I've written before about the greatness of Babylon 5 just being beyond me -- out of my reach, as it were. The program just never hooked me the way it did others, but I can appreciate a job well done, especially when that job well done involves another foray into quality Science Fiction. As such, kudos are owed to all involved. Perhaps no one gets more kudos for the show truly igniting a fan frenzy than does veteran actor Bruce Boxleitner. SciFi fans were already familiar with his face from the legendary flick, Tron (1982), so his inclusion into the space opera at the start of the second season probably only helped throw another log on the already roaring fire of excitement. Boxleitner was born on this day in 1950. [Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Babylon 5 was embraced by fandom around the world, and Boxleitner was the recipient of some great praise for his work on the show. In both 1995 and 1996, the SciFi Universe Magazine's Readers' Choice Awards recognize the actor with its 'Best Actor In A Genre TV Series' Award. Also, in 1999, he was nominated for a Saturn Award (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films) in the category of 'Best Genre TV Actor.'
For the record:
Babylon 5 was embraced by fandom around the world, and Boxleitner was the recipient of some great praise for his work on the show. In both 1995 and 1996, the SciFi Universe Magazine's Readers' Choice Awards recognize the actor with its 'Best Actor In A Genre TV Series' Award. Also, in 1999, he was nominated for a Saturn Award (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films) in the category of 'Best Genre TV Actor.'
The venerable Wilfrid Hyde-White joined Buck Rogers in the 25th Century for its second season, playing no less than the venerable 'Dr. Goodfellow,' a kind of joint Sciences officer and historian to the crew of the Searcher. Though he's no longer with us, Hyde-White was born on this day in 1903. [Source: IMDB.com]
The late Peter Allan Fields was a screenwriter and producer for the world of televised Star Trek and beyond, also contributing scripts to such genre properties as The Six Million Dollar Man, Man From Atlantis, A Man Called Sloane, Darkroom, Knight Rider, Legend, and Xena: Warrior Princess. IMDB.com reports that he penned three episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation as well as ten for Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. In 1993, he shared a Hugo Award win for TNG's "The Inner Light" in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation' for his part in crafting one of Trekdom's most memorable episodes. Though he's no longer with us, Fields was born on this day in 1935. [Source: IMDB.com]
Back in my high school days, I knew a few fellows who insisted that George Carlin was the funniest man alive. I never quite agreed with them; sure, I thought he was good, but the funniest man alive? Nah. He was very insightful, definitely a prescient man who knew a thing or two about life. I loved his turn in Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. Though he's no longer with us, Carlin was born on this day in 1937. [Source: IMDB.com]
"Sure, mom. Sure, dad. I'll join Starfleet. I'll wear the red, just like you did. I'll brave the Final Frontier." Sigh. So much red ... so little time. Jon Cavett enjoyed a trip aboard the Starship Enterprise, and what did he get to show for it? Killed off in his only screen credit of record aboard the seminal "The Devil In The Dark." Poor guy. We hardly knew you. Though he's no longer with us, Cavett was born on this day in 1940. [Source: Memory Alpha]
In the role of 'May,' Sara Kestelman enjoyed some screen time aboard John Boorman's Zardoz (1974), one of cinema's more bizarre SciFi entries. She's also provided voiceovers for Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic II - The Sith Lords video game. Kestelman was born on this day in 1944. [Source: IMDB.com]
Gabriel Byrne made a nice appearance as the scientist who might have the answers to turn back the War Of The Worlds. Byrne was born on this day in 1950. [Source: IMDB.com]
A lesser man might be quick to dismiss the lovely Jennifer Hetrick as an intellectual's "eye candy." (Not that there's anything wrong with that!) Certainly, her introduction into the pantheon of characters that made up Star Trek: The Next Generation kinda/sorta pushed her in that direction. Rather, I like to think of her as the woman who taught Picard that vacations can be something to look forward to! Hetrick was born on this day in 1958. [Source: IMDB.com]
The inimitable Ving Rhames dipped his toes into the greater Marvel Movie Universe with a role aboard the blockbuster hit Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017). Rhames was born on this day in 1959. [Source: IMDB.com]
That I know of, Emilio Estevez only took a single stab at the realm of Science Fiction ... so let's thank God for small miracles! It was called Freejack (1992), and it also starred Rene Russo, Anthony Hopkins, and (ahem) Mick Jagger. Meh. It was very forgettable. Estevez was born on this day in 1962. [Source: IMDB.com]
Sorry, folks, but I don't "game" ... but I have been told by fans of the Star Wars video game franchise that the various Knights Of The Old Republic are pretty exciting properties. In them, the lovely Deborah Kara Unger voices the advanced form of Artificial Intelligence who sets some of the events in motion. Unger was born on this day in 1966. [Source: IMDB.com]
Funny lady Catherine Tate imbued the precocious Donna Noble -- sometime faithful companion to Doctor Who -- with a kind of manic, screwball intensity, matching David Tennant's comic timing note for note. Tate was born on this day in 1968. [Source: IMDB.com]
Fox TV's Harsh Realm gave Chris Carter briefly another show to tinker with after creating the phenomenally popular The X-Files for audiences. Sadly, no one tuned in, and that's a shame as Harsh Realm had probably more potential as an ongoing SciFi property than even Carter could manage. In it, Samantha Mathis played Sophie Green, the young 'widow' who simply wanted her husband back; the truth of what happened to him had been kept from her. Mathis was born on this day in 1970. [Source: IMDB.com]
Nae Tazawa entered the realm of TV Fantasy with a recurring role aboard David Lynch's welcome return to Twin Peaks in 2017. Tazawa was born on this day in 1970. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Jamie Luner never disappoints, though I don't think we see her in enough genre projects. (Let's work on that, Ms. Luner!) In the meantime, we do have work to appreciate in such entities as The Outer Limits, Threshold (2003), Nuclear Hurricane (2007), and the long-running Supernatural. Luner was born on this day in 1971. [Source: IMDB.com]
Morgan Weisser enjoyed leading man status aboard Fox TV's short-lived Space: Above And Beyond, one of the better SciFi series to come out of the network. Weisser was born on this day in 1971. [Source: IMDB.com]
Erin Dilly continues to reach out and explore new opportunities in the entertainment field. Genre fans might recognize her from work aboard Person Of Interest. Dilly was born on this day in 1972. [Source: IMDB.com]
Mackenzie Astin enjoyed a guest spot aboard an episode of Fox TV's increasingly popular The Orville. The busy actor has also enjoyed a bit of screen time aboard The Outer Limits, Lost, Touch, Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D., and The Magicians. Astin was born on this day in 1973. [Source: IMDB.com]
I've only seen a few episodes of the syndicated SciFi series Mutant X. I liked the premise, but the show had a kinda/sorta funky production vibe to it that I didn't take well to, so I tuned it out. I really should check it out at some length eventually, and the talented Forbes March enjoyed a few seasons as a regular aboard the program. March was born on this day in 1973. [Source: IMDB.com]
Folks tell me that I struggle with defining certain comic book movies as Science Fiction. I only have a few rules of thumb, but one is whether or not the story takes place in our possible world. As Watchmen clearly takes place in an alternate reality, I give it a free pass. Besides, Malin Akerman is so delicious in it that I'll bend the rules any time I can to squeeze her into a SciFi property! Akerman was born on this day in 1978. [Source: IMDB.com]
I thoroughly enjoyed almost all of the TV's animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars during its run, and the lovely Anna Graves voiced a handful of characters aboard the program, including the fan-favorite secondary player 'Satine Kryze,' a kinda/sorta love interest for Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi. Graves was born on this day in 1978. [Source: IMDB.com]
Amy Sloan had an important recurring guest role in the first season of Syfy's pretty stellar 12 Monkeys adaptation (pictured above). The versatile actress has also booked appearances in Timeline, The Day After Tomorrow, Stargate: SG-1, and NBC's The Event. Sloan was born on this day in 1978. [Source: IMDB.com]
When she was but an urchin, real-life sibling Amy Wheaton joined her big brother (I cry nepotism!) aboard an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Wheaton was born on this day in 1978. [Source: IMDB.com]
The delicious Marisa Lauren explored the funny side of Superhero movies with a role in Superhero Movie (2008). Furthermore, she enjoyed a lead role aboard TV's live action Fantasy-themed Kamen Rider: Dragon Knight series. Lauren was born on this day in 1980. [Source: IMDB.com]
Young Domhnall Gleeson played the terrifically tortured 'Clan Technie' from 2012's superb Dredd adaptation (pictured above with his captor Lena Headey). He's also had a role in 2015's Ex Machina and had an appearance in the much-ballyhooed Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens. Domhnall was born on this day in 1983. [Source: IMDB.com]
Deliciously easy-on-the-eyes Emily VanCamp had a role in 2014's Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and she returned for Captain America: Civil War. VanCamp was born on this day in 1986. [Source: IMDB.com]
Believe it or not, the Walt Disney Company has long flirted with SciFi and SciFi-lite properties, of which Luke Benward enjoyed a starring role aboard their Minutemen (2008) film. Benward was born on this day in 1995. [Source: IMDB.com]
The Giver remains one of the tragically under-seen movies of the entire 2014 movie season. It's an adaptation of a popular yet somewhat controversial Young Adult novel, and I personally think it just got swept away as 'just another YA flick' when it hit the multiplexes. That's a shame because I found it quite good. In it, young Odeya Rush (pictured above right) played Fiona, a probable love interest for the film's star Jonas (played by Brenton Thwaites). Rush was born on this day in 1997. [Source: IMDB.com]
Young William Hughes took the opportunity to appear not only aboard Doctor Who but also paid a brief visit to its spin-off, Torchwood, in his brief career in the entertainment industry. In fact, I've read that he's the very youngest actor of record to appear in the guise of 'The Master' for the Science Fiction franchise. Though he's no longer with us, Hughes was born on this day in 1998. [Source: Doctor Who Online]
[NOTE: Though I've been unable to locate any of the particulars regarding Hughes' short life, I have seen it reported that he was found unresponsive after a suicide attempt. So if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please share the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255. It's never too late to save a life.]
[NOTE: Though I've been unable to locate any of the particulars regarding Hughes' short life, I have seen it reported that he was found unresponsive after a suicide attempt. So if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please share the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255. It's never too late to save a life.]
On this day in 1968 (in the United Kingdom), 2001: A Space Odyssey soared onto the silver screen. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, the SciFi/Drama starred Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
A star is born ... or is that porn? On this day in 1978 (in the U.S.), the good people of Chicago, Illinois were treated to the silver screen premiere of SexWorld! Written (in part) and directed by Anthony Spinelli, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Lesllie Bovee, Kent Hall, and Kay Parker. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A bus tour takes its passengers to a place called SexWorld where they can live out their most secret desires during a weekend."
For the record:
Technically, it would appear that this is not SexWorld's first theatrical engagement. IMDB.com reports that the flick opened some time in April of 1978 in the city of San Diego, California. However, I've been unable to locate the exact date so I am using this one in lieu of that. Should I find more accurate information, then I'll be happy to update.
More for the record:
In 1979, the Adult Film Association Of America recognized SexWorld with a big win in the categories of 'Best Musical Score' and 'Best Art And Set Direction.' The feature did have to settle for a nomination alone in the category of 'Best Film.'
"A bus tour takes its passengers to a place called SexWorld where they can live out their most secret desires during a weekend."
For the record:
Technically, it would appear that this is not SexWorld's first theatrical engagement. IMDB.com reports that the flick opened some time in April of 1978 in the city of San Diego, California. However, I've been unable to locate the exact date so I am using this one in lieu of that. Should I find more accurate information, then I'll be happy to update.
More for the record:
In 1979, the Adult Film Association Of America recognized SexWorld with a big win in the categories of 'Best Musical Score' and 'Best Art And Set Direction.' The feature did have to settle for a nomination alone in the category of 'Best Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 1978, The Alien Factor touched down to Earth theatrically in all places of Baltimore, Maryland. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A spaceship containing specimens for an intergalactic zoo crashes on Earth near a small back woods town. The specimens escape, and soon town folk are turning up mutilated. Very low budget feature was the first for Baltimore filmmaker Don Dohler."
"A spaceship containing specimens for an intergalactic zoo crashes on Earth near a small back woods town. The specimens escape, and soon town folk are turning up mutilated. Very low budget feature was the first for Baltimore filmmaker Don Dohler."
On this day in 1979 (in Japan), Tourist Trap opened its doors for business. Well, cinematically, that is. Written (in part) and directed by David Schmoeller, the Horror/Fantasy starred Chuck Connors, Jocelyn Jones, and Tanya Roberts; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A group of young friends stranded at a secluded roadside museum are stalked by a masked assailant who uses his telekenetic powers to control the attraction's mannequins."
"A group of young friends stranded at a secluded roadside museum are stalked by a masked assailant who uses his telekenetic powers to control the attraction's mannequins."
A star is born! On this day in 1986 (in France), Nightmare Weekend played for audiences in attendance of the Cannes Film Festival. Directed by Henri Sala, the SciFi/Horror feature starred Debbie Laster and Deb Hunter, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A female scientist performs experiments on three college girls that turn them into drooling, murderous mutants."
"A female scientist performs experiments on three college girls that turn them into drooling, murderous mutants."
I have a vague, vague recollection of this thing being released on home video. Maybe I saw it, but I sure don't remember Earth Girls Are Easy. It premiered theatrically on this day back in 1988 -- with Geena Davis in all of her 'nippled' glory -- and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A spaceship with three furry aliens lands in a California girl's swimming pool, so she makes friends with them."
Yeah. That sounds like something I wouldn't remember.
"A spaceship with three furry aliens lands in a California girl's swimming pool, so she makes friends with them."
Yeah. That sounds like something I wouldn't remember.
A star is born! On this day in 1988 (in France), audiences of the Cannes Film Festival enjoyed theatrical debut screening of On The Silver Globe (aka Na srebrnym globie). Written (in part) and directed by Andrzej Zulawski, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Andrzej Seweryn, Jerzy Trela, and Grazyna Dylag. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A team of astronauts land on an inhabitable planet and form a society. Many years later, a single astronaut is sent to the planet and becomes a messiah."
For the record:
To the film's credit, On The Silver Globe enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'International Fantasy Film Award' at the 1989 Fantasporto Film Festival.
"A team of astronauts land on an inhabitable planet and form a society. Many years later, a single astronaut is sent to the planet and becomes a messiah."
For the record:
To the film's credit, On The Silver Globe enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'International Fantasy Film Award' at the 1989 Fantasporto Film Festival.
A star is born! On this day in 1989 (in France), Driving Force took it to the silver screen with a special theatrical premiere held at the Cannes Film Festival. Directed by Andrew Prowse from a script by Patrick Edgeworth, the SciFi/Thriller starred Sam J. Jones, Catherine Bach, and Don Swayze. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a futuristic time, a fierce band of marauders, the Black Knights, rule the road - and everyone on it. Into this chaos comes a fearless warrior to challenge them. Together with a tough, beautiful woman, he pits himself against the Destroyers."
"In a futuristic time, a fierce band of marauders, the Black Knights, rule the road - and everyone on it. Into this chaos comes a fearless warrior to challenge them. Together with a tough, beautiful woman, he pits himself against the Destroyers."
A star is born ... and it ain't easy being green! On this day in 1989 (in the U.S.), The Return Of Swamp Thing enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever. Directed by Jim Wynorski, the SciFi/Fantasy film starred Dick Durock, Louis Jourdan, and Heather Locklear. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In this tongue-in-cheek sequel, the benevolent bog creature falls for the vegetarian, plant-loving daughter of the evil scientist who created him."
For the record:
At the 1990 Razzie Awards, actress Heather Locklear took home the big win in the category of 'Worst Actress.' Ouch.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was fortunate to receive an all-new release of The Return Of Swamp Thing via a distributor relationship in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
"In this tongue-in-cheek sequel, the benevolent bog creature falls for the vegetarian, plant-loving daughter of the evil scientist who created him."
For the record:
At the 1990 Razzie Awards, actress Heather Locklear took home the big win in the category of 'Worst Actress.' Ouch.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was fortunate to receive an all-new release of The Return Of Swamp Thing via a distributor relationship in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1991 (in France), Wedlock played for audiences in attendance of the Cannes Film Festival ... making this its first theatrical presentation ever! Directed by Lewis Teague, the SciFi/Drama starred Rutger Hauer, Joan Chen, and Mimi Rogers; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Frank has been convicted of stealing millions of dollars in diamonds, which have not been recovered. In his unisex prison, each inmate has an unknown partner. When the two are separated by more than one hundred yards, an explosive collar kills both inmates. Frank and his female partner escape and head for the money, but they are hotly pursued by his double-crossing colleagues."
"Frank has been convicted of stealing millions of dollars in diamonds, which have not been recovered. In his unisex prison, each inmate has an unknown partner. When the two are separated by more than one hundred yards, an explosive collar kills both inmates. Frank and his female partner escape and head for the money, but they are hotly pursued by his double-crossing colleagues."
A star is born! On this day in 1996 (in Canada), Doctor Who took another stab at television history, albeit this time in the guise of a SciFi/Fantasy telefilm. Written by Matthew Jacobs and directed by Geoffrey Sax, this incarnation cast Paul McGann in the central role, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The newly-regenerated Doctor takes on the Master on the turn of the millennium, 31 December 1999."
For the record:
At the 1997 Saturn Awards, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films christened Paul McGann with a nomination for 'Best Genre TV Actor' (alas, he didn't win) ... but the telefilm did take home the trophy in the category of 'Best Single Genre Television Presentation.'
"The newly-regenerated Doctor takes on the Master on the turn of the millennium, 31 December 1999."
For the record:
At the 1997 Saturn Awards, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films christened Paul McGann with a nomination for 'Best Genre TV Actor' (alas, he didn't win) ... but the telefilm did take home the trophy in the category of 'Best Single Genre Television Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 2002, George Lucas's Star Wars: Episode II - Attack Of The Clones enjoyed its silver screen premiere in both Los Angeles, CA and New York City, NY! Written and directed by the Jedi Master himself, the film starred Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, and Hayden Christensen; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ten years after initially meeting, Anakin Skywalker shares a forbidden romance with Padmé Amidala, while Obi-Wan Kenobi investigates an assassination attempt on the senator and discovers a secret clone army crafted for the Jedi."
"Ten years after initially meeting, Anakin Skywalker shares a forbidden romance with Padmé Amidala, while Obi-Wan Kenobi investigates an assassination attempt on the senator and discovers a secret clone army crafted for the Jedi."
A star is born! On this day in 2015, George Lucas's Prequel Trilogy came to its big finish with the silver screen premiere of Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge Of The Sith in Los Angeles, California. The motion picture brought back regulars Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, and Hayden Christensen to their central roles; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Three years into the Clone Wars, the Jedi rescue Palpatine from Count Dooku. As Obi-Wan pursues a new threat, Anakin acts as a double agent between the Jedi Council and Palpatine and is lured into a sinister plan to rule the galaxy."
"Three years into the Clone Wars, the Jedi rescue Palpatine from Count Dooku. As Obi-Wan pursues a new threat, Anakin acts as a double agent between the Jedi Council and Palpatine and is lured into a sinister plan to rule the galaxy."
On this day in 2007 (in Italy), behold ... Locusts: The 8th Plague descended upon all of mankind. Directed by Ian Gilmour, the SciFi/Horror starred Dan Cortese, Julie Benz, and David Keith; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Top-secret lab experiments have resulted in genetically-engineered locusts that devour the flesh from any humans in their path. When the swarm escapes, a determined researcher heads a team to stop the menace before it consumes the world."
"Top-secret lab experiments have resulted in genetically-engineered locusts that devour the flesh from any humans in their path. When the swarm escapes, a determined researcher heads a team to stop the menace before it consumes the world."
A star is born! On this day in 2008 (in the United Kingdom), 100 Million BC came down through the ages for its release on home video. Directed by Griff Furst, the SciFi/Thriller starred Michael Gross, Greg Evigan, and Christopher Atkins; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A scientist leads a team of Navy SEALs back in time to the Cretaceous Period to rescue the first team he sent back during the 1940s. Things go wildly when he accidentally brings a giant dinosaur back into Los Angeles."
"A scientist leads a team of Navy SEALs back in time to the Cretaceous Period to rescue the first team he sent back during the 1940s. Things go wildly when he accidentally brings a giant dinosaur back into Los Angeles."
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), the truth was out there again with the release of Aliens: Zone-X. Directed by Thomas R. Dickens, the SciFi/Fantasy starred David John Burke, Travon L. Collins, and Wallace Dorian. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Park Ranger Don Morgan is torn from his routine life, when he stumbles upon a UFO visitation in the arid, deserted Park Area where he resides. An inexplicable, bizarre power outage knocks out all electronics and communications, stranding a carload of hikers in the park, and downing a small plane. Searching for hydration in the blistering heat, Don must lead the survivors across an apparently abandoned Military Testing area (similar to "Area 51") called "ZONE-X". Is it the sun, dehydration, or is something else (a covert government mind control test or possibly aliens) playing tricks on their minds, confusing them with harrowing mirages? In order to end the extra-terrestrial's experiment on humanity, Don must summon newly found paranormal abilities and battle his arch rival "The Madman" (also stranded in the park) not to mention gigantic marauding creature monstrosities (cyborg spiders, flying beasts, huge reptiles) "created" by the Aliens."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Aliens: Zone-X reaped a bit of praise from a screening at the New York International Independent Film & Video Festival.
"Park Ranger Don Morgan is torn from his routine life, when he stumbles upon a UFO visitation in the arid, deserted Park Area where he resides. An inexplicable, bizarre power outage knocks out all electronics and communications, stranding a carload of hikers in the park, and downing a small plane. Searching for hydration in the blistering heat, Don must lead the survivors across an apparently abandoned Military Testing area (similar to "Area 51") called "ZONE-X". Is it the sun, dehydration, or is something else (a covert government mind control test or possibly aliens) playing tricks on their minds, confusing them with harrowing mirages? In order to end the extra-terrestrial's experiment on humanity, Don must summon newly found paranormal abilities and battle his arch rival "The Madman" (also stranded in the park) not to mention gigantic marauding creature monstrosities (cyborg spiders, flying beasts, huge reptiles) "created" by the Aliens."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Aliens: Zone-X reaped a bit of praise from a screening at the New York International Independent Film & Video Festival.
It's the end of the world as we know it! Again! On this day in 2015, the SciFi/Horror film Plague enjoyed its general release via the Internet. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A small group of survivors in post-apocalyptic Australia seek shelter from an infection that has spread like a plague among the human populace. Evie and her fellow survivors become separated from her husband John. Evie refuses to leave John behind against the wishes of the group. The survivors revolt and abandon Evie to an uncertain fate. With the unexpected arrival of Charlie what appears to be an opportunity at a new beginning quickly turns to horror as menacing as the infected that pursue them."
"A small group of survivors in post-apocalyptic Australia seek shelter from an infection that has spread like a plague among the human populace. Evie and her fellow survivors become separated from her husband John. Evie refuses to leave John behind against the wishes of the group. The survivors revolt and abandon Evie to an uncertain fate. With the unexpected arrival of Charlie what appears to be an opportunity at a new beginning quickly turns to horror as menacing as the infected that pursue them."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in Australia), Cyborg X launched its deadly assault with a premiere on home video. Written and directed by K. King, the SciFi/Thriller starred Danny Trejo, Eve Mauro, and Rocky Myers. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After X-Corp, a radical weapons manufacturer, is taken over by a Cyber Virus, a group of survivors must fight to save humanity from the army of Machines the Virus now controls."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Cyborg X scored a pair of wins from a special screening at the Utah Film Festival.
"After X-Corp, a radical weapons manufacturer, is taken over by a Cyber Virus, a group of survivors must fight to save humanity from the army of Machines the Virus now controls."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Cyborg X scored a pair of wins from a special screening at the Utah Film Festival.
This film's gone to the dogs! On this day in 2017, Absolutely Anything took a swing at box office heaven but came up horrifically short. The SciFi/Comedy starred Simon Pegg and Kate Beckinsale, and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"A group of eccentric aliens confers a human being with the power to do absolutely anything, as an experiment."
"A group of eccentric aliens confers a human being with the power to do absolutely anything, as an experiment."
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), Ascension enjoyed a general theatrical release. Written (in part) and directed by Ross Wachsman, the SciFi/Drama starred Ana Mulvoy Ten, Christie Burke, and Farrah Mackenzie; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Still mourning the death of her mother, 16-year-old Angela, who's had some behavioral and mental instability issues, strives to maintain harmony in the house. She takes care of her 6-year-old sister Chloe and tries to keep the peace with her difficult, goth 17-year-old sister Becca, who is furious that their father Jason pulled them out of school and hired grad student Gabby to homeschool them. When Becca starts exhibiting bizarre behavior, only Angela seems to notice that she is possessed by a dark and otherworldly force with plans to do something unspeakable to Chloe."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Ascension garnered a wealth of praise on the film festival circuit.
"Still mourning the death of her mother, 16-year-old Angela, who's had some behavioral and mental instability issues, strives to maintain harmony in the house. She takes care of her 6-year-old sister Chloe and tries to keep the peace with her difficult, goth 17-year-old sister Becca, who is furious that their father Jason pulled them out of school and hired grad student Gabby to homeschool them. When Becca starts exhibiting bizarre behavior, only Angela seems to notice that she is possessed by a dark and otherworldly force with plans to do something unspeakable to Chloe."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Ascension garnered a wealth of praise on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2022 (in Argentina, Hungary, Italy, and a few other countries of record), studio executives went back to the drawing board in an attempt to remake Stephen King's novel Firestarter for a modern audience. Directed by Keith Thomas, the Horror/Fantasy starred Zac Efron, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, and Sydney Lemmon; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young girl tries to understand how she mysteriously gained the power to set things on fire with her mind."
"A young girl tries to understand how she mysteriously gained the power to set things on fire with her mind."
On this day in 1956, it looks like Lois Lane finally got her (super)man with the airing of "The Wedding Of Superman" on TV's Adventures Of Superman. Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While answering some letters for an advice columnist, Lois dozes off. She awakens to a delivery of flowers from Superman, and events quickly lead up to a marriage proposal from the Man of Steel. However,if a gang of crooks, against whom Lois can testify, have their way, the wedding will never take place."
"While answering some letters for an advice columnist, Lois dozes off. She awakens to a delivery of flowers from Superman, and events quickly lead up to a marriage proposal from the Man of Steel. However,if a gang of crooks, against whom Lois can testify, have their way, the wedding will never take place."
On this day in 1961, The Twilight Zone aired "The Mind and The Matter." This served as the twenty-seventh episode to the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Using the power of mind over matter, Archibald Beechcroft remakes the world to his own specifications."
"Using the power of mind over matter, Archibald Beechcroft remakes the world to his own specifications."
On this day in 1966 (in the United Kingdom), Thunderbirds aired "Martian Invasion." Officially, this served as the twenty-fourth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Hood infiltrates a film set and engineers an accident during production that leaves two of the main actors trapped in a cave. As International Rescue responds the Hood sets about once again trying to steal footage of the organization in action."
"The Hood infiltrates a film set and engineers an accident during production that leaves two of the main actors trapped in a cave. As International Rescue responds the Hood sets about once again trying to steal footage of the organization in action."
On this day in 1978, The Incredible Hulk aired "Life and Death." This served as the tenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"David 'Barnard' subjects himself to an experimental DNA test but finds out his doctor's accomplices are gathering newborn babies for similar research."
"David 'Barnard' subjects himself to an experimental DNA test but finds out his doctor's accomplices are gathering newborn babies for similar research."
It all came down to this: on this day in 1988, Max Headroom aired "Baby Grobags," the eighth episode of the program's second (and final) season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's what all of the fuss was about:
"An old friend of Theora's goes to the lab to pick up her in vitro baby only to find out it's been kidnapped. Theora and Edison make it their personal mission to expose the truth behind the disappearances of other babies."
"An old friend of Theora's goes to the lab to pick up her in vitro baby only to find out it's been kidnapped. Theora and Edison make it their personal mission to expose the truth behind the disappearances of other babies."
On this day in 1990, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Sarek," a particularly poignant hour for the entire franchise. This served as the twenty-third episode of the program's third season, and Trek veteran Mark Lenard reprised his role of Sarek from the original series. According to our friends at TrekCore.com, here's the plot summary:
"Vulcan Ambassador Sarek, father of Spock, beams aboard the Enterprise to be transported to his final diplomatic duty. But he is suffering the initial symptoms of a mind-deteriorating disease and his telepathic skills project violent, irrational impulses in the crew's minds."
"Vulcan Ambassador Sarek, father of Spock, beams aboard the Enterprise to be transported to his final diplomatic duty. But he is suffering the initial symptoms of a mind-deteriorating disease and his telepathic skills project violent, irrational impulses in the crew's minds."
On this day in 1992, Super Force aired "The End of Everything: Part 2." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"Zach discovers secrets about Eve as he acquires the specifications of the plasmoid anatomy."
"Zach discovers secrets about Eve as he acquires the specifications of the plasmoid anatomy."
I've never seen the cyber-drama VR5. It appeared on Fox's TV schedule in 1995 wherein network executives were clearly hoping it could be a companion piece to their wildly popular The X-Files. VR5's final episode aired on this day in '95, and I've read elsewhere that it was a massive cliffhanger that never got resolved. What can I say? Stuff happens. Here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"Sydney and her sister Samantha are reunited and, along with Duncan, they into VR5 to discover what really happened the night of the car crash. It turns out there was no car crash: Sydney's memories were altered by her father to protect her from the Committee. A faction of the Committee is after Sydney; Oliver is assigned to murder Sydney but rebels. Sydney goes into VR7 to rescue her mother from her coma."
"Sydney and her sister Samantha are reunited and, along with Duncan, they into VR5 to discover what really happened the night of the car crash. It turns out there was no car crash: Sydney's memories were altered by her father to protect her from the Committee. A faction of the Committee is after Sydney; Oliver is assigned to murder Sydney but rebels. Sydney goes into VR7 to rescue her mother from her coma."
On this day in 1995, The X-Files aired "Our Town." Officially, this served as the twenty-fourth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Reports of foxfire on a field in Dudley, Arkansas lead Mulder and Scully to a bizarre situation regarding the townsfolk. Employees of the Chaco Chicken Corporation are displaying bizarre behavior, and the death rate is slowly increasing."
"Reports of foxfire on a field in Dudley, Arkansas lead Mulder and Scully to a bizarre situation regarding the townsfolk. Employees of the Chaco Chicken Corporation are displaying bizarre behavior, and the death rate is slowly increasing."
On this day in 1997, the television miniseries adaptation of Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea aired Part 2. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The year is 1886, when New England's fishing harbours are the scene for a "creature of unknown origin" destroying ships at sea. It is the job of Professor Pierre Arronax, a marine expert, and Ned Land, the iron-willed sailor, to learn the truth of the "monster" roaming the seas. The great novelist, Jules Verne, described this perilous journey to the darkest depths of the sea with Captain Nemo aboard the Nautilus."
"The year is 1886, when New England's fishing harbours are the scene for a "creature of unknown origin" destroying ships at sea. It is the job of Professor Pierre Arronax, a marine expert, and Ned Land, the iron-willed sailor, to learn the truth of the "monster" roaming the seas. The great novelist, Jules Verne, described this perilous journey to the darkest depths of the sea with Captain Nemo aboard the Nautilus."
On this day in 1997, Babylon 5 aired "Rumors, Bargains And Lies." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Delenn meets with Neroon to discuss the war that's torn their planet apart. She proposes a plan but she'll need his support. Sheridan launches an eccentric plan involving misdirection, rumors, etc, to get the League to agree to a new role for the White Star Fleet."
"Delenn meets with Neroon to discuss the war that's torn their planet apart. She proposes a plan but she'll need his support. Sheridan launches an eccentric plan involving misdirection, rumors, etc, to get the League to agree to a new role for the White Star Fleet."
On this day in 2000, Chris Carter's Harsh Realm aired the eighth episode of its single season. The hour was titled "Cincinatti," and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"An insurgent American Indian Movement seeks to defeat and capture Santiago in Cincinnati. Santiago hunts their leader in retaliation, while Inga continues to manipulate Waters and Santiago. Hobbes, Pinocchio and Florence are also hunting Santiago and get caught in the middle of the two factions."
"An insurgent American Indian Movement seeks to defeat and capture Santiago in Cincinnati. Santiago hunts their leader in retaliation, while Inga continues to manipulate Waters and Santiago. Hobbes, Pinocchio and Florence are also hunting Santiago and get caught in the middle of the two factions."
On this day in 2002, The X-Files aired "Sunshine Days." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode in the program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Reyes and Doggett investigate two murders revolving around a house that is, at some points in time, identical to the Brady Bunch house."
"Reyes and Doggett investigate two murders revolving around a house that is, at some points in time, identical to the Brady Bunch house."
On this day in 2003 (in the United Kingdom), Firefly aired "Serenity." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Malcolm Reynolds is a veteran and the captain of Serenity. He and his crew are smuggling goods, but they need to pick up some passengers for extra money. However, not all the passengers are what they seem."
"Malcolm Reynolds is a veteran and the captain of Serenity. He and his crew are smuggling goods, but they need to pick up some passengers for extra money. However, not all the passengers are what they seem."
On this day in 2003, Mutant X aired "Lest He Become." This served as the twenty-second episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Shalimar reluctantly agrees to contact her estranged father when the team learn his company is involved in genetic testing and manipulation."
"Shalimar reluctantly agrees to contact her estranged father when the team learn his company is involved in genetic testing and manipulation."
On this day in 2007, the BBC's Dinosapien aired "Electricity." This served as the eighth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Eno discovers the destructive power of lightning and he sets out to harness it. His search for tools brings him into camp on the day of the Talent Show. Nearly discovered by Dr. Aikens, he takes cover. Lauren realizes she must smuggle him out of the camp and convinces Courtney to ham it up in the Talent Show to distract everyone. Safely back in the woods, Eno tests his "Lightning Collector". But we don't know why he has built it or what he wants to use it for."
"Eno discovers the destructive power of lightning and he sets out to harness it. His search for tools brings him into camp on the day of the Talent Show. Nearly discovered by Dr. Aikens, he takes cover. Lauren realizes she must smuggle him out of the camp and convinces Courtney to ham it up in the Talent Show to distract everyone. Safely back in the woods, Eno tests his "Lightning Collector". But we don't know why he has built it or what he wants to use it for."
The action heated up on this day in 2012 when Green Lantern: The Animated Series aired "Flight Club." This was the eleventh episode of its only season, and here's the plot summary compliments of our friends at TV.com:
"With the Red Lanterns building up momentum, the Green Lanterns must stop their efforts to find the code necessary to penetrate the galactic barrier separating them from Guardian Space."
"With the Red Lanterns building up momentum, the Green Lanterns must stop their efforts to find the code necessary to penetrate the galactic barrier separating them from Guardian Space."
On this day in 2013 (in Canada), Continuum aired "Second Skin." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Travis' faction of Liber8 has taken to blowing up tanker trucks of gas and oil. It's an effective public relations move and the public is buying into it. Alec believes another time traveler has arrived in Vancouver and Kiera is intent on finding whoever it is. She is under the watchful eye of CSIS agent Gardiner however. When Kiera finds the time traveler she also finds an old friend and the situation is not quite what she expected. Kiera needs to find her friend's special suit and both Travis and Sonya are looking for it as well. Meanwhile Alec makes a new friend, Emily."
"Travis' faction of Liber8 has taken to blowing up tanker trucks of gas and oil. It's an effective public relations move and the public is buying into it. Alec believes another time traveler has arrived in Vancouver and Kiera is intent on finding whoever it is. She is under the watchful eye of CSIS agent Gardiner however. When Kiera finds the time traveler she also finds an old friend and the situation is not quite what she expected. Kiera needs to find her friend's special suit and both Travis and Sonya are looking for it as well. Meanwhile Alec makes a new friend, Emily."
On this day in 2015, Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. aired "S.O.S.: Part 1." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"S.H.I.E.L.D puts everything on the line to survive a war that blurs the line between friend and foe. Coulson and his team will be forced to make shocking sacrifices that will leave their relationships and their world changed forever."
"S.H.I.E.L.D puts everything on the line to survive a war that blurs the line between friend and foe. Coulson and his team will be forced to make shocking sacrifices that will leave their relationships and their world changed forever."
Also on this day in 2015, Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. aired "S.O.S.: Part 2." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The battle between SHIELD and the Inhumans reaches its peak. SHIELD must defend their own and keep Skye safe."
"The battle between SHIELD and the Inhumans reaches its peak. SHIELD must defend their own and keep Skye safe."
