Premiering on this day in 1996, UPN's short-lived The Burning Zone tapped deep into the audience's fear of biological warfare with stories exploring types of biological disasters plaguing a fictional mankind. Though some critics compared the program to Fox TV's uber-popular The X-Files, Zone clearly staked out more science-specific events, giving its cast room to squirm alongside a mounting pile potential victims. Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dr Daniel Cassian is appointed by White House to lead a small top secret federal biological task force of leading scientists to investigate."
"Dr Daniel Cassian is appointed by White House to lead a small top secret federal biological task force of leading scientists to investigate."
On this day in 2003 (in France), Artificial Intelligence took center stage for the young-at-heart with the broadcast television premiere of Code Lyoko. Created by Thomas Romain, Manuel Valdivia, and Chus Vallejo, the animated feature showcased the vocal talents of Sharon Mann, Mirabelle Kirkland, and Matthew Geczy. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the series' premise:
"When a group of four boarding school students discover a supercomputer housed inside an abandoned factory, they find a virtual world called Lyoko and awaken a sentient multi-agent system virus that tries to take over the real world."
"When a group of four boarding school students discover a supercomputer housed inside an abandoned factory, they find a virtual world called Lyoko and awaken a sentient multi-agent system virus that tries to take over the real world."
HBO has long been the stomping grounds for quality serialized drama, and Raised By Wolves -- which premiered on this day in 2020 -- is no less impressive. Executive produced by no less than Ridley Scott, the SciFi/Serial takes a bit of time to build its world (so audiences, hang in there), and it delivers a dark dystopian look into mankind's future survival on a distant planet once Earth has been destroyed by humanity's excess. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Androids are tasked with raising human children on a mysterious planet."
"Androids are tasked with raising human children on a mysterious planet."
Holy macaroni! The late Pat O'Malley leaves behind a resume of -- get this -- well over four hundred different screen credits. A quick survey of his resume shows that many of these were small parts, indeed, but he was arguably one of the hardest working bit players I've stumbled across in my research. Late in his career, he enjoyed some small screen time aboard Invasion Of The Body Snatchers. Though he's no longer with us, O'Malley was born on this day in 1890.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Award-winning actor Alan Ladd only dabbled in the realm of cinematic Fantasy with a role aboard The Black Knight (1954) for Columbia Pictures. Though he's no longer with us, Ladd was born on this day in 1913.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If you've played in the universe of Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek, rest assured that I'll get around to mentioning you. Harry Landers enjoyed a guest role to the show's much maligned third season, but he has a few other credits deserving mention as well. He enjoyed a hanful of appearances to Captain Video And His Video Rangers in various roles. Plus, he served time aboard Tales Of Tomorrow, Phantom From Space (1953), and the short-lived World Of Giants. Though he's no longer with us, Landers was born on this day in 1921.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With just over fifty different screen credits to her name, the lovely Chanin Hale managed to squeeze in two appearances in the realm of genre entertainment with a visits to My Favorite Martian and the popular The Wild, Wild West. Though she's no longer with us, Hale was born on this day in 1928.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of the unexpected joys of doing so much research in finding talent to feature within SciFiHistory.Net is that I occasionally get to rediscover men and women I may have experienced elsewhere in my cinema and television travels. Today's evidence: I first noticed the lovely Irene Papas in one of my all-time favorite war movies, The Guns Of Navarone. Little did I know that she'd drop onto my radar years later in a small role aboard the TV adaptation of Homer's The Odyssey (1997). Papas was born on this day in 1926.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The esteemed Eileen Brennan didn't do what folks would consider much genre work, but she still managed to squeeze in some small roles between the dramatic work. The closest she came to Science Fiction was a role aboard The Ray Bradbury Theatre but work aboard Tales From The Crypt as well as Jeepers Creepers also deserves mention. Though she's no longer with us, Brennan was born on this day in 1932.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The much-revered Pauline Collins suited up as no less than 'Queen Victoria' herself for an installment of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. In point of fact, the actress had previously visited the wider world of Who back in 1967 aboard "The Faceless Ones" serial. Collins was born on this day in 1940.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The late Jenny Maxwell enjoyed a visit to the wide, wide world of Classic Television that was Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone. Though she's no longer with us, Maxwell was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Model-turned-actress Anitra Ford managed to turn a few heads with her work aboard Invasion Of The Bee Girls (1973) for Sequoia Pictures. The lady also enjoyed a bit of screen time aboard Search, Wonder Woman (1974), and Messiah Of Evil (1974). Ford was born on this day in 1942.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
During his time in the entertainment business, Ray Xifo has paid visits to the realms of Star Trek: Voyager and the original Stargate: SG-1 television series. Xifo was born on this day in 1942.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The camera obviously loves Valerie Perrine ... and so should every red-blooded adult male! She played the delightfully wicked if not slightly deviously deranged 'Eve Teschmacher' is Superman - The Movie and again (all-too-briefly) in Superman II. (Curse you, Lex Luthor! Why couldn't she have been a supervillain?) Perrine was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 1979 Saturn Awards, Perrine earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress' for her work in Superman: The Movie (1978).
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2019, I received a complimentary Blu-ray of Slaughterhouse-Five (1972) -- in which Perrine got her professional acting debut -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 1979 Saturn Awards, Perrine earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress' for her work in Superman: The Movie (1978).
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2019, I received a complimentary Blu-ray of Slaughterhouse-Five (1972) -- in which Perrine got her professional acting debut -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Visionary director Jean-Pierre Jeunet is one of the rare few who were granted to opportunity to play in the greater Alien universe with his particular take on the oft-maligned Alien: Resurrection (1997) for 20th Century Fox. Other genre-related projects include such projects as Delicatessen (1991), The City Of Lost Children (1995), and Big Bug (2022). Jeunet was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 1998 Saturn Awards, Jeunet earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Director' for his work in bringing Alien: Resurrection (1997) to the screen.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 1998 Saturn Awards, Jeunet earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Director' for his work in bringing Alien: Resurrection (1997) to the screen.
Big-time Hollywood writer/producer James Duff turned his creative eye toward the Gene Roddenberry franchise by penning a script for UPN's Star Trek: Enterprise. Duff was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor Kevin McCorkle literally phoned in his appearance aboard Star Trek: Voyager ... well, he phoned it in via subspace radio that is. McCorkle has also scored roles aboard The X-Files, The Island (2005), Radio Free Albemuth (2010), The Amazing Spider-Man (2012), and Unborn (2022). McCorkle was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Merritt Butrick -- the young man who played Kirk's son, David, in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and again in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock -- was born on this day back in 1959. The character was actually given an impressive emotional arc over the course of the two closely-linked pictures: in Khan, David had to come to grips with the anger he felt over some abandonment issues with his dad, only then in The Search for Spock to have to confess to his father how he'd cheated to achieve the measure of success he had with the Genesis Project. Though he's no longer with us, Butrick will always be in the thoughts of Trekkers, Trekkies, and Trek enthusiasts everywhere.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Early in his professional career, Doug Spearman enjoyed a brief guest appearance aboard UPN's Star Trek: Voyager. Spearman was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
[Source: Memory Alpha]
In 1992's oft-maligned Alien 3, Holt McCallany played a convict who thought he was gonna have a little (sexual) fun with Ripley. Turned out that wasn't the case. However, the actor has also appeared in such properties as Heroes and White Space. McCallany was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
2008's The Objective tapped into the semi-popular 'found footage craze' of its era, exploring the tale of a troop of soldiers trapped in a 'Bermuda Triangle' experience in the Afghanistan desert. The script was written by Daniel Myrick, and Myrick was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Screen veteran Costas Mandylor has dabbled in some quality genre projects. SciFi fans might recognize him from his work aboard Virtuosity (1995), Fist of the North Star (1995), Venus Rising (1995), The Outer Limits (1996), Last Exit to Earth (1996), and Andromeda (2002). Mandylor was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back during an era wherein his career was less about making headlines, Charlie Sheen starred in a smart little SciFi conspiracy thriller called The Arrival. If you haven't seen it, then I'd encourage you to check it out; it's similar in tone to Fox TV's stellar The X-Files, and Sheen delivers a convincing performance as the astronomer hell bent on exposing the invaders' secret plot. Sheen was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though she may've been little more than 'arm candy' with her appearance aboard Star Trek: Voyager, Amy Lindsay played the part well! She also enjoyed a role aboard Paradox Alice (2012). Lindsay was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The late Catya Sassoon only leaves us eleven different screen credits to review. Thankfully, she managed to dip her toes into TV's Out Of This World so that I can feature her in this space. Though she's no longer with us, Sassoon was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Clare Kramer made a bit of a splash in a recurring role on Buffy The Vampire Slayer, and -- in 2013 -- she helped corral the mystery and mayhem that was part and parcel of the deliciously cheesy SciFi-themed B-movie Big Ass Spider! Kramer was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
Some time during Big Ass Spider's original release on home video, I was gifted a complimentary DVD in exchange for review coverage on the Internet. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
Some time during Big Ass Spider's original release on home video, I was gifted a complimentary DVD in exchange for review coverage on the Internet. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
Lovely Ashley Jones brought an additional romantic spark to HBO's True Blood during its early seasons. This luscious looker has far more conventional work on her resume, but she did appear in ABC's FlashForward. Jones was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Easy on the eyes Nichole Hiltz (pictured above from her guest-starring spot in the WB's Smallville) is welcome to play in our beloved genre any time she likes. She's also had roles in Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Masters of Horror, and Alien Autopsy. Hiltz was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the early days of his career, Nick Wechsler served as a regular for Team Knight Rider before signing up for duty on the WB's teen SciFi drama Roswell (pictured). He's also enjoyed guest roles on Tru Calling and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Wechsler was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor and producer Angus Sutherland managed to squeeze himself into a small role aboard the direct-to-DVD property Lost Boys: The Tribe (2008). Sutherland was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Note to Hollywood executives: can we please get Christine Woods a winning franchise all of her own? She first caught my eye in the middling FlashForward, and then she had a terrific performance in a supporting role on AMC's The Walking Dead. Woods was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Critical darling Paz de la Huerta cracked into the realm of the SciFi/Thriller with work aboard Superstrata. De la Huerta was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Gotta tell you: most people hated Tron: Legacy, but I enjoyed it quite a bit. I guess I just allowed its high-tech contemporary take vastly updated from the original to win me over as opposed to looking/hoping for a stronger story. It was a modern fable set in a dream world, and Garrett Hedlund -- as the son to Jeff Bridges' original character -- convinced me he could carry the story for a new generation. Mr. Hedlund was born on this day back in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Joel Johnstone stepped into the shoes of 'H.H. Holmes' for an episode of NBC's popular time-travel yarn Timeless. He's also appeared aboard Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. and iZombie. Johnstone was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The fresh-faced Ashley Boettcher had to deal cinematically with a little extraterrestrial infestation better known as Aliens In The Attic (2009) for 20th Century Fox. Boettcher was born on this day in 2000.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young Jack Dylan Grazer shone for his efforts as the spunky companion to none other than Shazam! (2019) for Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment. Grazer was born on this day in 2003.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1920 (in Berlin, Germany), Algol (aka Power) enjoyed its very first theatrical engagement ever. Directed by Hans Werckmeister, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Emil Jannings, John Gottowt, and Erna Morena; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An alien from the planet Algol gives a man a device that gives him superpowers."
"An alien from the planet Algol gives a man a device that gives him superpowers."
On this day in 1952 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to an exclusive theatrical engagement of Monkey Business. Directed by Howard Hawks, the SciFi/Comedy starred Cary Grant, Ginger Rogers, and Marilyn Monroe. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A chemist finds his personal and professional life turned upside down when one of his chimpanzees finds the fountain of youth."
"A chemist finds his personal and professional life turned upside down when one of his chimpanzees finds the fountain of youth."
Purrrrfect! On this day in 1953, the delicious Cat-Women of the Moon premiered. The feature starred Marie Windsor and Victor Jory, and here's the plot summary listed on IMDB.com:
"Astronauts travel to the moon where they discover it is inhabited by attractive young women in black tights."
"Astronauts travel to the moon where they discover it is inhabited by attractive young women in black tights."
A star is born! On this day in 1970 (in the United Kingdom), the good people of London were treated to the exclusive theatrical debut of Fragment Of Fear. Directed by Richard C. Sarafian from a story by John Bingham and Paul Dehn, the Horror/Fantasy starred David Hemmings, Gayle Hunnicutt, and Wilfrid Hyde-White. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Reformed drug addict Tim Brett (David Hemmings) is vacationing in Italy with his aunt. When she is murdered, he tries to investigate. Soon his whole life spins out of control."
"Reformed drug addict Tim Brett (David Hemmings) is vacationing in Italy with his aunt. When she is murdered, he tries to investigate. Soon his whole life spins out of control."
On this day in 1981 (in West Germany), Escape From New York delivered a cautionary tale of Presidential politics for the future. Written (in part) and directed by John Carpenter, the SciFi/Thriller starred Kurt Russell, Harry Dean Stanton, and Adrienne Barbeau. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the future, crime is out of control and New York City's Manhattan is a maximum security prison. Grabbing a bargaining chip right out of the air, convicts bring down the President's plane in bad old Gotham. Gruff Snake Plissken, a one-eyed lone warrior new to prison life, is coerced into bringing the President, and his cargo, out of this land of undesirables."
For the record:
At the 1982 Saturn Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, Escape From New York enjoyed four nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"In the future, crime is out of control and New York City's Manhattan is a maximum security prison. Grabbing a bargaining chip right out of the air, convicts bring down the President's plane in bad old Gotham. Gruff Snake Plissken, a one-eyed lone warrior new to prison life, is coerced into bringing the President, and his cargo, out of this land of undesirables."
For the record:
At the 1982 Saturn Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, Escape From New York enjoyed four nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 1982 (in the U.S.), audiences were Zapped! for good measure. Written (in part) and directed by Robert J. Rosenthal, the SciFi/Comedy starred Scott Baio, Willie Aames, and Robert Mandan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Barney Springboro and Peyton Nichols are fun-loving high school students working on a science project with white mice. When one of the mice begins to move food toward itself with out touching it, Barney finds he has accidentally discovered a formula for telekinetic powers. Now, how much trouble can a high school kid who can move things with just his mind get into?"
For the record:
At the 1983 Saturn Awards, Zapped! earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Fantasy Film.'
"Barney Springboro and Peyton Nichols are fun-loving high school students working on a science project with white mice. When one of the mice begins to move food toward itself with out touching it, Barney finds he has accidentally discovered a formula for telekinetic powers. Now, how much trouble can a high school kid who can move things with just his mind get into?"
For the record:
At the 1983 Saturn Awards, Zapped! earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Fantasy Film.'
On this day in 1983 (in Colombia), Inseminoid was intergalactically 'midwived' into its cinematic existence. Directed by Norman J. Warren, the feature starred Robin Clarke and Jennifer Ashley, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A group of scientists are working in a lab located on a distant planet. One of them, Sandy, is attacked, raped and impregnated by a monstrous creature. She then begins to stalk her colleagues one by one, killing them and drinking their blood."
For the record:
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I caught a streaming of Inseminoid via my subscription to Amazon Prime. Interested readers can find my thoughts on the film right here.
"A group of scientists are working in a lab located on a distant planet. One of them, Sandy, is attacked, raped and impregnated by a monstrous creature. She then begins to stalk her colleagues one by one, killing them and drinking their blood."
For the record:
- In 1981, the film won the Festival Award for 'Best Music Composer' from the Madrid International Film Festival.
- In 1982, it was nominated for 'Best Film' at the Fantasporto Film Festival.
- And also in the same year, it won 'Best Special Effects' from the Fantafestival Film Festival.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I caught a streaming of Inseminoid via my subscription to Amazon Prime. Interested readers can find my thoughts on the film right here.
On this day in 1987 (in Colombia), Critters tried to take a bite out of film history. Directed by Stephen Herek, the Horror/Fantasy starred Dee Wallace, M. Emmet Walsh, and Billy Green Bush. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A race of small, furry aliens make lunch out of the locals in a farming town."
For the record:
To the film's credit, the original Critters featured Scott Grimes in a role, and he enjoyed a Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor.'
"A race of small, furry aliens make lunch out of the locals in a farming town."
For the record:
To the film's credit, the original Critters featured Scott Grimes in a role, and he enjoyed a Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor.'
A star is born ... and it's the end of the world as we know it! On this day in 1988 (in Canada), audiences in attendance of the Montreal World Film Festival were treated to the ultimate Armageddon with the theatrical exhibition of Miracle Mile. Written and directed by Steve De Jarnett, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Anthony Edwards, Mare Winningham, and John Agar. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young man hears a chance phone call telling him that a nuclear war has started and missiles will hit the city within 70 minutes."
For the record:
"A young man hears a chance phone call telling him that a nuclear war has started and missiles will hit the city within 70 minutes."
For the record:
- To the film's credit, Miracle Mile created some positive buzz during its time on the film festival circuit.
- At the 2016 Saturn Awards, Miracle Mile took home top honors in the category of 'Best DVD/Blu-ray Classic Film Release.'
On this day in 1993, actor Christopher Lambert showed us what the future of incarceration might look like when Fortress premiered theatrically. This remains one of those films I've seen but I have very little recollection of anything impressive. Here's the film's plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"In a futuristic USA, it's forbidden to give birth to more than one child for each woman. As usual, you can escape to Mexico to avoid the authorities in USA, which is exactly what John and Karen Brennick were trying to do when Karen is pregnant with her second child (their first child was born dead). When they think they have made it they are discovered and put to prison (for 31 years), a modern prison called the 'Fortress' where the prisoners are controlled by lasers, neutron-cannons, cameras, mind-scanners and electronic pain-causing devices in their stomachs. With those odds, John still plans to escape with his wife."
"In a futuristic USA, it's forbidden to give birth to more than one child for each woman. As usual, you can escape to Mexico to avoid the authorities in USA, which is exactly what John and Karen Brennick were trying to do when Karen is pregnant with her second child (their first child was born dead). When they think they have made it they are discovered and put to prison (for 31 years), a modern prison called the 'Fortress' where the prisoners are controlled by lasers, neutron-cannons, cameras, mind-scanners and electronic pain-causing devices in their stomachs. With those odds, John still plans to escape with his wife."
On this day in 1993 (in Hungary), Time Runner ran up against the odds at the box office. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Finding itself invaded by a superior alien force in the year 2022, humanity's last hope lies with fighter pilot Michael Raynor who is hurled through a time warp back to the year 1992. Relentlessly hounded by a ruthless agent belonging to a super-secret government organization, Raynor learns he can affect the future and, with the help of scientist Karen McDonald, attempts to alert authorities to the upcoming alien threat."
"Finding itself invaded by a superior alien force in the year 2022, humanity's last hope lies with fighter pilot Michael Raynor who is hurled through a time warp back to the year 1992. Relentlessly hounded by a ruthless agent belonging to a super-secret government organization, Raynor learns he can affect the future and, with the help of scientist Karen McDonald, attempts to alert authorities to the upcoming alien threat."
A star is born! On this day in 1996, Femalien stirred up some human desire with its release on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Cybil Richards, this SciFi feature starred Jacqueline Lovell, Matt Shue, and Kurt Sinclair; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A race of extraterrestrial beings has evolved to the point that they only exist as beams of light. Not having any physical experiences in their collective memories, they send Kara to Earth, in order for her to experience as many physical sensations as possible. Since Kara's physical appearance was created to be aesthetically beautiful, she has plenty of physical experiences with many people on Earth."
"A race of extraterrestrial beings has evolved to the point that they only exist as beams of light. Not having any physical experiences in their collective memories, they send Kara to Earth, in order for her to experience as many physical sensations as possible. Since Kara's physical appearance was created to be aesthetically beautiful, she has plenty of physical experiences with many people on Earth."
On this day in 1998 (in Greece), it was Armageddon all over again. Well, cinematically, that is. Directed by Michael Bay, the big budget extravaganza starred Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck, and Will Patton as the warriors sent to save the Earth itself from an extinction level event. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Due to a shuttle's unfortunate demise in outer space, NASA becomes aware of a doomsday asteroid that is on a collision course with Earth. It seems that the only way to knock it off course is to drill into its surface and detonate a nuclear weapon. But as NASA's under-funded yet resourceful team train the world's best drillers for the job, the social order of the world begins to break down as the information reaches the public and hysteria results. As high-ranking officials play politics with the effort, the drilling team all faces deep personal issues which may jeopardize humanity's last chance..."
For the record:
Wow. What to say about Armageddon? Well, on April 22, 2013, director Michael Bay finally apologized for loosing the cinematic spectacle upon all of mankind. (Isn't it interesting, though, that one of its principle writers -- JJ Abrams -- remains silent, eh?) To be honest, I didn't think the film was bad enough that we deserved an apology for it: sadly, it was your typical summer blockbuster event, which is to say it was big, loud, dumb, and (mostly) fun. It enjoyed a healthy number of award nominations, and it even won 'Best Science Fiction Film' at the 1999 Saturn Awards (an honor shared with mildly confusing Dark City). Plus the film featured one of Aerosmith's biggest ballads in years -- "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" -- originally penned by the great Diane Warren. Maybe it's best to think of Armageddon as Hollywood's truest case of buyer beware: you never know what you're going to get.
"Due to a shuttle's unfortunate demise in outer space, NASA becomes aware of a doomsday asteroid that is on a collision course with Earth. It seems that the only way to knock it off course is to drill into its surface and detonate a nuclear weapon. But as NASA's under-funded yet resourceful team train the world's best drillers for the job, the social order of the world begins to break down as the information reaches the public and hysteria results. As high-ranking officials play politics with the effort, the drilling team all faces deep personal issues which may jeopardize humanity's last chance..."
For the record:
Wow. What to say about Armageddon? Well, on April 22, 2013, director Michael Bay finally apologized for loosing the cinematic spectacle upon all of mankind. (Isn't it interesting, though, that one of its principle writers -- JJ Abrams -- remains silent, eh?) To be honest, I didn't think the film was bad enough that we deserved an apology for it: sadly, it was your typical summer blockbuster event, which is to say it was big, loud, dumb, and (mostly) fun. It enjoyed a healthy number of award nominations, and it even won 'Best Science Fiction Film' at the 1999 Saturn Awards (an honor shared with mildly confusing Dark City). Plus the film featured one of Aerosmith's biggest ballads in years -- "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" -- originally penned by the great Diane Warren. Maybe it's best to think of Armageddon as Hollywood's truest case of buyer beware: you never know what you're going to get.
On this day in 1999, Science Fiction turned decidedly Romantic/Comedy with the release of The Mating Habits Of The Earthbound Human. Directed and written by Jeff Abugov, the feature starred Mackenzie Astin and Carmen Electra, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"An anthropologist from an alien planet provides voice-over commentary for a documentary look at human courtship, mating, and reproduction: "complex, perverse, tragically beautiful: the earthbound human." The commentary gets some of the details comically wrong (explaining the slap on a newborn's back: "they don't like the looks of the child so they beat it"), but gets right the overall idea. We follow Billy and Jenny from their meeting at a club, initial misunderstandings, his losing her phone number, finally connecting, walks on the beach, soulful talks, meeting each other's parents, friends' advice, and the gradual taking of the relationship to new levels."
"An anthropologist from an alien planet provides voice-over commentary for a documentary look at human courtship, mating, and reproduction: "complex, perverse, tragically beautiful: the earthbound human." The commentary gets some of the details comically wrong (explaining the slap on a newborn's back: "they don't like the looks of the child so they beat it"), but gets right the overall idea. We follow Billy and Jenny from their meeting at a club, initial misunderstandings, his losing her phone number, finally connecting, walks on the beach, soulful talks, meeting each other's parents, friends' advice, and the gradual taking of the relationship to new levels."
A star is born! On this day in 2006 (in Italy), patrons of the Venice Film Festival were treated to the silver screen premiere of the critically-lauded Children Of Men. Adapted (in part) for the screen and directed by Alfonso Cuarón, the SciFi/Thriller starred Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In 2027, in a chaotic world in which women have somehow become infertile, a former activist agrees to help transport a miraculously pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea."
For the record:
At the 2007 Academy Awards, Children Of Men earned three nominations total in the categories of 'Best Achievement In Film Editing,' 'Best Achievement In Cinematography,' and 'Best Writing - Adapted Screenplay.'
At the 2007 Saturn Awards, the film took home top honors in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film' while having to settle for the honor of nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Actor' and 'Best Director.'
At the 2007 Hugo Awards, Children Of Men earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form.'
"In 2027, in a chaotic world in which women have somehow become infertile, a former activist agrees to help transport a miraculously pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea."
For the record:
At the 2007 Academy Awards, Children Of Men earned three nominations total in the categories of 'Best Achievement In Film Editing,' 'Best Achievement In Cinematography,' and 'Best Writing - Adapted Screenplay.'
At the 2007 Saturn Awards, the film took home top honors in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film' while having to settle for the honor of nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Actor' and 'Best Director.'
At the 2007 Hugo Awards, Children Of Men earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form.'
A star is born! On this day in 2009 (in Greece), Gamer finally came to life on the silver screen. Written and directed by the team of Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, the SciFi/Thriller starred Gerard Butler, Michael C. Hall, and Ludacris. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a future mind-controlling game, death row convicts are forced to battle in a 'Doom'-type environment. Convict Kable, controlled by Simon, a skilled teenage gamer, must survive thirty sessions in order to be set free."
"In a future mind-controlling game, death row convicts are forced to battle in a 'Doom'-type environment. Convict Kable, controlled by Simon, a skilled teenage gamer, must survive thirty sessions in order to be set free."
A star is born! On this day in 2009 (in Italy), Metropia enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever, playing for audiences in attendance of the Venice Film Festival. Directed by Tarik Saleh, the animated SciFi/Thriller starred the voices of Vincent Gallo, Juliette Lewis, and Udo Kier; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the near future, oil reserves are nearly depleted and Europe is connected by series of underground tunnels. While navigating these tunnels, Roger hears voices, one in particular. Seeking a way to rid himself of the voice only leads Roger deeper into a bizarre conspiracy of control - mind and body."
For the record:
Metropia has enjoyed some modest critical acclaim, scoring a handful of nominations for its efforts as well as wins in the category of 'Future Film Festival Digital Award' from the 2009 Venice Film Festival, 'Best Music' from the 2009 Stockholm Film Festival, and the 'Lorens Award' (for producing) from the 2010 Goteberg Film Festival.
"In the near future, oil reserves are nearly depleted and Europe is connected by series of underground tunnels. While navigating these tunnels, Roger hears voices, one in particular. Seeking a way to rid himself of the voice only leads Roger deeper into a bizarre conspiracy of control - mind and body."
For the record:
Metropia has enjoyed some modest critical acclaim, scoring a handful of nominations for its efforts as well as wins in the category of 'Future Film Festival Digital Award' from the 2009 Venice Film Festival, 'Best Music' from the 2009 Stockholm Film Festival, and the 'Lorens Award' (for producing) from the 2010 Goteberg Film Festival.
A star is born! On this day in 2011 (in Italy), the audiences in attendance of the Venice Film Festival were scared silly with the theatrical debut of Contagion. Directed by Steven Soderbergh from a story by Scott Z. Burns, the SciFi/Drama starred Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Daria Strokous. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Healthcare professionals, government officials and everyday people find themselves in the midst of a pandemic as the CDC works to find a cure."
For the record:
At the 2012 Saturn Awards, Contagion earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Horror/Thriller Film.'
"Healthcare professionals, government officials and everyday people find themselves in the midst of a pandemic as the CDC works to find a cure."
For the record:
At the 2012 Saturn Awards, Contagion earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Horror/Thriller Film.'
On this day in 2012 (in Iceland), the 1927-produced SciFi/Classic Metropolis played for audiences in attendance of the Reykjavik International Film Festival. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working-class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences."
"In a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working-class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences."
A star is born ... and this one'll have retribution! On this day in 2012 (in Japan), the good people of Tokyo were treated to an exclusive premiere event for the next chapter in the Resident Evil franchise ... Resident Evil: Retribution. Written and directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, the SciFi/Thriller starred Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, and Sienna Guillory. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Alice fights alongside a resistance movement to regain her freedom from an Umbrella Corporation testing facility."
For the record:
At the 2013 Razzie Awards, Jovovich earned a nomination in the category of 'Worst Actress' for her part in the film.
"Alice fights alongside a resistance movement to regain her freedom from an Umbrella Corporation testing facility."
For the record:
At the 2013 Razzie Awards, Jovovich earned a nomination in the category of 'Worst Actress' for her part in the film.
A star is born! On this day in 2013 (in Italy), audiences in attendance of the Venice International Film Festival were treated to the first engagement of Harlock: Space Pirate. Directed by Shinji Aramaki, the animated SciFi/Fantasy featured the voices of Shun Oguri, Haruma Miura, and Arata Furuta. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"2977: For many years a mighty battle has been raging across the galaxies as 500 billion humans, whose forebears were exiled from Earth, plan to return to what is still called home. Forced to flee a ravaged Earth, humans have now depleted the corners of the galaxy to which they fled. Earth has now become the most valued and precious resource of all, controlled by the corrupt Gaia Coalition which governs the human race across the different galaxies. Having been exiled and vilified during the battle of the Homecoming War, Captain Harlock and his trusted crew of the Arcadia battle cruiser are the only hope mankind has of discovering the secrets that the Gaia have kept hidden. The Coalition has demanded Harlock's death and the Gaia Fleet's new leader, Ezra, calls on his younger brother, Logan, to infiltrate the Arcadia and then assassinate Harlock, thus forever eradicating the one man standing between the Coalition and their complete control of the Universe. Logan must make a very personal sacrifice and discover that things are not always as they seem. All the while Captain Harlock and his crew will continue his mission, seeking revenge against the Coalition and establishing the return to Earth."
For the record:
At the 2014 Awards Of The Japanese Academy, Harlock earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Animation Film.'
"2977: For many years a mighty battle has been raging across the galaxies as 500 billion humans, whose forebears were exiled from Earth, plan to return to what is still called home. Forced to flee a ravaged Earth, humans have now depleted the corners of the galaxy to which they fled. Earth has now become the most valued and precious resource of all, controlled by the corrupt Gaia Coalition which governs the human race across the different galaxies. Having been exiled and vilified during the battle of the Homecoming War, Captain Harlock and his trusted crew of the Arcadia battle cruiser are the only hope mankind has of discovering the secrets that the Gaia have kept hidden. The Coalition has demanded Harlock's death and the Gaia Fleet's new leader, Ezra, calls on his younger brother, Logan, to infiltrate the Arcadia and then assassinate Harlock, thus forever eradicating the one man standing between the Coalition and their complete control of the Universe. Logan must make a very personal sacrifice and discover that things are not always as they seem. All the while Captain Harlock and his crew will continue his mission, seeking revenge against the Coalition and establishing the return to Earth."
For the record:
At the 2014 Awards Of The Japanese Academy, Harlock earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Animation Film.'
On this day in 2014 (in Japan), it was one of those immortal showdowns for the ages with the home video release of Airplane Vs Volcano. Written and directed by the team of James and Jon Kondelik, the feature starred Dean Cain, Robin Givens, and Tamara Goodwin. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a commercial airliner is trapped within a ring of erupting volcanoes, the passengers and crew must find a way to survive - without landing, but, when the relentless onslaught of lava and ash causes fear and distrust amongst those onboard, it isn't just the volcanoes that are life-threatening. Everyone must learn to work together if they are to survive their epic flight of fire."
"When a commercial airliner is trapped within a ring of erupting volcanoes, the passengers and crew must find a way to survive - without landing, but, when the relentless onslaught of lava and ash causes fear and distrust amongst those onboard, it isn't just the volcanoes that are life-threatening. Everyone must learn to work together if they are to survive their epic flight of fire."
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Actual Reality enjoyed its release via the Internet. Written (in part) and directed by Ian Stout, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jennifer Brian, Willow Finney, and Hannah Barefoot. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Hacker guy meets girl online in virtual reality. Guy realizes girl is a cop. Girl realizes guy is a girl. All hell breaks loose."
"Hacker guy meets girl online in virtual reality. Guy realizes girl is a cop. Girl realizes guy is a girl. All hell breaks loose."
On this day in 1955, Science Fiction Theatre aired "Barrier Of Silence." This served as the nineteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A pilot loses his memory of what happened during a top-secret flight, most likely due to intense sound. Scientists hope to retrieve his memory by subjecting him to intense silence."
"A pilot loses his memory of what happened during a top-secret flight, most likely due to intense sound. Scientists hope to retrieve his memory by subjecting him to intense silence."
On this day in 1977, Doctor Who aired "Horror Of Fang Rock: Part 1." This served as the first episode in the program's fifteenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The TARDIS lands near an isolated rocky island lighthouse just after a comet strikes the nearby sea and a sudden chilling fog rolls in. Soon after, electrical problems take hold of the generator and one of the keepers dies mysteriously. Rueben, the eldest keeper, thinks it's the return of the legendary Beast of Fang Rock, but the Doctor suspects it's something worse that a legend."
"The TARDIS lands near an isolated rocky island lighthouse just after a comet strikes the nearby sea and a sudden chilling fog rolls in. Soon after, electrical problems take hold of the generator and one of the keepers dies mysteriously. Rueben, the eldest keeper, thinks it's the return of the legendary Beast of Fang Rock, but the Doctor suspects it's something worse that a legend."
On this day in 1979, Battle of the Planets aired "Secret Island." This served as the fiftieth episode of the program's first (and only) season in the United States, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"There have been many planes and ships disappearing in the Bermuda Triangle. Mark and Princess are sent to Shipwreck Island in the Triangle to investigate. They discover a Spectra base and their latest weapon, the Whirly Knife. Mark summons the team, but can they stop the latest Mech from Spectra?"
"There have been many planes and ships disappearing in the Bermuda Triangle. Mark and Princess are sent to Shipwreck Island in the Triangle to investigate. They discover a Spectra base and their latest weapon, the Whirly Knife. Mark summons the team, but can they stop the latest Mech from Spectra?"
It all began right here: on this day in 1996, the UPN Network ventured bravely into The Burning Zone. Perhaps a weekly procedural wherein scientists explored the worst kinds of outbreaks known to man was a bit too much for modern audiences to stomach as the show pretty much came and went in the blink of an eye. Still, kudos to the fledgling network for giving the greenlight to something so SciFi focused. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the pilot's summary:
"After hibernating for 15,000 years, a malevolent virus is released from an ancient tomb in Costa Rica. A top team of specialists is assembled to research it. Infection causes blood-red eyes, a high fever and superhuman strength."
"After hibernating for 15,000 years, a malevolent virus is released from an ancient tomb in Costa Rica. A top team of specialists is assembled to research it. Infection causes blood-red eyes, a high fever and superhuman strength."
On this day in 1997, UPN's Star Trek: Voyager charted a new course with the premiere of its fourth season with the airing of "Scorpion: Part 2." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Voyager finds a solution to combat the invader of Borg space. All Captain Janeway asks is free passage through their territory and Voyager will share their knowledge."
"Voyager finds a solution to combat the invader of Borg space. All Captain Janeway asks is free passage through their territory and Voyager will share their knowledge."
On this day in 1999 (in Australia), Thunderstone aired "Is Noah Banished?" This served as the fourth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from TVGuide.com:
"Syndia declares that Noah will be banished upon his return from Haven."
"Syndia declares that Noah will be banished upon his return from Haven."
On this day in 2000, Code Name: Eternity aired "Sold Out For A Song." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Banning discovers that Senator Caraldo, whose campaign for president he is paying for, has been having an affair with a female rock star. With the election coming up soon he warns the Senator and hires a hitman to kill Mona Knight, the rock star. Ethaniel, Laura and Tawrens see a photo of Banning and Knight together and decide to find out what Banning could want with a rock star. It doesn't take them long to find out that it is a president that he really wants, the question is what can they do to stop him from achieving that aim?"
"Banning discovers that Senator Caraldo, whose campaign for president he is paying for, has been having an affair with a female rock star. With the election coming up soon he warns the Senator and hires a hitman to kill Mona Knight, the rock star. Ethaniel, Laura and Tawrens see a photo of Banning and Knight together and decide to find out what Banning could want with a rock star. It doesn't take them long to find out that it is a president that he really wants, the question is what can they do to stop him from achieving that aim?"
On this day in 2015, Under The Dome aired "Incandescence." This served as the twelfth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the premise that's listed on IMDB.com:
"As the dome's calcification accelerates, the townspeople have 24 hours left before they will suffocate; Julia and Barbie race to save Barbie's child; Hektor is adamant that the infected townspeople should never escape from the dome."
"As the dome's calcification accelerates, the townspeople have 24 hours left before they will suffocate; Julia and Barbie race to save Barbie's child; Hektor is adamant that the infected townspeople should never escape from the dome."
On this day in 2017, Day 5 aired "Sleepwalkers." This served as the fifth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The team pursues the Oasis through the desert, as Aidan navigates the politics of the camp. Meredith finds an unlikely ally in her new assignment."
"The team pursues the Oasis through the desert, as Aidan navigates the politics of the camp. Meredith finds an unlikely ally in her new assignment."
On this day in 2018, Salvation aired "Celebration Day." This served as the eleventh episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A stand-off at the COPE compound leads to tragic results."
"A stand-off at the COPE compound leads to tragic results."
It all began right here: on this day in 2020, HBOMax leapt into the world of Science Fiction serials with the premiere of Raised By Wolves. The first episode shared its title with the series, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After Earth is rendered uninhabitable, Androids start a settlement and a new family with human embryos on the planet Kepler-22b."
"After Earth is rendered uninhabitable, Androids start a settlement and a new family with human embryos on the planet Kepler-22b."
