If I remember correctly, Wild Palms was a television miniseries event and not a property intended to go to series (though I could be wrong on that point). Coming (in part) from the mind of Oliver Stone, the SciFi/Fantasy premiered on this day back in 1993, and it definitely had one of the more impressive casts involved in a project at the time. Jim Belushi. Dana Delany. David Warner. Ernie Hudson. Angie Dickinson. Robert Loggia. There were some heavyweight in there. Here's the premise as provided by the good people at IMDB.com:
"A multi-national corporation attempts to take over America while small pockets of resistance hold out against rampant technology."
For the record:
To the project's credit, Wild Palms created a bit of a buzz within certain circles that talk about smart television. In 1993, the project enjoyed a Primetime Emmy Award nomination in the category of 'Outstanding Individual Achievement in Art Direction for a Miniseries or a Special.' In 1994, the show enjoyed a Saturn Award nomination (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films) in the category of 'Best Genre Television Series.'
"A multi-national corporation attempts to take over America while small pockets of resistance hold out against rampant technology."
For the record:
To the project's credit, Wild Palms created a bit of a buzz within certain circles that talk about smart television. In 1993, the project enjoyed a Primetime Emmy Award nomination in the category of 'Outstanding Individual Achievement in Art Direction for a Miniseries or a Special.' In 1994, the show enjoyed a Saturn Award nomination (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films) in the category of 'Best Genre Television Series.'
Screen legend Henry Fonda helped prepare mankind for what could've been its darkest days as the U.S. President in the 1979 SciFi disaster flick, Meteor. Though he's no longer with us, Fonda was born on this day in 1905.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With well over one hundred different screen roles to his name, John Holland managed to squeeze in small roles aboard The Twilight Zone and the original Battlestar Galactica. Though he's no longer with us, Holland was born on this day in 1908.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Aboard Star Trek's third season episode "The Savage Curtain," the late Barry Atwater had the opportunity to bring the revered Vulcan elder 'Surak' to life on the small screen. Though he's no longer with us, Atwater was born on this day in 1918.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Leaving behind a resume just shy of one hundred different screen appearances, there's an awful lot of Lloyd Kino out there if one were to go looking. As far as genre entries go, the actor squeezed himself into work aboard Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea, Mr. Terrific, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Star Trek, The Girl With Something Extra, Mork & Mindy, The Greatest American Hero, Manimal, Dragonfight (1990), Mortal Kombat (1995), and Godzilla (1998). Though he's no longer with us, Kino was born on this day in 1919.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Harry Carey Jr. left his mark in the entertainment industry, leaving behind a legacy of over 150 different screen credits. The actor is best remembered for appearances aboard Knight Rider, Gremlins (1984), UFOria (1985), Cherry 2000 (1987), and Back To The Future III (1990). Though he's no longer with us, Carey Jr. was born on this day in 1921.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In March of 2008, the lovely and luscious Yvonne Craig ranked a whopping #7 on its "Sexiest Women in TV" list ... and, coincidentally, at that point she hadn't appeared in anything new on television in practically twenty years. Indeed, Craig remains forever sultry in the minds of Star Trek fans (she was 'Marta' -- an Orion Slave Girl -- in "Whom Gods Destroy"), but young men probably remember her best as Batgirl from that late 60's camp TV classic, Batman. Though she's no longer with us, Craig was born on this day in 1937.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A quick rundown of the resume of Jocelyn Lane certainly suggests that she's done a bit more mainstream work than genre. Still, genre fans might be able to cherish her talents in such projects as The Gamma People (1956), Mars - God Of War (1962), The Man From U.N.C.L.E., and The Girl From U.N.C.L.E. Lane was born on this day in 1937.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Filmdom's toughest B-movie hombre -- the legendary Danny Trejo -- can be seen doing what he does best in the curiously titled Cyborg X (2016) and Juarez 2045 (2016) once you can find them. Trejo was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
His has to be one of the most recognizable faces in entertainment history, but methinks very few people could even pronounce his name: Bill Smitrovich (above from Independence Day) or -- as he's known around here 'Old Bitter Bill.' He's made appearances in The Event, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Fox TV's Millennium. Smitrovich was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The original Starbuck was such a fool on Battlestar Galactica. By all intents and purposes, it looked like -- in the series' finale -- he'd finally end up in the arms of the lovely Cassiopeia as played by the stunning Laurette Spang; but what a shame he wasted so much time with others in between. Spang was born on this day back in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I really don't know why so much of mankind hated Mars Attacks! Personally, I thought the Tim Burton film had just the right amount of camp to make it nothing but charming. I know I loved it. While Pierce Brosnan is best known for his stint as the legendary MI6 agent James Bond, I think I'll always choose to remember him as the deliriously pompous professor Donald Kessler, the man who thought the Martians were 'reasonable.' Brosnan was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ah, the charm of 1970's television! Fanboys, was there ever a greater two-punch that the devastatingly lovely pairing of Lynda Carter's Wonder Woman leading the charge with her young squire Debra Winger as Wonder Girl? Be still my beating heart! Sadly, Winger doesn't "do" Science Fiction, so this single outing in delicious spandex is all we have to help us sleep at nights. Winger was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As Back To The Future's 'Goldy Wilson,' actor Donald Fullilove taught audiences that it was okay to chase a dream, especially if that dream meant that you were one day going to be mayor. Fullilove was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Mare Winningham has only dabbled in the realms of Science Fiction and Fantasy. She's had guest roles aboard Threshold (1981), The Twilight Zone, Intruders, Torchwood, Under the Dome, and HBO's The Outsider. Winningham was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
All hail Craig Weiss! He was the visual effects director who oversaw the updating of the classic Star Trek throughout its relatively recent remastering process. Weiss was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Rebecca Front brought to life one of the synthetics of the very near future in AMC's exceptional Humans. The actress has also had a role aboard Doctor Who and did voicework for the animated Planet 51 (2009). Front was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Brilliant character actor Vincent Regan squared off against Guy Pearce in 2012's proficient but mildly predictable SciFi actioner Lockout. Regan was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Brian F. O'Byrne is one of those great character actors who ends up filling out some very talented casts but never quite gets the spotlight he deserves. Genre fans probably know him best for his appearances on Flashforward and TNT's The Last Ship. O'Byrne was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Singapore-born Ramon Tikaram played a role aboard the the Wachowski siblings' epic SciFi failure, Jupiter Ascending (2015). The actor has also appeared in the BBC's Primeval. Tikaram was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Stephen Mangan headlined a 2010 adaptation by the BBC of the popular Dirk Gently property. He also guested aboard the SciFi/Comedy Hyperdrive. Mangan was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
TV's Tracey Gold hunkered down and braved the Arachnoquake (2012), the Syfy-fueled telepicture that featured giant fire-breathing spiders unleashed to do their worst upon New Orleans. Gold was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In all fairness, Danielle Spencer hasn't done much by way of Science Fiction or Fantasy, but she did enjoy a guest role aboard the short-lived BeastMaster television series. Spencer was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though it would appear his work has turned mostly 'highbrow' these days, Yannick Bisson did give Science Fiction a yeoman's try early in his career with roles aboard such programs as The Ray Bradbury Theatre and Mutant X. Bisson was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I suspect David Boreanaz will be remembered by fandom more for his work with Hollywood predator Joss Whedon on Angel or Bones, but the actor moved on to 'greener pastures' with the opportunity to voice the legendary Green Lantern aboard DC Comics' Justice League: The New Frontier (2008). Boreanaz was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Among her other impressive credits, actress Chuti Tiu turned up for good measure in a small role aboard Star Trek: Picard's second season. Tiu was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Indeed, characters come and go from the Apocalypse-themed Fantasy that is AMC's The Walking Dead, but -- for my money -- one of the latter introductions is one of my favorites: Khary Payton brings royalty to life in the guise of 'King Ezekiel.' Payton was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Though he certainly was a late addition (of sorts) to The Walking Dead family, I always liked Payton's work on the show. The writers actually gave him some situations and circumstances that allowed the actor to give Ezekial more depth than others got, and I think he made the most of it. Indeed, he garnered to nominations from the Saturn Awards (2018 and 2019) in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor On Television.'
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Though he certainly was a late addition (of sorts) to The Walking Dead family, I always liked Payton's work on the show. The writers actually gave him some situations and circumstances that allowed the actor to give Ezekial more depth than others got, and I think he made the most of it. Indeed, he garnered to nominations from the Saturn Awards (2018 and 2019) in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor On Television.'
Former teen queen Tori Spelling joined the CW's Smallville for all of two episodes in its pretty epic run. Otherwise the actress pretty much sticks to far more conventional fare. Spelling was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Wow. Disney's John Carter really took a critical drubbing. Also, fandom didn't exactly embrace it. I think there's been an awful lot written about how one of the most respected and legendary myths of the modern age -- one that's inspired a score of writers, filmmakers, and other storytellers -- to take up their respective crafts yet failed to ignite box office fires. I have my opinion on the subject, and I tend to think it boils down to a handful of creative miscalculations on the knuckleheads ultimately behind the film ... but that's a subject for another day. One of the things I thought the flick actually did very well was bringing the seminal character of 'Dejah Thoris' to life. Sure, it could've used a bit of a tweak here or there, but, all-in-all, I was pretty impressive with what actress Lynn Collins brought to the role. I was so impressed I thought there was room for a theatrical or TV spin-off just focusing on her and her tales. Dynamite Comics picked up that idea, so my prayers were answered. The lovely Lynn Collins was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Acclaimed actress Melanie Lynskey's profile shows she's a talent with great chops, and she's willing to put them to good use across a variety of genres. As for her dips into the realms of the Fantastic? Fans might know her from Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998), Snakeskin (2001), Rose Red, Claustrophobia (2003), Seeking A Friend At The End Of The World (2012), XX (2017), The Changeover (2017), Castle Rock, and The Last Of Us. Lynskey was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The young fellow on the receiving end of some rather rough treatment above is none other than actor Jim Sturgess, one of the many stars who appeared in Cloud Atlas (2012). Sturgess was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jessica Morris continues to work her way to the top of the entertainment heap, and she's definitely given genre fans some performances to watch along the way. To date, she's on display in such properties as Bloody Murder (2000), The Haunted Casino (2007), Decadent Evil II (2007), Dangerous Worry Dolls (2008), Fading Of The Cries (2008), The Dead Want Women (2012), and a great handful more. Morris was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Model and actress Barbara Nedeljakova can suit up and rumble with the best of them, as exhibited by her work aboard the SciFi/Fantasy Sky Sharks (2020) for Fuse Box Films. Nedeljakova was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Aboard Syfy's Resident Alien, actress Alice Wetterlund played the local barkeep, eeking out an existence in a sleepy little Colorado resort town ... one complete with a -- you guessed it -- resident alien. Wetterlund was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ouch! That's gonna leave a mark! Joseph Morgan did what he could to earn his 'stripes' (as it were) aboard the Fantasy-themed Immortals (2011). Morgan was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I wouldn't say that I dislike Star Wars: Rebels in any estimation; rather, I'm disappointed in it. Much of it was just a bit too kid-friendly for my tastes, but I do appreciate the work the voice actors brought to the table with each adventure. Tiya Sircar did an exceptional job bringing 'Sabine Wren' to life on the small screen. Sircar was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Julia Voth headlined a little something SciFi-lite called Project: S.E.R.A., an actioner that dealt with high-grade pharmaceuticals and a government conspiracy. In 2015, she joined the ensemble at the heart of a different SciFi conspiracy (of sorts) in Painkillers. She's also visited the worlds of TV's long-running Supernatural as well as got her big screen start in a little something called Bitch Slap (2009) ... which isn't SciFi but is one of the best B-Movies you've never seen. And from what I've seen on the internet? She does some very exceptional cosplay. Voth was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If you play in any one of the various Stan Lee universes, then the odds are good that SciFiHistory.Net is gonna find you! The lovely Jing Lusi played a significant role in Stan Lee's Lucky Man, a series about a man who discovers he retains the ability to control luck. More recently, she turned up in a role aboard the Amazon Studios production called The Feed (2019). Lusi was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I hate to sound like I'm picking on the lady, but -- if her work in the Transformers franchise is any indication -- Megan Fox really can't act with much depth. Maybe that's why I find it more than a little fitting to show her in her signature pose from the first TRANny flick, bent over an engine in some kind of contortion that makes no anatomical sense. Still, I think there's a place for her in SciFi fandom (Barbarella perhaps?), and I wish her well. Fox (who is a fox) was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
It goes without saying that Fox has had a bumpy ride in genre projects. While some have embraced her talent for what it is, others have dismissed her largely owed to her classic good looks and stoic performances. If any organization has been consistent in giving her recognition, then it might be the Scream Awards. In 2007, she won their top honors in the category of 'SciFi Siren' for her work in Transformers (2007). Then, in 2009, she took home the 'Best Science Fiction Actress' honor for her work in Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen (2009).
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
It goes without saying that Fox has had a bumpy ride in genre projects. While some have embraced her talent for what it is, others have dismissed her largely owed to her classic good looks and stoic performances. If any organization has been consistent in giving her recognition, then it might be the Scream Awards. In 2007, she won their top honors in the category of 'SciFi Siren' for her work in Transformers (2007). Then, in 2009, she took home the 'Best Science Fiction Actress' honor for her work in Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen (2009).
As 'Hal Mason,' young Drew Roy helped spearhead the resistance to so very much of the alien invasion at the heart of TNT's Falling Skies program throughout its five seasons. Roy was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Tom Stourton guest-starred opposite Peter Capaldi in "The Girl Who Died," a 2015 episode of the BBC's Doctor Who. Stourton was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young Thomas Brodie-Sangster has made a splash in fandom by playing Jojen Reed on HBO's stellar Game Of Thrones, but he also knocked his performance out of the park as 'Newt' in 2014's very, very entertaining The Maze Runner. (Have you seen that yet? If not, why not?) Listen for her soon to be the voice of John Tracy in the all-new updated reboot of the Thunderbirds Are Go! series. Brodie-Sangster was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I'm willing to put good money on the bet that you've probably never seen nor heard of The Colony (2013). It was one of these rarely heard of, hardly seen, direct-to-DVD releases that featured a wintry Apocalypse as its theme. Well, I saw it, and -- for what it's worth -- it really wasn't all that bad. In it, young Atticus Mitchell played the role of 'Graydon.' More recently, the talented newcomer enjoyed a fair amount of face time aboard Syfy's Killjoys. Mitchell was born on this day in 1993.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Canadian actress Ali Skovbye has definitely earned her stripes ... and in only a short, short time, indeed! Genre fans might recognize her from such projects as Smallville, Supernatural, Fringe, Once Upon A Time, R.L. Stine's The Haunting Hour, Falling Skies, No Men Beyond This Point (2015), and The Man In The High Castle. Skovbye was born on this day in 2002.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1966 (in Spain), audiences were treated to yet one more Crack In The World. Directed by Andrew Marton, the SciFi/Thriller starred Dana Andrews, Janette Scott, and Kieron Moore; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A dying scientist pushes forward his project to tap through to the Earth's magma layer, with results that threaten to destroy the Earth as we know it."
"A dying scientist pushes forward his project to tap through to the Earth's magma layer, with results that threaten to destroy the Earth as we know it."
A star is born! On this day in 1966 (in France), audiences of the Cannes Film Festival were treated to the theatrical premiere of Seconds. Directed by John Frankenheimer from a story by Lewis John Carlino and David Ely, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Rock Hudson, Frank Campanella, and John Randolph. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An unhappy middle-aged banker agrees to a procedure that will fake his death and give him a completely new look and identity - one that comes with its own price."
For the record:
ExtraExtra Alert:
I had the good fortune of streaming Seconds via my cable subscription. Interested in my thoughts on the work? Readers can find my review right here.
"An unhappy middle-aged banker agrees to a procedure that will fake his death and give him a completely new look and identity - one that comes with its own price."
For the record:
- At the 1967 Academy Awards, James Wong Howe enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Cinematography - Black And White' for his work with the picture.
- In 2015, Seconds was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry, the organization that seeks to preserve motion pictures that have demonstrated a lasting historical or artistic impact.
ExtraExtra Alert:
I had the good fortune of streaming Seconds via my cable subscription. Interested in my thoughts on the work? Readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1969, The Blood Beast Terror scared up what audience it could. The Horror/SciFi hybrid starred Peter Cushing and Wanda Ventham, and here's the premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"A scientist, working with genetics, creates a creature that is capable of transforming back and forth between a giant Death Head moth and a beautiful woman. The creature masquerades as his daughter when she is in her human incarnation and feeds on the blood of her victims when she is in the moth form."
"A scientist, working with genetics, creates a creature that is capable of transforming back and forth between a giant Death Head moth and a beautiful woman. The creature masquerades as his daughter when she is in her human incarnation and feeds on the blood of her victims when she is in the moth form."
On this day in 1973 (in the U.S.), the good people of Los Angeles, California were treated to the silver screen release of The Cremators. Written and directed by Harry Essex, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Maria De Aragon, Marvin Howard, and Eric Sinclair. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An alien life form that is a huge ball of living matter invades earth, and replenishes itself by absorbing people."
"An alien life form that is a huge ball of living matter invades earth, and replenishes itself by absorbing people."
A star is born! On this day in 1975 (in France), audiences of the Cannes Film Festival fell in love with the SciFi film Largo Retorno at its theatrical premiere. Directed by Pedro Lagaza, the production starred Mark Burns, Lynne Frederick, and Charo Lopez. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"David and Anna are a newly wed couple, whose lives together take a turn as Anna becomes diagnosed with a terminal illness."
"David and Anna are a newly wed couple, whose lives together take a turn as Anna becomes diagnosed with a terminal illness."
A star is born! On this day in 1980 (in Norway), Svart Hav enjoyed its only theatrical release of note (if IMDB.com is to be trusted). Written (in part) and directed by David Wingate, the SciFi/Drama starred Nils Utsi, Roald Kristiansen, and Anne Gullestad. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a near future the sea is almost drained for it's resources, due to big trawlers from UniFish emptying the sea for anything alive., ruining the lives of the small fisher men."
"In a near future the sea is almost drained for it's resources, due to big trawlers from UniFish emptying the sea for anything alive., ruining the lives of the small fisher men."
A star is born! On this day in 1984 (in France), audiences of the Cannes Film Festival were treated to the first theatrical exhibition ever of The Brother From Another Planet. Written and directed by John Sayles, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Joe Morton, Daryl Edwards, and Rosanna Carter. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mute alien with the appearance of a black human is chased by outer-space bounty hunters through the streets of Harlem."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Brother From Another Planet earned an extra bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A mute alien with the appearance of a black human is chased by outer-space bounty hunters through the streets of Harlem."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Brother From Another Planet earned an extra bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), Breakfast Of Aliens brought a bit of alien madness to the kitchen table. Written (in part) and directed by David Lee Miller, the SciFi/Comedy starred Vic Dunlop, Donald Gibb, and Indy Shriner; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A lovable loser, Walter Clydepepper (Vic Dunlop) eats an alien from outer space in his cereal and becomes a deadly stand up comic."
"A lovable loser, Walter Clydepepper (Vic Dunlop) eats an alien from outer space in his cereal and becomes a deadly stand up comic."
On this day in 1995 (in Argentina), the continuing saga of Alien Nation notched another chapter with the home video release of Alien Nation: Dark Horizon. Directed by Kenneth Johnson, the SciFi/Telefilm starred Gary Graham, Eric Pierpoint, and Michele Scarabelli; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An Overseer named Ahpossno comes to Earth to take the slaves, and all humans, back to the mothership."
For the record:
For the 1995 Primetime Emmy Awards, Dark Horizon enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Outstanding Individual Achievement in Makeup for a Miniseries or a Special,' but it didn't go home with the trophy. It did, however, take home the high honor from the 1995 Saturn Awards in the category of 'Best Single Genre Television Presentation.'
"An Overseer named Ahpossno comes to Earth to take the slaves, and all humans, back to the mothership."
For the record:
For the 1995 Primetime Emmy Awards, Dark Horizon enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Outstanding Individual Achievement in Makeup for a Miniseries or a Special,' but it didn't go home with the trophy. It did, however, take home the high honor from the 1995 Saturn Awards in the category of 'Best Single Genre Television Presentation.'
On this day in 1995, Scanner Cop 2 premiered on home video. (Meh. I didn't even see Scanner Cop 1!) According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A demonic 'scanner' terrorizes Los Angeles and the only person who can stop him may not have the neurons for the job."
"A demonic 'scanner' terrorizes Los Angeles and the only person who can stop him may not have the neurons for the job."
On this day in 1997 (in Cyprus), the crew of the Starship Enterprise-D went into the past to save our future with the theatrical release of Star Trek: First Contact. Directed by Jonathan Frakes, the feature film starred Patrick Stewart, Alice Krige, and Brent Spiner; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Borg travel back in time intent on preventing Earth's first contact with an alien species. Captain Picard and his crew pursue them to ensure that Zefram Cochrane makes his maiden flight reaching warp speed."
For the record:
At the 1997 Academy Awards, the great Michael Westmore enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Makeup' for his work in the film. At the 1997 Saturn Awards, First Contact enjoyed wins in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' and 'Best Costumes' while missing out on trophies in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Writer,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also, the Hugo Awards nominated the film in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"The Borg travel back in time intent on preventing Earth's first contact with an alien species. Captain Picard and his crew pursue them to ensure that Zefram Cochrane makes his maiden flight reaching warp speed."
For the record:
At the 1997 Academy Awards, the great Michael Westmore enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Makeup' for his work in the film. At the 1997 Saturn Awards, First Contact enjoyed wins in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' and 'Best Costumes' while missing out on trophies in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Writer,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also, the Hugo Awards nominated the film in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 1999, George Lucas did what fans had been clamoring for for years: he went back to his storytelling well and whipped up a little something something called Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. This first installment in what became known as the Prequel Trilogy starred Liam Neeson, Hayden Christensen, Jake Lloyd, and Natalie Portman; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two Jedi escape a hostile blockade to find allies and come across a young boy who may bring balance to the Force, but the long dormant Sith resurface to claim their original glory."
For the record:
Ahem. With as much hate-filled bluster has been written about The Phantom Menace, let me say this simply: I think there's a very good -- not great -- movie in there somewhere that could've been accomplished with more masterful editing, as well as a little storytelling retooling. The film's chief problem (as many have lamented) is that there's no true center, no spiritual or heroic journey clearly laid out for an audience to follow. Instead, so much of Menace feels like watching a chess match wherein dozens of pieces are being put into play, all knowing there'll be no resolution until the trilogy concludes ... and that's understandably frustrating. Still, it did gangbusters at the box office and did bring that world far, far away back to the silver screen where it belonged.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I attended a theatrical screening of The Phantom Menace to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Interested in my thoughts on how well the film has held up? Readers can find them right here.
"Two Jedi escape a hostile blockade to find allies and come across a young boy who may bring balance to the Force, but the long dormant Sith resurface to claim their original glory."
For the record:
Ahem. With as much hate-filled bluster has been written about The Phantom Menace, let me say this simply: I think there's a very good -- not great -- movie in there somewhere that could've been accomplished with more masterful editing, as well as a little storytelling retooling. The film's chief problem (as many have lamented) is that there's no true center, no spiritual or heroic journey clearly laid out for an audience to follow. Instead, so much of Menace feels like watching a chess match wherein dozens of pieces are being put into play, all knowing there'll be no resolution until the trilogy concludes ... and that's understandably frustrating. Still, it did gangbusters at the box office and did bring that world far, far away back to the silver screen where it belonged.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I attended a theatrical screening of The Phantom Menace to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Interested in my thoughts on how well the film has held up? Readers can find them right here.
On this day in 2000 (in Canada), the 1979-produced Moonraker enjoyed a release on DVD. Directed by Lewis Gilbert, the film starred Roger Moore, Lois Chiles, and Michael Lonsdale; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"James Bond investigates the mid-air theft of a space shuttle, and discovers a plot to commit global genocide."
For the record:
Moonraker enjoyed a bit of recognition during the awards season. At the 1980 Academy Awards, the film was nominated in the category of 'Best Effects, Visual Effects' but failed to take home the trophy. For the 1980 Saturn Awards, the film enjoyed three nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"James Bond investigates the mid-air theft of a space shuttle, and discovers a plot to commit global genocide."
For the record:
Moonraker enjoyed a bit of recognition during the awards season. At the 1980 Academy Awards, the film was nominated in the category of 'Best Effects, Visual Effects' but failed to take home the trophy. For the 1980 Saturn Awards, the film enjoyed three nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 2003 (in France), the people in attendance of the Cannes Film Festival were treated to the premiere screening of Momentum. Directed by James Seale from a script by Deverin Karol, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Teri Hatcher, Louis Gossett Jr., and Grayson McCouch. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A man with telekinetic abilities meets a group of people with similar powers."
"A man with telekinetic abilities meets a group of people with similar powers."
A star is born! On this day in 2003 (in France), audiences of the Cannes Film Festival were treated to the silver screen launch of The Big Empty. Written and directed by Steve Anderson, the Fantasy/Mystery starred Jon Favreau, Joey Lauren Adams, and Kelsey Grammer. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"John Person is an actor with little work, and no money, who suddenly finds himself with an opportunity to make some quick cash by delivering a suitcase to the middle of nowhere."
"John Person is an actor with little work, and no money, who suddenly finds himself with an opportunity to make some quick cash by delivering a suitcase to the middle of nowhere."
On this day in 2011 (in Japan), Ferocious Planet took a bit out of the home video market with its release on DVD. Directed by Billy O'Brien, the SciFi/Thriller starred Joe Flanigan, Sam O'Mahony, and Catherine Walker; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A groundbreaking device is designed to glimpse alternate universes. But when the machine malfunctions and transports a group of observers into a nightmarish dimension of alien terrors, the travelers must use ingenuity to survive."
"A groundbreaking device is designed to glimpse alternate universes. But when the machine malfunctions and transports a group of observers into a nightmarish dimension of alien terrors, the travelers must use ingenuity to survive."
A star is born! On this day in 2013 (in France), Return To Nuke 'Em High Volume 1 enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever when it played for audiences in attendance of the Cannes Independent Film Festival. Directed by Lloyd Kaufman, the SciFi/Comedy starred Asta Paredes, Catherine Corcoran, and Vito Trigo; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When the other students begin to undergo mutations, a lesbian couple must solve the mystery and save Tromaville High School."
For the record:
At the 2014 Fright Night Theatre Film Festival, Return To Nuke 'Em High Volume 1 took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Film.' Take that, Scorsese!
"When the other students begin to undergo mutations, a lesbian couple must solve the mystery and save Tromaville High School."
For the record:
At the 2014 Fright Night Theatre Film Festival, Return To Nuke 'Em High Volume 1 took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Film.' Take that, Scorsese!
Don't fool yourselves, kids: there was plenty wrong with 2013's Star Trek Into Darkness. Plenty! Even though I'm about as diehard a Trek enthusiast you're going to find, I saw the flaws from start to finish, and that's being polite. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After the crew of the Enterprise find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one-man weapon of mass destruction."
"After the crew of the Enterprise find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one-man weapon of mass destruction."
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in Vietnam), Flight 7500 took to the friendly skies, proving that those skies were not so friendly. Directed by Takashi Shimizu, the SciFi/Horror starred Leslie Bibb, Ryan Kwanten, and Amy Smart; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Flight 7500 departs Los Angeles International Airport bound for Tokyo. As the overnight flight makes its way over the Pacific Ocean during its ten-hour course, the passengers encounter what appears to be a supernatural force in the cabin."
"Flight 7500 departs Los Angeles International Airport bound for Tokyo. As the overnight flight makes its way over the Pacific Ocean during its ten-hour course, the passengers encounter what appears to be a supernatural force in the cabin."
On this day in 2014, the King of All Monsters -- Godzilla -- returned to the silver screen in glorious fashion, compliments of modern special effects. Here's the film's summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The world's most famous monster is pitted against malevolent creatures who, bolstered by humanity's scientific arrogance, threaten our very existence."
"The world's most famous monster is pitted against malevolent creatures who, bolstered by humanity's scientific arrogance, threaten our very existence."
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in Japan), the audiences in attendance of the Qualite Fantastic Cinema Collection were treated to the theatrical debut of Mega Shark Vs. Kolossus. Directed by Christopher Ray from a script by Edward DeRuiter, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Illeana Douglas, Amy Rider, and Brody Hutzler. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In search of a new energy source, Russia accidentally reawakens the Kolossus - a giant robot doomsday device from the Cold War. At the same time, a new Mega Shark appears, threatening global security."
"In search of a new energy source, Russia accidentally reawakens the Kolossus - a giant robot doomsday device from the Cold War. At the same time, a new Mega Shark appears, threatening global security."
A star is born! On this day in 2017, things grew cold real fast with the release of Cold Zone. Directed by John MacCarthy, the SciFi/Disaster feature starred Martin Cummins and Kirsten Robek, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A storm is coming. No one could predict it. No one can measure it.Now one family must survive it. You can't come in from the cold."
For the record:
I've noted this day as Cold Zone's home video release as I've been unable to locate any box office information, which leads me to suspect there wasn't any. Furthermore, I'd be remiss if I failed to mention that the film does have an award citation to its credit: it won the coveted Leo Award (of the British Columbia film and television industry) in 2017 for 'Best Overall Sound In A Television Movie.' Good job!
"A storm is coming. No one could predict it. No one can measure it.Now one family must survive it. You can't come in from the cold."
For the record:
I've noted this day as Cold Zone's home video release as I've been unable to locate any box office information, which leads me to suspect there wasn't any. Furthermore, I'd be remiss if I failed to mention that the film does have an award citation to its credit: it won the coveted Leo Award (of the British Columbia film and television industry) in 2017 for 'Best Overall Sound In A Television Movie.' Good job!
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in Switzerland), 2021 enjoyed its only theatrical presentation of record (at least, that's according to IMDB.com). The SciFi/Drama was written, directed, and starred Cyril Delachaux; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"June 21, 2021. Men are swept away from earth by a green beam. An isolated survivor starts a quest for answers and comprehension. Somewhere between nuclear power and alien menace, the truth will go far beyond the fantasies of this solitary character."
"June 21, 2021. Men are swept away from earth by a green beam. An isolated survivor starts a quest for answers and comprehension. Somewhere between nuclear power and alien menace, the truth will go far beyond the fantasies of this solitary character."
On this day in 2019 (in Japan), Crossbreed delivered some B-Movie goodness with its launch on television. Written and directed by Brandon Slagle, the feature starred Vivica A. Fox and Daniel Baldwin, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"In the near future, the President of the New United States of America hires a team of military veterans to retrieve an alien bio-weapon from a top secret research facility orbiting the Earth."
"In the near future, the President of the New United States of America hires a team of military veterans to retrieve an alien bio-weapon from a top secret research facility orbiting the Earth."
On this day in 1952, Tales Of Tomorrow aired "Black Planet." This served as the thirty-third episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by TV.com:
"Two astronomers working together, seek a tenth planet. The senior fears the junior might have found it and is jealous. They are also both interested in Norma, who works with them. When, in the course of a fight between the two men, the senior scientist falls dead - the question is was he killed by the other or not. Norma's brother a police detective has to solve the case! Leslie Nielsen, Frank Albertson amd Horace MacMahon star."
"Two astronomers working together, seek a tenth planet. The senior fears the junior might have found it and is jealous. They are also both interested in Norma, who works with them. When, in the course of a fight between the two men, the senior scientist falls dead - the question is was he killed by the other or not. Norma's brother a police detective has to solve the case! Leslie Nielsen, Frank Albertson amd Horace MacMahon star."
On this day in 1964, Doctor Who continued into its first season. The episode aired was titled "The Keys of Marinus," and here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and his friends must locate the real murderers and the fourth key before heading off for a final confrontation with the Voord."
"The Doctor and his friends must locate the real murderers and the fourth key before heading off for a final confrontation with the Voord."
On this day in 1970, Doctor Who aired "Inferno, Part 2." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor begins to suspect that penetrating the earth's crust will create more Primords but Stahlman sabotages the computer to stop him proving it."
"The Doctor begins to suspect that penetrating the earth's crust will create more Primords but Stahlman sabotages the computer to stop him proving it."
It all came down to this: on this day in 1986, Misfits of Science aired the final episode of its televised existence. The adventure was called "Three Days of the Blender," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Billy Hayes is arrested on suspicion of treason when he is found holding a blender that contains a top-secret defense computer chip."
"Billy Hayes is arrested on suspicion of treason when he is found holding a blender that contains a top-secret defense computer chip."
On this day in 1992, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "The Next Phase." This served as the twenty-fourth episode of the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TrekCore.com:
"When a Romulan ship is stranded, Geordi and Ro are apparently lost in a transporter malfunction, and the rest of the crew assume they are dead. They awaken on the Enterprise, able to pass through solid walls due to their molecules being 'phased'."
"When a Romulan ship is stranded, Geordi and Ro are apparently lost in a transporter malfunction, and the rest of the crew assume they are dead. They awaken on the Enterprise, able to pass through solid walls due to their molecules being 'phased'."
On this day in 1993, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "If Wishes Were Horses." This served as the fifteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"While Dax investigates an unusual energy reading near DS9 to see if it's dangerous for the station, people's imaginations suddenly come alive, causing chaos."
"While Dax investigates an unusual energy reading near DS9 to see if it's dangerous for the station, people's imaginations suddenly come alive, causing chaos."
It all began right here: on this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), Wild Palms aired "Everything Must Go." Officially, this served as the first episode in the television miniseries event; and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at Trakt.tv:
"Harry and Grace Wyckoff lead a happy life in suburban Los Angeles in 2007. Underneath the surface of their domestic bliss they are having some cracks, though."
"Harry and Grace Wyckoff lead a happy life in suburban Los Angeles in 2007. Underneath the surface of their domestic bliss they are having some cracks, though."
On this day in 1994, Robocop: The Series aired "When Justice Fails." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"RoboCop and Officer Madigan race to save the lives of four astronauts as they go head-to-head against a flamboyant corporate raider who values profits more than safety."
"RoboCop and Officer Madigan race to save the lives of four astronauts as they go head-to-head against a flamboyant corporate raider who values profits more than safety."
On this day in 1994, Time Trax aired "Mother." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"While in pursuit of a fugitive from the future, Darien comes across his mother, but problems arise."
"While in pursuit of a fugitive from the future, Darien comes across his mother, but problems arise."
"Renaissance Man" first aired on this day in 2001 as the twenty-fourth episode of STAR TREK: VOYAGER's final season. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor abducts and impersonates various members of the crew when the Captain is kidnapped."
"The Doctor abducts and impersonates various members of the crew when the Captain is kidnapped."
On this day in 2008, Syfy's Battlestar Galactica aired the seventh episode of its fourth (and final) season. The hour was titled "Guess What's Coming To Dinner," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A shaky alliance between the Colonial Fleet and Cylon rebels is put to the test when the two groups combine efforts to take out a Cylon "Resurrection Hub". Meanwhile, Athena loses control when Hera becomes unnaturally drawn to Natalie."
"A shaky alliance between the Colonial Fleet and Cylon rebels is put to the test when the two groups combine efforts to take out a Cylon "Resurrection Hub". Meanwhile, Athena loses control when Hera becomes unnaturally drawn to Natalie."
On this day in 2016, The Ministry of Time (or The Department Of Time, depending upon your translation) aired "Hasta que el tiempo nos separe." This served as the twelfth episode of the Spanish-language SciFi program's second season, and here's the plot summary that's been provided by IMDB.com:
"Everyone in the Ministry is invited to Ortigosa's wedding. Julián and Amelia have a long overdue conversation."
"Everyone in the Ministry is invited to Ortigosa's wedding. Julián and Amelia have a long overdue conversation."
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), The CW's The Flash aired "Infantino Street." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Barry chooses to use any means necessary to save the woman he loves; The Flash turns to Captain Cold for help."
"Barry chooses to use any means necessary to save the woman he loves; The Flash turns to Captain Cold for help."
On this day in 2024 (in the U.S.), Outer Range aired "One Night In Wabang." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's second season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the aftermath of the bison stampede, the Abbott family is more fractured than ever. Royal and Cecilia confront some difficult truths as they fight to keep their family together."
ExtraExtra Alert:
Via my Amazon Prime subscription, I took in a streaming of the episode for my own pleasure. Interested in my thoughts? Readers can find my review right here.
"In the aftermath of the bison stampede, the Abbott family is more fractured than ever. Royal and Cecilia confront some difficult truths as they fight to keep their family together."
ExtraExtra Alert:
Via my Amazon Prime subscription, I took in a streaming of the episode for my own pleasure. Interested in my thoughts? Readers can find my review right here.
