Some people have all the luck, and, by some people, I'm talking about director Joseph Kosinski. He was practically handpicked by TRON's creator himself to help bring that franchise back to life and into the 21st century, and the oft-maligned TRON: Legacy was born. Methinks Legacy gets a bad rap as it kept me entertained. Sure, it was all pretty and glossy, but is that such a bad thing? I mean ... have you ever looked at the inside of your PC? Happy birthday, Mr. Kosinski. He was born on this day in 1974.
Barry Russo leaves behind a resume rich with appearances from television of a bygone era. Fans might recognize him from appearances aboard 20 Millions Miles To Earth (1957), The Outer Limits, My Favorite Martian, The Invaders, and Star Trek. Though he's no longer with us, Russo was born on this day in 1925. [Source: IMDB.com]
For those of you who don't know it, the original Star Trek actually had two pilot episodes. The first one -- "The Cage" -- was deemed more than a bit too cerebral by (idiot) TV executives, but they saw the merit in the idea and execution so they asked Gene Roddenberry to try again ... and, thus, "The Man Trap" was born. In it, actress Jeanne Bal (pictured above with Trek regular DeForest Kelley) played Nancy Crater, a woman from his past who now had a dark secret to hide. Though she's no longer with us, Bal was born on this day in 1928.
Veteran character actor Alex Cord doesn't get that much work these days, but I've seen on the Internet that he's explored another life beyond acting by way of writing. I remember this Airwolf guy from one of Gene Roddenberry's other projects -- Genesis II -- so I think it's fair game to give him a birthday nod from us. Cord was born on this day in 1933.
In 1982's B-movie classic Forbidden World, Fox Harris played a scientist torn between saving a newly discovered alien creation or saving himself from own aggressive cancer. Though he's no longer with us, Harris was born on this day in 1936.
That rather mysterious looking fellow is none other than Denny O'Neil. For my tastes, he penned some of coolest Batman stories ever written in the comic books, as well as created the vastly underrated character of Azrael for DC Comics. His work on the Green Lantern and Green Arrow books are deservedly revered. O'Neil was born on this day in 1939.
Though I suspect that the late Loredana Nusciak is far more remembered for her role in the spaghetti Western that was the original Django (1966), fate would have it that the same year she appeared in that film she also dabbled in Science Fiction and Fantasy with a plum role aboard the Superhero/Adventure Superargo Vs. Diabilicus (1966) for Liber Film. Though she's no longer with us, Nusciak was born on this day in 1942. [Source: IMDB.com]
John Hamill enjoyed really only a passing flirtation with the realm of Science Fiction with small roles aboard No Blade Of Grass (1970), Space:1999, and Doctor Who. Hamill was born on this day in 1947. [Source: IMDB.com]
Chris Mulkey is another one of those fabulous character actors who turns in a great performance every time he's called upon. Fans might recognize him from his work aboard The Hidden (1987), Twin Peaks, K-9000 (1991), The Outer Limits, or Cloverfield (2008). Mulkey was born on this day in 1948. [Source: IMDB.com]
Ron Canada has a terrific resume in quality genre entertainment. He's beamed aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation in a guest role for season 5's "The Masterpiece Society," as well as booking appearances on Babylon 5, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager, The X-Files, Stargate:SG-1, The Strain, and much much more. Canada was born on this day in 1949.
Peter Guinness played one of the prisoners locked into a box with a growing, hungry Xenomorph aboard David Fincher's Alien 3 (1992). Guinness was born on this day in 1950. [Source: IMDB.com]
Caitlin Clarke enjoyed her big screen debut in one of the fonder memories of my youth: 1981's Dragonslayer brought Fantasy to the silver screen in a pretty epic way without any of that insufferable CGI nonsense. Though she's no longer with us, Clarke was born on this day in 1952. [Source: IMDB.com]
Toni Naples dipped her toes into the realm of genre entertainment with work aboard Deathstalker II (1987), Munchie (1992), Dinosaur Island (1994), and Sorceress (1995). Naples was born on this day in 1952. [Source: IMDB.com]
When Gene Roddenberry's Earth: Final Conflict was in its original syndicated run, I passed it up completely. I recall seeing a few commercials for it, and it just didn't seem all that interesting to me. I've since picked up the first season on DVD, and I'm slowly making my way through it. To its credit, it had a lot more going on than most SciFi procedurals, and methinks much of that is owed to the charisma of its lead, Kevin Kilner (above right). Kilner was born on this day in 1958.
Though she's quite probably best remembered of one of the many victims of slasher Jason Voorhees, Amy Steel did dabble outside the realm of Horror with appearances aboard The Powers of Matthew Star, Quantum Leap, Time Trax, Viper, and Millennium. Steel was born on this day in 1960. [Source: IMDB.com]
He had his big screen debut in 1993's Civil War epic Gettysburg and then only a few years later he fought in the War of the Dominion as Ensign Paul Gordon aboard Star Trek: Deep Space Nine! Actor Joseph Fuqua has also enjoyed guest starring roles aboard Fox TV's popular The X-Files and NBC's The Pretender. Fuqua was born on this day in 1962.
I just love Amy Ryan. She's beautiful and talented, so much so I don't know how anyone convinced her to appear aboard Monster Trucks (2016), but if that gets her in the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy here so that I can give her a shout here then so be it. Ryan was born on this day in 1968.
Multi-talented Bobby Cannavale made his first venture into the Marvel movie universe with a pretty plum role aboard the lukewarm Ant-Man. Cannavale was born on this day in 1970.
Blonde bombshell Kristin Lehman has toiled around the edges of sci-fi properties off-and-on for some time. Her early work included roles in The X-Files and Earth: Final Conflict before assuming greater status as part of the cast for Poltergeist: The Legacy. She's also appeared in Andromeda, The Outer Limits, and Strange World. Lehman was born on this day in 1972.
Brazilian beauty Nana Gouvea bravely took a dip for the benefit of all mankind with her performance aboard the B-Movie Black Wake (2018) for Black Wake Enterprises. Gouvea was born on this day in 1975. [Source: IMDB.com]
Mad Men's luscious Christina Hendricks brought her (ahem) considerable assets and put them at work in Joss Whedon's popular TV universe, Firefly, back in 2002. Hendricks was born on this day in 1975.
Lovely Rebecca Hall did what she could to elevate the Johnny Depp kinda/sorta cinema stinker Transcendence with her acting credibility. Unfortunately the project was pretty much D.O.A. at the box office. Hall was born on this day in 1982.
Russian-born actor Danila Kozlovsky headlined the Time Travel Fantasy We Are From The Future (2008) for A-1 Kino Video. Kozlovsky was born on this day in 1985. [Source: IMDB.com]
Pom Klementieff is looking to put her mark on genre entertainment with a role in the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 (2017). Klementieff was born on this day in 1986.
The lovely Dominique McElligott caught my eye aboard the AMC Western Hell On Wheels. Thankfully, she's appeared in the SciFi feature Moon (2009) so that I can recognize her here. McElligott was born on this day in 1986.
Spanish actress Andrea Ros found herself trapped in a building and running for her life aboard the found-footage SciFi/Horror chiller [Rec] 2 (2009). Ros was born on this day in 1993. [Source: IMDB.com]
Jessica Sula dipped her pretty young toes into the realm of television Fantasy with a guest spot aboard Fox's popular Lucifer. Sula was born on this day in 1994. [Source: IMDB.com]
As Gracie Johanssen, Zoé De Grand Maison brought a measurable level of creepiness to the already occasionally-creepy BBC SciFi outing, Orphan Black. The lovely young lady was born on this day in 1995.
Take it for what it's worth, but I personally thought Netflix's Lost In Space adaptation didn't get enough attention during its run. I think it was overshadowed mostly by another streaming Fantasy property, and that's a damn shame: while I'll admit the show's first season was a bit clunky, the series got exponentially better as it progressed up until its third brilliant season. And hats off to young Maxwell Jenkins for bringing young 'Will Robinson' to life for a whole new generation of fans. Jenkins was born on this day in 2005. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1956, the good people of New York City were treated to the threatrical silver screen premiere of Forbidden Planet. Directed by Fred M. Wilcox, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Leslie Nielsen, Anne Francis, and Walter Pidgeon; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A starship crew in the 23rd century goes to investigate the silence of a distant planet's colony, only to find just two survivors, a powerful robot, and the deadly secret of a lost civilization."
For the record:
At the 1957 Academy Awards, the film's Special Effects enjoyed a nomination for the trophy, but the film lost out to The Ten Commandments. In 2007, a new home video release was nominated for the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best DVD Classic Film Release.' And in 2013, the National Film Preservation Board inducted the flick into the National Film Registry, the U.S. organization that selects only 25 films annually to preserve them for their cultural, aesthetic, and historical contribution to the arts.
"A starship crew in the 23rd century goes to investigate the silence of a distant planet's colony, only to find just two survivors, a powerful robot, and the deadly secret of a lost civilization."
For the record:
At the 1957 Academy Awards, the film's Special Effects enjoyed a nomination for the trophy, but the film lost out to The Ten Commandments. In 2007, a new home video release was nominated for the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best DVD Classic Film Release.' And in 2013, the National Film Preservation Board inducted the flick into the National Film Registry, the U.S. organization that selects only 25 films annually to preserve them for their cultural, aesthetic, and historical contribution to the arts.
A star is born! On this day in 1961, George Pal's Atlantis: The Lost Continent submerged into its U.S. theatrical run. The Fantasy film starred Sal Ponti and Joyce Taylor, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"A Greek Fisherman brings an Atlantean Princess back to her homeland which is the mythical city of Atlantis. He is enslaved for his trouble. The King is being manipulated by an evil sorcerer who is bent on using a natural resource of Atlantis to take over the world. The Atlanteans, or rather the slaves of Atlantis, are forced to mine a crystalline material which absorbs the suns rays. These crystals can then be used for warmth. The misuse of science has created weapons out of the crystals that can fire a heat ray to destroy whatever it touches."
"A Greek Fisherman brings an Atlantean Princess back to her homeland which is the mythical city of Atlantis. He is enslaved for his trouble. The King is being manipulated by an evil sorcerer who is bent on using a natural resource of Atlantis to take over the world. The Atlanteans, or rather the slaves of Atlantis, are forced to mine a crystalline material which absorbs the suns rays. These crystals can then be used for warmth. The misuse of science has created weapons out of the crystals that can fire a heat ray to destroy whatever it touches."
On this day in 1963 (in Portugal), Samson Vs. The Vampires pitted the immortal strongman against the ultimate undead. Directed by the team of Sergio Corbucci and Giacomo Gentilomo, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Gordon Scott, Leonora Ruffo, and Jacques Serna. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Goliath must save the kidnapped women of his village from an evil zombie leader who needs their blood to feed his soldiers."
"Goliath must save the kidnapped women of his village from an evil zombie leader who needs their blood to feed his soldiers."
A star is born! On this day in 1963 (in the United Kingdom), the city of London was all abuzz with the big screen premiere of The Mouse On The Moon. Directed by Richard Lester from an adaptation of the Leonard Wibberley novel by screenwriter Michael Pertwee, the SciFi/Comedy starred Margaret Rutherford, Ron Moody, and Bernard Cribbins. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A tiny country persuades the Americans and Soviets that they're starting a space program, when they really just want some money for new plumbing."
"A tiny country persuades the Americans and Soviets that they're starting a space program, when they really just want some money for new plumbing."
On this day in 1965 (in Japan), Journey Beneath The Desert made its journey to the silver screen. Directed by Edgar G. Ulmer and Frank Borzage, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Haya Harareet, Jean-Louis Trintignant, and Georges Rivière. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A helicopter crashes in the desert, and the crew winds up in the underground city of Atlantis and get mixed up in a slave revolt."
"A helicopter crashes in the desert, and the crew winds up in the underground city of Atlantis and get mixed up in a slave revolt."
On this day in 1968 (in West Germany), the original Planet Of The Apes enjoyed its theatrical release. The SciFi/Classic starred Charlton Heston and Roddy McDowall, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An astronaut crew crash-lands on a planet in the distant future where intelligent talking apes are the dominant species, and humans are the oppressed and enslaved."
For the record:
Decades later, Planet Of The Apes continues to impress both with the impact of the original film as well as the franchise's recreation in the 2000's. The feature was nominated for the 1969 Oscars in both the Best Costume Design and the Best Music (Original Score) categories but failed to capture the prized statue. Legendary make-up technician John Chambers did, however, secure an honorary Oscar for his achievements in bringing the Apes to life for the motion picture. So far as this viewer is concerned, I prefer these original Apes over the CGI creations of the modern era.
"An astronaut crew crash-lands on a planet in the distant future where intelligent talking apes are the dominant species, and humans are the oppressed and enslaved."
For the record:
Decades later, Planet Of The Apes continues to impress both with the impact of the original film as well as the franchise's recreation in the 2000's. The feature was nominated for the 1969 Oscars in both the Best Costume Design and the Best Music (Original Score) categories but failed to capture the prized statue. Legendary make-up technician John Chambers did, however, secure an honorary Oscar for his achievements in bringing the Apes to life for the motion picture. So far as this viewer is concerned, I prefer these original Apes over the CGI creations of the modern era.
On this day in 1979 (in Colombia), Science Fiction and Fantasy hit one of its cultural lowpoints -- well, critically, they say -- with the release of Laserblast. Directed by Michael Rae from a script by Franne Schacht and Frank Ray Perilli, the film starred Kim Milford, Cheryl Smith, and Gianni Russo. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A teenager stumbles upon an alien weapon, which transforms him into a grotesque killer."
"A teenager stumbles upon an alien weapon, which transforms him into a grotesque killer."
On this day in 1979 (in Hong Kong), audiences were made to believe a man could fly with the theatrical release of Superman. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's first and greatest superhero."
For the record:
At the 1979 Academy Awards, Superman failed to take home the trophy for 'Best Music, Original Score,' 'Best Film Editing,' and 'Best Sound' ... but it was awarded a Special Achievement Award for its pioneering visual effects work. Thankfully, the 1979 Saturn Awards corrected any critical oversight when it awarded the film recognition in the categories of 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' The feature film also took home the 1979 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's first and greatest superhero."
For the record:
At the 1979 Academy Awards, Superman failed to take home the trophy for 'Best Music, Original Score,' 'Best Film Editing,' and 'Best Sound' ... but it was awarded a Special Achievement Award for its pioneering visual effects work. Thankfully, the 1979 Saturn Awards corrected any critical oversight when it awarded the film recognition in the categories of 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' The feature film also took home the 1979 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1981, the Apocalypse-themed Image Of The Beast promised viewers that the end was near. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Third and best known entry in the Mark IV series of fundamentalist apocalypse films. Fundamentalist Christian guerrilla David helps condemned dissidents escape, attempts to subvert the computerized Mark of the Beast, and generally tries to survive as prophecy unfolds in the rise of the Antichrist to the pinnacle of his power and the beginning of God's war on sinful man."
"Third and best known entry in the Mark IV series of fundamentalist apocalypse films. Fundamentalist Christian guerrilla David helps condemned dissidents escape, attempts to subvert the computerized Mark of the Beast, and generally tries to survive as prophecy unfolds in the rise of the Antichrist to the pinnacle of his power and the beginning of God's war on sinful man."
On this day in 1985 (in the United Kingdom), Caravan Of Courage: An Ewok Adventure enjoyed a bit of theatrical release love. Directed by John Korty from a script by George Lucas and Bob Carrau, the Fantasy feature starred Eric Walker, Warwick Davis, and Fionnula Flanagan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Wicket the Ewok and his friends agree to help two shipwrecked human children, Mace and Cindel, on a quest to find their parents."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Caravan Of Courage took home the Primetime Emmy Award in 1985 in the category of 'Outstanding Special Visual Effects.'
"Wicket the Ewok and his friends agree to help two shipwrecked human children, Mace and Cindel, on a quest to find their parents."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Caravan Of Courage took home the Primetime Emmy Award in 1985 in the category of 'Outstanding Special Visual Effects.'
A star is born! On this day in 1991 (in Canada), heads were exploding all over again with the release of Scanners II: The New Order. Directed by Christian Duguay, the SciFi/Thriller starred David Hewlett, Deborah Raffin, and Yvan Ponton; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A scanner discovers a plot by renegade elements in the city government to take power with the help of evil scanners."
"A scanner discovers a plot by renegade elements in the city government to take power with the help of evil scanners."
A star is born! In the bombed-out Apocalyptic world of tomorrow, one well-endowed woman rises from the ashes to prove once and for all that you can still have great hair and luscious lashes ... that is if she takes the shape of former Playboy Playmate Pamela Anderson. The film? It's a little something called Barb Wire. While it's based on a Dark Horse Comics property, the flick was basically a note-for-note remake of Casablanca but set in the future and with blazing semi-automatics and ample cleavage. It first screened theatrically on this day in 1996. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"During the Second American Civil War in 2017, Barb Wire owns a nightclub called the Hammerhead. Things become complicated when her ex-lover Axel Hood, who is married to the fugitive Corrina Devonshire, re-enters her life."
For the record:
Woof. Though I suspect Barb Wire is not without its merits, the feature film did manage to draw the attention of the Razzie Awards ... which recognized the effort with an incredible six nominations. Star Pamela Anderson took home top honors in the category of 'Worst New Star,' but the film missed out of statues in the categories of 'Worst Original Song,' 'Worst Screen Couple,' 'Worst Actress,' 'Worst Screenplay,' and 'Worst Picture.'
"During the Second American Civil War in 2017, Barb Wire owns a nightclub called the Hammerhead. Things become complicated when her ex-lover Axel Hood, who is married to the fugitive Corrina Devonshire, re-enters her life."
For the record:
Woof. Though I suspect Barb Wire is not without its merits, the feature film did manage to draw the attention of the Razzie Awards ... which recognized the effort with an incredible six nominations. Star Pamela Anderson took home top honors in the category of 'Worst New Star,' but the film missed out of statues in the categories of 'Worst Original Song,' 'Worst Screen Couple,' 'Worst Actress,' 'Worst Screenplay,' and 'Worst Picture.'
On this day in 2001 (in Israel), The Cell flirted with Fantasy and reality. Directed by Tarsem Singh from a script by Mark Protosevich, the SciFi/Thriller starred Jennifer Lopez, Vince Vaughn, and Vincent D'Onofrio. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An F.B.I. Agent persuades a social worker, who is adept with a new experimental technology, to enter the mind of a comatose serial killer in order to learn where he has hidden his latest kidnap victim."
For the record:
To be certain, The Cell isn't without its merits, though I'll admit most of them were entirely visual in nature. Still, that accounts for some praise, especially when Hollywood comes a'calling.
"An F.B.I. Agent persuades a social worker, who is adept with a new experimental technology, to enter the mind of a comatose serial killer in order to learn where he has hidden his latest kidnap victim."
For the record:
To be certain, The Cell isn't without its merits, though I'll admit most of them were entirely visual in nature. Still, that accounts for some praise, especially when Hollywood comes a'calling.
- At the 2001 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), The Cell earned four nominations in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
- At the 2001 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, actor Vincent D'Onofrio took home top honors in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor.' Composer Howard Shore also went home with a trophy in the category of 'Best Score.' Also, Michelle Burke won the coveted 'Best Makeup / Creature FX' Award. Sadly, the film had to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in the categories of 'Best Screenplay' and 'Best Wide Release Film.'
- At the 2001 Academy Awards, the flick enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Makeup.'
A star is born! On this day in 2003, Silent Warnings enjoyed a release on home video. Directed by Christian McIntire, the SciFi feature starred Stephen Baldwin, A.J. Buckley, and Billy Zane; and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"After the accidental death of his cousin Joe Vossimer, the just-graduated electronic engineer Layne Vossimer joins his girlfriend and four friends of them to visit and clean the inherited farm in the country. The local Sheriff Bill Willingham is an old friend of Layne, and also grieves the death of Joe. When the group arrives in the farm, some weird and mysterious signs appear in the cornfield, but they believe the other locals are joking with them. When Iris Doyle vanishes, the rest of the group realizes that there is a serious menace jeopardizing that place."
"After the accidental death of his cousin Joe Vossimer, the just-graduated electronic engineer Layne Vossimer joins his girlfriend and four friends of them to visit and clean the inherited farm in the country. The local Sheriff Bill Willingham is an old friend of Layne, and also grieves the death of Joe. When the group arrives in the farm, some weird and mysterious signs appear in the cornfield, but they believe the other locals are joking with them. When Iris Doyle vanishes, the rest of the group realizes that there is a serious menace jeopardizing that place."
A star is born! On this day in 2004, the residents of Universal City, California were treated to the silver screen theatrical premiere of Van Helsing! Written and directed by Stephen Sommers, the Fantasy flick starred Hugh Jackman, Kate Beckinsale, and Richard Roxburgh; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The famed monster hunter is sent to Transylvania to stop Count Dracula, who is using Dr. Frankenstein's research and a werewolf for nefarious purposes."
"The famed monster hunter is sent to Transylvania to stop Count Dracula, who is using Dr. Frankenstein's research and a werewolf for nefarious purposes."
On this day in 2006 (in Finland), the 1970-produced Crimes Of The Future enjoyed a new release on home video. Written and directed by David Cronenberg, the SciFi/Comedy starred Ronald Mlodzik, Jon Lidolt, and Tania Zolty. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Crimes of the Future details the wanderings of Tripod (Mlodzik), sometime director of a dermatological clinic called the House of Skin, who is searching for his mentor, the mad dermatologist Antoine Rouge. Rouge has disappeared following a catastrophic plague resulting from cosmetic products, which has killed the entire population of sexually mature women. Tripod joins a succession of organisations including Metaphysical Import-Export and the Oceanic Podiatry Group, and meets various individuals and groups of men who are trying to adjust themselves to a defeminized world. One man parodies childbirth by continually growing new organs which are removed from his body. Eventually Tripod comes upon a group of paedophiles which is holding a 5 year-old girl, and they urge him to mate with her. He senses the presence of Antoine Rouge."
"Crimes of the Future details the wanderings of Tripod (Mlodzik), sometime director of a dermatological clinic called the House of Skin, who is searching for his mentor, the mad dermatologist Antoine Rouge. Rouge has disappeared following a catastrophic plague resulting from cosmetic products, which has killed the entire population of sexually mature women. Tripod joins a succession of organisations including Metaphysical Import-Export and the Oceanic Podiatry Group, and meets various individuals and groups of men who are trying to adjust themselves to a defeminized world. One man parodies childbirth by continually growing new organs which are removed from his body. Eventually Tripod comes upon a group of paedophiles which is holding a 5 year-old girl, and they urge him to mate with her. He senses the presence of Antoine Rouge."
On this day in 2007 (in Japan), the television miniseries Category 7: The End Of The World enjoyed a release on home video. The small screen project starred Cameron Daddo, Gina Gershon, and Shannen Doherty. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A deadly category 7 storm wreaks havoc on the world. Meanwhile, kidnappers threaten to make matters even worse."
"A deadly category 7 storm wreaks havoc on the world. Meanwhile, kidnappers threaten to make matters even worse."
On this day in 2008 (in the United Kingdom), audiences in attendance of the FrightFest were treated to a special theatrical screening of Doomsday. Written and directed by Neil Marshall, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Rhona Mitra, Bob Hoskins, and Alexander Siddig. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A futuristic action thriller where a team of people work to prevent a disaster threatening the future of the human race."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Doomsday enjoyed a 2009 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Make-Up.'
"A futuristic action thriller where a team of people work to prevent a disaster threatening the future of the human race."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Doomsday enjoyed a 2009 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Make-Up.'
A star is born! On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), Fireball turned up the heat as a SciFi/Fantasy/Telefilm. Directed by Kristoffer Tabori, the Fantasy feature starred genre regulars Ian Somerhalder and Lexa Doig, and here's the premise that's provided compliments of IMDB.com:
"Inspector Ava Williams investigates a prison fire to its source, a prisoner seeking revenge against those who put him behind bars."
"Inspector Ava Williams investigates a prison fire to its source, a prisoner seeking revenge against those who put him behind bars."
Iron Man 3 opened theatrically on this day in 2013. Me, I didn't much care for parts 1 and 2 -- they seemed like TRON: Legacy ... a bit too overproduced and glossy. But 3 seemed like a welcome return to far more comic book conventional storytelling, and I honestly had more fun with it. Go figure.
A star is born! On this day in 2013 (in the United Kingdom), The Search for Simon opened theatrically, and writer/director/star Martin Gooch applied a healthy smear of British wit to the world more commonly linked with The X-Files. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"30 years ago, David's younger brother Simon disappeared without a trace and has never been seen since. David is still looking, and the search for Simon has become his life."
"30 years ago, David's younger brother Simon disappeared without a trace and has never been seen since. David is still looking, and the search for Simon has become his life."
A star is born! On this day in 2015, Speedwagon enjoyed its first theatrical engagement in Los Angeles, California! Written (in part) and directed by Justin Grizzoffi, the SciFi/Comedy starred Joe Fria, Craig Watkinson, and Eric Curtis Johnson, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When penniless hermit, ALEX, loses his apartment, and all hope for the future, he's forced to call his old high school buddy, PAT, now a successful telemarketer. Looking to recapture a lost sense of adventure, Pat agrees to give Alex a lift to his childhood home across the country. Little does Pat know, however, that Alex is haunted by visions of a sinister ASTRONAUT, whose very presence has the potential to derail the journey."
"When penniless hermit, ALEX, loses his apartment, and all hope for the future, he's forced to call his old high school buddy, PAT, now a successful telemarketer. Looking to recapture a lost sense of adventure, Pat agrees to give Alex a lift to his childhood home across the country. Little does Pat know, however, that Alex is haunted by visions of a sinister ASTRONAUT, whose very presence has the potential to derail the journey."
On this day in 2017 (in France), the modern Superhero story got a makeover with the release of They Call Me Jeeg. Directed by Gabriele Mainetti, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Claudio Santamaria, Luca Marinelli, and Ilenia Pastorelli. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Lonely, misanthropic small-time crook Enzo uses the superpowers he gained after falling into the Tiber River to chase down a crazy gangster called "The Gypsy.""
For the record:
To the film's credit, They Call Me Jeeg enjoyed a wealth of praise, nominations, and awards from screenings on the film festival circuit and beyond. If you're interested in knowing more about them, then check out the film's awards citation page on IMDB.com right here.
"Lonely, misanthropic small-time crook Enzo uses the superpowers he gained after falling into the Tiber River to chase down a crazy gangster called "The Gypsy.""
For the record:
To the film's credit, They Call Me Jeeg enjoyed a wealth of praise, nominations, and awards from screenings on the film festival circuit and beyond. If you're interested in knowing more about them, then check out the film's awards citation page on IMDB.com right here.
A star is born! On this day in 2018, F.R.E.D.I. was first screened for audiences attending the Bentonville Film Festival. This Family-friendly SciFi feature starred Kelly Hu and Candace Cameron Bure, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A teenager makes the discovery of a lifetime in the forest behind his Arkansas home, a friendly robot named F.R.E.D.I. Join James, Danny and Natalie as they come together to help F.R.E.D.I. find her way back to her creator Dr. Palmer and evade an evil corporate villain."
"A teenager makes the discovery of a lifetime in the forest behind his Arkansas home, a friendly robot named F.R.E.D.I. Join James, Danny and Natalie as they come together to help F.R.E.D.I. find her way back to her creator Dr. Palmer and evade an evil corporate villain."
On this day in 2018 (in Australia), The Gateway was opened! (Well, cinematically, that is.) Written (in part) and directed by John V. Soto, the SciFi/Thriller starred Shannon Berry, Jacqueline McKenzie, and Myles Pollard. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A particle physicist grieving over the loss of her husband in a car crash travels to a parallel world to find him again, with dire consequences for her family."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Gateway scored a fair amount of positive praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A particle physicist grieving over the loss of her husband in a car crash travels to a parallel world to find him again, with dire consequences for her family."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Gateway scored a fair amount of positive praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2019, Clara enjoyed both an internet release as well as some limited theatrical playings in the U.S. Written (in part) and directed by Akash Sherman, the SciFi/Drama starred Patrick J. Adams, Troian Bellisario, and Ennis Esmer; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An obsessive astronomer and a curious artist form an unlikely bond which leads them to a profound, scientific discovery."
"An obsessive astronomer and a curious artist form an unlikely bond which leads them to a profound, scientific discovery."
On this day in 1975, Doctor Who aired "Revenge Of The Cybermen: Part 3." This served as the nineteenth episode in the long-running program's twelfth season, and here's the plot summary that's been provided by IMDB.com:
"The Cybermen force the Doctor, Stevenson and Lester to carry bombs to the centre of Voga while Sarah, Harry and Tyrum decide to contact Vorus."
"The Cybermen force the Doctor, Stevenson and Lester to carry bombs to the centre of Voga while Sarah, Harry and Tyrum decide to contact Vorus."
On this day in 1979, TV's Time Express aired the second episode of its only season in existence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two years ago, a shy, timid, awkward, and clumsy man who works for an ad agency, who went to Paris for a shoot meets the beautiful model and is smitten with her. But after fumbling on their first meeting, he thinks he blew it. But she later comes to see him and she invites him out but gets the address mixed up he arrives late and she left thinking he stood her up. Now he wants another chance. And a young skater who three years ago while competing in Montreal meets another skater and there's an obvious connection. They want to pursue a relationship but a woman who claims to be "with" him tells her and she leaves and would regret it."
"Two years ago, a shy, timid, awkward, and clumsy man who works for an ad agency, who went to Paris for a shoot meets the beautiful model and is smitten with her. But after fumbling on their first meeting, he thinks he blew it. But she later comes to see him and she invites him out but gets the address mixed up he arrives late and she left thinking he stood her up. Now he wants another chance. And a young skater who three years ago while competing in Montreal meets another skater and there's an obvious connection. They want to pursue a relationship but a woman who claims to be "with" him tells her and she leaves and would regret it."
On this day in 1989, Dr. Sam Beckett tried to break down racial barriers on Quantum Leap with the airing of "The Color of Truth." This served as the seventh episode to the popular program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"As the black chauffeur of an elderly southern woman, Sam must overcome prejudice to prevent the death of a black woman."
"As the black chauffeur of an elderly southern woman, Sam must overcome prejudice to prevent the death of a black woman."
On this day in 1990 (in the U.S.), Twin Peaks aired the fifth episode in its first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Cooper questions Dr. Jacoby, who suspects Leo Johnson is the killer. Gordon Cole, Cooper's supervisor, calls in with Albert's report. Josie Packard spies on Ben Horne and Catherine Martell. Hawk tracks down the One-Armed Man."
"Cooper questions Dr. Jacoby, who suspects Leo Johnson is the killer. Gordon Cole, Cooper's supervisor, calls in with Albert's report. Josie Packard spies on Ben Horne and Catherine Martell. Hawk tracks down the One-Armed Man."
On this day in 1993, "Revenge" aired as the twelfth episode of Time Trax's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Darien discovers some attacks that appear to be the work of a pro white movement from the future one of whose members is Sepp Dietrich, the man who killed an important man in the future whom Darien later caught but escaped with help from Sambi. And whom Sambi later sent into the past to kill the President but Darien stopped him and sent him back to the future or so he thinks. Later when he goes to the site of the attacks he learns that Dietrich is the leader."
"Darien discovers some attacks that appear to be the work of a pro white movement from the future one of whose members is Sepp Dietrich, the man who killed an important man in the future whom Darien later caught but escaped with help from Sambi. And whom Sambi later sent into the past to kill the President but Darien stopped him and sent him back to the future or so he thinks. Later when he goes to the site of the attacks he learns that Dietrich is the leader."
On this day in 1995, Babylon 5 aired "And Now For A Word." This served as the fifteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"ISN arrives on the station to film a documentary of the station and crew."
"ISN arrives on the station to film a documentary of the station and crew."
On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), Sliders aired "The Weaker Sex." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a world where women dominate authority and traditional gender roles are reversed, Professor Arturo becomes the first male candidate for mayor. Although initially welcoming of the advances of a powerful woman, Rembrandt laments the manner in which he is tricked and used."
"In a world where women dominate authority and traditional gender roles are reversed, Professor Arturo becomes the first male candidate for mayor. Although initially welcoming of the advances of a powerful woman, Rembrandt laments the manner in which he is tricked and used."
On this day in 1996, Fox TV's popular The X-Files aired "Quagmire." This served as the twenty-second episode in the program's third season, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"Mulder suspects that a beast similar to the Loch Ness Monster is responsible for the deaths of several people who reside near a large lake. Frustrated Scully insightfully confronts Mulder about the futility of their work on X-Files."
"Mulder suspects that a beast similar to the Loch Ness Monster is responsible for the deaths of several people who reside near a large lake. Frustrated Scully insightfully confronts Mulder about the futility of their work on X-Files."
On this day in 2000, Seven Days went back to high school with the airing of "Witch Way To The Prom." This served as the twentieth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"3 high school girls use magic and believe they have conjured Parker during a backstep and therefore control him, all just to get a date to prom."
"3 high school girls use magic and believe they have conjured Parker during a backstep and therefore control him, all just to get a date to prom."
On this day in 2002, Earth: Final Conflict aired "Heroes & Heartbreak." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"Augur is recruited by a Taelon weapons project, but the others are worried about his involvement. When the project is launched earlier than originally planned to fight a Jiridian fleet, the Earth is in danger."
"Augur is recruited by a Taelon weapons project, but the others are worried about his involvement. When the project is launched earlier than originally planned to fight a Jiridian fleet, the Earth is in danger."
For those who watched Star Trek: Voyager closely, the character of Kes just kinda/sorta unceremoniously disappeared from the cast and crew. Any amount of research will lead one to a handful of "theories" involving her somewhat controversial departure. Whatever the case, I'm still glad that the writers gave her a return visit to the show in order to provide a measure of closure. Thus, on this day in 2000, "Fury" brought the Ocampan back aboard the lost Starfleet vessel, and she was more than a little pissed. This adventure served as the twenty-third episode of the sixth season.
It all came down to this: on this day in 2002, Dark Angel aired "Freak Nation." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's second season -- its finale -- and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Tensions escalate into a showdown between White, the breeding cult and a group of Transgenics, and the employees of Jam Pony get caught in the middle."
"Tensions escalate into a showdown between White, the breeding cult and a group of Transgenics, and the employees of Jam Pony get caught in the middle."
On this day in 2002, Stargate: SG-1 aired "The Sentinel" as the twentieth episode of the program's fifth season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"To fix a mistake caused by the fake SG team, the real SG-1 must enlist the help of two convicts. The threat of an approaching Goa'uld mothership stresses the repair of the Sentinel."
"To fix a mistake caused by the fake SG team, the real SG-1 must enlist the help of two convicts. The threat of an approaching Goa'uld mothership stresses the repair of the Sentinel."
On this day in 2003, Mobile Suit Gundam Seed aired "Flashing Blades." This served as the thirtieth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
On this day in 2004, Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda aired "Time Out Of Mind." This served as the twentieth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A person posing as a Wayist is killed by agents of the Abyss. He's a man from Beka's past. The crew must find what her friend was after before the Abyss finds it."
"A person posing as a Wayist is killed by agents of the Abyss. He's a man from Beka's past. The crew must find what her friend was after before the Abyss finds it."
On this day in 2004, Mutant X aired "The Prophecy." This served as the twentieth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Brennan battles with a Guardian of the Prophecy to stop the late mutant Ashlocke's plan from beyond the grave of world domination."
"Brennan battles with a Guardian of the Prophecy to stop the late mutant Ashlocke's plan from beyond the grave of world domination."
First airing ever! On this day in 2008 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Poison Sky." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the relaunched program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With planet Earth choking under the poison sky, the Doctor must stop the Sontarans' threat to the planet."
"With planet Earth choking under the poison sky, the Doctor must stop the Sontarans' threat to the planet."
On this day in 2014, Orphan Black aired "Mingling Its Own Nature With It." This served as the third episode to the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sarah, Felix and Kira are on a road trip of sorts but Daniel Rosen isn't far behind. They take refuge in a house that turns out to be owned by someone Sarah knows. Felix packs his bags and leaves. Rosen has his first contact with Henrik Johanssen who arrives at the halfway house only to set it on fire. He soon tracks down Sarah. Pressure in mounting on Alison as opening night approaches. Art tells his partner Angela to lay off the case but she is dogged in her pursuit of Alison and poses as a new neighbor. Alison is quickly onto her, thinking she's a new monitor. Cosima learns of another clone, Jennifer, who had respiratory problems much like hers and died only a few days ago."
"Sarah, Felix and Kira are on a road trip of sorts but Daniel Rosen isn't far behind. They take refuge in a house that turns out to be owned by someone Sarah knows. Felix packs his bags and leaves. Rosen has his first contact with Henrik Johanssen who arrives at the halfway house only to set it on fire. He soon tracks down Sarah. Pressure in mounting on Alison as opening night approaches. Art tells his partner Angela to lay off the case but she is dogged in her pursuit of Alison and poses as a new neighbor. Alison is quickly onto her, thinking she's a new monitor. Cosima learns of another clone, Jennifer, who had respiratory problems much like hers and died only a few days ago."
On this day in 2016, Stitchers aired "Pretty Little Lawyers." This served as the seventh episode in the program's second season, and here's the premise that's listed on IMDB.com:
"A young lawyer is fatally poisoned, with her other colleagues being suspects. Maggie reconnects with Sam Lewis, an ex-boyfriend and the head of the law firm that the Stitchers team is investigating. Kirsten finds out about Camille and Liam's relationship, and also how Maggie had instructed it. Kirsten, after finding out, decides that Camille should stop the relationship between herself and Liam, due to it being to dangerous. Then also stated that she, herself, would pretend to be his girlfriend, going undercover to find out what he knows about her father, Daniel Stinger."
"A young lawyer is fatally poisoned, with her other colleagues being suspects. Maggie reconnects with Sam Lewis, an ex-boyfriend and the head of the law firm that the Stitchers team is investigating. Kirsten finds out about Camille and Liam's relationship, and also how Maggie had instructed it. Kirsten, after finding out, decides that Camille should stop the relationship between herself and Liam, due to it being to dangerous. Then also stated that she, herself, would pretend to be his girlfriend, going undercover to find out what he knows about her father, Daniel Stinger."
On this day in 2017, The 100 aired "Die All, Die Merrily." This served as the tenth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Octavia fights in the final battle for survival, but not everyone is willing to play fair."
"Octavia fights in the final battle for survival, but not everyone is willing to play fair."
