lysa Thatcher, Jody Maxwell, and Annie Sprinkle. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Alpha Blue is a vacation planet where vacationers' sexual needs are fulfilled by a computer. A rebel movement arises that believes sexual activities should be real, and not virtual."
"Alpha Blue is a vacation planet where vacationers' sexual needs are fulfilled by a computer. A rebel movement arises that believes sexual activities should be real, and not virtual."
On this day in 1983 (in Ireland), TRON brought Science Fiction into the digital age. Written and directed by Steven Lisberger, the feature starred Jeff Bridges and David Warner, and 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."
"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."
A star is born! On this day in 1988 (in the U.S.), BraveStarr: The Legend transformed the animated hero from the small screen to the big one. Directed by Tom Tataranowicz from a story by Bob Forward and Steve Hayes, the SciFi/Fantasy featured the voices of Charlie Adler, Susan Blu, and Pat Fraley. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When rare mineral that can produce incredible amounts of energy is discovered on a mostly uninhabited planet called New Texas, settlers and frontiersmen as well as outlaws arrive from all over space to find fortune. However, what they don't know is that a monstrous demonic spirit called Stampede, who looks like a bull, also lives there. Stampede puts feared outlaw Tex Hex under his control and starts collecting various dangerous outlaws for its supernatural army of minions that will take over the planet. Scared citizens send for help, so a highly capable Native American marshal called BraveStarr and a feisty, pretty and always fair female judge J. B. McBride arrive to investigate the attacks. BraveStarr soon finds allies - a wild alien sentient semi-anthropomorphic warhorse called Thirty-Thirty, who carries a powerful shotgun, a funny member of an alien mole-people race, who are master diggers and builders as well as the original natives of the planet, and a mysterious powerful Native American shaman, who is the only one who knows about Stampede, and who gives BraveStarr the power of the eyes of the Hawk, which enhances his vision, the ears of the Wolf, which gives him super-human hearing, the strength of the Bear, which gives him super-human strength and the speed of the Puma, which gives BraveStarr super-human speed. Even with all this powers and sidekicks, though, taking down Stampede could prove to be impossible."
"When rare mineral that can produce incredible amounts of energy is discovered on a mostly uninhabited planet called New Texas, settlers and frontiersmen as well as outlaws arrive from all over space to find fortune. However, what they don't know is that a monstrous demonic spirit called Stampede, who looks like a bull, also lives there. Stampede puts feared outlaw Tex Hex under his control and starts collecting various dangerous outlaws for its supernatural army of minions that will take over the planet. Scared citizens send for help, so a highly capable Native American marshal called BraveStarr and a feisty, pretty and always fair female judge J. B. McBride arrive to investigate the attacks. BraveStarr soon finds allies - a wild alien sentient semi-anthropomorphic warhorse called Thirty-Thirty, who carries a powerful shotgun, a funny member of an alien mole-people race, who are master diggers and builders as well as the original natives of the planet, and a mysterious powerful Native American shaman, who is the only one who knows about Stampede, and who gives BraveStarr the power of the eyes of the Hawk, which enhances his vision, the ears of the Wolf, which gives him super-human hearing, the strength of the Bear, which gives him super-human strength and the speed of the Puma, which gives BraveStarr super-human speed. Even with all this powers and sidekicks, though, taking down Stampede could prove to be impossible."
A star is born! On this day in 1991 (in the U.S.), The Guyver enjoyed a limited theatrical release. Directed for the screen by Screaming Mad George and Steve Wang, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jimmie JJ Walker, Mark Hamilll, and Spice Williams-Crosby. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young man discovers a mechanical device that merges with his own body, turning him into a cyborg superhero. When strange creatures start appearing, trying to take the device back, he begins to uncover a secret plot to genetically engineer terrifying monsters."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Guyver earned an extra bit of love from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"A young man discovers a mechanical device that merges with his own body, turning him into a cyborg superhero. When strange creatures start appearing, trying to take the device back, he begins to uncover a secret plot to genetically engineer terrifying monsters."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Guyver earned an extra bit of love from a screening on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 1995 (in Greece), the engines first roared to life when Steel Frontier revved up for its release on home video. Written and directed (in part) by Jacobsen Hart, the SciFi/Thriller starred Joe Lara, Bo Svenson, and Stacie Foster. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a post-apocalyptic 2019, a lone gunman named Yuma fights a gang of bandits called the United Regime who have invaded the town of New Hope."
"In a post-apocalyptic 2019, a lone gunman named Yuma fights a gang of bandits called the United Regime who have invaded the town of New Hope."
A star is born! On this day in 1997, Walt Disney continued its small franchise with the release of Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves! on home video. Directed by Dean Cundey, the SciFi/Comedy starred Rick Moranis and Eve Gordon, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mischief device, created by Wayne Szalinski, mess up again - this time not the children have shrunk, but the adults themselves."
"Mischief device, created by Wayne Szalinski, mess up again - this time not the children have shrunk, but the adults themselves."
A star is born! On this day in 1997 (in Greece), The Apocalypse enjoyed its launch on home video. Directed by Hubert de La Bouillerie from a story by J. Reifel, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Sandra Bernhard, Cameron Dye, and Frank Zagarino. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A salvage pilot and a bartender go up against a crazed computer programmer and the head of a criminal gang who have equipped a spaceship with nuclear warheads and plan to crash it into Earth."
"A salvage pilot and a bartender go up against a crazed computer programmer and the head of a criminal gang who have equipped a spaceship with nuclear warheads and plan to crash it into Earth."
A star is born! On this day in 2008, War of the Worlds 2: The Next Wave enjoyed its premiere on home video. The feature starred C. Thomas Howell and Kim Little, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two years after the Martian invasion, George Herbert's worst fears are realized: The Aliens have returned. As a second wave of Martian walkers lay waste to what's left of Earth, an alliance of military forces prepares a daring attack on the Red Planet itself. Once again, the future of mankind hangs in the balance."
"Two years after the Martian invasion, George Herbert's worst fears are realized: The Aliens have returned. As a second wave of Martian walkers lay waste to what's left of Earth, an alliance of military forces prepares a daring attack on the Red Planet itself. Once again, the future of mankind hangs in the balance."
On this day in 2011 (in Bulgaria, Brazil, China, Panama, Poland, and Turkey), Battle Los Angeles lit up the silver screens with yet one more cinematic alien invasion of Earth. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A squad of U.S. Marines becomes the last line of defense against a global invasion."
"A squad of U.S. Marines becomes the last line of defense against a global invasion."
On this day in 2011, the SciFi/Drama Limitless premiered theatrically. I've yet to see this one not for any particular reason but it just hasn't yet captivated my attention. Here's the plot summary, compliments of IMDB.com:
"With the help of a mysterious pill that enables the user to access 100 percent of his brain abilities, a struggling writer becomes a financial wizard, but it also puts him in a new world with lots of dangers."
"With the help of a mysterious pill that enables the user to access 100 percent of his brain abilities, a struggling writer becomes a financial wizard, but it also puts him in a new world with lots of dangers."
On this day in 2011, Paul invaded U.S. theatres. Directed by Greg Mottola, the SciFi/Comedy starred Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two English comic book geeks traveling across the U.S. encounter an alien outside Area 51."
"Two English comic book geeks traveling across the U.S. encounter an alien outside Area 51."
On this day in 2012 (in Norway), 1902's silent era SciFi/Short Film A Trip To The Moon enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of astronomers go on an expedition to the Moon."
"A group of astronomers go on an expedition to the Moon."
On this day in 2013 (in Germany), the cinematic Fantasy known as Imaginaerum opened in theatres. Written and directed by Stobe Harju, the feature starred Francis X. McCarthy and Glenda Braganza, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A coma sends an old man into his childhood's sinister fantasy world, where he must fight dementia and gain back his memories before it's too late."
"A coma sends an old man into his childhood's sinister fantasy world, where he must fight dementia and gain back his memories before it's too late."
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), the good people of Los Angeles, California were treated to the theatrical premiere of Divergent! The film was directed by Neil Burger, and the script -- based on the Veronica Roth novel ("Divergent") -- was penned by
Evan Daugherty and Vanessa Taylor. The SciFi/Fantasy starred Shailene Woodley, Theo James, and Kate Winslet. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a world divided by factions based on virtues, Tris learns she's Divergent and won't fit in. When she discovers a plot to destroy Divergents, Tris and the mysterious Four must find out what makes Divergents dangerous before it's too late."
For the record:
As the story deals chiefly with young people, the film was the recipient of a good amount of praise from such organizations as the Young Hollywood Awards, the Teen Choice Awards, and the MTV Movie + TV Awards.
Evan Daugherty and Vanessa Taylor. The SciFi/Fantasy starred Shailene Woodley, Theo James, and Kate Winslet. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a world divided by factions based on virtues, Tris learns she's Divergent and won't fit in. When she discovers a plot to destroy Divergents, Tris and the mysterious Four must find out what makes Divergents dangerous before it's too late."
For the record:
As the story deals chiefly with young people, the film was the recipient of a good amount of praise from such organizations as the Young Hollywood Awards, the Teen Choice Awards, and the MTV Movie + TV Awards.
On this day in 2016, Allegiant launched into theatres, giving Shailene Woodley another installment in her Divergent film series. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After the earth-shattering revelations of Insurgent, Tris must escape with Four beyond the wall that encircles Chicago, to finally discover the shocking truth of the world around them."
"After the earth-shattering revelations of Insurgent, Tris must escape with Four beyond the wall that encircles Chicago, to finally discover the shocking truth of the world around them."
On this day in 2016 (in Germany), Terminus enjoyed its release on home video. Written and directed by Marc Furmie, the SciFi feature starred Jai Koutrae and Kendra Appleton, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Following a near-fatal accident, David Chamberlain makes an unprecedented discovery that will not only determine the fate of his family, but of mankind."
"Following a near-fatal accident, David Chamberlain makes an unprecedented discovery that will not only determine the fate of his family, but of mankind."
On this day in 2020 (in the Netherlands), Sweetheart came up for a breath of fresh air with its release on home video. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Jenn has washed ashore a small tropical island and it doesn't take her long to realize she's completely alone. She must spend her days not only surviving the elements, but must also fend off the malevolent force that comes out each night."
"Jenn has washed ashore a small tropical island and it doesn't take her long to realize she's completely alone. She must spend her days not only surviving the elements, but must also fend off the malevolent force that comes out each night."
On this day in 1981 (in Belgium), Battlestar Galactica aired "The Lost Warrior." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Apollo crashes on the Wild West like planet Equellus after being pursued by four Cylon fighters. Taken in by a widow named Vella and her son Puppis, Apollo takes on crime boss La Certa and Red-Eye, a Cylon centurion turned formidable gunfighter who killed Vella's husband Martin."
"Apollo crashes on the Wild West like planet Equellus after being pursued by four Cylon fighters. Taken in by a widow named Vella and her son Puppis, Apollo takes on crime boss La Certa and Red-Eye, a Cylon centurion turned formidable gunfighter who killed Vella's husband Martin."
It all began right here: on this day in 1981, The Greatest American Hero aired its pilot episode. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"School teacher Ralph Hinkley meets FBI agent Bill Maxwell on a field trip to the desert, where they are met by a UFO that gives them a mission and a red costume with amazing powers. The new team must then use those powers to thwart a conspiracy."
"School teacher Ralph Hinkley meets FBI agent Bill Maxwell on a field trip to the desert, where they are met by a UFO that gives them a mission and a red costume with amazing powers. The new team must then use those powers to thwart a conspiracy."
On this day in 1988, The Highwayman aired "Till Death Duel Us Part." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Highway breaks an ex partner out of jail to help clear his name in a bank robbery, on the lamb he finds out differently."
"Highway breaks an ex partner out of jail to help clear his name in a bank robbery, on the lamb he finds out differently."
On this day in 1989, Star Trek: The Next Generation explored "Contagion," the eleventh episode of its second season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summation:
"Picard and the Enterprise respond to a distress call from its sister ship the USS Yamato. It has been facing a number of serious technical glitches and they lost 18 crew members when the computer turned off the force field on an open shuttle bay. Before the Enterprise can assist however, the Yamato is destroyed with all lives lost. The explosion is apparently the result of a failure in their matter/anti-matter pods but Picard suspects it may have something to do with a relic the Yamato's captain obtained on an archaeological dig on a nearby planet. They are in the Neutral Zone and are being shadowed by a Romulan ship but Picard, an amateur archaeologist, leads an away team to the planet to see what is causing the problem. When the Enterprise's shields inexplicably activate, they have no means to beam the away team back on board."
"Picard and the Enterprise respond to a distress call from its sister ship the USS Yamato. It has been facing a number of serious technical glitches and they lost 18 crew members when the computer turned off the force field on an open shuttle bay. Before the Enterprise can assist however, the Yamato is destroyed with all lives lost. The explosion is apparently the result of a failure in their matter/anti-matter pods but Picard suspects it may have something to do with a relic the Yamato's captain obtained on an archaeological dig on a nearby planet. They are in the Neutral Zone and are being shadowed by a Romulan ship but Picard, an amateur archaeologist, leads an away team to the planet to see what is causing the problem. When the Enterprise's shields inexplicably activate, they have no means to beam the away team back on board."
On this day in 1989, Superboy aired "War Of The Species." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"T.J. discovers a government created robot that killed someone. Superboy manages to save him. When a government official tells them that everything is classified they leave. Later the man confronts the creator who seems have other plans. He later grabs T.J. setting a trap for Superboy."
"T.J. discovers a government created robot that killed someone. Superboy manages to save him. When a government official tells them that everything is classified they leave. Later the man confronts the creator who seems have other plans. He later grabs T.J. setting a trap for Superboy."
On this day in 1994, Time Trax aired "The Cure." This served as the eighth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Darien finds Sahmbi in Australia, deceptively curing people of fatal diseases, in a mind-bogglingly evil way."
"Darien finds Sahmbi in Australia, deceptively curing people of fatal diseases, in a mind-bogglingly evil way."
On this day in 1994, Dana Scully's faith gets tested in ways she never imagined with the airing of "Miracle Man." This was the eighteenth hour of The X-Files' first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The agents investigate a ministry led by a man whose son possesses the power to heal, and to kill, with a touch of his hand."
"The agents investigate a ministry led by a man whose son possesses the power to heal, and to kill, with a touch of his hand."
On this day in 1996, Star Trek: Voyager aired "Deadlock." This served as the twenty-first episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at TrekCore.com:
"Voyager encounters a divergence field and splits into two identical ships, one damaged and one not. Janeway must work together with her counterpart from the other Voyager or both ships will be destroyed, if not by the anomaly then by the nearby Vidiians who would love to take advantage of Voyager's predicament."
"Voyager encounters a divergence field and splits into two identical ships, one damaged and one not. Janeway must work together with her counterpart from the other Voyager or both ships will be destroyed, if not by the anomaly then by the nearby Vidiians who would love to take advantage of Voyager's predicament."
On this day in 1998, Babylon 5 aired "In The Kingdom Of The Blind." This served as the ninth episode of the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the premise as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Byron and other telepaths seek a homeworld of their own."
"Byron and other telepaths seek a homeworld of their own."
On this day in 1998 (in the United Kingdom), Space Island One aired "Awakening." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TheMovieDB.org:
"A laser, designed to zap space junk, malfunctions resulting in chaos aboard Unity. Shannon's poor health raises concerns with Paula. While tensions aboard Unity climb, Harry, Lyle and Commander McTiernan are unable to be awakened from an induced sleep experiment. Kaveh and Dusan ignore Paula's concerns, and as a result Shannon's health deteriorates resulting in a stroke."
"A laser, designed to zap space junk, malfunctions resulting in chaos aboard Unity. Shannon's poor health raises concerns with Paula. While tensions aboard Unity climb, Harry, Lyle and Commander McTiernan are unable to be awakened from an induced sleep experiment. Kaveh and Dusan ignore Paula's concerns, and as a result Shannon's health deteriorates resulting in a stroke."
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), the third (and final) episode of the TV/Miniseries Children Of Dune aired. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"As Alia becomes totally possessed she also has to deal with rebel Fremen. Ghanima, who survived an attack on her by House Corrino, is now engaged to Farad'n Corrino. Unexpectedly, Leto II returns from the desert being believed dead. While in the desert his body has absorbed some sand-trout, slowly mutating him into a sand-worm. Alia resists possession by the baron while Irulan declines Jessica's offer to return with her to Caladan."
"As Alia becomes totally possessed she also has to deal with rebel Fremen. Ghanima, who survived an attack on her by House Corrino, is now engaged to Farad'n Corrino. Unexpectedly, Leto II returns from the desert being believed dead. While in the desert his body has absorbed some sand-trout, slowly mutating him into a sand-worm. Alia resists possession by the baron while Irulan declines Jessica's offer to return with her to Caladan."
On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), Stargate SG-1 aired "Moebius: Part 1." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With the threats of both the Replicators and the Goa'uld greatly diminished and the sister ship to the Prometheus, the Daedalus, now under construction, SG-1 is anxious to get a ride on the new ship. However, the mood is somewhat darkened by a phone call informing Dr. Jackson of Catherine Langford's death. After the funeral, Catherine's niece gives Daniel "a few odds and ends" that her aunt wanted him to have. Upon delivery it is discovered that almost her entire collection was shipped to Daniel's lab. He finds in one of her books a possible location of a ZPM, but scans of the area showed that it was no longer there. Daniel proposes that they use the Ancient time machine to take it from Ra at Giza in 3000 BC."
"With the threats of both the Replicators and the Goa'uld greatly diminished and the sister ship to the Prometheus, the Daedalus, now under construction, SG-1 is anxious to get a ride on the new ship. However, the mood is somewhat darkened by a phone call informing Dr. Jackson of Catherine Langford's death. After the funeral, Catherine's niece gives Daniel "a few odds and ends" that her aunt wanted him to have. Upon delivery it is discovered that almost her entire collection was shipped to Daniel's lab. He finds in one of her books a possible location of a ZPM, but scans of the area showed that it was no longer there. Daniel proposes that they use the Ancient time machine to take it from Ra at Giza in 3000 BC."
On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), Stargate: Atlantis aired "The Siege: Part 1." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"McKay and Zelenka come up with a plan to repair the Ancients' weapon satellite. Bates and Teyla get into a fight. He is found unconscious and badly injured shortly afterwards."
"McKay and Zelenka come up with a plan to repair the Ancients' weapon satellite. Bates and Teyla get into a fight. He is found unconscious and badly injured shortly afterwards."
On this day in 2006 (in Hungary), Stargate: SG-1 aired "Moebius: Part 1." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With the threats of both the Replicators and the Goa'uld greatly diminished and the sister ship to the Prometheus, the Daedalus, now under construction, SG-1 is anxious to get a ride on the new ship. However, the mood is somewhat darkened by a phone call informing Dr. Jackson of Catherine Langford's death. After the funeral, Catherine's niece gives Daniel "a few odds and ends" that her aunt wanted him to have. Upon delivery it is discovered that almost her entire collection was shipped to Daniel's lab. He finds in one of her books a possible location of a ZPM, but scans of the area showed that it was no longer there. Daniel proposes that they use the Ancient time machine to take it from Ra at Giza in 3000 BC."
"With the threats of both the Replicators and the Goa'uld greatly diminished and the sister ship to the Prometheus, the Daedalus, now under construction, SG-1 is anxious to get a ride on the new ship. However, the mood is somewhat darkened by a phone call informing Dr. Jackson of Catherine Langford's death. After the funeral, Catherine's niece gives Daniel "a few odds and ends" that her aunt wanted him to have. Upon delivery it is discovered that almost her entire collection was shipped to Daniel's lab. He finds in one of her books a possible location of a ZPM, but scans of the area showed that it was no longer there. Daniel proposes that they use the Ancient time machine to take it from Ra at Giza in 3000 BC."
It all began right here: on this day in 2009 (in Australia), Stormworld enjoyed its premiere on television. According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two friends, Jason and Lee are taking Jason's father's boat for a joyride when the find themselves being sucked into a tornado made of large insects. They take shelter in the galley, and when they return topside, they find themselves in a baron ocean - along with three alien suns. After having their boat taken away by the Drouge, they take refuge with Flees (also from Earth) and Ogeem on her submarine, "The Stormrider"."
"Two friends, Jason and Lee are taking Jason's father's boat for a joyride when the find themselves being sucked into a tornado made of large insects. They take shelter in the galley, and when they return topside, they find themselves in a baron ocean - along with three alien suns. After having their boat taken away by the Drouge, they take refuge with Flees (also from Earth) and Ogeem on her submarine, "The Stormrider"."
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Timeless aired "The Darlington 500." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Time Team chases Rittenhouse to a stock car race in the 1950s where Wyatt learns that his favorite race car driver is actually a Rittenhouse sleeper agent on a mission to destroy the American car industry. To stop the Rittenhouse plan, Wyatt, Lucy and Rufus team up with Wendell Scott, the first African-American NASCAR driver."
"The Time Team chases Rittenhouse to a stock car race in the 1950s where Wyatt learns that his favorite race car driver is actually a Rittenhouse sleeper agent on a mission to destroy the American car industry. To stop the Rittenhouse plan, Wyatt, Lucy and Rufus team up with Wendell Scott, the first African-American NASCAR driver."
