A certain degree of Science Fiction programming has always tried to skew toward a young demographic, and I think that's probably because young people tend to be a bit more accepting of certain SciFi and Fantasy elements as opposed to the aging cynics in the television audience. That's a reality that put shows like Lightning Point on the Boob Tube. I've not seen a single frame of it as yet -- didn't even know it existed until I stumbled upon it -- but here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"When Zoey and KIki, two irrepressible girls from another galaxy become castaways in the quiet, Australian seaside town of Lightning Point, they recruit local girl Amber to keep them undercover. But the whole town is abuzz with the sighting of aliens and the girls soon realize that they may not be the first intergalactic visitors..."
"When Zoey and KIki, two irrepressible girls from another galaxy become castaways in the quiet, Australian seaside town of Lightning Point, they recruit local girl Amber to keep them undercover. But the whole town is abuzz with the sighting of aliens and the girls soon realize that they may not be the first intergalactic visitors..."
He's one of a very few actors who were given the chance to play the ominous Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Vader, in Star Wars' Original Trilogy. Sebastian Shaw only had a few moments with which to capture Vader (seen briefly sans helmet in Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi), but, broken and battered, he embodied the fallen Jedi with a passing nobility. Though he's no longer with us, Shaw was born on this day in 1905.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman Clifton James built a career out of playing mildly buffoonish characters to an audience's delight. Mostly, I remember him as the small town sheriff who unfortunately went up against three Kryptonian villains when they arrived on Earth in Superman II (1980). Though he's no longer with us, James was born on this day in 1920.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When The Stepford Wives (1975) first introduced audiences to the most idyllic marital bliss imaginable, the lovely Nanette Newman played just one of the several mesmerizing matrons. The lady also found work aboard the TV series Journey To The Unknown and the movie Captain Nemo And The Underwater City (1969). Newman was born on this day in 1934.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I purchased a DVD of The Stepford Wives (1975) for my very own home video collection. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I purchased a DVD of The Stepford Wives (1975) for my very own home video collection. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Swedish beauty Anita Strindberg strutted her stuff in only twenty-four different projects for the screen, but genre fans might recognize her best from her work in Tropic Of Cancer (1972) for Rewind Film. Strindberg was born on this day in 1938.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Kevin Conway helped bring a kinda/sorta reincarnated version of the Klingon elder 'Kahless' to life aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation. Though he's no longer with us, Conway was born on this day in 1942.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
[Source: Memory Alpha]
The beautiful Julie Cobb turned up as an equally beautiful RedShirt in "By Any Other Name," a second season episode of the legendary Star Trek. Cobb was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
[Source: Memory Alpha]
Cotter Smith has enjoyed roles large and small in a handful of quality genre projects, including work aboard The Twilight Zone, Lifeform (1996), X2: X-Men United (2003), Tru Calling, Night Stalker, Invasion, Ghost Whisperer, Person Of Interest, and Revolution. Smith was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Michael O'Neill is one of those veteran character actors audiences come across in just about any property, be it Drama, Comedy, or even Science Fiction. And he always turns in great work no matter how big or small the part. As for genre appearances? Fans might recognize him from work aboard Ghost Story (1981), The Pretender, Millennium, The Shining, The X-Files, Roswell, Dreamcatcher (2003), Carnivale, Transformers (2007), Ghost Whisperer, Flashforward, Fringe, Extant, 11.22.63, and Outer Range. O'Neill was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Composer Danny Elfman continues to leave his mark on film history by penning scores for some of the most fascinating visions brought to life in celluloid. Elfman was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though he's no doubt best remembered as playing serial killer Buffalo Bill in 1991's The Silence of the Lambs, Ted Levine also helped try to save the Earth from an alien menace in 2001's tepid Evolution. More recently, he enjoyed a somewhat nefarious turn with a role aboard Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018). Levine was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
Sometime during the original promotional run of Banshee Chapter (2013) -- in which Levine played a key role -- I received a complimentary DVD in exchange for online review coverage. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
Sometime during the original promotional run of Banshee Chapter (2013) -- in which Levine played a key role -- I received a complimentary DVD in exchange for online review coverage. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
Aside from carrying the Highlander franchise throughout its several television seasons, the talented Adrian Paul continues to rack up points in genre entertainment. He's been a part of such projects as Beauty and the Beast, War of the Worlds (TV series), Phantom 2040 (animated), Relic Hunter, Eyeborgs (2009), Cold Fusion (2011), War of the Worlds: Goliath (animated), AE: Apocalypse Earth (2013), and Stormageddon (2015). Paul was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Critical darling Annette Bening turned in a wonderfully comic turn as the disillusioned Vegas starlet trying to 'find herself' via New Age mysticism in Tim Burton's demented Mars Attacks! Bening was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Rupert Everett found the lines between the dead and living blurring in unusual ways with his work as 'Francesco Dellamorte' aboard 1994's Horror/Comedy Cemetery Man for Urania Film. Everett was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I received a complimentary Blu-ray of Cemetery Man (1994) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I received a complimentary Blu-ray of Cemetery Man (1994) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
Character and voice actor Al Rodrigo enjoyed a bit of screen time experiencing some dark time in Earth's fictional past aboard a memorable Star Trek: Deep Space Nine two-parter. He's also turned up aboard SeaQuest 2032, The Invaders (miniseries), and Star Wars: The Clone Wars (animated). Rodrigo was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When you square off against anyone in The Mandalorian's growing universe of Disney+, I suppose that means you deserve a shout-out. Such is the case for Diana Lee Inosanto! The actress enjoyed an even more prominent role aboard Disney+'s Ahsoka series. Inosanto was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Appearing as sumptuous as a Bond girl, Melissa Young had a small role aboard "Our Man Bashir," an episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's fourth season. Young was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
[Source: Memory Alpha]
Actress Tina Parker definitely dipped her toes into the realm of cinematic Fantasy with a role aboard Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich (2018) for Fangoria. Parker was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Chicago native Michole Briana White has been leaving an impression as long as she's been in film. With appearances in such properties as Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman, Volcano (1997), and Convict 762 (1997) under her belt, it's nice to see her getting meatier work, such as her stint in the popular Malignant (2021). White was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Hunky Steve Cardenas brought his hunky goodness to several TV incarnations of the popular Power Rangers franchise. Cardenas was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
2004's live action adaptation of Casshern was something a lot of folks truly loved. I honestly found it a bit 'meh,' never quite developing an interesting storyline for its players. Still, Yusuke Iseya was solid in it, so I guess I can be thankful for small favors. Iseya was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Colombian-born Zulay Henao entered the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy with a role aboard S. Darko (2009) for 20th Century Fox. Henao was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As much as I loved Peter Jackson's interpretation of The Lord of the Rings, I absolutely hated so very much of his attempt at bringing The Hobbit to life. Still, that's no fault of the players, of which the very talented Adam Brown boarded the project as the Dwarf named 'Ori.' Brown was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Crystal Balint has served time -- in ways big and small -- in a solid handful of genre properties. Fans might have noticed her stealing scenes in such projects as MythQuest, V, Fringe, R.L. Stine's The Haunting Hour, Continuum, The Lottery, Arrow, Aftermath, Frequency, Beyond, The 100, and Supergirl. Balint was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Anders Holm made a splash in the world of genre entertainment with a role aboard Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters for Legendary Television. Holm was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Chris Violette warped into Trek's ever-expanding universe with a guest role aboard CBS's controversial Star Trek: Discovery for its streaming portal. Violette was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
[Source: Memory Alpha]
After enduring "The Christmas Invasion" as part of Doctor Who's 2005 season, dreamy Anita Briem took the Journey to the Center of the Earth alongside funnyman Brendan Fraser in 2008. Briem was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress and director Amanda Quaid got her professional acting start -- if IMDB.com has it correct -- with a small role aboard the 1992 SciFi/Telefilm adaptation of Mary Shelley's seminal Frankenstein. Quaid was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ben Mansfield went all Jurassic for his work aboard the BBC's Fantasy series Primeval during its 2009-2011 run. Mansfield was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In his youth, Blake Foster suited up on behalf of justice with work aboard one of TV's most enduring Fantasy franchises, Power Rangers, by serving on Power Rangers Turbo. Foster was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lovely Pearl Mackie dipped herself into the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy when she signed aboard the BBC's long-running Doctor Who in its tenth season. Mackie was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The multi-talented Noah Reid can act, sing, and probably do it all ... and, yes, those skills were put to some curious use aboard Amazon Studio's Outer Range, a Science Fiction time travel yarn that involved open pastures, rodeo riding, dueling families, and singing. Reid was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I've yet to watch the full run of Syfy's Battlestar Galactica spin-off -- Caprica -- largely because it took me so long to "get into" it's original series. Plus Caprica kinda/sorta seemed to me in all of its associated advertising like it was going to be a prequel/sequel series skewed toward a much younger demographic than I fit. (Say '90210 In Space'?) However, I'm glad that one of its stars -- the young and lovely Alessandra Torresani -- so proudly embraced fandom as its next "SciFi babe." Google the web for pictures, and I think you'll see what I mean. Torresani was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Shara Connolly has given Fantasy a whirl with work aboard such properties as The Shannara Chronicles and Power Rangers Dino Charge. Connolly was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As part of the Spanish-language Science Fiction show El Ministerio del Tiempo ("The Ministry of Time"), the lovely Aura Garrido plays only one of the specialists trying to put history back on its proper path. Garrido was born on this day in 1989. [Source: IMDB.com]
Riley Keough played one of the lovelies in dire straits as part of Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) for Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow Pictures. Keough was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Olivia Delcan was just one of the many tough ladies featured aboard Netflix's Warrior Nun during its run on the streaming platform. Delcan was born on this day in 1992.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Chalk up another one for "I know that voice, but I don't know the face": the fetching Erica Lindbeck has provided vocals to a variety of projects which should delight genre fans, including characters aboard Avengers Assemble, Transformers: Robots In Disguise, and DC Super Hero Girls. Lindbeck was born on this day in 1992.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With roles aboard such fantastical journeys as The Sarah Jane Adventures and Avalon High (2010), Gregg Sulkin has always been near and dear to genre entertainment. Sulkin was born on this day in 1992.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Science Fiction can be a tough gig, especially when you're saddled with a bit of casting controversy and a (sadly) lukewarm script essentially retreading a box office original. That said, Maika Monroe did the best she could stepping in to the role of Patricia Whitmore (a role created in the first flick by someone else) to elevate Independence Day: Resurgence's drivel ... it just didn't help much. Monroe was born on this day in 1993.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of newcomer Paloma Kwiatkowski's first screen roles was as 'Thalia' aboard Percy Jackson: Sea Of Monsters (2013) for Fox 2000 Pictures. Kwiatkowski was born on this day in 1994.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lorelei Linklater's resume continues to grow. After an uncredited beginning in all places of Spy Kids 2: Island Of Lost Dreams, the parts started getting bigger and bigger. Look for her in such properties as Blood Surf (2016) and Teenage Vampire 2 (2022). Linklater was born on this day in 1994.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
According to IMDB.com, actor Nate Mann enjoyed a small role aboard an episode of the excellent streaming series Evil for Paramount+. Mann was born on this day in 1999.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though this young lady's career is really just getting started, it's great to see Laila Lockhart Kraner isn't afraid to travel in some very dark circles ... such as her work aboard The Secret Of Sinchanee (2021) for Truth Entertainment. Kraner was born on this day in 2008.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1927 (in Spain), the groundbreaking Metropolis showed audiences what potential there could be for Science Fiction on the big screen. Directed by Fritz Lang, the SciFi/Drama starred Brigitte Helm, Alfred Abel, and Gustav Fröhlich; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working-class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences."
"In a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working-class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences."
On this day in 1953 (in Toronto, Canada), Invaders From Mars touched down into Earth's theaters. Directed by William Cameron Menzies, the SciFi feature starred Helena Carter and Jimmy Hunt, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young boy learns that space aliens are taking over the minds of earthlings."
"A young boy learns that space aliens are taking over the minds of earthlings."
On this day in 1956 (in Italy), Tarantula crawled onto the silver screen. Directed by Jack Arnold, the SciFi feature starred John Agar and Mara Corday, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A spider escapes from an isolated Arizona desert laboratory experimenting in giantism and grows to tremendous size as it wreaks havoc on the local inhabitants."
"A spider escapes from an isolated Arizona desert laboratory experimenting in giantism and grows to tremendous size as it wreaks havoc on the local inhabitants."
A star is born! On this day in 1958 (in the U.S.), the brains were on the march again with the theatrical release of Fiend Without A Face. Directed by Arthur Crabtree from a script by Herbert J. Leder and Amelia Reynolds Long, the SciFi/Horror starred Marshall Thompson, Terry Kilburn, and Michael Balfour. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A scientist's thoughts materialize as an army of invisible brain-shaped monsters (complete with spinal-cord tails!) who terrorize an American military base in this nightmarish chiller."
Editor's Note:
According to a trivia citation on IMDB.com, Fiend Without A Face was actually an adaptation of the story "The Thought-Monster" published by Amelia Reynolds Long in Weird Tales back in 1930.
"A scientist's thoughts materialize as an army of invisible brain-shaped monsters (complete with spinal-cord tails!) who terrorize an American military base in this nightmarish chiller."
Editor's Note:
According to a trivia citation on IMDB.com, Fiend Without A Face was actually an adaptation of the story "The Thought-Monster" published by Amelia Reynolds Long in Weird Tales back in 1930.
On this day in 1963 (in the U.S.), the good people of Los Angeles, California enjoyed an exclusive theatrical engagement of Atom Age Vampire. Directed by Anton Giulio Majano, the SciFi/Horror starred Alberto Lupo, Susanne Loret, and Sergio Fantoni. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An exotic dancer is disfigured in a car accident. A scientist develops a treatment that restores her beauty. To preserve her appearance the doctor must give her additional treatments using glands taken from murdered women."
"An exotic dancer is disfigured in a car accident. A scientist develops a treatment that restores her beauty. To preserve her appearance the doctor must give her additional treatments using glands taken from murdered women."
A star is born! On this day in 1968 (in the U.S.), the good people of Lima, Ohio were treated to the silver screen premiere of Brides Of Blood. Directed by Gerardo de Leon and Eddie Romero, the SciFi/Horror starred John Ashley, Kent Taylor, and Mario Montenegro. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Natives of a tropical island have to contend with man-eating plants and animals, mutations caused by radioactivity. Virgin sacrifices become the norm. A small group of interlopers become caught up in the mayhem."
"Natives of a tropical island have to contend with man-eating plants and animals, mutations caused by radioactivity. Virgin sacrifices become the norm. A small group of interlopers become caught up in the mayhem."
On this day in 1969 (in Colombia), 2001: A Space Odyssey took audiences on a trip to the moon. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, the SciFi/Drama starred Gary Lockwood, Keir Dullea, and William Sylvester; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Monoliths push humanity to reach for the stars; after their discovery in Africa generations ago, the mysterious objects lead mankind on an awesome journey to Jupiter, with the help of H.A.L. 9000: the world's greatest supercomputer."
"The Monoliths push humanity to reach for the stars; after their discovery in Africa generations ago, the mysterious objects lead mankind on an awesome journey to Jupiter, with the help of H.A.L. 9000: the world's greatest supercomputer."
A star is born! On this day in 1969 (in Italy), Ecce Homo enjoyed its only theatrical exhibition of record. Written (in part) and directed by Bruno Gaburro, the SciFi/Drama starred Philippe Leroy, Irene Papas, and Gabriele Tinti. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Having survived a terrible nuclear war that destroyed the human race, a family of three persons - Jean, his wife Anna and son Patrick, live in a trailer by the sea."
"Having survived a terrible nuclear war that destroyed the human race, a family of three persons - Jean, his wife Anna and son Patrick, live in a trailer by the sea."
On this day in 1981 (in Portugal and the U.S.), Contamination spread like wild fire amongst theater audiences. Written (in part) and directed by Luigi Cozzi, the SciFi/Thriller starred Ian McCulloch, Louise Marleau, and Marino Masé; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A former astronaut helps a government agent and a police detective track the source of mysterious alien pod spores, filled with lethal flesh-dissolving acid, to a South American coffee plantation controlled by alien pod clones."
"A former astronaut helps a government agent and a police detective track the source of mysterious alien pod spores, filled with lethal flesh-dissolving acid, to a South American coffee plantation controlled by alien pod clones."
A star is born! On this day in 1981 (in the U.S.), Dead & Buried opened eyes at its very special theatrical screening. Directed by Gary Sherman, the Horror/Thriller starred James Farentino, Melody Anderson, and Jack Albertson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A suspense horror film set in a small coastal town where, after a series of gory murders commited by mobs of townspeople against visiting tourists, the corpses begin to come back to life."
For the record:
At the 1982 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Dead & Buried scored two nominations: 'Best Make-Up' and 'Best Horror Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving an all-new release of Dead & Buried via a distributor relationship. Intereted in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
"A suspense horror film set in a small coastal town where, after a series of gory murders commited by mobs of townspeople against visiting tourists, the corpses begin to come back to life."
For the record:
At the 1982 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Dead & Buried scored two nominations: 'Best Make-Up' and 'Best Horror Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving an all-new release of Dead & Buried via a distributor relationship. Intereted in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1985 (in France), The Toxic Avenger brought his particular brand of 'justice' to the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed (in part) by Lloyd Kaufman, the Horror/Comedy starred Andree Maranda, Mitch Cohen, and Jennifer Babtist; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Tromaville has a monstrous new hero. The Toxic Avenger is born when meek mop boy Melvin falls into a vat of toxic waste. Now evildoers will have a lot to lose."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Toxic Avenger earned a wee bit of love from a screening on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of receiving an all-new release of The Toxic Avenger (1984) in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts? Readers can find them right here.
"Tromaville has a monstrous new hero. The Toxic Avenger is born when meek mop boy Melvin falls into a vat of toxic waste. Now evildoers will have a lot to lose."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Toxic Avenger earned a wee bit of love from a screening on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of receiving an all-new release of The Toxic Avenger (1984) in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts? Readers can find them right here.
On this day in 1987 (in Sweden), The Kindred kicked up some floorboards and stirred up what box office it could. Written and directed by the team of Stephen Carpenter and Jeffrey Obrow (with some collaboration from John Penney), the SciFi/Horror starred Rod Steiger, Amanda Pays, and Talia Balsam; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A geneticist takes his assistants to his old family home to locate the deadly product of his late mother's revolutionary research into rapid human evolution - his monstrous tentacled baby brother - before a mad scientist gets to him first."
For the record:
At the 1987 Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival, The Kindred enjoyed a nomination for the event's Grand Prize. Alas, the feature lost out on the win to David Lynch's Blue Velvet (1987).
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I was fortunate to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of The Kindred from a distributor. Readers interested in knowing what I thought of the film can find my review right here.
"A geneticist takes his assistants to his old family home to locate the deadly product of his late mother's revolutionary research into rapid human evolution - his monstrous tentacled baby brother - before a mad scientist gets to him first."
For the record:
At the 1987 Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival, The Kindred enjoyed a nomination for the event's Grand Prize. Alas, the feature lost out on the win to David Lynch's Blue Velvet (1987).
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I was fortunate to receive a complimentary Blu-ray of The Kindred from a distributor. Readers interested in knowing what I thought of the film can find my review right here.
A star is born ... or with a sequel is that reborn? On this day in 1992 (in Italy), Children Of The Corn II: The Final Sacrifice made its big screen debut at the Dylan Dog Horror Festival. Directed by David Price, the Horror/Fantasy starred Terence Knox, Paul Scherrer, and Ryan Bollman. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A journalist and his son travel to Nebraska to investigate the mysterious town of Gatlin where, unbeknownst to them, a murderous cult of children are still waiting in the corn fields."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Children Of The Corn II earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"A journalist and his son travel to Nebraska to investigate the mysterious town of Gatlin where, unbeknownst to them, a murderous cult of children are still waiting in the corn fields."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Children Of The Corn II earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1998 (in France), TekWar -- the original telefilm that started the franchise -- enjoyed its release. Directed by William Shatner (and based on his novel), the SciFi/Thriller starred Greg Evigan, Eugene Clark, and Maurice Dean Wint; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After four years, Jake Cardigan is prematurely awoken from his fifteen year cryogenic punishment to a world very different than the one he knew. Much more than before 'Tek', the highly-addictive electronic designer narcotic of the 21st century, seems to be prevalent. His wife has divorced him and disappeared together with their son. He wants them back and he wants justice for those undercover policemen who were murdered by unknown conspirators which led to his imprisonment for a crime he did not commit. He links up with his ex-partner Sid Gomez, now also an ex-cop, and they go to work for the mysterious Bascom who owns and runs the giant Cosmos security corporation. Their first job is a seemingly easy missing persons case trying to locate a missing scientist who may have developed a crystal to destroy Tek chips. The more the two men investigate the more the dark and powerful forces of the hidden Tek lords are sent to thwart them. What is the connection between this case and his wrongful imprisonment four years ago? Will he ever be able to trace his lost family through the infinite twists and turns of this new technological age? In a race against time Jake struggles to come to terms with this new world where nothing is as it seems and his place within it."
"After four years, Jake Cardigan is prematurely awoken from his fifteen year cryogenic punishment to a world very different than the one he knew. Much more than before 'Tek', the highly-addictive electronic designer narcotic of the 21st century, seems to be prevalent. His wife has divorced him and disappeared together with their son. He wants them back and he wants justice for those undercover policemen who were murdered by unknown conspirators which led to his imprisonment for a crime he did not commit. He links up with his ex-partner Sid Gomez, now also an ex-cop, and they go to work for the mysterious Bascom who owns and runs the giant Cosmos security corporation. Their first job is a seemingly easy missing persons case trying to locate a missing scientist who may have developed a crystal to destroy Tek chips. The more the two men investigate the more the dark and powerful forces of the hidden Tek lords are sent to thwart them. What is the connection between this case and his wrongful imprisonment four years ago? Will he ever be able to trace his lost family through the infinite twists and turns of this new technological age? In a race against time Jake struggles to come to terms with this new world where nothing is as it seems and his place within it."
On this day in 2002 (in Norway), Contagion broke out ... well, broke out on home video, that is. Directed by John Murlowski, the SciFi/Drama starred Bruce Boxleitner, Megan Gallagher, and Lin Shaye; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A pair of criminals infect the president of the United States with a deadly virus. His only hope is to give in to their demands, but he refuses to cooperate with terrorists. Now it is up to Dr. Diane Landis to save his life."
"A pair of criminals infect the president of the United States with a deadly virus. His only hope is to give in to their demands, but he refuses to cooperate with terrorists. Now it is up to Dr. Diane Landis to save his life."
A star is born! On this day in 2008 (in Germany), Tokyo Gore Police (aka Tôkyô zankoku keisatsu) enjoyed its big screen premiere for audiences in attendance of the Hamburg Japanese Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Yoshihiro Nishimura, the Horror/Comedy starred Eihi Shiina, Itsuji Itao, and Yukihide Benny. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In future Tokyo, a young woman in the privatized police force tracks down her father's killer while battling against mutant rebels known as engineers."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Tokyo Gore Police earned an extra bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"In future Tokyo, a young woman in the privatized police force tracks down her father's killer while battling against mutant rebels known as engineers."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Tokyo Gore Police earned an extra bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2009, the SciFi/ShortFilm 2081 enjoyed its audience at the Seattle International Film Festival. The flick starred James Cosmo and Julie Hagerty, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A short film adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut's Harrison Bergeron, 2081 depicts a dystopian future in which, thanks to the 212th Amendment to the Constitution and the unceasing vigilance of the United States Handicapper General, everyone is "finally equal...." The strong wear weights, the beautiful wear masks and the intelligent wear earpieces that fire off loud noises to keep them from taking unfair advantage of their brains. It is a poetic tale of triumph and tragedy about a broken family, a brutal government, and an act of defiance that changes everything."
"A short film adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut's Harrison Bergeron, 2081 depicts a dystopian future in which, thanks to the 212th Amendment to the Constitution and the unceasing vigilance of the United States Handicapper General, everyone is "finally equal...." The strong wear weights, the beautiful wear masks and the intelligent wear earpieces that fire off loud noises to keep them from taking unfair advantage of their brains. It is a poetic tale of triumph and tragedy about a broken family, a brutal government, and an act of defiance that changes everything."
On this day in 2009 (in Japan), Blood: The Last Vampire came out swinging for the fences ... as they say. Directed by Chris Nahon, the Fantasy/Horror starred Jun Ji-hyun, Allison Miller, and Liam Cunningham. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A vampire named Saya, who is part of covert government agency that hunts and destroys demons in a post-WWII Japan, is inserted in a military school to discover which one of her classmates is a demon in disguise."
"A vampire named Saya, who is part of covert government agency that hunts and destroys demons in a post-WWII Japan, is inserted in a military school to discover which one of her classmates is a demon in disguise."
A star is born! On this day in 2009 (in Germany), Samurai Princess appeared on the silver screen for audiences in attendance of the Japanisches Filmfestival Hamburg. Written (in part) and directed by Kengo Kaji, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Aino Kishi, Dai Mizuno, and Asuka Kataoka. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of young schoolgirls walking through the woods is attacked and raped by a gang of thugs. Only one of the girls survives, but is badly injured. She is found by a scientist who takes her back to his lab, gives her a new robotic body and a female monk gives her magical powers. They send her out to take revenge on her attackers, but as it turns out he has an ulterior motive for his actions."
"A group of young schoolgirls walking through the woods is attacked and raped by a gang of thugs. Only one of the girls survives, but is badly injured. She is found by a scientist who takes her back to his lab, gives her a new robotic body and a female monk gives her magical powers. They send her out to take revenge on her attackers, but as it turns out he has an ulterior motive for his actions."
A star is born! On this day in 2010 (in Japan), Broken Blade: The Time Of Awakening (aka Gekijouban Bureiku bureido Daiisshou: Kakusei no koku) enjoyed its first unveiling to the masses. Directed by the team of Nobuyoshi Habara and Tetsuro Amino, the anime featured the voices of Sôichirô Hoshi, Sôichirô Hoshi, and Hiroshi Kamiya. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the continent of Cruzon, an impending war between the Kingdom of Krisna and the nation of Athens is brimming. The people of this land are able to use quartz for whatever purpose they desire. Yet one person, Rygart Arrow, is not. He is an "un-sorcerer," a person unable to use quartz. But this characteristic will enable him to pilot an ancient Golem, one strong enough to put up a fight against the invading army of Athens."
"In the continent of Cruzon, an impending war between the Kingdom of Krisna and the nation of Athens is brimming. The people of this land are able to use quartz for whatever purpose they desire. Yet one person, Rygart Arrow, is not. He is an "un-sorcerer," a person unable to use quartz. But this characteristic will enable him to pilot an ancient Golem, one strong enough to put up a fight against the invading army of Athens."
I smell a knock-off! On this day in 2015 (in Germany), Jurassic City roared into existence. The feature starred some CGI dinosaurs, Ray Wise, and Kevin Gage, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Prehistoric animals emerge from a science lab and tear up most of Los Angeles."
"Prehistoric animals emerge from a science lab and tear up most of Los Angeles."
A star is born ... or is that reborn! On this day in 2015 (in France), nature found a way again to bring dinosaurs back to the silver screen with Jurassic World's big screen premiere held in Paris. Written (in part) and directed by Colin Trevorrow, the SciFi/Thriller starred Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Ty Simpkins. Heres' the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A new theme park, built on the original site of Jurassic Park, creates a genetically modified hybrid dinosaur, the Indominus Rex, which escapes containment and goes on a killing spree."
For the record:
Well-made visual spectacles always do well come awards time, and Jurassic World was no exception. The motion picture garnered a wealth of praise from organizations big and small. At the 2016 Saturn Awards put on by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, the flick scored only a single win in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor' while missing out in seven other categories.
"A new theme park, built on the original site of Jurassic Park, creates a genetically modified hybrid dinosaur, the Indominus Rex, which escapes containment and goes on a killing spree."
For the record:
Well-made visual spectacles always do well come awards time, and Jurassic World was no exception. The motion picture garnered a wealth of praise from organizations big and small. At the 2016 Saturn Awards put on by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, the flick scored only a single win in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor' while missing out in seven other categories.
A star is born! On this day in 2019 (in far too many countries around the world to mention), Godzilla: King Of The Monsters roared again on the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed by Michael Dougherty, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Kyle Chandler, Vera Farmiga, and Millie Bobby Brown. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The crypto-zoological agency Monarch faces off against a battery of god-sized monsters, including the mighty Godzilla, who collides with Mothra, Rodan, and his ultimate nemesis, the three-headed King Ghidorah."
For the record:
At the 2019 Saturn Awards, the monster movie enjoyed four nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Music,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' 'Best Special Effects,' and 'Best Fantasy Film.'
"The crypto-zoological agency Monarch faces off against a battery of god-sized monsters, including the mighty Godzilla, who collides with Mothra, Rodan, and his ultimate nemesis, the three-headed King Ghidorah."
For the record:
At the 2019 Saturn Awards, the monster movie enjoyed four nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Music,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' 'Best Special Effects,' and 'Best Fantasy Film.'
On this day in 1953 (in the U.S.), Tales Of Tomorrow aired "Lazarus Walks." Officially, this served as the forty-first episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After being resuscitated following his death, a man discovers that he is a walking lie detector."
"After being resuscitated following his death, a man discovers that he is a walking lie detector."
On this day in 1964 (in the U.S.), The Twilight Zone aired "The Fear." Officially, this episode served as the thirty-fifth episode to the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Charlotte Scott and policeman Robert Franklin seem to be stalked by giants."
"Charlotte Scott and policeman Robert Franklin seem to be stalked by giants."
On this day in 1965 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Chase: The Death of Time." Officially, this served as thirty-first episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by the Doctor Who Online Guide:
"The Doctor and his friends have been given shelter from the Daleks by the Aridians. But the Daleks threaten to kill the Aridians unless they hand over the time travellers."
"The Doctor and his friends have been given shelter from the Daleks by the Aridians. But the Daleks threaten to kill the Aridians unless they hand over the time travellers."
On this day in 1971 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Dæmons: Episode Two." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode of the program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With the Doctor frozen by the energy release from the barrow, Jo calls Yates and Benton for help, but when the Brigadier tries to join them he finds the village surrounded by a heat barrier."
"With the Doctor frozen by the energy release from the barrow, Jo calls Yates and Benton for help, but when the Brigadier tries to join them he finds the village surrounded by a heat barrier."
On this day in 1979 (in the U.S.), Wonder Woman aired "The Boy Who Knew Her Secret: Part 2." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With a boy knowing that she is really Wonder Woman, Diana Prince continues her battle against a mysterious alien invasion."
"With a boy knowing that she is really Wonder Woman, Diana Prince continues her battle against a mysterious alien invasion."
It all came down to this: on this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Action series Seven Days came to an end with the airing of "Live From Death Row." This served as the twenty-second episode of the show's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"When a General is killed in an air show accident, Parker Backsteps, but instead uses it to save a wrongfully convicted friend on Death Row."
"When a General is killed in an air show accident, Parker Backsteps, but instead uses it to save a wrongfully convicted friend on Death Row."
On this day in 2010, Doctor Who aired "Cold Blood." This served as the ninth episode of the (relaunched) program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and Nasreen Chaudry go deep underground and find an ancient society that has been disturbed by the drilling. They are gassed and taken prisoner just as Amy manages to free herself. The military commander of the underground reptilians, Restac, is convinced that the "apes' - their term for humans - are an invading force. Calmer heads prevail and the Doctor manages to negotiate a truce pending the transfer of prisoners which he, and some of the more pacifist members of the reptilians, hopes will lead to a lasting peace. The only problem is that Alaya, the reptile prisoner has been killed and Restac is ready to go to war."
"The Doctor and Nasreen Chaudry go deep underground and find an ancient society that has been disturbed by the drilling. They are gassed and taken prisoner just as Amy manages to free herself. The military commander of the underground reptilians, Restac, is convinced that the "apes' - their term for humans - are an invading force. Calmer heads prevail and the Doctor manages to negotiate a truce pending the transfer of prisoners which he, and some of the more pacifist members of the reptilians, hopes will lead to a lasting peace. The only problem is that Alaya, the reptile prisoner has been killed and Restac is ready to go to war."
It all began right here: on this day in 2012, Lightning Point aired "Wipeout," the first episode in its only season on television. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When Zoey and Kiki, two irrepressible girls from another galaxy land in Lightning Point, their dreams of surfing the waves of Earth's oceans have finally come true."
"When Zoey and Kiki, two irrepressible girls from another galaxy land in Lightning Point, their dreams of surfing the waves of Earth's oceans have finally come true."
On this day in 2015, Star Trek Continues released "The White Iris" to audiences online. This served as the fourth episode of its first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Captain Kirk finds himself haunted by guilt from his past as the fate of an alien world hangs in the balance."
"Captain Kirk finds himself haunted by guilt from his past as the fate of an alien world hangs in the balance."
