The DC Animated Universe welcomes another staple from the comic world to Metropolis this week with the introduction of John Henry Irons (Micheal Dorn). Prototype first aired on 11 October, 1997. Irons is an inventor, but it seems that his new power suit, has made it’s pilot, Corey Mills (Xander Berkley) very unstable. The suit…
Allegiance: A Cineplex Event
George Takei’s passion project, and historically important musical, Allegiance is getting a one night Cineplex Event. Inspired by Takei’s own experiences during World War II, the story, featuring music and lyrics by Jay Kuo and book by Kou, Mark Acito and Lorenzo Thione, follows the Kimura family in America after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor….
Strange Days (1995) – Kathryn Bigelow
My time with the films of James Cameron for the Sci-Fi Chronicles book comes to an end with this film that he penned the script for, and gave to the incredibly talented Kathryn Bigelow to direct. Ralph Fiennes stars as Lenny Nero, a former cop turned street hustler, with a charming side that can sell…
The Secret Garden (1993) -Agnieszka Holland
Francis Ford Coppola serves as executive producer of this adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic novel, and the next recommendation from the Great Movies – 100 Years of Film book. Young Mary Lennox (Kate Maberly), born and raised in India is orphaned when her parents are killed in an earthquake. She is sent to live…
Doctor Who (Sylvester McCoy) – Dragonfire
The final story of Season 24, and McCoy’s first comes to a close this week, with the three part tale, Dragonfire. Written by Ian Briggs, this serial ran from 23 November to 7 December, 1987. This was Mel’s (Bonnie Langford) last adventure with the Doctor, and a new companion, Ace (Sophie Aldred) joins the Time…
Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (1971) -Mel Stuart
The late Gene Wilder stars in this iconic adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s tale, that is the next recommendation from the Great Movies – 100 Years of Film book for my return to the Family genre. The film stands out in minds around the globe for its musical numbers and the terrifying tunnel trip…
Quantum Leap (1991) – Southern Comforts and Glitter Rock
It’s 4 August, 1961 and Sam (Scott Bakula) has leapt into the owner of a brothel in Southern Comforts. Written by Tommy Thompson this episode aired on 3 April, 1991. As Gilbert LaBonte, the proprietor of the long family-owned New Orleans-based business, Sam is there to help a young woman named Gina (Georgia Emelin). She’s…
Star Trek: The Original Series (1967) – Tomorrow is Yesterday and Court Martial
Captain’s log: stardate 3113.2 Tomorrow is Yesterday is the series first full-on time travel story, penned by D.C. Fontana this great, and often funny, episode had an original airdate of 26 January, 1967. After a slingshot around a star throws the Enterprise back in time (this sounds important and may be used again in future)…
The DC Comics Encyclopedia (2016) – Alan Cowsill, Alex Irvine, Steve Korte, Matt Manning, Stephen Wiacek and Sven Wilson
When I was a kid, growing up on various military bases around the globe, I didn’t know a lot about superheroes, or comic books. My knowledge was constrained to Star Wars (and the occasional, troubled Star Trek title), Superman and Batman. My knowledge of the DC Comic Universe wasn’t much greater. I knew about Supes,…
The Restaurant at the End of the Universe (1980) – Douglas Adams
Sometimes you need a good laugh, and Douglas Adams never disappoints. Picking up where the first book finished, Arthur Dent, Ford, Trillian, Zaphod and Marvin are looking for a bite to eat. They are famished after everything they have just gone through, and Arthur still wants a good cup of tea. But things are never…
The Mind Reels 