I could be wrong, but I strongly imagine that Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson wouldn't mind having a SciFi franchise all of his own. And who knows? Maybe one day he will. But -- in the meantime -- I suppose action fans will just have to settle for his great little cameo-style performance in an episode of Star Trek: Voyager as well as his commanding lead in the space-age shoot 'em up, Doom. Johnson was born on this day in 1972.
Emmy-winning actor Roscoe Lee Browne has a few great links to the world of genre entertainment. In the 1970's, he appeared in a guest role aboard the short-lived Planet Of The Apes television series before providing the voice for the robot Box in Logan's Run (1976). In 1990, he had a small role in the SciFi/Cult flick Moon 44 starring genre-favorite Michael Paré. Then a few years later he enjoyed a pair of visits to the world of TV's SeaQuest. Though he's no longer with us, Browne was born on this day in 1922. [Source: IMDB.com]
Screen veteran Theodore Bikel beamed aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation's fourth season in order to play the Earthly foster parent (father) to Mr. Worf. In his career, Bikel also booked guest roles on such franchises as The Twilight Zone, The Amazing Spider-Man, Knight Rider, Babylon 5, and The Burning Zone. Though he's no longer with us, Bikel was born on this day in 1924.
Veteran actor John Neville got to play in two very prominent science fiction properties: he scored a nice role in The Fifth Element, but perhaps The X-Files fans know him best as 'The Well-Manicured Man.' Though he's no longer with us, Neville was born on this day in 1925.
With over 100 different screen credits to his name, Bruce Glover still made time for an appearance aboard Battlestar Galactica's "The Young Lords" in 1978. Glover was born on this day in 1932.
For children of a certain generation of television, Lance LeGault was the consummate villain. Honestly, he's show up in everything, bringing along with him an almost token sneer that made him the envy of bad guys the world over. He appeared in Star Trek: The Next Generation's exceptional second season outing, "The Emissary," as Klingon Capt. K'Temoc, whose arrival almost started a new war with the Federation. Otherwise, he was a regular guest star on The A-Team and Magnum P.I. Other SciFi appearances were booked on Logan's Run, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Battlestar Galactica, Airwolf, Automan, Wonder Woman, The Incredible Hulk, Quantum Leap, Crusade, and Voyagers! Though he's no longer with us, LeGault was born on this day in 1935.
One of the realities so few fans appreciate these days is that so many of the guest stars who made memorable appearances on the original Star Trek went on to even greater work on other SciFi programs. For example, "The Galileo Seven" guest star Don Marshall 'cut his teeth' with a role for Starfleet and then went on to work in Land of the Giants, The Bionic Woman, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, and The Incredible Hulk. Though he's no longer with us, Marshall was born on this day in 1936.
HubbaHubba Alert! The lovely Jo Ann Pflug got her start in a small role aboard the sometimes lampooned Cyborg 2087, but she went on to some wonderful work, including the animated Fantastic Four and appearances in Gemini Man and Knight Rider. Pflug was born on this day in 1940. [Source: IMDB.com]
Alexis Kanner made a handful of contributions artistically to the SciFi/Cult series The Prisoner during its single season run. Though he's no longer with us, Kanner was born on this day in 1942.
Bianca Jagger has a slim acting resume, but she did manage to squeeze in an appearance aboard the SciFi/Horror flick C.H.U.D. II: Bud The Chud (1989). Jagger was born on this day in 1945. [Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable David Suchet enjoyed a small but curious role in a 2017 episode of the popular Doctor Who. Suchet was born on this day in 1946. [Source: IMDB.com]
As I've often suggested, we sometimes have to be thankful for small favors when celebrating SciFi and Fantasy as we don't always woo some of filmdom's great talent. Today's evidence: the lovely Christine Baranski! This funny lady has only sparingly made it into our realm. In 1997, she made a guest visit to the world of the TV sitcom 3rd Rock From The Sun. In 2005, she enjoyed a pair of visits to the franchise that was the Ghost Whisperer. And that's all we can be thankful for! Baranski was born on this day in 1952. [Source: IMDB.com]
Trivia like this always fascinates me, largely because it's so exceedingly rare: Brian Tochi is one of those actors who had an opportunity to appear in not one but two very different versions for Star Trek. Pictured above on the left, Tochi (as an urchin) had a guest role in Star Trek's third season outing "And The Children Shall Lead." Then -- over two decades later -- he returned to duty (as it were) in a guest role aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation's fourth season outing, "Night Terrors." Tochi was born on this day in 1959.
Veteran television producer Brad Wright has certainly left his imprint on the world of Science Fiction and Fantasy. As well as martialing the forces behind-the-scenes for three significant series in the Stargate universe as well as some associated telefilms, he also found time and energy to bring Travelers to life for Netflix. Wright was born on this day in 1961. [Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
For the record:
- Just before he got started with the Stargate shows on television, Wright was the co-executive producer for 44 episodes of The Twilight Zone (1996-1998). During his tenure there, he scored a single Gemini Award win (1997's 'Best Dramatic Short Program' for the episode titled "A Stitch In Time") as well as two other nominations ('Best Writing In A Dramatic Series' and 'Best Dramatic Series').
- As far as the Gemini Awards go pertaining to the Stargate property, the original Stargate: SG-1 enjoyed the 2000 'Best Dramatic Series' nomination and Stargate Universe enjoyed the 2010 'Best Dramatici Series' nomination.
- As far the Leo Awards go pertaining to the Stargate property, Wright and his creative crew took home a few trophies. While missing out on a few spots and having to settle for the honor of a nomination alone, Stargate: Atlantis took home top honors in the 2009 win as 'Best Dramatic Series,' and -- in 2010 -- Stargate Universe did the same.
Actor, composer, and singer Ari Lehman has the distinction of playing a seminal character from Horror history: aboard the original Friday The 13th (1980), he played the young Jason Voorhees upon which the entire legendary franchise is based. Lehman was born on this day in 1965. [Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman Matt Berry firmly planted his foot in the realm of Fantasy with work aboard the hilarious Garth Marenghi's Darkplace and (more recently) FX's TV adaptation of What We Do In The Shadows. According to IMDB.com, he's also found work in Braincell (2010), Snow White And The Huntsman (2012), Major Lazer (animated), The Last Dragonslayer (2016), and voicing a droid for Walt Disney's The Book Of Boba Fett. Well done, good sir! Berry was born on this day in 1974. [Source: IMDB.com]
Actress Jenna Lamia is just one piece of the talented comic ensemble at the core of Resident Alien's popularity during its run on the Syfy Channel. Lamia was born on this day in 1975. [Source: IMDB.com]
Denyce Lawton found herself braced for exposure (not that kind!) aboard the SciFi/Drama The Hot Zone: Anthrax in 2021. Lawton was born on this day in 1978. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though I could be wrong, I thought Marvel's Eternals (2021) kinda/sorta came-and-went pretty quickly from pop culture discussion. While I'm sure that's no fault of Kumail Nanjiani -- one of its cast -- I do hope he gets the chance to suit up again in the cinematic universe some time. He also made a pretty solid appearance in Walt Disney's Obi-wan Kenobi streaming series as a somewhat Jedi imposter. Nanjiani was born on this day in 1978. [Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
To the man's credit, Nanjiani enjoyed a 2019 Primetime Emmy Award nomination ('Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series') for his work in an episode of the short-lived The Twilight Zone reboot on Apple.
For the record:
To the man's credit, Nanjiani enjoyed a 2019 Primetime Emmy Award nomination ('Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series') for his work in an episode of the short-lived The Twilight Zone reboot on Apple.
A perfectly fetching Alicia Ziegler only increased her attractiveness when she suited up all rough-and-ready for combat against the Rise Of The Dinosaurs (2013) for Little Dragon Productions. So far as this writer is concerned, she can visit our Jurassic Park any time she likes! As for other genre appearances, we've only roles aboard Lake Placid 2 (2007) and Wolf Town (2011) to keep us interested. Ziegler was born on this day in 1981. [Source: IMDB.com]
The young Robert Buckley serves as one of the regulars aboard The CW's Fantasy-themed iZombie. He also enjoyed a role on the short-lived 666 Park Avenue. Buckley was born on this day in 1981.
The talented Elizabeth Ho provided a handful of supporting voice characters to Walt Disney's animated spin-off TRON: Uprising during its only season of existence. Ho was born on this day in 1983. [Source: IMDB.com]
Gaius Charles continues to seek out and explore new opportunities, but his SciFi creds remain a bit light. He has appeared aboard Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and we can be thankful for that. Charles was born on this day in 1983.
James Kirk most definitely has a name worthy of a SciFi mention. Since launching into the business, he's been involved with such genre properties as Seven Days, Taken, X2: X-Men United (2003), Smallville, Sanctuary, Caprica, Supernatural, and Somewhere Between. Kirk was born on this day in 1986. [Source: IMDB.com]
The CW's Apocalypse drama The 100 remains one of my TV guilty pleasures; it's a program that never quite lives up to its potential. The young Thomas McDonell was one of its early stand-outs, though his character met an understandably grizzly fate. McDonell was born on this day in 1986.
Aboard Blade Runner 2049 (2017), actress Sallie Harmsen played the replicant who was subject to some very brief experimentation by geneticist Niander Wallace (Jared Leto). Harmsen was born on this day in 1989. [Source: IMDB.com]
Fresh-faced Kay Panabaker leapt into the realm of televised Fantasy with a top role in the short-lived Superhero/Drama No Ordinary Family. Panabaker was born on this day in 1990. [Source: IMDB.com]
Aboard NBC's Timeless, Claudia Doumit raced onto the genre scene as one of the lab technicians who helped keep the team traveling safely through time. She followed that up with a terrific change of pace in Amazon Studios' adaptation of The Boys for the streaming platform. Doumit was born on this day in 1992. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1952 (in West Germany), the original SciFi classic The Day The Earth Stood Still enjoyed its theatrical release. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An alien lands and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets."
"An alien lands and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets."
On this day in 1953, the 1944-produced silver screen Republic Serial of Captain America enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release in the United States. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Superhero Captain America battles the evil forces of the archvillain called The Scarab, who poisons his enemies and steals a secret device capable of destroying buildings by sound vibrations."
"Superhero Captain America battles the evil forces of the archvillain called The Scarab, who poisons his enemies and steals a secret device capable of destroying buildings by sound vibrations."
A star is born! On this day in 1954 (in the United Kingdom), Devil Girl From Mars landed on Earth! Directed by David MacDonald, this SciFi/Fantasy starred Hugh McDermott, Hazel Court, and Peter Reynolds; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An uptight, leather-clad female alien, armed with a ray gun and accompanied by a menacing robot, comes to Earth to collect Earth's men as breeding stock."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of being given streaming access to Film Movement's online portal so that I could view Devil Girl From Mars in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in knowing what I thought of the project? Readers can find my review right here.
"An uptight, leather-clad female alien, armed with a ray gun and accompanied by a menacing robot, comes to Earth to collect Earth's men as breeding stock."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of being given streaming access to Film Movement's online portal so that I could view Devil Girl From Mars in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in knowing what I thought of the project? Readers can find my review right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1957 (in the United Kingdom), Dr. Frankenstein was up to his antics again with the silver screen premiere of The Curse Of Frankenstein. Directed by Terence Fisher, the SciFi/Horror starred Peter Cushing, Hazel Court, and Christopher Lee; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While awaiting execution for murder, Baron Victor Frankenstein tells the story of a creature he built and brought to life - only for it to behave not as he intended."
"While awaiting execution for murder, Baron Victor Frankenstein tells the story of a creature he built and brought to life - only for it to behave not as he intended."
A star is born ... and this one was screaming! On this day in 1961 (in the U.S.), the seminal flick The Beast Of Yucca Flats first saw the light of cinematic day. Written and directed by Coleman Francis, the Horror/SciFi starred Tor Johnson, Douglas Mellor, and Bing Stafford. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A defecting Soviet scientist is hit by a nuclear explosion near Yucca Flats and roams around as a beast."
"A defecting Soviet scientist is hit by a nuclear explosion near Yucca Flats and roams around as a beast."
On this day in 1968 (in Australia), Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey enjoyed its general theatrical release. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"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."
On this day in 1968 (in Mexico), Around The World Under The Sea surfaced in theaters. Directed by Andrew Marton, the SciFi feature starred Lloyd Bridges and Shirley Eaton, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The crew of a five-man submarine travels the world oceans, planting sensors on the ocean floor to warn scientists of any impending earthquakes."
"The crew of a five-man submarine travels the world oceans, planting sensors on the ocean floor to warn scientists of any impending earthquakes."
A star is born! On this day in 1970 (in Italy), In The Folds Of The Flesh took audiences on a bloody trip into depravity. Written (in part) and directed by Sergio Bergonzelli, the Horror/Thriller starred Eleonora Rossi Drago, Pier Angeli, and Fernando Sancho. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The guests of a villa are killed off one by one by their hosts. Incest, decapitations and a cyanide bath feature amongst the other bizarre delights."
"The guests of a villa are killed off one by one by their hosts. Incest, decapitations and a cyanide bath feature amongst the other bizarre delights."
On this day in 1978 (in West Germany), Cinderella 2000 mixed Fantasy with music for audiences who like their fairy tales with a bit of -- ahem -- boobage. Directed by Al Adamson, the SciFi/Musical starred Catharine Burgess, Jay B. Larson, and Vaughan Armstrong; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the year 2047, sex is forbidden and Big Brother uses robots to keep on eye on everyone. One young girl tries to outwit the government so she can be with the man she loves."
"In the year 2047, sex is forbidden and Big Brother uses robots to keep on eye on everyone. One young girl tries to outwit the government so she can be with the man she loves."
On this day in 1978 (in Portugal), the curiously-titled Spermula enjoyed its run through theaters. Written and directed by Charles Matton, the SciFi/Horror starred Dayle Haddon, Udo Kier, and François Dunoyer; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A notorious secret society known as Spermula plans to return from the future and conquer Earth by neutering the male population."
"A notorious secret society known as Spermula plans to return from the future and conquer Earth by neutering the male population."
On this day in 1985 (in Australia), Star Wars: The Ewok Adventure - Caravan Of Courage enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by John Korty, the SciFi/Fantasy feature starred Warwick Davis and Eric Walker, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Wicket the Ewok and his friends agree to help two shipwrecked human children, Mace and Cindel, on a quest to find their parents."
"Wicket the Ewok and his friends agree to help two shipwrecked human children, Mace and Cindel, on a quest to find their parents."
A star is born! On this day in 1985 (in Italy), The Adventures Of Hercules enjoyed its premiere on the silver screen. Written and directed by Luigi Cozzi, the Fantasy film starred Lou Ferrigno, Mily Carlucci, and Sonia Viviani; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Hercules searches for the Seven Thunderbolts of Zeus, which have been stolen by renegade gods."
"Hercules searches for the Seven Thunderbolts of Zeus, which have been stolen by renegade gods."
A star is born! On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), Breeders delivered a dose of scary love to the silver screen. Written and directed by Tim Kincaid, the SciFi/Horror starred Teresa Farley, Lance Lewman, and Frances Raines; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Manhattan General Hospital admitted a string of young women raped by something otherworldly. Dr. Pace and Detective Andriotti try and isolate the strange organic material found on the victims to find the fiend."
"The Manhattan General Hospital admitted a string of young women raped by something otherworldly. Dr. Pace and Detective Andriotti try and isolate the strange organic material found on the victims to find the fiend."
A star is born! On this day in 1986 (in West Germany), Choke Canyon served up a tale of conspiracy for audiences. Directed by Charles Bail, the SciFi/Thriller starred Stephen Collins, Janet Julian, and Bo Svenson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A "cowboy"-scientist is fighting a corporation who wants to dump atomic waste on a piece of land he has leased."
"A "cowboy"-scientist is fighting a corporation who wants to dump atomic waste on a piece of land he has leased."
On this day in 1993 (in Japan), the 1989-produced Lords Of The Deep enjoyed its premiere on television. Directed by Mary Ann Fisher, the SciFi feature starred Bradford Dillman and Priscilla Barnes, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Man has finally conquered the ocean. America's first self-contained undersea laboratory is the pride of the nation, and expectations are high for an elaborate undersea mining operation. What wasn't expected was the inhabitants of an undiscovered world."
"Man has finally conquered the ocean. America's first self-contained undersea laboratory is the pride of the nation, and expectations are high for an elaborate undersea mining operation. What wasn't expected was the inhabitants of an undiscovered world."
A star is born! On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), the Fantasy/Telefilm Hercules And The Lost Kingdom enjoyed its very first airing on the Boob Tube. (For those unaware, there were a series of five telefilms that introduced the entire Hercules: The Legendary Journeys to television audiences.) Directed by Harley Cokeliss, the feature starred Kevin Sorbo, Anthony Quinn, and Renee O'Connor; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Hercules is provoked till he has no other choice then fight Gargan, a giant who had absolutely no quarrel with him- and decks the mountain of aggression easily. Then the last survivor of a group of messengers, killed off one by one by Hera, dies after imploring him to come end her rule of terror in the 'lost city of Troy', which his father Zeus, who is once more unwilling to extend any more tangible help, discloses can only be found with the 'one true compass' last seen in the possession of queen Omphale. On his searching for her he frees -then against her will- Deianeira, the eager victim about to be sacrificed to the river god as virgin in the prime of her fertility to end a drought. He battles passed the 48 sons of the gate guardian and arranges to be sold at the annual slave market to the queen, who only wants him in her bed. After dealing with some protection racketeers and the devoted, happy palace slave Waylin he finally gets her late husbands compass from Omphale. He sets out on the journey with Deianeira; a sea monster swallows them, but is defeated. On land they find her father, the dying king of Troy who names her his heir, prepare an army of Trojans to reconquer the city and enter it unopposed, but then emerges an army of Heras minions, whose leader is about to sacrifice Deianeira and puts up a good fight against Hercules."
"Hercules is provoked till he has no other choice then fight Gargan, a giant who had absolutely no quarrel with him- and decks the mountain of aggression easily. Then the last survivor of a group of messengers, killed off one by one by Hera, dies after imploring him to come end her rule of terror in the 'lost city of Troy', which his father Zeus, who is once more unwilling to extend any more tangible help, discloses can only be found with the 'one true compass' last seen in the possession of queen Omphale. On his searching for her he frees -then against her will- Deianeira, the eager victim about to be sacrificed to the river god as virgin in the prime of her fertility to end a drought. He battles passed the 48 sons of the gate guardian and arranges to be sold at the annual slave market to the queen, who only wants him in her bed. After dealing with some protection racketeers and the devoted, happy palace slave Waylin he finally gets her late husbands compass from Omphale. He sets out on the journey with Deianeira; a sea monster swallows them, but is defeated. On land they find her father, the dying king of Troy who names her his heir, prepare an army of Trojans to reconquer the city and enter it unopposed, but then emerges an army of Heras minions, whose leader is about to sacrifice Deianeira and puts up a good fight against Hercules."
On this day in 1996 (in Australia), Screamers screeched their way into the hearts of moviegoers in the land down under. Directed by Christian Duguay and adapted from the work by Philip K. Dick, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Peter Weller, Jennifer Rubin, and Roy Dupuis; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A military commander stationed off planet during an interplanetary war travels through the devastated landscape to negotiate a peace treaty, but discovers that the primitive robots they built to kill enemy combatants have gained sentience."
"A military commander stationed off planet during an interplanetary war travels through the devastated landscape to negotiate a peace treaty, but discovers that the primitive robots they built to kill enemy combatants have gained sentience."
On this day in 1998 (in India and Japan), Robert Heinlein's Starship Troopers enjoyed a tour of duty through the movie houses. Directed by Paul Verhoeven, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards, and Dina Meyer; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Humans in a fascist, militaristic future wage war with giant alien bugs."
"Humans in a fascist, militaristic future wage war with giant alien bugs."
On this day in 2004 (in Japan), the SciFi/Telefilm Alien Lockdown enjoyed a release on home video. Directed by Abram Cox, the feature film starred James Marshall, Michelle Goh, and John Savage; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After an experiment to make the ultimate weapon goes wrong, a team of commandos is sent into a genetic research lab and end up getting stalked by a creature that looks a lot like the Predator."
"After an experiment to make the ultimate weapon goes wrong, a team of commandos is sent into a genetic research lab and end up getting stalked by a creature that looks a lot like the Predator."
On this day in 2008 (in Sweden), the Apocalypse arrived again (in theaters, anyway) with the release of Doomsday. Written and directed by Neil Marshall, the SciFi/Thriller starred Rhona Mitra, Bob Hoskins, and Alexander Siddig; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A futuristic action thriller where a team of people work to prevent a disaster threatening the future of the human race."
"A futuristic action thriller where a team of people work to prevent a disaster threatening the future of the human race."
You know, I'm not afraid to admit that the first Iron Man movie largely bored me to tears. I couldn't say why exactly. I thought it had a solid cast. I thought it had terrific visuals. I guess I just didn't see it worth getting all excited about. Meh. It first premiered theatrically on this day in 2008, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"After being held captive in an Afghan cave, an industrialist creates a unique weaponized suit of armor to fight evil."
"After being held captive in an Afghan cave, an industrialist creates a unique weaponized suit of armor to fight evil."
On this day in 2008 (in Japan), Savage Planet enjoyed its release on home video. Directed by Andrew Wild, the SciFi/Drama starred Sean Patrick Flanery and Reagan Pasternak, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A team of scientists visit an unknown planet in hopes of finding a new, safe, world. Instead they find a mutated species that turns the expedition deadly."
"A team of scientists visit an unknown planet in hopes of finding a new, safe, world. Instead they find a mutated species that turns the expedition deadly."
A star is born! (Or is that -- in the case of sequels -- born again?) On this day in 2011 (in the United Kingdom), Bloodrayne: The Third Reich enjoyed its release on home video. The Fantasy feature starred Natassia Malthe and Brendan Fletcher, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"Rayne fights against the Nazis in Europe during World War II, encountering Ekart Brand, a Nazi leader whose target is to inject Adolf Hitler with Rayne's blood in an attempt to transform him into a dhampir and attain immortality."
"Rayne fights against the Nazis in Europe during World War II, encountering Ekart Brand, a Nazi leader whose target is to inject Adolf Hitler with Rayne's blood in an attempt to transform him into a dhampir and attain immortality."
A star is born! Well, the good news is that Thor is back. The bad news? It looks like its community theater! On this day in 2011 (in Canada), Thunderstorm: The Return Of Thor enjoyed a limited theatrical release. Written and directed by Brett Kelly, the SciFi/Fantasy release starred Ray Besharah and Celine Filion, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A group of religious zealots known as The Death Risers have an evil plot to destroy the world by bringing to Earth the Norse God they worship: The Goddess of the Undead, known as Hel!"
"A group of religious zealots known as The Death Risers have an evil plot to destroy the world by bringing to Earth the Norse God they worship: The Goddess of the Undead, known as Hel!"
On this day in 2012 (in France), 2033 (aka 2033: Future Apocalypse) enjoyed a release on home video. Directed by Francisco Laresgoiti, the SciFi/Drama starred Raúl Méndez, Claudio Lafarga, and Sandra Echeverría; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The first installment of a planned trilogy, director Francisco Laresgoiti's speculative sci-fi thriller finds the son of a powerful general caught in the middle of a raging class war between the privileged elite, and the downtrodden masses. In the year 2033, Mexico has become a fascist state. As the upper classes partake in debauched parties and amuse themselves by using the poor for target practice, a highly addictive drink called Pactia keeps the working class under control. Meanwhile, the religious minority forms a resistance movement, and finds an unlikely ally in the guise of privileged military brat Pablo. Despite his sheltered upbringing, Pablo knows the difference between good and evil. And once a line is drawn in the sand, he is compelled to turn against everything he's ever known in the fight for the future of humanity."
"The first installment of a planned trilogy, director Francisco Laresgoiti's speculative sci-fi thriller finds the son of a powerful general caught in the middle of a raging class war between the privileged elite, and the downtrodden masses. In the year 2033, Mexico has become a fascist state. As the upper classes partake in debauched parties and amuse themselves by using the poor for target practice, a highly addictive drink called Pactia keeps the working class under control. Meanwhile, the religious minority forms a resistance movement, and finds an unlikely ally in the guise of privileged military brat Pablo. Despite his sheltered upbringing, Pablo knows the difference between good and evil. And once a line is drawn in the sand, he is compelled to turn against everything he's ever known in the fight for the future of humanity."
A star is born! On this day in 2013 (in the United Kingdom), JJ Abrams destroyed any ounch of good will he had earned with one of Science Fiction's biggest franchises when he treated audiences in London to the silver screen premiere of Star Trek Into Darkness, a tentpole release that proved good storytelling had taken leave of its senses in favor of glitzy polish. Written by the three-headed beast from Hell that is Roberto Orci, Damon Lindelof, and Alex Kurtzman, the film returned the cast of the first outing; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"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."
For the record:
Sigh. Even the most awful films can rack up some recognition, folks, and Star Trek Into Darkness is no different. In 2014, the film was nominated for the Academy Award in the category of 'Best Achievement In Visual Effects.' In the same year, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films gave it nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"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."
For the record:
Sigh. Even the most awful films can rack up some recognition, folks, and Star Trek Into Darkness is no different. In 2014, the film was nominated for the Academy Award in the category of 'Best Achievement In Visual Effects.' In the same year, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films gave it nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born ... and this one was deadly! On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), The Purge enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition of record when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Stanley Film Festival. Written and directed by James DeMonaco, the Horror/SciFi starred Ethan Hawk, Lena Headey, and Max Burkholder. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A wealthy family is held hostage for harboring the target of a murderous syndicate during the Purge, a 12-hour period in which any and all crime is legal."
For the record:
It's sometimes interesting to see how genre organizations might look at a project and, ultimately, evaluate it from two entirely different spectrums. For example, The Purge -- a flick that launched an all-new Horror/SciFi franchise -- enjoyed a 2014 Saturn Award nomination (from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films) in the category of 'Best Horror Film' while -- in the same year -- the good people behind the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards -- an organization truly committed to evaluating the best in Horror -- recognized that same film with a nomination in their category of 'Worst Film.' It makes you think, no?
"A wealthy family is held hostage for harboring the target of a murderous syndicate during the Purge, a 12-hour period in which any and all crime is legal."
For the record:
It's sometimes interesting to see how genre organizations might look at a project and, ultimately, evaluate it from two entirely different spectrums. For example, The Purge -- a flick that launched an all-new Horror/SciFi franchise -- enjoyed a 2014 Saturn Award nomination (from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films) in the category of 'Best Horror Film' while -- in the same year -- the good people behind the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards -- an organization truly committed to evaluating the best in Horror -- recognized that same film with a nomination in their category of 'Worst Film.' It makes you think, no?
A star is born! On this day in 2014, Rumors Of Wars enjoyed its U.S. theatrical release. Written (in part) and directed by Paul Tomborello, the SciFi/Drama starred Ben Davies and Jennifer Cooper, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A student keeps a journal while a one world government takes over the world. Years later, a soldier finds her journal and questions everything he believes."
"A student keeps a journal while a one world government takes over the world. Years later, a soldier finds her journal and questions everything he believes."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in Japan), Curse Of The Mayans (aka Xibalba) enjoyed its first release ever with a launch on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Alexa Makky, the Horror/SciFi starred Olga Fonda, Steve Wilcox, and Carla Ortiz. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Dr. Alan Green an American Archelogist leads Danielle Noble an her team of cave divers on an expedition searching the Mayan ancient records. Instead of finding glory they will find hell hidden in the underwater caves of Xibalba."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2018, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary DVD of Curse Of The Mayans in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
"Dr. Alan Green an American Archelogist leads Danielle Noble an her team of cave divers on an expedition searching the Mayan ancient records. Instead of finding glory they will find hell hidden in the underwater caves of Xibalba."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2018, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary DVD of Curse Of The Mayans in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 2017 (in Canada), Galaxy Of Horrors enjoyed a release on home video. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Trapped in a damaged cryogenic pod, a man is forced to watch a series of horrific science-fiction tales while his life support systems run out. Featuring eight intense stories of the unknown and other-worldly, equally wonderful and terrifying. Visit the GALAXY OF HORRORS, if you dare! Curated from Rue Morgue & Unstable Ground's Little Terrors Festival."
"Trapped in a damaged cryogenic pod, a man is forced to watch a series of horrific science-fiction tales while his life support systems run out. Featuring eight intense stories of the unknown and other-worldly, equally wonderful and terrifying. Visit the GALAXY OF HORRORS, if you dare! Curated from Rue Morgue & Unstable Ground's Little Terrors Festival."
On this day in 2017, The Shadow Effect enjoyed its release on U.S. home video. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the SciFi/Drama release:
"A young man's life is turned upside down when his violent dreams begin to blend with reality."
"A young man's life is turned upside down when his violent dreams begin to blend with reality."
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in the United Kingdom), Nothing Really Happens enjoyed its silver screen premiere for audiences in attendance of the Sci-Fi London Film Festival. Written and directed by Justin Petty, the SciFi/Comedy starred Bobby Dornbos, Adam Edwards, and Kam Franklin. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mattress store owner experiences increasingly surreal anomalies in his life that put strain on his relationships with friends, family, and his own humanity."
"A mattress store owner experiences increasingly surreal anomalies in his life that put strain on his relationships with friends, family, and his own humanity."
On this day in 1952, Tales Of Tomorrow aired "Red Dust." This served as the thirty-first episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"The first human mission to another solar system loses 2 crew on a red dust-covered planet, which once had an advanced civilization. Due to allergies, neither of the shipmates got anti-radiation shots, so the remaining crew aren't concerned about their own return to Earth. But then the red dust starts to appear everywhere on the space ship."
"The first human mission to another solar system loses 2 crew on a red dust-covered planet, which once had an advanced civilization. Due to allergies, neither of the shipmates got anti-radiation shots, so the remaining crew aren't concerned about their own return to Earth. But then the red dust starts to appear everywhere on the space ship."
On this day in 1963, The Twilight Zone aired "On Thursday We Leave For Home." This served as the sixteenth episode to the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"A human colony is rescued from a forsaken planet. But their leader is having a hard time accepting that things will change when they get back to Earth."
"A human colony is rescued from a forsaken planet. But their leader is having a hard time accepting that things will change when they get back to Earth."
On this day in 1964, Doctor Who continued the march through its first season, airing an episode titled "The Snows of Terror." Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Searching for the third key, Ian and Barbara meet with the sinister trapper Vasor before following Susan and the others into a cave system guarded by the mysterious Ice Soldiers."
"Searching for the third key, Ian and Barbara meet with the sinister trapper Vasor before following Susan and the others into a cave system guarded by the mysterious Ice Soldiers."
On this day in 1967, The Invaders aired "Wall of Crystal." This served as the sixteenth hour to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"David has finally managed to convince both his brother and someone able to get the word out that he may be telling the truth about the alien invasion - but is it just in time?"
"David has finally managed to convince both his brother and someone able to get the word out that he may be telling the truth about the alien invasion - but is it just in time?"
On this day in 1983, the first V television miniseries concluded with the airing of its second part. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A resistance movement is formed in Los Angeles under the medical scientist Julie Parrish. Visitor dissidents opposing their leader's plans join their cause to fight the alien oppression by leader John and his right hand Diana."
"A resistance movement is formed in Los Angeles under the medical scientist Julie Parrish. Visitor dissidents opposing their leader's plans join their cause to fight the alien oppression by leader John and his right hand Diana."
It all came down to this: on this day in 1987, Starman bowed out of broadcast existence with the airing of "The Test." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's how it all ended:
"Forrester takes a job as a dish washer in a diner. Scott goes to school. His teacher tells Forrester that she doesn't approve of their nomadic life and that Scott needs stability. Forrester discovers that a guy he works with is illiterate and tries to get the teacher to help him."
"Forrester takes a job as a dish washer in a diner. Scott goes to school. His teacher tells Forrester that she doesn't approve of their nomadic life and that Scott needs stability. Forrester discovers that a guy he works with is illiterate and tries to get the teacher to help him."
On this day in 1990, Quantum Leap aired "Sea Bride." This served as the twenty-first episode to the popular program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Onboard an ocean liner Sam must prevent the marriage of his host's ex-wife."
"Onboard an ocean liner Sam must prevent the marriage of his host's ex-wife."
Viewer warning: kids and Science Fiction don't always mix. Exhibit A: Star Trek: The Next Generation's episode "Imaginery Friend" which first aired in TV syndication on this day in 1992. This served as the twenty-second episode of the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by TrekCore.com:
"An energy form enters the Enterprise, and materializes just as young Clara Sutter imagines imaginary friend Isabella to be. Meanwhile, other energy-beings begin to weave a web of strands around the ship."
"An energy form enters the Enterprise, and materializes just as young Clara Sutter imagines imaginary friend Isabella to be. Meanwhile, other energy-beings begin to weave a web of strands around the ship."
On this day in 1993, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "The Storyteller." This served as the fourteenth episode to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at TrekCore.com:
"O'Brien and Dr. Bashir are responding to a distress call from Bajor stating an entire community is in jeopardy. They discover, when an elderly Sirah makes an appearance at a yearly festival, that the threat comes from the legendary Dal'Rok, a deadly mythical creature."
"O'Brien and Dr. Bashir are responding to a distress call from Bajor stating an entire community is in jeopardy. They discover, when an elderly Sirah makes an appearance at a yearly festival, that the threat comes from the legendary Dal'Rok, a deadly mythical creature."
On this day in 1994, Time Trax aired "Dream Team." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Darien protects a priest who is trying to bring some peace to a gang neighborhood in Washington. But he soon learns not only the priest, but he himself is also targeted by a fugitive from the future."
"Darien protects a priest who is trying to bring some peace to a gang neighborhood in Washington. But he soon learns not only the priest, but he himself is also targeted by a fugitive from the future."
On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), Sliders aired "Dinoslide." Officially, this served as the twenty-third episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The sliders return to the world where the survivors from Maggie's world settle, only to find the land terrorized by dinosaurs. Colonel Rickman feeds off the settlers' DNA."
"The sliders return to the world where the survivors from Maggie's world settle, only to find the land terrorized by dinosaurs. Colonel Rickman feeds off the settlers' DNA."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Power Rangers In Space aired "The Barillian Sting." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A suspicious bounty hunter joins forces with Astronema despite Ecliptor's objections."
"A suspicious bounty hunter joins forces with Astronema despite Ecliptor's objections."
On this day in 1998, Superman: The Animated Series aired "Little Girl Lost." Officially, this served as the twenty-seventh episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Superman rescues and brings home the sole survivor of the lost Kryptonian colony of Argos, the rambunctious Kara aka Supergirl."
"Superman rescues and brings home the sole survivor of the lost Kryptonian colony of Argos, the rambunctious Kara aka Supergirl."
Also on this day in 1998, Superman: The Animated Series aired "Little Girl Lost: Part 2." Officially, this served as the twenty-eighth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"When Superman is captured by Granny Goodness and her Female Furies, Supergirl follows them to the planet Apokolips to rescue him."
"When Superman is captured by Granny Goodness and her Female Furies, Supergirl follows them to the planet Apokolips to rescue him."
On this day in 1999, The X-Files aired "Three Of A Kind." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While infiltrating a defense contractor conference in Las Vegas, The Lone Gunmen are reunited with Susanne Modeski, the mysterious woman who disappeared 10 years earlier after the trio first came together to help her."
"While infiltrating a defense contractor conference in Las Vegas, The Lone Gunmen are reunited with Susanne Modeski, the mysterious woman who disappeared 10 years earlier after the trio first came together to help her."
On this day in 2001, "Natural Law" first aired as part of Star Trek: Voyager's final season. The episode saw Commander Chakotay and Seven of Nine crash-landed on an alien world occupied by a primitive people.
On this day in 2004 (in the U.S.), the television miniseries event that was 10.5 aired the first part of its two-part existence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the series:
"An earthquake reaching a 10.5 magnitude on the Richter scale, strikes the west coast of the U.S. and Canada. A large portion of land falls into the ocean, and the situation is worsened by aftershocks and tsunami."
"An earthquake reaching a 10.5 magnitude on the Richter scale, strikes the west coast of the U.S. and Canada. A large portion of land falls into the ocean, and the situation is worsened by aftershocks and tsunami."
The fourth season of Syfy's Battlestar Galactica was all about conflict. Humans versus Cylons. Cylons versus Cylons. Humans versus Humans. You name it. No matter where you looked nobody was getting along. On this day in 2008, they aired the season's fifth episode, and it was titled "The Road Less Traveled." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When a Heavy-Raider manned by Leoben Conoy docks aboard the Demetrius, confrontations form between the crew over the possibility of a truce with Cylon rebels, while Starbuck puts her trust in an old enemy."
"When a Heavy-Raider manned by Leoben Conoy docks aboard the Demetrius, confrontations form between the crew over the possibility of a truce with Cylon rebels, while Starbuck puts her trust in an old enemy."
On this day in 2009 (in the United Kingdom), Primeval aired "For The Birds." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Christine Johnson takes over the ARC in an attempt to seize the artifact, the team flee to an old government safe house but soon find themselves surviving against a group of angry terror birds that have come through an anomaly."
"When Christine Johnson takes over the ARC in an attempt to seize the artifact, the team flee to an old government safe house but soon find themselves surviving against a group of angry terror birds that have come through an anomaly."
On this day in 2009, the Remastered version of Star Trek's "The Cage," the original pilot episode, aired in U.S. syndication. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Capt. Pike is held prisoner and tested by aliens who have the power to project incredibly lifelike illusions."
"Capt. Pike is held prisoner and tested by aliens who have the power to project incredibly lifelike illusions."
On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), Continuum aired "30 Minutes To Air." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Kiera and Carlos work to free hostages including Dillon, taken prisoner by Liber8 at a television station. Meanwhile, Kellog and Alec's business alliance falls apart, turning the two men from partners to adversaries."
"Kiera and Carlos work to free hostages including Dillon, taken prisoner by Liber8 at a television station. Meanwhile, Kellog and Alec's business alliance falls apart, turning the two men from partners to adversaries."
On this day in 2015, Thunderbirds Are Go aired "Unplugged." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by TV.com:
"An anti-technology group calling themselves The Luddites power up an electromagnetic pulse device underneath London, crippling everything that uses electricity. The result is a near catastrophe as the entire city shuts down. Virgil and Grandma Tracy must find and disable the device - with the help of Lady Penelope and Parker."
"An anti-technology group calling themselves The Luddites power up an electromagnetic pulse device underneath London, crippling everything that uses electricity. The result is a near catastrophe as the entire city shuts down. Virgil and Grandma Tracy must find and disable the device - with the help of Lady Penelope and Parker."
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Colony aired "Maquis." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Six months after escaping Los Angeles, the Bowmans and Snyder enjoy a simple life in the mountains until a sudden arrival changes everything."
"Six months after escaping Los Angeles, the Bowmans and Snyder enjoy a simple life in the mountains until a sudden arrival changes everything."
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), The Expanse aired "Reload." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Rocinante tends to wounded Martian soldiers in exchange for supplies; Avasarala struggles with how to disseminate a key piece of evidence despite being in hiding."
"The Rocinante tends to wounded Martian soldiers in exchange for supplies; Avasarala struggles with how to disseminate a key piece of evidence despite being in hiding."
On this day in 2016 (in Spain), The Ministry Of Time aired "Separadas por el tiempo." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A modern schoolteacher faints when she sees her image in a photo of 'Las Sinsombrero', a forgotten group of Interwar female artists. Meanwhile, the Ministry looks for a 1912 child killer who has evaded her historical arrest."
"A modern schoolteacher faints when she sees her image in a photo of 'Las Sinsombrero', a forgotten group of Interwar female artists. Meanwhile, the Ministry looks for a 1912 child killer who has evaded her historical arrest."
On this day in 2017, scribe Carrie Patel released her Fantasy novel The Song Of The Dead to the masses at large. According to Amazon.com, here's the premise behind the tome:
"Finally, the lost histories of the Catastrophe will be revealed and with them the ultimate fate of the buried city of Recoletta in thedramatic conclusion to Carrie Patel’s trilogy. With Ruthers dead and the Library Accord signed by Recoletta, its neighbours, and its farming communes, Inspector Malone and laundress Jane Lin are in limbo as the city leaders around them vie for power. A desperate attempt to save Arnault from execution leads to Malone’s arrest and Jane’s escape. They must pursue each other across the sea to discover a civilization that has held together over the centuries. There they will finally learn the truths about the Catastrophe that drove their own civilization underground."
"Finally, the lost histories of the Catastrophe will be revealed and with them the ultimate fate of the buried city of Recoletta in thedramatic conclusion to Carrie Patel’s trilogy. With Ruthers dead and the Library Accord signed by Recoletta, its neighbours, and its farming communes, Inspector Malone and laundress Jane Lin are in limbo as the city leaders around them vie for power. A desperate attempt to save Arnault from execution leads to Malone’s arrest and Jane’s escape. They must pursue each other across the sea to discover a civilization that has held together over the centuries. There they will finally learn the truths about the Catastrophe that drove their own civilization underground."
Leave it to industry greats to know a good thing when they have it because also on this day in 2008 (to coincide with the release of the movie) Iron Man soared onto the home gaming market compliments of Sega!
