Marguerite Chapman decided she needed to pack some heat for her work aboard The Amazing Transparent Man (1960). Though she's no longer with us, Chapman was born on this day in 1918. [Source: IMDB.com]
Joyce Van Patten enjoyed a meaty role in one of the creepier SciFi flicks of the past century: Monkey Shines (1988) paired up man and ape in a way that threatened the survival of both. Van Patten was born on this day in 1934. [Source: IMDB.com]
One of Raul Julia's last film roles was as 'Victor Frankenstein' aboard Roger Corman's Frankenstein Unbound (1990). Though he's no longer with us, Julia was born on this day in 1940.
The talented Trish Van Devere joined her husband George C. Scott aboard the SciFi/Drama The Day Of The Dolphin (1973). Van Devere was born on this day in 1941. [Source: IMDB.com]
Alexandra Bastedo enjoyed a guest spot aboard the Canadian-produced The Starlost SciFi series from the early 1970's. Though she's no longer with us, Bastedo was born on this day in 1946. [Source: IMDB.com]
In 1980's cult classic epic -- Flash Gordon -- Ornella Muti played the ravishing 'Princess Aura,' daughter to dastardly Ming the Merciless himself. Muti has a big resume over on IMDB.com, but nothing even brings her close to the greatness she displayed as one of the royal family of the planet Mongo. Muti was born on this day in 1955. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Linda Fiorentino (shown above alongside Will Smith and a cadaver) originally made a name for herself in some relatively steamy adult-style thrillers; however, she crossed more toward mainstream science fiction when she starred as Dr. Laurel Weaver in Barry Sonnenfeld's Men In Black (1997). Heck based on that film's ending it even looked like she was going to remain part of the franchise (she was suited up in black and reporting for duty), but, alas, when Men In Black II came around she was nowhere to be found. Shame on you, Mr. Sonnenfeld. Shame on you! Fiorentino was born on this day in 1958.
The venerable Tom Amandes hails from middle-America but continues to go places in film and television. Genre fans might know him best from his recent appearances to NBC's Timeless, The CW's Arrow, and Syfy's The Magicians. Amandes was born on this day in 1959. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though he's probably best known for his work on the award-winning Dances With Wolves, Rodney A. Grant has given genre a try on for size with work aboard Legend, Stargate: SG-1, Wild Wild West (1999), and Ghosts Of Mars (2001). Grant was born on this day in 1959. [Source: IMDB.com]
Finn Carter was one of the stars of one of the greatest SciFi B-Movies ever made: Tremors (1990) told the story of a town of misfits last stand against a subterranean alien menace. Carter was born on this day in 1960. [Source: IMDB.com]
Director Jean-Marc Vallée gave SciFi/Fantasy a try back in 2000 while bringing a few installments of The Secret Adventures Of Jules Verne to the small screen. Vallée was born on this day in 1963. [Source: IMDB.com]
A serious actress the caliber of Juliette Binoche just doesn't appear in Science Fiction lightly. That's why I was glad to see her embrace our genre by appearing in 2014's Godzilla reboot. Binoche was born on this day in 1964.
So far as Science Fiction is concerned, it looks like Jean Louisa Kelly has only enjoyed a small role aboard Ant-Man (2015), but here's hoping she keeps her chin up and gives us another look! Kelly was born on this day in 1972.
Kerr Smith's resume is full of much more conventional drama, but he has enjoyed a few guest appearances aboard Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. for good measure. Smith was born on this day in 1972.
The first season of Amazon's alternative history romp The Man In The High Castle was terribly uneven for my tastes; it danced wildly between drama and forced melodrama. Still, season two was gangbusters good, and much of that is owed to the personal journey made by Frank Frink as played by the admirable Rupert Evans. Evans was born on this day in 1976.
Camille De Pazzis stepped into the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy with roles aboard Last Resort and Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. De Pazzis was born on this day in 1978. [Source: IMDB.com]
Seriously, critics everywhere went absolutely nutso over Ex Machina (2015). Don't get me wrong: I enjoyed the film, but -- as an avid watcher of all things SciFi -- I didn't find its story quite as 'fresh' and 'different' as did the more academically-inclined. I did appreciate the performances, though, of which Oscar Isaac deserves much praise as the reclusive cybernetic genius. Isaac was born on this day in 1979. [Source: IMDB.com]
Voice actor Matthew Gray Gubler has used his golden pipes to bring both Jimmy Olsen and The Riddler to life in assorted DC Comics direct-to-DVD releases. Gubler was born on this day in 1980.
I wasn't surprised in the slightest when Lockout (2012) and its writers ended up being sued (successfully in 2015) over its obvious similarities to the vastly superior Escape From New York (1981); I'm only surprised it took so long for anyone to notice. Still, kudos to its many players (not their fault, after all), of which Joseph Gilgun made a necessary baddie in 'Hydell.' Gilgun was born on this day in 1984.
I kid you not: the super-dreamy Brittany Snow got her start with a few small appearances aboard NBC's SeaQuest 2032. Anyone itching for a reboot now?! Snow was born on this day in 1986. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Brenna O'Brien continues to pop up in small roles aboard genre properties. She's been a part of The Dead Zone, Merlin's Apprentice, X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), Stargate: SG-1, Tin Man (2007), Kyle XY, Zixx: Level Three, Knights of Bloodsteel, and Supernatural. O'Brien was born on this day in 1991. [Source: IMDB.com]
Newcomer Niamh Wilson continues to rack up screen time in quality genre projects. So far, she's been seen aboard Falling Skies, Warehouse 13, Between, and Inhuman Condition. Wilson was born on this day in 1997. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1951 (in Finland), beauty knew no bounds -- not even the depths of the oceans -- with the big screen release of Siren Of Atlantis! Directed by Gregg G. Tallas (with some uncredited assistance from John Brahm and Arthur Ripley), Siren was an adaptation of the Pierre Benoit novel "L'Atlantide" crafted by Thomas Job, Robert Lax, and Rowland Leigh. The film starred Maria Montez, Jean-Pierre Aumont, and Dennis O'Keefe. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A pair of explorers stumble across a lost city in the desert ruled by a mysterious queen."
"A pair of explorers stumble across a lost city in the desert ruled by a mysterious queen."
A star is born! On this day in 1971 (in the U.S.), audiences in attendance of the USA Film Festival were treated to the very first theatrical exhibition of Glen And Randa. Written (in part) and directed by Jim McBride, the SciFi/Drama starred Steve Curry, Shelley Plimpton, and Woodrow Chambliss. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Teenagers Glen and Randa are members of a tribe that lives in a rural area, several decades after nuclear war has devastated the planet. They know nothing of the outside world, except that Glen has read about and seen pictures of a great city in some old comic books. He and Randa set out to find this city."
"Teenagers Glen and Randa are members of a tribe that lives in a rural area, several decades after nuclear war has devastated the planet. They know nothing of the outside world, except that Glen has read about and seen pictures of a great city in some old comic books. He and Randa set out to find this city."
HubbaHubba Alert! That, my friends, is Stella Star! And she was played by the lovely Caroline Munro in Starcrash, a flick Roger Corman happily distributed on this day theatrically back in 1979 (in the U.S. and Portugal). Sadly, the film is forgettable -- except for maybe Ms. Munro and its high camp sensibilities -- but that was often the case with the smaller sci-fi flicks of the 1970's. Here's the film's plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An outlaw smuggler and her alien companion are recruited by the Emperor of the Galaxy to rescue his son and destroy a secret weapon by the evil Count Zarth Arn."
"An outlaw smuggler and her alien companion are recruited by the Emperor of the Galaxy to rescue his son and destroy a secret weapon by the evil Count Zarth Arn."
A star is born! On this day in 1984, one of the earliest cinematic adaptations from the growing library of Stephen King's work hit the silver screen by way of Children Of The Corn. Directed by first-time director Fritz Kiersch, the feature starred John Franklin, Courtney Gains, Linda Hamilton, and Peter Horton; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A boy preacher named Isaac goes to Gatlin, Nebraska and gets all the children to murder every adult in town. A young couple on a road trip stop in Gatlin to report a murder and seek help, but the town seems deserted. They are soon trapped in Gatlin with little chance of getting out alive."
For the record:
In 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary UltraHD 4K release from Arrow Video of Children Of The Corn. Interested readers can find out what I had to say about the film right here.
More for the record:
In 1984, director Fritz Kiersch received the trophy for 'Best Fantasy Film' from the Brussels International Festival of Fantasy Film (BIFFF).
"A boy preacher named Isaac goes to Gatlin, Nebraska and gets all the children to murder every adult in town. A young couple on a road trip stop in Gatlin to report a murder and seek help, but the town seems deserted. They are soon trapped in Gatlin with little chance of getting out alive."
For the record:
In 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary UltraHD 4K release from Arrow Video of Children Of The Corn. Interested readers can find out what I had to say about the film right here.
More for the record:
In 1984, director Fritz Kiersch received the trophy for 'Best Fantasy Film' from the Brussels International Festival of Fantasy Film (BIFFF).
A star is born! Somehow, I feel almost privileged to know absolutely nothing about this next release: on this day in 1984, a little something called Voyage of the Rock Aliens was released upon unsuspecting audiences. This (ahem) SciFi comedy musical starred the great (ahem) Pia Zadora and Craig Sheffer and apparently (ahem) boasted a special appearance by no less than Jermaine Jackson himself. Ugh. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Aliens land in the town of "Speelburgh" searching for the source of rock & roll. They find trouble with Dee Dee, Frankie and the pack."
"Aliens land in the town of "Speelburgh" searching for the source of rock & roll. They find trouble with Dee Dee, Frankie and the pack."
On this day in 1989 (in West Germany), the SciFi/Comedy My Stepmother Is An Alien enjoyed its theatrical release. The feature starred Dan Aykroyd and Kim Basinger, and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"An alien is sent on a secret mission to Earth, where she appears as a gorgeous, attractive, and single lady. Her mission is to make contact with a rather nerdy young scientist, who's quite overwhelmed by her attentions, and isn't aware of the connection between her arrival and his work."
"An alien is sent on a secret mission to Earth, where she appears as a gorgeous, attractive, and single lady. Her mission is to make contact with a rather nerdy young scientist, who's quite overwhelmed by her attentions, and isn't aware of the connection between her arrival and his work."
On this day in 1990 (in sunny Portugal), Phoenix The Warrior (aka SheWolves of the Wasteland) premiered. The film starred Star Trek's Persis Khambatta, Kathleen Kinmont, and Playboy's Peggy McIntaggart, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Big hair, big guns, big personalities, and a serious lack of wardrobe. She-Wolves of the Wasteland, a post-apocalyptic story that features women--lots and lots of women--who leave little to the imagination as they battle each other in various junkyards and gravel pits to determine the fate of the entire world."
"Big hair, big guns, big personalities, and a serious lack of wardrobe. She-Wolves of the Wasteland, a post-apocalyptic story that features women--lots and lots of women--who leave little to the imagination as they battle each other in various junkyards and gravel pits to determine the fate of the entire world."
I have a vague recollection of seeing The Handmaid's Tale when it was released on home video, in lieu of seeing it when it premiered theatrically on this day back in 1990 (in the U.S. and Canada). I don't remember being all that impressed by it, though I do recall a curiously passionless sex scenes somewhere near the beginning. (Don't blame me: it's part of the story!) Here's the plot summary, compliments of IMDB.com:
"Set in a Fascistic future America, The Handmaid's Tale tells the story of Kate, a handmaid. In this America, the religious right has taken over and gone hog-wild. Kate is a criminal, guilty of the crime of trying to escape from the US, and is sentenced to become a Handmaid. The job of a Handmaid is to bear the children of the man to whom she is assigned. After ruthless group training by Aunt Lydia in the proper way to behave, Kate is assigned as Handmaid to the Commander. Kate is attracted to Nick, the Commander's chauffeur. At the same time, a resistance movement begins to challenge the regime."
"Set in a Fascistic future America, The Handmaid's Tale tells the story of Kate, a handmaid. In this America, the religious right has taken over and gone hog-wild. Kate is a criminal, guilty of the crime of trying to escape from the US, and is sentenced to become a Handmaid. The job of a Handmaid is to bear the children of the man to whom she is assigned. After ruthless group training by Aunt Lydia in the proper way to behave, Kate is assigned as Handmaid to the Commander. Kate is attracted to Nick, the Commander's chauffeur. At the same time, a resistance movement begins to challenge the regime."
A star is born! On this day in 1990 (in Spain), The Rift was opened ... cinematically, that is ... for the good people of Barcelona! Written (in part) and directed by Juan Piquer Simón, the SciFi/Horror starred Jack Scalia, R. Lee Ermey, and Ray Wise; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Siren II, a submarine under the command of Capt. Phillips, ventures into the deep on a mission to recover the missing Siren I. Their quest is hindered when the submarine becomes entangled in a patch of toxic seaweed."
For the record:
The Rift was not without its praise, though much of it was very modest. Besides some favorable reception at the 1990 Fantasporto Film Festival, it also won the 'Best Special Effects' trophy from the 1990 Goya Awards, Spain's national film awards ceremony.
"Siren II, a submarine under the command of Capt. Phillips, ventures into the deep on a mission to recover the missing Siren I. Their quest is hindered when the submarine becomes entangled in a patch of toxic seaweed."
For the record:
The Rift was not without its praise, though much of it was very modest. Besides some favorable reception at the 1990 Fantasporto Film Festival, it also won the 'Best Special Effects' trophy from the 1990 Goya Awards, Spain's national film awards ceremony.
On this day in 1994 (in France), Critters 3 dished out their particular brand of Horrorific craziness. Directed by Kristine Peterson, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Leonardo DiCaprio, John Calvin, and Aimee Brooks. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The tiny fur ball aliens that will eat anything or anyone set their sights on a Los Angeles apartment tower."
For the record:
A very young and impressionable Leonardo DiCaprio enjoyed a 1992 Young Artist Awards in the category of 'Best Young Actor Co-starring in a Motion Picture' for his work on the film.
"The tiny fur ball aliens that will eat anything or anyone set their sights on a Los Angeles apartment tower."
For the record:
A very young and impressionable Leonardo DiCaprio enjoyed a 1992 Young Artist Awards in the category of 'Best Young Actor Co-starring in a Motion Picture' for his work on the film.
On this day in 1997, the 1981-produced SciFi/Comedy The Creature Wasn't Nice (aka Naked Space) enjoyed its premiere on German television. The feature starred Leslie Nielsen and Cindy Williams, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When the spaceship Vertigo stops to explore a previously unknown planet, the crew finds an unrecognized dollop of protoplasm and takes it aboard ship to return it to earth for analysis. On board, lifeform expands into an oozing person-eating monster which communicates primarily by means of a Vegas lounge act. The crew is gobbled up one after another until the two surviving crewmembers come up with a plan."
"When the spaceship Vertigo stops to explore a previously unknown planet, the crew finds an unrecognized dollop of protoplasm and takes it aboard ship to return it to earth for analysis. On board, lifeform expands into an oozing person-eating monster which communicates primarily by means of a Vegas lounge act. The crew is gobbled up one after another until the two surviving crewmembers come up with a plan."
On this day in 2001 (in Greece), the streets of Old Detroit were no longer safe for criminals ... no when they're being patrolled by RoboCop 3! It was released on home video on this day. Directed by Fred Dekker who collaborated with comics giant Frank Miller on the story and screenplay, the feature film starred Robert John Burke, Nancy Allen, and Mario Machado. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Robocop saves the day once more. This time the half man/half robot takes on ruthless developers who want to evict some people on 'their' land."
For the record:
I wouldn't exactly say that 'the third times a charm' for RoboCop as audiences and critics were largely disappointed with this outing. Not only did we lose the greater Peter Weller in the central role, but the script also kills off Murphy's parter, Anne Lewis (Nancy Allen). Still, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films gave it nominations (in 1994) for 'Best Supporting Actress' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"Robocop saves the day once more. This time the half man/half robot takes on ruthless developers who want to evict some people on 'their' land."
For the record:
I wouldn't exactly say that 'the third times a charm' for RoboCop as audiences and critics were largely disappointed with this outing. Not only did we lose the greater Peter Weller in the central role, but the script also kills off Murphy's parter, Anne Lewis (Nancy Allen). Still, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films gave it nominations (in 1994) for 'Best Supporting Actress' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 2005 (in Sweden), the 1985-produced Fantasy/Horror Phenomena enjoyed a release on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Dario Argento, the film starred Jennifer Connolly, Donald Pleasence, and Daria Nicolodi. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young girl who has an amazing ability to communicate with insects is transferred to an exclusive Swiss boarding school, where her unusual capability might help solve a string of murders."
For the record:
At the 1986 Fantasporto Film Festival, Phenomena enjoyed a single nomination in the category of 'Best Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary 4K Ultra HD release of Phenomena. Interested in knowing what I thought of the project? My review can be found right here.
"A young girl who has an amazing ability to communicate with insects is transferred to an exclusive Swiss boarding school, where her unusual capability might help solve a string of murders."
For the record:
At the 1986 Fantasporto Film Festival, Phenomena enjoyed a single nomination in the category of 'Best Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary 4K Ultra HD release of Phenomena. Interested in knowing what I thought of the project? My review can be found right here.
A star is born! On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to the silver screen debut of Knowing. Directed by Alex Proyas, the SciFi/Thriller starred Nicolas Cage, Rose Byrne, and Chandler Canterbury. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"M.I.T. professor John Koestler links a mysterious list of numbers from a time capsule to past and future disasters and sets out to prevent the ultimate catastrophe."
For the record:
In 2010, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated Knowing for the Saturn Awards in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"M.I.T. professor John Koestler links a mysterious list of numbers from a time capsule to past and future disasters and sets out to prevent the ultimate catastrophe."
For the record:
In 2010, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated Knowing for the Saturn Awards in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 2011 (in Egypt), the box office went to the dogs -- or is that with the Martians? -- with the release of the box office bomb Mars Needs Moms. Written (in part) and directed by Simon Wells, the SciFi/Animated Feature starred the voices of Seth Green, Joan Cusack, and Dan Fogler. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young boy named Milo gains a deeper appreciation for his mom after Martians come to Earth to take her away."
"A young boy named Milo gains a deeper appreciation for his mom after Martians come to Earth to take her away."
A star is born! On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.), audiences in attendance of the South By Southwest Film Festival were treated to the matrimonial occasion better known as [Rec]³ Génesis. Written (in part) and directed by Paco Plaza, the Fantasy/Horror starred Leticia Dolera, Diego Martin, and Ismael Martinez. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A couple's wedding day turns horrific as some of the guests start showing signs of a strange illness."
For the record:
At the 2013 Gaudi Awards (the ceremony recognizing excellence in Catalonian films), Génesis enjoyed an incredible six nominations in such categories as 'Best Non-Catalan Language Film ,' 'Best Art Direction,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Special/Visual Effects,' and 'Best Make-Up And Hairstyles.'
"A couple's wedding day turns horrific as some of the guests start showing signs of a strange illness."
For the record:
At the 2013 Gaudi Awards (the ceremony recognizing excellence in Catalonian films), Génesis enjoyed an incredible six nominations in such categories as 'Best Non-Catalan Language Film ,' 'Best Art Direction,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Special/Visual Effects,' and 'Best Make-Up And Hairstyles.'
On this day in 2012 (in Italy), The Arrival Of Wang came to Earth. (Doesn't that sound like the name of a really strange porno?) The feature starred Ennio Fantastichini and Francesca Cuttica, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"An extraterrestrial has arrived on earth and it is up to the State to find out its motive, in the meantime, the interpreter has concerns."
"An extraterrestrial has arrived on earth and it is up to the State to find out its motive, in the meantime, the interpreter has concerns."
On this day in 2013, Dimensions unfolded in its theatrical run. The SciFi feature starred Henry Lloyd-Hughes and Camilla Rutherford, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Cambridge, England, 1921 - or so it seems. A brilliant young scientist becomes obsessed with finding a way back to his past - no matter what the cost."
"Cambridge, England, 1921 - or so it seems. A brilliant young scientist becomes obsessed with finding a way back to his past - no matter what the cost."
A star is born! On this day in 2013, the SciFi telefilm Flying Monkeys soared onto the Boob Tube. This flick starred Electra Avellan and Alvin Chon, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Teenager, Joan gets more than she bargained for when her workaholic dad buys her a cute pet monkey who grows wings, fangs, and an insatiable thirst for blood come nightfall."
"Teenager, Joan gets more than she bargained for when her workaholic dad buys her a cute pet monkey who grows wings, fangs, and an insatiable thirst for blood come nightfall."
A star is born! On this day in 2013, Life Tracker was released. The feature starred Matt Dallas and Rebecca Marshall, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dillon stumbles on a little known news story about a company called Life Tracker Limited, which claims it has discovered a way to predict biological events in a human's life by looking at their DNA. Everyone views the story as a modern day form of palm reading that will go nowhere, but Dillon keeps turning on his camera when he finds articles on the Internet or hears about it on the news. The story keeps getting bigger. People all over the world are paying tons of money to see if their DNA shows any trace of disease, or future children, or when they'll die. With little to no resources, Dillon is left to guerilla style street interviews and filming the reactions of his small group of friends. When Dillon, his best friend Scott, and Scott's girlfriend Bell all get their futures predicted their lives start to change... along with the world itself. Nothing is physically changed in any single person's day-to-day life, but the ideas that have been put in people's heads convince them to flip the world upside-down. That's when things start to get out of hand."
"Dillon stumbles on a little known news story about a company called Life Tracker Limited, which claims it has discovered a way to predict biological events in a human's life by looking at their DNA. Everyone views the story as a modern day form of palm reading that will go nowhere, but Dillon keeps turning on his camera when he finds articles on the Internet or hears about it on the news. The story keeps getting bigger. People all over the world are paying tons of money to see if their DNA shows any trace of disease, or future children, or when they'll die. With little to no resources, Dillon is left to guerilla style street interviews and filming the reactions of his small group of friends. When Dillon, his best friend Scott, and Scott's girlfriend Bell all get their futures predicted their lives start to change... along with the world itself. Nothing is physically changed in any single person's day-to-day life, but the ideas that have been put in people's heads convince them to flip the world upside-down. That's when things start to get out of hand."
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), A Quiet Place enjoyed its big screen debut when it was first screened for audiences in attendance of the South By Southwest Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by John Krasinski, the SciFi/Thriller starred Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, and Noah Jupe. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a post-apocalyptic world, a family is forced to live in silence while hiding from monsters with ultra-sensitive hearing."
For the record:
A Quiet Place enjoyed a wealth of praise by way of positive critical reviews, awards citations, and audience love. The 2019 Hugo Awards gave the film a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form.' In 2019, the Academy Awards also recognized the flick with a nomination in the category of 'Best Achievement In Sound Editing.' At the 2019 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), A Quiet Place took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Writing' and 'Best Horror Film' while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' and 'Best Editing.'
"In a post-apocalyptic world, a family is forced to live in silence while hiding from monsters with ultra-sensitive hearing."
For the record:
A Quiet Place enjoyed a wealth of praise by way of positive critical reviews, awards citations, and audience love. The 2019 Hugo Awards gave the film a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form.' In 2019, the Academy Awards also recognized the flick with a nomination in the category of 'Best Achievement In Sound Editing.' At the 2019 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), A Quiet Place took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Writing' and 'Best Horror Film' while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' and 'Best Editing.'
On this day in 2018, Walt Disney dipped deep into the well of Fantasy with a big screen star-laden, stink-infested adaptation of A Wrinkle In Time. Directed by critical darling Ava DuVernay, the Fantasy film starred Storm Reid, Oprah Winfrey, and Reese Witherspoon. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After the disappearance of her scientist father, three peculiar beings send Meg, her brother, and her friend to space in order to find him."
"After the disappearance of her scientist father, three peculiar beings send Meg, her brother, and her friend to space in order to find him."
A star is born! On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), Auggie enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever when it was screened for audiences in attedance of the Cinequest Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Matt Kane, the SciFi/Drama starred Richard Kind, Larisa Oleynik, and Christen Harper. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Forced into early retirement, Felix Greystone falls in love with an augmented reality companion, to the detriment of his relationship with his wife and daughter."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Auggie enjoyed a good amount of positive praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"Forced into early retirement, Felix Greystone falls in love with an augmented reality companion, to the detriment of his relationship with his wife and daughter."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Auggie enjoyed a good amount of positive praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1954, Rocky Jones, Space Ranger aired "Beyond The Curtain Of Space: Chapter III." This served as the third episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Rocky learns that the Office Of Space Affairs is about to be blown up. But the plan is stopped just in time when he reveals Griff as the spy."
"Rocky learns that the Office Of Space Affairs is about to be blown up. But the plan is stopped just in time when he reveals Griff as the spy."
On this day in 1960, Men Into Space aired "Dark Of The Sun." This served as the twenty-second episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Tensions mount as final crew selections go forward for a special observation flight of the sun. At the core of the conflict is the potential for one of the crew to be a woman. The other candidates fail to treat her as a highly trained crew person and only see her as a vulnerable woman. Ultimately she uses her gender to solve the problem."
"Tensions mount as final crew selections go forward for a special observation flight of the sun. At the core of the conflict is the potential for one of the crew to be a woman. The other candidates fail to treat her as a highly trained crew person and only see her as a vulnerable woman. Ultimately she uses her gender to solve the problem."
Prepare to enter ... The Twilight Zone! On this day in 1962, "The Fugitive" aired as the twenty-fifth episode of the show's third season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the summary:
"Old Ben is a kind old man who likes to play with the kids, whether it's baseball or hide and seek. Little Jenny, who has to wear braces on her legs, is particularly fond of him. He tells her he has to leave soon since the men who are after him will soon arrive. He assures her that he's not a criminal or anything like that. She wants him to take her with him but he says it can't be done. He does fix the problem with her legs however. Turns out Old Ben is important where he comes from and arranges it so that he and Jenny can get what they want."
"Old Ben is a kind old man who likes to play with the kids, whether it's baseball or hide and seek. Little Jenny, who has to wear braces on her legs, is particularly fond of him. He tells her he has to leave soon since the men who are after him will soon arrive. He assures her that he's not a criminal or anything like that. She wants him to take her with him but he says it can't be done. He does fix the problem with her legs however. Turns out Old Ben is important where he comes from and arranges it so that he and Jenny can get what they want."
On this day in 1963 (in the United Kingdom), Secret Beneath The Sea aired "The X-Layer." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Peter and Janet are hauled in front of Captain Payne. Bannerman goes in search of Phoenicium deposits."
"Peter and Janet are hauled in front of Captain Payne. Bannerman goes in search of Phoenicium deposits."
On this day in 1964, The Outer Limits aired "Moonstone." This served as the twenty-fourth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A lunar exploration team from Earth encounters alien life, and must make a difficult decision."
"A lunar exploration team from Earth encounters alien life, and must make a difficult decision."
"The Devil in the Dark" is universally praised by Star Trek enthusiasts everywhere as being one of the program's finest hours. It originally aired on this day back in 1967, and its central theme explored the misunderstanding between the human race and the Horta, a hulking specimen wrecking havoc with a mining colony responsible for killing its young.
On this day in 1968, Doctor Who aired "The Web of Fear, Part 6." This served as the twenty-eighth episode of the show's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and his friends are held prisoner by the Intelligence and their only hope lies with Jamie, Arnold and a reprogrammed Yeti."
"The Doctor and his friends are held prisoner by the Intelligence and their only hope lies with Jamie, Arnold and a reprogrammed Yeti."
On this day in 1969, Land of the Giants aired "Genius At Work." This served as the twenty-first episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Barry and Fitzhugh befriend a 12-year old scientific genius named Jodar (Jody) who has invented a substance which causes growth. While talking to the boy, Barry's dog Chipper eats some of the formula and grows to gigantic size. After seeing this, Fitzhugh decides to eat some with the idea that he will no longer have to worry about being hunted down. However, he is mistaken for a giant who was accused of nearly killing a boy. Also, Fitz is found with some of the money he stole back on Earth he is taken to SID headquarters for questioning. When Steve finds out, he goes to Jody and takes some of the formula as part of a plan to get Fitzhugh out of jail and to try to find the man who Fitz was mistaken for."
"Barry and Fitzhugh befriend a 12-year old scientific genius named Jodar (Jody) who has invented a substance which causes growth. While talking to the boy, Barry's dog Chipper eats some of the formula and grows to gigantic size. After seeing this, Fitzhugh decides to eat some with the idea that he will no longer have to worry about being hunted down. However, he is mistaken for a giant who was accused of nearly killing a boy. Also, Fitz is found with some of the money he stole back on Earth he is taken to SID headquarters for questioning. When Steve finds out, he goes to Jody and takes some of the formula as part of a plan to get Fitzhugh out of jail and to try to find the man who Fitz was mistaken for."
On this day in 1974, Doctor Who aired "Death To The Daleks, Part 3." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's eleventh season, and here's the plot summary as provided by the Doctor Who Online Guide:
"The Daleks force the Exillons to work as slave labour to mine the life-saving parrinium. The Doctor and Bellal brave the puzzles and traps of the Exxilon city."
"The Daleks force the Exillons to work as slave labour to mine the life-saving parrinium. The Doctor and Bellal brave the puzzles and traps of the Exxilon city."
On this day in 1979, The Incredible Hulk aired "Mystery Man, Part 2." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"'John Doe' and McGee bond while keeping ahead of the forest fire and a pack of wolves. After transforming into the Hulk, Banner regains his memory and when McGee witnesses a second transformation, he finally realizes the Hulk is not a green creature full time."
"'John Doe' and McGee bond while keeping ahead of the forest fire and a pack of wolves. After transforming into the Hulk, Banner regains his memory and when McGee witnesses a second transformation, he finally realizes the Hulk is not a green creature full time."
On this day in 1982, Doctor Who aired "Earthshock, Part 2." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's nineteenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With the Doctor cornered in the underground caves by androids, Adric ventures outside of the TARDIS and manages to destroy one of them. They get control of the situation and the Doctor manages to open the door they've located - but in doing so, he's activated a bomb. They set off to find who is behind it all and arrive on board a spaceship on its way to Earth. Unknown to them as yet is that it's all down to the Cybermen, who are determined to destroy the Earth."
"With the Doctor cornered in the underground caves by androids, Adric ventures outside of the TARDIS and manages to destroy one of them. They get control of the situation and the Doctor manages to open the door they've located - but in doing so, he's activated a bomb. They set off to find who is behind it all and arrive on board a spaceship on its way to Earth. Unknown to them as yet is that it's all down to the Cybermen, who are determined to destroy the Earth."
On this day in 1983, Doctor Who aired "Enlightenment, Part 4." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's twentieth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Tegan isn't aware she been outfitted with a devise to destroy Captain Striker's ship. While the detonation will merely slip the indestructible Eternals back into the realm of eternity, nothing nearly so elegant or as tidy awaits the Ephemerals aboard the ship."
"Tegan isn't aware she been outfitted with a devise to destroy Captain Striker's ship. While the detonation will merely slip the indestructible Eternals back into the realm of eternity, nothing nearly so elegant or as tidy awaits the Ephemerals aboard the ship."
On this day in 1984, Doctor Who aired "The Caves Of Androzani, Part 2." This served as the eighteenth episode of the program's twenty-first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Having been saved from execution by Sharez Jek and his androids, Jek takes a shine to Peri, and wants her with him forever. Salateen tells the Dr and Peri that they are dying from Spectrox toxemia, but there is an antidote."
"Having been saved from execution by Sharez Jek and his androids, Jek takes a shine to Peri, and wants her with him forever. Salateen tells the Dr and Peri that they are dying from Spectrox toxemia, but there is an antidote."
On this day in 1985, Doctor Who aired "Timelash, Part 1." This served as the tenth episode of the program's twenty-second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A time corridor, called Timelash, has been set up to punish dissidents on the planet Karfel, dumping them alive but permanently into Earth's early history. The TARDIS runs right into it, and the Doctor thereafter finds a society with advanced technology it shouldn't have along with an unnerving absence of reflective surfaces of any kind."
"A time corridor, called Timelash, has been set up to punish dissidents on the planet Karfel, dumping them alive but permanently into Earth's early history. The TARDIS runs right into it, and the Doctor thereafter finds a society with advanced technology it shouldn't have along with an unnerving absence of reflective surfaces of any kind."
On this day in 1991, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Galaxy's Child." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Geordi La Forge is over the moon when he learns that Dr. Leah Brahms, the designer of the ship's engines, will be coming on board to study his engine modifications. During an emergency situation a year ago, he used a recreation of Brahms to assist with a problem. He also became quite smitten with her. When she arrives however, she sees Geordi as a competitor and tells him she doesn't take kindly to him having tampered with "her" engines. Her frosty demeanor improves over time but when she realizes Geordi's romantic interest, she has some shocking news for him. Meanwhile, the Enterprise has to deal with the outcome of killing an unknown species. The dead creature gives birth and the newborn imprints itself on the Enterprise thinking it's his mother. Problems arise where members of the same species arrive wanting the little one back."
"Geordi La Forge is over the moon when he learns that Dr. Leah Brahms, the designer of the ship's engines, will be coming on board to study his engine modifications. During an emergency situation a year ago, he used a recreation of Brahms to assist with a problem. He also became quite smitten with her. When she arrives however, she sees Geordi as a competitor and tells him she doesn't take kindly to him having tampered with "her" engines. Her frosty demeanor improves over time but when she realizes Geordi's romantic interest, she has some shocking news for him. Meanwhile, the Enterprise has to deal with the outcome of killing an unknown species. The dead creature gives birth and the newborn imprints itself on the Enterprise thinking it's his mother. Problems arise where members of the same species arrive wanting the little one back."
On this day in 1991, Super Force aired the curiously titled "Yo! Super Force." This served as the twenty-third episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"A twisted man is collecting girls for his own personal "Hall of Beauty." Can Super Force save them?"
"A twisted man is collecting girls for his own personal "Hall of Beauty." Can Super Force save them?"
On this day in 1994, Babylon 5 aired "The War Prayer." This served as the seventh episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A pro-Earth group attacks a Minbari poet and two Centauri lovers seek Londo's help."
"A pro-Earth group attacks a Minbari poet and two Centauri lovers seek Londo's help."
On this day in 1995, TekWar aired "Killer Instinct." This served as the seventh episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A is gunned down by an upstanding teenager. His father blames a VR game. The manufacturer denies responsibility. Jake finds a hacker has put a virus in the game. The virus starts showing up in many other places including police network."
"A is gunned down by an upstanding teenager. His father blames a VR game. The manufacturer denies responsibility. Jake finds a hacker has put a virus in the game. The virus starts showing up in many other places including police network."
On this day in 1996, Space Cases aired "Who Goes Where." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Space Cases Online:
"After retreaving a teddy bear from space for Rosie, Radu starts to go crazy. Later the Space Cases learn that the bear was a booby trap left by race of conquerers called the Straczin."
"After retreaving a teddy bear from space for Rosie, Radu starts to go crazy. Later the Space Cases learn that the bear was a booby trap left by race of conquerers called the Straczin."
On this day in 2000, Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles aired an episode titled "The Ice Men Goeth" as part of its first and only season. According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Roughnecks have found a valuable oxygen source and Doc and Flores connect a compressor to pump oxygen to the ship, but they wind up missing. Can the Roughnecks find their missing comrades and solve the mystery of the giant creature that they have landed in?"
"The Roughnecks have found a valuable oxygen source and Doc and Flores connect a compressor to pump oxygen to the ship, but they wind up missing. Can the Roughnecks find their missing comrades and solve the mystery of the giant creature that they have landed in?"
On this day in 2015, The Department Of Time aired "Cómo se reescribe el tiempo." This served as the third episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Lola's use of an unregistered time door in 1940 Montserrat Abbey to save Spanish members of the French Resistance goes sour when one is captured and shares his knowledge with Heinrich Himmler."
"Lola's use of an unregistered time door in 1940 Montserrat Abbey to save Spanish members of the French Resistance goes sour when one is captured and shares his knowledge with Heinrich Himmler."
It all began right here: on this day in 2018, the SciFi/Streaming property known as Atropa enjoyed its general release. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the premise behind the pilot episode:
"When Off-World Officer Cole Freeman finds the missing research vessel ATROPA, he discovers an inconsistency in the ship logs. He wakes the crew from hypersleep, and they soon find themselves caught up in a much bigger mystery."
"When Off-World Officer Cole Freeman finds the missing research vessel ATROPA, he discovers an inconsistency in the ship logs. He wakes the crew from hypersleep, and they soon find themselves caught up in a much bigger mystery."
Also on this day in 2018, Atropa aired "Doppelganger." This served as the second installment in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"After their mysterious collision, the crew must act fast to save the critically damaged ship. With power failing, Cole makes a bold decision."
"After their mysterious collision, the crew must act fast to save the critically damaged ship. With power failing, Cole makes a bold decision."
Also on this day in 2018, Atropa aired "Time." This served as the third installment in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"After disaster on the sister ship and a troubling discovery, Moira patches Cole up. Jensen works on finding a solution to their predicament."
"After disaster on the sister ship and a troubling discovery, Moira patches Cole up. Jensen works on finding a solution to their predicament."
Also on this day in 2018, Atropa aired "Choices." This served as the fourth installment in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"Flashback to Cole's time as a detective on Earth. An important event from Cole and Moira's past is revealed. Captain Schreiber gives Cole a choice on Valley Forge Outpost."
"Flashback to Cole's time as a detective on Earth. An important event from Cole and Moira's past is revealed. Captain Schreiber gives Cole a choice on Valley Forge Outpost."
Also on this day in 2018, Atropa aired "Ring." This served as the fifth installment in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Moira informs the crew how Sanders' copy died. Cole is put on the defensive. An unfortunate choice reveals a horrible new truth."
"Moira informs the crew how Sanders' copy died. Cole is put on the defensive. An unfortunate choice reveals a horrible new truth."
Also on this day in 2018, Atropa aired "Fate." This served as the sixth installment in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With power failing, the remaining crew search for Sanders. The group splits, and Sanders makes his move."
"With power failing, the remaining crew search for Sanders. The group splits, and Sanders makes his move."
It all came down to this: on this day in 2018, Atropa bowed out of its broadcast existence with the airing of "Checkmate." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"All hope is seemingly lost when a potential solution presents itself. The remaining crew must act fast if they are ever going to break the cycle and escape time's grasp."
"All hope is seemingly lost when a potential solution presents itself. The remaining crew must act fast if they are ever going to break the cycle and escape time's grasp."
On this day in 2011, Dynamite Entertainment decided to pluck a page from history -- or, well, create their own -- by launching a brand new title exploring the world of Barsoom 400 years before John Carter went there. Warlord of Mars: Dejah Thoris brought a princess of Mars to glorious life in its first issue, serving up the kind of cheesy fiction sci-fi fandom has always clamored for in spades. The book is fun -- it's nothing as grand as some critics (mostly red-blooded American males) would have you believe -- and it's certainly passes for entertainment so far as I'm concerned.
