Though I've not been able to confirm in the single season of animated genre property Dallas & Robo (which premiered on this day in 2018) is the only one the program will ever achieve, I have uncovered rumblings that it's itching for a continuation. It started as a YouTube.com project and apparently had enough steam to reach beyond, so we'll keep our fingers crossed. I've not watched any of it, but here's the series' premise as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Follows a space trucker named Dallas and a cowboy hat-wearing robot named Robo as they journey through the universe looking for work. The two are interplanetary big rig drivers navigating the dangers of cannibal bikers, rival space truckers and vending machine burritos all looking to make a little cash."
"Follows a space trucker named Dallas and a cowboy hat-wearing robot named Robo as they journey through the universe looking for work. The two are interplanetary big rig drivers navigating the dangers of cannibal bikers, rival space truckers and vending machine burritos all looking to make a little cash."
On this day in 2012, IDW Comics went boldly where no one had gone before when it premiered an epic crossover event, and this one was indeed one for the ages: Doctor Who landed in the Star Trek universe! The storyline -- official titled "Assimilation2" -- involved a dastardly union of the Cybermen and the Borg, and the action saw Matt Smith's Doctor leaping into both the TOS and TNG creations. Having read it, I give it an enthusiastic thumbs out, though the action does kinda/sorta peter out toward the big finish.
Hollywood heavyweight Howard Hawks didn't lend his clout to many films in the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy, but he certainly brought one of the most memorable to the silver screen: 1951's The Thing From Another World continues to delight and inspire to this day. Though he's no longer with us, Hawks was born on this day in 1896.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As is so often the case with so very much of sci-fi, fans never really know the faces much less the names of those who worked behind-the-scenes to bring some of the very best of our beloved genre to life. Pictured above is the late Franklin J. Schaffner, the man who directed 1968's unforgettably awesome Planet of the Apes. After that? He went on to do a little film called Patton. A few years later, he went on to direct another film with some SciFi-lite elements called The Boys From Brazil. Though he's no longer with us, Schaffner was born on this day in 1920.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In 2008, Schaffner was given the Jules Verne Légendaire Award (from the Jules Verne Awards) for his work in the groundbreaking Planet Of The Apes (1968).
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In 2008, Schaffner was given the Jules Verne Légendaire Award (from the Jules Verne Awards) for his work in the groundbreaking Planet Of The Apes (1968).
Screen veteran Clint Walker may've built his reputation on playing cowboys but he also faced down evil of a different sort (Fantasy-themed) in Killdozer (1974). Though he's no longer with us, Walker was born on this day in 1927.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Let me be the first to admit that -- unlike so many others -- I wasn't won over with Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey. Sure, it had some powerful visuals backed up with an interesting, intelligent story; but that ending drug trip probably meant more culturally for its time and place in history than it does today. I could be wrong. I have been before. In any event, I did like Keir Dullea's workmanlike performance in the film; certainly his role as 'Dr. Dave Bowman' gave audiences one of the first looks at what would happen in the ol' "man vs. machine" showdown. He's also appeared aboard The Starlost, Welcome To Blood City (1977), Brave New World (1980), BrainWaves (1982), 2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984), Witchblade, Alien Hunter (2003), and Space Station 76 (2014). Dullea was born on this day in 1936.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Deanna Lund got small for a cause. The cause? It was her work aboard the SciFi/Action series Land Of The Giants from the mind of TV's Irwin Allen. Leaving behind a resume just short of fifty different screen projects, the actress can also be seen in Dr. Goldfoot And The Bikini Machine (1965), My Brother The Angel, Dimension 5 (1966), Batman, The Incredible Hulk, Superstition 2 (1989), Elves (1989), and Transylvania Twist (1989). Though she's no longer with us, Lund was born on this day in 1937.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Earlier in his career, the great Michael J. Pollard gave a stand-out performance aboard "Miri," an episode of the classic Star Trek. During his time in the limelight, he also paid visits to such properties as Lost In Space, I Spy, The Girl From U.N.C.L.E., The Four Of The Apocalypse (1975), American Gothic (1987), Scrooged (1988), Night Visitor (1989), Sleepaway Camp III: Teenage Wasteland (1989), Superboy, Dark Angel (1990), Dick Tracy (1990), The Arrival (1991), Eerie Indiana, Tales From The Crypt, and House Of 1000 Corpses (2003). Though he's no longer with us, Pollard was born on this day in 1939.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Star Trek fans owe a debt of gratitude to the late Michael Piller. While he was with us, Piller had his creative fingers into every incarnation of Trek for the time, including Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Star Trek: Voyager. He was also given screenplay credit for the largely maligned Star Trek: Insurrection movie, a film that I'll agree had some narrative problems but still managed to be entertaining. Though he's no longer with us, Piller was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In 1994, Piller and the creative crew behind Star Trek: The Next Generation enjoyed a Primetime Emmys nomination in the category of 'Outstanding Drama Series.' Lastly, in 1999, he enjoyed a Hugo Award nomination for his work on Star Trek: Insurrection in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In 1994, Piller and the creative crew behind Star Trek: The Next Generation enjoyed a Primetime Emmys nomination in the category of 'Outstanding Drama Series.' Lastly, in 1999, he enjoyed a Hugo Award nomination for his work on Star Trek: Insurrection in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
One of those talented guys who seemingly appears everywhere when you're least expecting it, Stephen Tobolowsky even managed a supporting spot in Mel Brooks' Spaceballs (1987) for good measure. But with a resume fast approaching three hundred different screen projects, you can be sure he's dabbled in many, many more genre projects to the delight of fans. Interested viewers can watch him do his stuff aboard The Philadelphia Experiment (1984), Wedlock (1991), Memoirs Of An Invisible Man (1992), Groundhog Day (1993), Dr. Jekyll And Ms. Hyde (1995), The Pretender, Night Visitors (1996), Alien Fury: Countdown To Invasion (2000), The Lone Gunmen, Roswell, The Day The World Ended (2001), Buffy The Vampire Slayer, The Dead Zone, Ghost Whisperer, Heroes, The Time Traveler's Wife (2009), and Strange Nature (2018). Tobolowsky was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Colm Meaney was another actor who pretty much started out as just a 'face' in the background on Star Trek: The Next Generation, but, after a few strong years in a supporting role, he was promoted over to Station Chief at Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Meaney brought a wonderful humanity to the portrayal of a non-commissioned officer in Starfleet, and both shows were greatly enriched by having him around. Thankfully, Trek hasn't been his trek into all things Fantastic, and fans can watch him work in such properties as Tales From The Darkside, Dick Tracy (1990), Zenon: Z3 (2004), Caved In (2006), Stargate: Atlantis, Life On Mars, and Childhood's End. Meaney was born on this day back in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Earlier in his professional career, John Terlesky swaggered his way into Fantasy with a starring role in Deathstalker II (1987). He's since built an impressive career as a director for episodes of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and NBC's Timeless. Terlesky was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Chicago-born Tonya Pinkins continues to impress in the field of Science Fiction and Fantasy. She's been a part of 11.22.63, Gotham, and The Strain. Pinkins was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Tracey Childs (above left) joined Peter Capaldi the first time he appeared in the universe of Doctor Who (in a role other than being a Timelord, that is); it was an episode called "The Fires Of Pompeii." Childs was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
HubbaHubba Alert! The lovely Cynthia Gouw did what she could with the material she was given to elevate William Shatner's vanity project Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989) to the stars. Gouw was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor Mark Sheppard has been a part of so many incredible franchises. The X-Files. Supernatural. Warehouse 13. Doctor Who. And, of course, Syfy's the newfangled Battlestar Galactica. What I find uniquely amazing is that -- no matter where he pops up -- he always (always) turns in a terrific performance. Also, in 2013 I had the chance to meet him at the Star Trek Las Vegas Convention, and he's just flat-out a nice, amiable fellow. Sheppard was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
That fresh-faced smiler with the mildly disheveled hair is none other than Duncan Jones. The writer/director pretty much burst onto the SciFi scene when, in 2009, his film Moon drew critical praise from around the planet. (Get the wordplay there, folks?) Also, he directed 2011's Source Code, probably one of the slickest and most interesting time travel flicks most folks have never seen. If you haven't, then I encourage you to give it a spin. It's very good. Jones was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Minae Noji has been providing professional voice acting to such properties as Earth and Beyond (video game), Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 (video game), and X-Men: Destiny (video game). Noji was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Rachael Stirling gave up a bit of that loveliness to play 'Ada' who was smitten by "The Crimson Horror" on Doctor Who. Stirling was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though it would appear much of her work is more mainstream fare, the talented Jenny Mollen did enjoy a role aboard Extraction aka Extracted (2012). Mollen was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Catherine Corcoran found herself traumatized -- or is that Troma-tized? -- for her work aboard Return To Nuke 'Em High Volume 1 and Return To Nuke 'Em High Volume 2. Corcoran was born on this day in 1992.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Kudos to your actor Jake Short for bringing SciFi-lite to the young-at-heart as part of the cast of TV's Mighty Med. Short was born on this day in 1997.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young Jared Gilmore has found fame and fortune in the realm of Fantasy as he's a regular aboard ABC TV's long-running Once Upon A Time. Gilmore was born on this day in 2000.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1919 (in the United Kingdom), audiences were thrilled with a cinematic flight to our nearby satellite with the release of The First Men In The Moon. Bruce Gordon and J.L.V. Leigh directed this adaptation of the H.G. Wells novel, and the project starred Gordon along with Heather Thatcher, Hector Abbas, and Cecil Morton York. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The inventor of a space sphere flies to the moon and is marooned by a crooked financier."
For the record:
Alas -- as this sometimes happens -- IMDB.com reports that this early version of the H.G. Wells' story is lost to history as no prints are believed to exist any longer.
"The inventor of a space sphere flies to the moon and is marooned by a crooked financier."
For the record:
Alas -- as this sometimes happens -- IMDB.com reports that this early version of the H.G. Wells' story is lost to history as no prints are believed to exist any longer.
On this day in 1934 (in Portugal), the Island Of Lost Souls opened up their dock for the moviegoing masses-at-large. Based upon H.G. Wells' 'The Island Of Dr. Moreau' novel and directed by Erle C. Kenton, the Fantasy/Horror starred Charles Laughton, Bela Lugosi, and Richard Arlen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mad doctor conducts ghastly genetic experiments on a remote island in the South Seas, much to the fear and disgust of the shipwrecked sailor who finds himself trapped there."
"A mad doctor conducts ghastly genetic experiments on a remote island in the South Seas, much to the fear and disgust of the shipwrecked sailor who finds himself trapped there."
A star is born! On this day in 1936 (in the U.S.), Undersea Kingdom took audiences well beneath the deep blue sea! This 12-part Republic Serial was directed by B. Reeves Eason and Joseph Kane. It starred Ray Corrigan, Lois Wilde, and Monte Blue. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Crash Corrigan, a recent graduate of Annapolis, and Diana, a go-getting reporter, join Professor Norton for a search for the source of a string of earthquakes, Atlantis. They ride Prof. Norton's rocket submarine searching the sea and little Billy Norton, the professor's son stows away, of course. When they find Atlantis they are caught in a war between peaceful Atlanteans, note their white capes, and war-monging Atlanteans, note their black capes. After many harrowing moments for Crash, Diana, Prof. Norton and Billy, they barely get away with their lives when they escape a tower of Atlantis raised to the surface for the sole purpose of dominating or destroying the Earth (Which one depends on the compliance of the upper world dwellers.)"
ExtraExtra Alert:
Want to know a bit more about Undersea Kingdom? I've penned a general information piece I'll expand as I uncover more details, but interested readers can find it right here.
"Crash Corrigan, a recent graduate of Annapolis, and Diana, a go-getting reporter, join Professor Norton for a search for the source of a string of earthquakes, Atlantis. They ride Prof. Norton's rocket submarine searching the sea and little Billy Norton, the professor's son stows away, of course. When they find Atlantis they are caught in a war between peaceful Atlanteans, note their white capes, and war-monging Atlanteans, note their black capes. After many harrowing moments for Crash, Diana, Prof. Norton and Billy, they barely get away with their lives when they escape a tower of Atlantis raised to the surface for the sole purpose of dominating or destroying the Earth (Which one depends on the compliance of the upper world dwellers.)"
ExtraExtra Alert:
Want to know a bit more about Undersea Kingdom? I've penned a general information piece I'll expand as I uncover more details, but interested readers can find it right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1944 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to an exclusive theatrical premiere engagement of Ghost Catchers. Written (in part) and directed by Edward F. Cline, the Horror/Comedy starred Ole Olsen, Chic Johnson, and Gloria Jean. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two zanies get mixed up with a Southern colonel, his beautiful daughters, a nightclub and a haunted mansion."
"Two zanies get mixed up with a Southern colonel, his beautiful daughters, a nightclub and a haunted mansion."
On this day in 1958 (in Finland), audiences were treated to the further adventures of Dr. Quatermass with the theatrical release of Quatermass 2. Written (in part) and directed by Val Guest, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Brian Donlevy, John Longden, and Sidney James. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Professor Quatermass, trying to gather support for his Lunar colonisation project, is intrigued by mysterious traces that have been showing up."
"Professor Quatermass, trying to gather support for his Lunar colonisation project, is intrigued by mysterious traces that have been showing up."
On this day in 1958 (in West Germany), The Monster That Challenged The World finally made a ruckus. Well, theatrically, it did. Directed by Arnold Laven from a script by David Duncan and Pat Fielder, the monster movie starred Tim Holt, Audrey Dalton, and Hans Conried. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Giant mollusk monsters attack California."
"Giant mollusk monsters attack California."
A star is born! On this day in 1963 (in the U.S.), The Terror was felt ... cinematically, that is. Written (in part) and directed (in part) by Roger Corman, the Horror/Fantasy starred Jack Nicholson, Boris Karloff, and Sandra Knight. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young French soldier cut off from his unit is beguiled by a mysterious woman, whom he learns is the wife of the local Baron - and that she seemingly died twenty years earlier."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In late 2023, I received a promotional release of The Terror in exchange for reviewi coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
"A young French soldier cut off from his unit is beguiled by a mysterious woman, whom he learns is the wife of the local Baron - and that she seemingly died twenty years earlier."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In late 2023, I received a promotional release of The Terror in exchange for reviewi coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1980 (in West Germany), Operation Ganymed was undertaken ... cinematically, of course. Written and directed by Rainer Erler, the German-language SciFi/Drama starred Horst Frank, Dieter Laser, and Jürgen Prochnow. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A spaceship returns to Earth after several years of space exploration and finds it desolate. Landing in what they believe is Mexico, the crew decides to travel north, and try to find out what happened to Earth during the years they were gone."
"A spaceship returns to Earth after several years of space exploration and finds it desolate. Landing in what they believe is Mexico, the crew decides to travel north, and try to find out what happened to Earth during the years they were gone."
On this day in 1980 (in the United Kingdom), The Final Countdown began ticking its way down for interested audiences. Directed by Don Taylor, the SciFi feature starred Kirk Douglas, Martin Sheen, and Katharine Ross, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A modern aircraft carrier is thrown back in time to 1941 near Hawaii, just hours before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor."
For the record:
The Final Countdown received a bit of extra love from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films as it was nominated for 'Best Actor' and 'Best Science Fiction Film' from the 1981 Saturn Awards ceremony.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Blu-ray from the folks at Blue Underground, so I penned a review of the film. Interested readers can find it right here.
"A modern aircraft carrier is thrown back in time to 1941 near Hawaii, just hours before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor."
For the record:
The Final Countdown received a bit of extra love from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films as it was nominated for 'Best Actor' and 'Best Science Fiction Film' from the 1981 Saturn Awards ceremony.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Blu-ray from the folks at Blue Underground, so I penned a review of the film. Interested readers can find it right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1986 (in the United Kingdom), Biggles: Adventures In Time sent audiences on an adventure ... in time! Directed by John Hough, the Fantasy/Adventure starred Neil Dickson, Alex Hyde-White, and Fiona Hutchison. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Daring British WWI fighter pilot James "Biggles" Bigglesworth and 1980s low-level business executive Jim Ferguson discover that they can time travel to each other's eras. They try to stop the Germans from changing the outcome of WWI."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Biggles: Adventures In Time earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"Daring British WWI fighter pilot James "Biggles" Bigglesworth and 1980s low-level business executive Jim Ferguson discover that they can time travel to each other's eras. They try to stop the Germans from changing the outcome of WWI."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Biggles: Adventures In Time earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), Dario Argento's Demons had a little something in the corner of its mouth that it needed to get out with a theatrical release. Written (in part) and directed by Lamberto Bava, the Horror/Fantasy starred Urbano Barberini, Natasha Hovey, and Karl Zinny. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of random people are invited to a screening of a mysterious movie, only to find themselves trapped in the theater with ravenous demons."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Demons earned a bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"A group of random people are invited to a screening of a mysterious movie, only to find themselves trapped in the theater with ravenous demons."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Demons earned a bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! Argh. So little time. So many cheesy SciFi movies! Premiering on this day theatrically back in 1990, The Dark Side of the Moon (aka Parasite in some countries) came and went as quickly as a shadow on the dark side of the moon. Here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"It is the year 2022. A mysterious systems failure causes the crew of a spaceship to be stranded on the dark side of the moon, while rapidly running out of fuel and oxygen. They are surprised to discover a NASA space shuttle floating in space, and board it in the hope of salvaging some supplies. One by one, the crew is possessed and killed, and it is up to Paxton Warner to find the links between the dark side of the moon, the Bermuda Triangle, and the Devil himself."
"It is the year 2022. A mysterious systems failure causes the crew of a spaceship to be stranded on the dark side of the moon, while rapidly running out of fuel and oxygen. They are surprised to discover a NASA space shuttle floating in space, and board it in the hope of salvaging some supplies. One by one, the crew is possessed and killed, and it is up to Paxton Warner to find the links between the dark side of the moon, the Bermuda Triangle, and the Devil himself."
On this day in 1991 (in Portugal), politics entered the bedroom again with the theatrical release of The Handmaid's Tale. Directed by Volker Schlondorff from a script by Margaret Atwood and Harold Pinter, the SciFi/Drama starred Natasha Richardson, Faye Dunaway, and Aidan Quinn. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Under a dystopian religious tyranny, most women cannot conceive children. Those young women who can live in a form of sexual slavery to provide children for influential families."
For the record:
At the 1991 GLAAD Media Awards, The Handmaid's Tale took home top honors in the category of 'Outstanding Film.'
"Under a dystopian religious tyranny, most women cannot conceive children. Those young women who can live in a form of sexual slavery to provide children for influential families."
For the record:
At the 1991 GLAAD Media Awards, The Handmaid's Tale took home top honors in the category of 'Outstanding Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 1993 (in Italy), Night Terrors enjoyed its silver screen debut when it was first screened for audiences of the Dylan Dog Horror Best. Directed by Tobe Hooper from a story by Rom Globus and Daniel Matmor, the Horror/Fantasy starred Robert Englund, Zoe Trilling, and Alona Kimhi. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A woman visiting her father in Egypt becomes involved with Marquis De Sade's descendant and his terrifying cult."
"A woman visiting her father in Egypt becomes involved with Marquis De Sade's descendant and his terrifying cult."
A star is born ... or is that porn? On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), Embrace Of The Vampire enjoyed its debut on home video. Directed by Anne Goursaud, the Fantasy/Horror starred Alyssa Milano, Martin Kemp, and Rebecca Ferratti. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An 18-year-old college freshman is seduced by a handsome vampire lover who introduces her to a dark world of carnal desires."
"An 18-year-old college freshman is seduced by a handsome vampire lover who introduces her to a dark world of carnal desires."
On this day in 1996 (in Italy), somebody was missing a hand with the release of Screamers. Adapted from a work by Philip K. Dick, the film was directed by Christian Duguay and starred Peter Weller, Jennifer Rubin, and Roy Dupuis. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A military commander stationed off planet during an interplanetary war travels through the devastated landscape to negotiate a peace treaty, but discovers that the primitive robots they built to kill enemy combatants have gained sentience."
For the record:
At the 1996 Genie Awards (which recognized excellence in Canadian television and film production), Screamers enjoyed three nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role,' 'Best Achievement in Art Direction/Production Design,' and 'Best Achievement in Music - Original Score.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I purchased the Shout Factory release of the Science Fiction film. If you're interested in knowing what I thought, then you can check out my review right here.
"A military commander stationed off planet during an interplanetary war travels through the devastated landscape to negotiate a peace treaty, but discovers that the primitive robots they built to kill enemy combatants have gained sentience."
For the record:
At the 1996 Genie Awards (which recognized excellence in Canadian television and film production), Screamers enjoyed three nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role,' 'Best Achievement in Art Direction/Production Design,' and 'Best Achievement in Music - Original Score.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I purchased the Shout Factory release of the Science Fiction film. If you're interested in knowing what I thought, then you can check out my review right here.
On this day in 2002 (in Singapore), audiences lined up one more to experience E.T. - The Extraterrestrial during the twentieth anniversary re-release. Written by Melissa Mathison and directed by Steven Spielberg, the film starred Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, and Peter Coyote. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A troubled child summons the courage to help a friendly alien escape Earth and return to his home world."
For the record:
Yes, yes, and yes! Though E.T. was no screen monster, the film did monster business, both critically and commercially. The Spielberg feature racked up an incredible nine Academy Award nominations and was able to turn four of them ('Best Music - Original Score,' 'Best Effects - Sound Effects Editing,' 'Best Sound,' and 'Best Effects - Visual Effects') into gold statues. The Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films was a bit more complimentary: the flick received 8 nominations and turned five of them ('Best Poster Art,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film') into top honors. It did have to settle with only the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' nomination from the 1983 Hugo Awards, but the feature racked up an impressive number of honors from many organizations.
"A troubled child summons the courage to help a friendly alien escape Earth and return to his home world."
For the record:
Yes, yes, and yes! Though E.T. was no screen monster, the film did monster business, both critically and commercially. The Spielberg feature racked up an incredible nine Academy Award nominations and was able to turn four of them ('Best Music - Original Score,' 'Best Effects - Sound Effects Editing,' 'Best Sound,' and 'Best Effects - Visual Effects') into gold statues. The Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films was a bit more complimentary: the flick received 8 nominations and turned five of them ('Best Poster Art,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film') into top honors. It did have to settle with only the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' nomination from the 1983 Hugo Awards, but the feature racked up an impressive number of honors from many organizations.
A star is born! On this day in 2002 (in Switzerland), the good people of Zurich were treated to the silver screen premiere of Eight Legged Freaks. Written (in part) and directed by Ellory Elkayem, the SciFi/Horror starred David Arquette, Kari Wuhrer, and Scott Terra. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Venomous spiders get exposed to a noxious chemical that causes them to grow to monumental proportions."
For the record:
At the 2003 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Eight Legged Freaks enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Horror Film.'
"Venomous spiders get exposed to a noxious chemical that causes them to grow to monumental proportions."
For the record:
At the 2003 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Eight Legged Freaks enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Horror Film.'
On this day in 2002 (in Brazil and Hong Kong), Resident Evil launched an all-new Horror/SciFi franchise onto the silver screen. Written and directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, the film starred Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, and Ryan McCluskey. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A special military unit fights a powerful, out-of-control supercomputer and hundreds of scientists who have mutated into flesh-eating creatures after a laboratory accident."
For the record:
At the 2003 Saturn Awards, Resident Evil enjoyed a pair of nominations -- 'Best Actress' and 'Best Horror Film' -- but missed out on the trophy in both cases.
"A special military unit fights a powerful, out-of-control supercomputer and hundreds of scientists who have mutated into flesh-eating creatures after a laboratory accident."
For the record:
At the 2003 Saturn Awards, Resident Evil enjoyed a pair of nominations -- 'Best Actress' and 'Best Horror Film' -- but missed out on the trophy in both cases.
On this day in 2002 (in Germany), Shadow Fury enjoyed its release to the consumer home video market. Written (in part) and directed by Makoto Yokoyama, the SciFi/Thriller starred Sam Bottoms, Masakatsu Funaki, and Alexandra Kamp. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Madsen, a bounty hunter with a bad liver and an even worse attitude, with the help of the lovely Dr. Forster, must stop Dr. Oh and Takeru and restore order to the world."
"Madsen, a bounty hunter with a bad liver and an even worse attitude, with the help of the lovely Dr. Forster, must stop Dr. Oh and Takeru and restore order to the world."
A star is born! On this day in 2003 (in the United Kingdom), El Chupacabra tried to take its bite out of box office history. Directed by Brennon Jones and Paul Wynne, the Horror/Fantasy starred Eric Alegria, Elina Madison, and Anthony 'Treach' Criss. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The world seen through the eyes of two people, the inequities of society exposed and examined in depth in a most surreal manner."
"The world seen through the eyes of two people, the inequities of society exposed and examined in depth in a most surreal manner."
On this day in 2007 (in France), 1959's The World, The Flesh, And The Devil enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. Written (in part) and directed by Ranald MacDougall, the SciFi/Apocalypse-Drama starred Inger Stevens, Harry Belafonte, and Mel Ferrer. Here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"A miner trapped in a cave-in resurfaces, and upon discovering mankind has been wiped out in a nuclear holocaust, sets out to find other survivors."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The World, The Flesh, And The Devil enjoyed a 1960 Hugo Award nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"A miner trapped in a cave-in resurfaces, and upon discovering mankind has been wiped out in a nuclear holocaust, sets out to find other survivors."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The World, The Flesh, And The Devil enjoyed a 1960 Hugo Award nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born ... and this one looks frozen! On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), the chill was in season with the release of Arctic Blast! Directed by Brian Trenchard-Smith from a script by Jason Bourque, the SciFi/Chiller starred Michael Shanks, Alexandra Davies, and Saskia Hampele. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When a solar eclipse sends a colossal blast of super chilled air towards the earth, it then sets off a catastrophic chain of events that threatens to engulf the world in ice and begin a new Ice Age."
"When a solar eclipse sends a colossal blast of super chilled air towards the earth, it then sets off a catastrophic chain of events that threatens to engulf the world in ice and begin a new Ice Age."
On this day in 2012 (in Sweden), 51 enjoyed its release on DVD for the home video marketplace. Directed by Jason Connery, the SciFi feature starred Tammi Arender, Bruce Boxleitner, and Jillian Batherson. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"51 chronicles what happens after political pressure from the American public forces the Air Force to provide a few well-known reporters with limited access to the most secretive base on the planet: Area 51. When one of the base's hidden 'long term visitors' exploits this unprecedented visit as a chance to liberate himself and his fellow alien captives, Area 51 turns from a secure government base to a horrifying destination of terror."
"51 chronicles what happens after political pressure from the American public forces the Air Force to provide a few well-known reporters with limited access to the most secretive base on the planet: Area 51. When one of the base's hidden 'long term visitors' exploits this unprecedented visit as a chance to liberate himself and his fellow alien captives, Area 51 turns from a secure government base to a horrifying destination of terror."
On this day in 2013 (in Greece), it was the end of the world as we know it -- yet again -- when The Last Days played on the silver screen. Written and directed by the team of David Pastor and Àlex Pastor, the SciFi/Drama starred Quim Gutiérrez, Jose Coronado, and Marta Etura. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In 2013, a mysterious epidemic spreads across the planet: humanity develops an irrational fear of open spaces which causes death within seconds. Soon the entire global populace is trapped inside buildings. As Barcelona descends into chaos, Marc sets off on a quest to find Julia, his missing girlfriend--without ever venturing outside."
For the record:
At the 2014 Gaudi Awards (recognizing film excellence in the nation of Catalonia), The Last Days was quite the sensation. The film took home an incredible seven trophies (categories of 'Best Non-Catalon-Language Film,' 'Best Special/Visual Effects,' 'Best Production Manager,' 'Best Art Direction,' 'Best Make-Up And Hairstyles,' 'Best Sound,' and 'Best Cinematography') while having to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in four other groups (categories of 'Best Screenplay,' 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Original Score,' and 'Best Director').
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2014, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary copy of The Last Days in exchange of a review. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the drama? Readers can find my review right here.
"In 2013, a mysterious epidemic spreads across the planet: humanity develops an irrational fear of open spaces which causes death within seconds. Soon the entire global populace is trapped inside buildings. As Barcelona descends into chaos, Marc sets off on a quest to find Julia, his missing girlfriend--without ever venturing outside."
For the record:
At the 2014 Gaudi Awards (recognizing film excellence in the nation of Catalonia), The Last Days was quite the sensation. The film took home an incredible seven trophies (categories of 'Best Non-Catalon-Language Film,' 'Best Special/Visual Effects,' 'Best Production Manager,' 'Best Art Direction,' 'Best Make-Up And Hairstyles,' 'Best Sound,' and 'Best Cinematography') while having to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in four other groups (categories of 'Best Screenplay,' 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Original Score,' and 'Best Director').
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2014, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary copy of The Last Days in exchange of a review. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the drama? Readers can find my review right here.
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in Germany), Age Of Tomorrow enjoyed its first exhibition of record. Directed by James Kondelik from a script by Jacob Cooney and Bill Hanstock, the SciFi/Thriller starred Kelly Hu, Anthony Marks, and Robert Picardo. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Mankind must fight to survive as Earth is invaded by hostile UFOs bent on destroying the planet. As the epic battle wages on, astronauts sneak aboard the mothership where they discover a portal to the aliens' home world."
"Mankind must fight to survive as Earth is invaded by hostile UFOs bent on destroying the planet. As the epic battle wages on, astronauts sneak aboard the mothership where they discover a portal to the aliens' home world."
On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), the 1936-produced Cosmic Journey enjoyed a rare theatrical presentation for audiences in attendance of the San Francisco Silent Film Festival. Adapted from the Konstantin Tsiolkovsky novel ('Outside The Earth'), the SciFi/Drama was directed by Vasily Zhuravlyov and starred Sergey Komarov, Ksenai Moskalenko, and Vassili Gaponenko. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 1946, the Soviet space program is undergoing turmoil. Professor Sedikh, who is planning to lead the first manned exploration to the moon, is denounced by his rival Professor Karin as being too old and too mentally unstable for the mission. Professor Sedikh, aided by his assistant Marina and a youth named Andryusha, disregard Prof. Karin's authority and make a successful landing on the moon. Although a few problems occur at the moon, including the discovery of a damaged oxygen tank and Professor Sedikh's becoming trapped under a fallen boulder, the expedition is a success and the cosmonauts return to Moscow."
"In 1946, the Soviet space program is undergoing turmoil. Professor Sedikh, who is planning to lead the first manned exploration to the moon, is denounced by his rival Professor Karin as being too old and too mentally unstable for the mission. Professor Sedikh, aided by his assistant Marina and a youth named Andryusha, disregard Prof. Karin's authority and make a successful landing on the moon. Although a few problems occur at the moon, including the discovery of a damaged oxygen tank and Professor Sedikh's becoming trapped under a fallen boulder, the expedition is a success and the cosmonauts return to Moscow."
On this day in 2014, the 1963-produced Science Fiction film X: The Man With The X-Ray Eyes enjoyed a rare theatrical screening for audiences in attendance of a special film event in Barcelona, Spain. Directed by genre legend Roger Corman, the SciFi/Horror starred Ray Milland, John Hoyt, and Harold J. Stone. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A doctor uses special eye drops to give himself x-ray vision, but the new power has disastrous consequences."
For the record:
To the film's credit, X enjoyed a bit of positive praise from a screening on the film festival circuit back in 1963. Decades later -- in 2016 -- an all-new home video release enjoyed a Saturn Awards nomination in the category of 'Best DVD/Blu-ray Classic Film Release.'
"A doctor uses special eye drops to give himself x-ray vision, but the new power has disastrous consequences."
For the record:
To the film's credit, X enjoyed a bit of positive praise from a screening on the film festival circuit back in 1963. Decades later -- in 2016 -- an all-new home video release enjoyed a Saturn Awards nomination in the category of 'Best DVD/Blu-ray Classic Film Release.'
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in Brazil), Night Of The Living Deb delivered laughs and thrills to audiences in attendance of the Fantaspoa - International Fantastic Film Festival for its theatrical debut. Written (in part) and directed by Kyle Rankin, the Horror/Comedy starred Maria Thayer, Michael Cassidy, and Julie Brister. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a girls' night out, endearingly awkward Deb wakes up in the apartment of the most attractive guy in Portland, Maine. Pretty boy Ryan only knows it was a mistake and ushers her out the door into a full-scale zombie apocalypse."
"After a girls' night out, endearingly awkward Deb wakes up in the apartment of the most attractive guy in Portland, Maine. Pretty boy Ryan only knows it was a mistake and ushers her out the door into a full-scale zombie apocalypse."
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in Spain), audiences in attendance of the Madrid Fantastic Film Festival were treated to the silver screen premiere of Terminus. Written (in part) and directed by Marc Furmie, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jai Koutrae, Todd Lasance, and Kendra Appleton. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Following a near-fatal accident, David Chamberlain makes an unprecedented discovery that will not only determine the fate of his family, but of mankind."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Terminus earned a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"Following a near-fatal accident, David Chamberlain makes an unprecedented discovery that will not only determine the fate of his family, but of mankind."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Terminus earned a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2016 (in Spain), the original SciFi/Classic The War Of The Worlds enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. Directed by Byron Haskin, the feature starred Gene Barry and Ann Robinson in a cinematic adaptation of the H.G. Wells' novel, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The residents of a small town in California are excited when a flaming meteor lands in the hills. Their joy is tempered somewhat when they discover that it has passengers who are not very friendly."
For the record:
Those who follow Science Fiction and Fantasy are well aware of The War Of The Worlds importance in the genre as it's been revisited countless times. There have been multiple film and television incarnations. As for the original? It won the 1954 Academy Award for 'Best Special Effects.' It won the 1954 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' And in 2011 it was inducted into the National Film Registry so that it can be preserved for the ages.
"The residents of a small town in California are excited when a flaming meteor lands in the hills. Their joy is tempered somewhat when they discover that it has passengers who are not very friendly."
For the record:
Those who follow Science Fiction and Fantasy are well aware of The War Of The Worlds importance in the genre as it's been revisited countless times. There have been multiple film and television incarnations. As for the original? It won the 1954 Academy Award for 'Best Special Effects.' It won the 1954 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' And in 2011 it was inducted into the National Film Registry so that it can be preserved for the ages.
On this day in 1952 (in the U.S.), Tales Of Tomorrow aired "The Little Black Bag." This served as the thirty-fifth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"A depressed, tired doctor with a shrewish wife is ready to end his practice. Instead he comes into possession of a doctor's kit with miraculous properties. He and his wife disagree ethically on how to use their newfound luck."
"A depressed, tired doctor with a shrewish wife is ready to end his practice. Instead he comes into possession of a doctor's kit with miraculous properties. He and his wife disagree ethically on how to use their newfound luck."
On this day in 1964 (in the United Kingdom), the inaugural season of Doctor Who marched on. "The Warriors of Death" aired on the BBC, and here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Barbara tries to change the course of history - and Ian fights for his life."
"Barbara tries to change the course of history - and Ian fights for his life."
On this day in 1965 (in the United Kingdom), Stingray aired "The Master Plan." Officially, this served as the thirty-fifth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"During a Terror Fish attack, Stingray is damaged. When Troy goes to make repairs, an Aquaphibian poisons him with some purple liquid."
"During a Terror Fish attack, Stingray is damaged. When Troy goes to make repairs, an Aquaphibian poisons him with some purple liquid."
On this day in 1970 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Inferno: Part 4." This served as the twenty-second episode of the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor attempts to convince the alternate Inferno staff that penetrating the earth's crust will cause a disaster but instead is imprisoned with an infected Bromley."
"The Doctor attempts to convince the alternate Inferno staff that penetrating the earth's crust will cause a disaster but instead is imprisoned with an infected Bromley."
On this day in 1988 (in West Germany), Star Trek got groovy with the airing of "The Way To Eden." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A group of idealistic hippies, led by an irrational leader, come aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise."
"A group of idealistic hippies, led by an irrational leader, come aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise."
Universally praised as one of the best hours of Trekdom for all of the series, "The Inner Light" aired in Star Trek: The Next Generation's syndication on this date back in 1992. The story featured the Enterprise-D's crew encountering a space probe that "injects" Captain Picard with the memories of a people who long ago passed into history, and it featured one heartbreaking moment after another.
On this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "Dramatis Personae." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The entire station's command staff, save Odo, become power hungry and vie to defeat each other by forming secret alliances and plotting assassinations. Odo tries to figure out the cause of this mysterious behavior."
"The entire station's command staff, save Odo, become power hungry and vie to defeat each other by forming secret alliances and plotting assassinations. Odo tries to figure out the cause of this mysterious behavior."
Tempers started to flare on this day in 2008 when Syfy aired the eighth episode of Battlestar Galactica's fourth season. The hour was titled "Sine Qua Non," and here's the plot summary compliments of our friends at IMDB.com:
"President Roslin's abduction by the Cylon Hybrid triggers a bitter power struggle within the Colonial Fleet."
"President Roslin's abduction by the Cylon Hybrid triggers a bitter power struggle within the Colonial Fleet."
On this day in 2008, Doctor Who aired "The Poison Sky." This served as the fifth episode of the program's fourth re-launched) 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 2018 (in the U.S.), Colony aired "End Of The Road." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"During interrogation, Will, Katie and Snyder struggle to maintain their secrets."
"During interrogation, Will, Katie and Snyder struggle to maintain their secrets."
It all began right here: on this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Dallas & Robo aired "Aces Wild." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When space truckers Dallas and Robo have their trailer full of particle weapons stolen by the notorious cannibal biker gang, our heroes must go undercover to steal back their load and save the solar system from certain chaos."
"When space truckers Dallas and Robo have their trailer full of particle weapons stolen by the notorious cannibal biker gang, our heroes must go undercover to steal back their load and save the solar system from certain chaos."
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Dallas & Robo aired "Moonbound And Down." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In order to win a bet and score free booze at The Golden Pathfinder Casino, Dallas and Robo blast off on a high-speed, no-rules, balls-to-the-wall space-trucking moon run."
"In order to win a bet and score free booze at The Golden Pathfinder Casino, Dallas and Robo blast off on a high-speed, no-rules, balls-to-the-wall space-trucking moon run."
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Dallas & Robo aired "I, Robo." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After receiving some unexpected news about a fellow Moonshiner trucker, Dallas and Robo pay a dangerous visit to Mars's moon."
"After receiving some unexpected news about a fellow Moonshiner trucker, Dallas and Robo pay a dangerous visit to Mars's moon."
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Dallas & Robo aired "Murder On The Georgia Overdrive." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"It's a dark and solar stormy night aboard The Overdrive as Dallas and Robo attempt to discover which one of their new passengers is secretly a murderous cannibal biker in disguise."
"It's a dark and solar stormy night aboard The Overdrive as Dallas and Robo attempt to discover which one of their new passengers is secretly a murderous cannibal biker in disguise."
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Dallas & Robo aired "The Joy Of Cooking." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After accidentally unlocking the secret of time travel, Dallas & Robo go back in time and come face-to-face with a couple of real assholes."
"After accidentally unlocking the secret of time travel, Dallas & Robo go back in time and come face-to-face with a couple of real assholes."
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Dallas & Robo aired "Le Mars." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Dallas and Robo get the opportunity to return to the world of stock car racing, they're forced to square off against their two biggest rivals - Whiskey Johnson and Dallas's ego."
"When Dallas and Robo get the opportunity to return to the world of stock car racing, they're forced to square off against their two biggest rivals - Whiskey Johnson and Dallas's ego."
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Dallas & Robo aired "I Was A Teenage Cannibal Biker." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Carol and her gang of cannibal space bikers are planning something big, but with Dallas and Robo in a fight, is there anyone else left in the solar system to stop them?"
"Carol and her gang of cannibal space bikers are planning something big, but with Dallas and Robo in a fight, is there anyone else left in the solar system to stop them?"
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Dallas & Robo aired "The Stranger, The Dummy, And The King." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Moonshiner Trucking crew has faced their fair share of foes, but they're in for a real fight when three big badies stroll into town in the season finale of Dallas and Robo."
"The Moonshiner Trucking crew has faced their fair share of foes, but they're in for a real fight when three big badies stroll into town in the season finale of Dallas and Robo."
