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Science Fiction Tattler - July 1994
Edited by Timothy E. Kretschmann
Copyright ) 1994 Science Fiction Tattler
This past month I've learned a great deal about putting together an
electronic publication like this. For one thing, it isn't as easy as it
looks. For another, contributors can really help the zine have wider
appeal. Chris's Star Trek articles add something I can't since I'm not a
Star Trek fan (collected gasp). Currently, I'm soliciting one or two more
contributors who should be on board for next month's issue (or so I hope).
To those of you getting this as Internet e-mail: I've decided to stop
this service except for those that send in their shareware fee. First of
all, this distribution method isn't too great. Second, I actually want the
shareware fee. Why? This shareware fee isn't some get-rich-quick scheme by
me--hardly. It's my attempt to get enough money for a full Internet
account. That way I can start ftp'ing the Mac version at some Internet site
and text version. (The Mac DocMaker version is a lot snazzier and the
preferred format to see this baby. I'm planning better use of graphics in
future issues.)
Other changes? You bet! Science Fiction Internet Buzz (as this was
originally titled) has changed its name to Science Fiction Tattler. I
changed it for a real simple reason. When I started this zine, I was
unaware that the Sci Fi Channel had a program with the name Buzz in it.
(The jerks at my local cable company opted out of carrying the Sci Fi
Channel.) SFC has asked me to change the name to avoid confusion. I thank
them for attitude and not suing me or something dreadful like that. Science
Fiction Tattler will still have news compiled from Internet Usenet groups
along with stuff I pick up from radio, TV, newspapers and my favorite
magazines, notably Starlog.
If you wonder why I don't quote sources, it is because I usually draw
from four or five sources to put together my stories. (Paul Harvey, CBS-TV,
the local newspaper, and others all reported "The Lion King" 's opening
weekend box office figures. Who would I contribute it too?) Not to mention,
some of my sources COULD be wrong. I try not to put mere speculation in,
but I'm sure some of this stuff is, because of the nature of the news I am
trying to cover here. When I do have a single source, I'll mention it, but
don't expect MLA citations. You are all old enough to find the current
Starlog in the newstand and read the contents page or whatever.
I stress that none of my work here is plagarism. I generally take some
notes when I read something and work on the article a few days later. I try
to put a little spin on everything here to make it more entertaining and
informational for you to read.
That's enough from me. Hope you like this issue and tell a friend.
Feel free to upload this to any or all BBS's you want. If you would like to
upload it on the Internet for me (and I hope someone out there wants to),
please drop me a line at TimKBear@AOL.com.
Enjoy!
Tim Kretschmann
Movies Column
If you have any good information about future Science Fiction films, let me
know at TimKBear@AOL.COM.
Last issue, I told you about Jim Carrey of "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective"
being Batman's rival in "Batman III" as the Riddler. News is, however, that
the Riddler will not be the sole villain--The Fugitive's Tommy Lee Jones
will portray Two-Face. Jones is busy this summer in two films--one of
which, "The Client", is expected to do dynamite box office. "Blown Away" is
currently in theaters everywhere.
"Batman III" now has a name: "Batman Forever."
A "Catwoman" movie directed by Tim Burton with Michelle Pfeiffer reprising
her role is still in Hollywood limbo. I'm not sure, but wasn't "Batman
Returns" really a Catwoman movie, anyway? It seemed to me that Catwoman got
more screen time than the Caped Crusader.
Darkman 2 and 3 are supposedly finished filming and starting a
direct-to-video release. "Darkman: Durant Returns" is coming this fall with
Larry Drake reprising his villainous performance. Arnold Vosloo has the
undesirable task of trying to fill Liam Neeson's shoes as the Darkman.
Can you believe the egos of these people? People in the know are already
talking about a sequel to the Shadow--and it just opened! Alec Baldwin is
the Shadow and the film is directed by Russell Mulcahy of Highlander fame.
The previews look like the special effects will be great, and if Mulcahy's
direction is similar to his work on Highlander or Ricochet, we should be
prepared for another fantastic film of fantasy. As I write this, the movie
is opening, but I predict this movie (and The Mask) will be the big one of
the season!
"The Lion King" opened to the biggest opening weekend of any Disney film.
Taking the #1 spot opening weekend with $42 million from "Speed."
"Flintstones" fell back to number 5. "Lion King" has another thing that
"Flintstones" hasn't had: positive word of mouth. The boys of Bedrock
haven't had the boffo box office expected in some quarters and may fall off
the big screens and hit TV screens much earlier than anyone expected.
Video game versions of Alien and Predator will be coming soon. The Shadow
also has video games available in the near future.
ABC has commissioned remakes of the Disney classics "Escape to Witch
Mountain," "Freaky Friday," "The Computer that Wore Tennis Shoes," and
"Shaggy Dog." Maybe they'll play the V/R angle with "The Computer that Wore
Tennis Shoes"--that's just a joke.
Full Moon has completed filming "Oblivion" and a sequel (natch!) and hope
to release to theaters. Band's latest is a SF/Western. I hope he realizes
the same formula didn't work for Brisco County, Jr. (which just got the ax)
and hope his version is able to catch the public's fascination.J
Television Column
Remember, the more information I receive, the better this publication
becomes. Write TimKBear@AOL.COM with any news you might be able to offer.
SeaQuest dsv seems to have taken a dirt nap. At least, that was the
original rumor. Buzz is that the undersea adventure series will not be
coming up for air and will rest bottomside for next season. The natural
letter writing campaign is starting up word processors from coast to coast.
However, you can save your paper because SeaQuest is returning. How do I
know? My local paper, the Milwaukee Journal, reminds me that the original
deal guaranteed two seasons. Reportedly, it finished 82nd with 14% of the
Sunday audience. My guess is that Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of
Superman did far better, but thus far I haven't found any numbers to back
up my claim.
Amblin's Earth 2 will be coming soon and will probably be in the hour slot
before SeaQuest. It's emphasis will be on Science Fiction, not Fact, as
SeaQuest has been criticized for. Apparently, those comments haven't fallen
on deaf ears for the TV show makers promise more fanciful scripts in the
next season.
Rumors abound as to Babylon 5's continuation as a series. The sources for
this rumor are not as strong, but the possibility is clearly there that the
show may not return. Other sources disagree and say the show has been
renewed. The last word I've heard is that Bab 5 has got at least one more
season.
X Files will be returning despite low numbers. Fox is making a gamble on
the 102nd place howing with a mere 11% audience share. If you want to thank
Fox, word is the Fox Network president has an internet address at Delphi.
It is: FOXNET@DELPHI.COM. Make sure to put "X-Files:" in the subject so the
exec's secretary can properly sort the mail.
Brisco County Jr., however, is taking a dirt nap. There was the mandatory
mail campaign, but that couldn't save the Western...Fox Style. No word as
to Bruce Campbell's future plans.
Mantis, the Fox project that tested well last spring, will go to series. No
word as to its spot in the lineup. This is truly Fox's year, though,
picking up a number of major markets and VHF stations nationwide. Watch for
better numbers next season for all their programming.
On the other hand, Barry Diller, one of Fox's founding fathers and now top
dog at the huge QVC network, is looking to merge with CBS (which I've noted
before has lost 8 big affiliates and NFL in one year). Diller would lead
this new corporation. Experts on the CBS Nightly News suggested that he is
a tough executive, but has some very creative ideas. This may lead to more
SF development in the networks. At least, I hope so. Watch this space for
updates.
Time Trax has been cancelled.
My personal favorite, except perhaps Highlander, will be returning. Lois &
Clark: The New Adventures of Superman will be back. They will be easing
back on the romance and emphasize the superhero feats and outlandish
villains. Personally, I'm rather disheartened at that announcement because
I felt the romance aspect is what made the show so appealing. Oh, well--at
least it is back.
Young Indiana Jones may have a new lease on life. Watch the Family Channel
for some TV-Movies. I believe there is an attempt to re-air the actual
series as well on Family Channel.
Fox is at it again. Saturday mornings will feature episodes of Gerry
Anderson's "Thunderbirds." They have been re-edited to speed up the action.
It should be on the air already this Saturday.
The people at Star Trek have been playing with ideas for a new series. One
called "Shatter World" was discussed in the latest Starlog.
Speaking of numbers, how are SF shows doing in the Nielson's? Here's where
some of them came in the week of June 20-26. (List jotted down from
newspaper.)
48. Simpsons (not really genre, but animated)
50. Lois & Clark
55. Dinosaurs
65. X-Files (actually did better than Beverly Hills 90210)
67. Mantis (TV Movie on Monday--now going to series)
71. Encounters: Hidden Truth
76. Tales from the Crypt
NOTE: No syndicated shows showed up in this list. Also missing is
SeaQuest--maybe an episode wasn't showed that week--or it did really,
really bad in the ratings.
STARFLEET DISPATCH
Welcome to another month of Starfleet Dispatch. This month we have a
review of the newest novels now out, as well as more news and info about
"Star Trek: Generations."
Q-SQUARED by Peter David
Review written by Chris George
___________________________________________________________
"Q, I want to talk to you alone!"
Q smiled briefly at his companion, the entity called Trelane, and then
gestured grandly in the direction of the Captain's ready room. Picard
strode briskly through the door. Q was right behind him.
But the moment the door hissed shut, Q grabbed Picard by his uniform
front. His usual smug facade had evaporated, to be replaced by
desperation.
"Picard," he said, low and intense. "You've got to help me."
"What?" was all Picard could get out. "With what? With who?"
"With Trelane! He's driving me nuts! I can't take it anymore!"
And Picard did something then that he had never done before.
He laughed in Q's face.
_____________________________________________________________________
He's BAAACK! Q returns in his second novel appearance, and this time
he actually isn't the one getting the Enterprise into trouble!
In this mammoth 434 page hardcover novel, the book opens in the
present, with Captain Jack Crusher and Commander Picard as the first
officer en route to the planet Terminus, to pick up Lt. Cdr. William Riker,
tortured by the Romulans for 6 years. Trelane (TOS's The Squire of Gothos)
appears, blocking the path of the Enterprise.
The book "switches tracks," and is now on board the USS Enterprise, in
the present, with Captain Picard in command. They are investigating a
spacial anomaly, when Trelane appears, along with Q. We learn that Trelane
is an "adolescent" Q, under the guidance of Q. The Trelane from this
universe is integrated with Trelane from Track One, who has recieved a
source of unlimited power. This new all-powerful Trelane now crosses over
timelines-the first track, with Captain Crusher; the second track, with
Captain Picard in the present, and a third track, the Enterprise-D from
"Yesterday's Enterprise."
This is where all chaos breaks loose, and where the book
looses some points. Remember now, there are 3 Picards, 3 Rikers, 1
Crusher, etc., and if you read this and manage to keep them straight, give
yourself a pat on the back. It takes reading several sections 2-3 times
before you can understand what goes on.
Also, be warned, that this is not "Q-in-law," Peter David's previous Q
novel. This one lacks the humor, the creativity that "Q-In-Law" contained.
Still, it is a Q novel, so it does get some points there. I give it a * *
*1/2 out of 5, and a suggestion: Check this one out first from a library
before buying, to be sure you'll like it.J
ALL GOOD THINGS... by Michael Jan Friedman
Review written by Chris George
The final episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, "All Good
Things..." showed Captain Picard being sent through time to prevent the
destruction of humanity, the sentence handed down by the Q Continuum in the
trial started in the first episode, "Encounter at Farpoint." It was a
great episode, and an excellent way to end the series.
But, if you are anything like me, you may have thought, "What about
Wesley, what about Pulaski? What about everyone else?" I know that I
wanted to see what happened to everyone else that was involved with the
Enterprise. Now, the novelization of this spectacular episode has been
written, and it does include those inside glimpses. This hardcover novel
also helps give a little more in depth view into the feelings behind many
of the characters actions, as well as some nice glossy pictures from the
episode.
Overall, this is an excellent novelization of the episode, and is a
valuable addition to anyone's Star Trek library, even if just as a
memorabilia of Star Trek: The Next Generation. I give it 4 1/2 out of 5.
___________________________________________________________
RUMOR MILL...
* Berkeley Software, makers of the popular screen saver After Dark, will be
releasing a Star Trek: The Next Generation screen saver and a Star Trek:
The Next Generation calendar in November, most probably for both Macintosh
and IBM-Compatible.
* The uniforms for the new movie will be...the DS9 ones! One observer says
he saw the DS9 uniforms on Picard and Data while filming a scene from the
new movie.
* One much disputed rumor now heard is that one recurring character on DS9
will be killed next season. Which one? How? Is this even true? We don't
know.
* Dueling Captains? True, says one rumor. Supposedly, Shatner (Cpt. Kirk)
and Stewart (Cpt. Picard) are bitter rivals on the set of Star Trek:
Generations. One story says that when Stewart found out Shatner was
getting bottled carbonated water, he would get it too, even though he hates
it.
* The same source says that Shatner does act out his death cheezily....no
comments from this editor...
That's it this month! Watch next month for a special checklist to all the
episodes from Star Trek: The Next Generation. Also watch for my First
Class BBS opening September 1 in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area!
Available Now on Video:
The Return of Jafar
This is the direct-to-video sequel to the blockbust "Aladdin." Jafar
escapes from the lamp and decides to get even with Aladdin. All your
favorite characters return, though Robin Williams' voice is not the genie
this time around.
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
Movie version of popular Fox animated series. Probably will be better
on small screen than it was theaters. (Seemed a tad short at the movie
house.) The Joker (voice of Mark Hamill!) does battle with the caped one.
Mysterious character of the Phantasm is introduced as is the origins of
Batman. If you like the series, this will satisfy your rental entertainment
of an evening.
Ghost in the Machine
I haven't had a chance to see this one yet, but its about some crazy
killer virus or something. It's billed as "a techno-thriller with great
computer animation." For net hounds, this may be an interesting view.
Though most of the Internet Buzz on this one is BUZZ OFF!
Scanner Cop
Latest of the Scanner line. Daniel Quinn, Darlanne Fluegel, and
Richard Lynch star. Apparently, someone didn't do a background check on
some of the boys in blue. Didn't get a chance to see this either.
Immortal Combat
Roddy Piper and Sonny Chiba star in this flick that was released
direct-to-video on July 6. I've only seen the ad that says "Indestructible
warriors programmed to kill. This is no game." Again, I didn't see it, but
"Rowdy" Roddy Piper did a recent guest spot on Highlander (TV series) that
makes me think this might not be as bad as most DTV's. Then, again, I could
be wrong.
Cabin Boy
Chris Elliott of "Get a Life" and "Groundhog Day" fame goes to the big
screen as the dandy lead of this fantasy flick. If you liked Chris on "Get
a Life" (the Fox series), you should find this a lot of fun. If you hated
the show, though (and I can't personally imagine this) steer clear! Chris
is pretty well himself as he mistakenly is set adrift on a disgusting ship
headed for islands that haven't been visited since Sinbad the Sailor ran
out of 1001 nights. But as I say, if you don't like Chris, don't rent this
baby. Due in late July.
I would like someone who could write SHORT reviews of SF movies coming to
vid in the future. As soon as one comes out on video, write a review and
send it as e-mail to me at TimKBear@AOL.COM. I appreciate all
contributions. If you have your name on a review, I'll keep it on there. If
you want to be anonymous, I'll respect those wishes as well.J
People Column
Remember, the more information I receive, the better this publication
becomes. Write TimKBear@AOL.COM with any news you might be able to offer.
Pierce Brosnan, who always seemed to be the bridesmaid and never the bride,
has finally tied the knot. Pierce will be the next 007 in a Bond film as of
yet of unknown title. If you remember, many people thought the former
Remington Steele star should have gotten the nod before Timothy Dalton.
Despite an impressive opening for Dalton's first trip into British spydom
with "The Living Daylights," box office numbers have been falling. "Licence
to Kill," a personal favorite Bond flick of mine, didn't do well domesticly
(or really anywhere for that matter) so Dalton is gone. Dalton has since
filmed "Rocketeer" and a few miniseries. Dalton has been no stranger to SF,
having appeared in the ill-fated "Flash Gordon" movie with Max von Sydow in
the post-Star Wars SF craze of the late 70's. Brosnan's SF career isn't as
large. The only credit that comes close that I see is "Nomads" which was
the directing debut of John McTiernan of "Die Hard," "Predator," and "Last
Action Hero" fame. Brosnan recently shared the screen with Robin Williams
in the mega-hit "Mrs. Doubtfire" which no available on videotape virtually
everwhere. Public opinion of the change is more like a sigh of relief than
a controversy. Many feel this was the move they should have made in the
first place--and now, it finally has.
Could this one be true? Reportedly George Lucas is considering John Woo as
a possible director for one of the new Star Wars installments. John Woo is
known to American audiences primarily for the Jean-Claude Van Damme
thriller "Hard Target," but Woo has been hailed the prince of Action films
in the East for some time. This, truly, would give the new Star Wars films
a decidedly grittier feel than the past episodes.
The Center Stage discussion with Adrian Paul of Highlander has a transcript
available. Keyword: Center Stage in the file section. The 32k text file has
the entire interview of the conference that had about 350 people attending.
Bruce Campbell's transcript in the same place is rather ironic reading now.
He thought Brisco County would be renewed--it has not.
Glen Morgan, one of the creators of X Files, is also in AOL's Center Stage
transcript area.
Gerry Anderson's "Space Police" may become at long last a reality. Gerry
created "Thunderbirds" and "Space: 1999"; he has returned to syndicated SF
with "Space Police." Fox, by the way, has picked up "Thunderbirds" for
Saturday mornings.
Keanu Reeves, currently riding high on the success of "Speed," is best
known to genre peeps as Ted Theodore Logan. His biological daddy has been
arrested for drug use. Keanu hasn't had much contact with him; he's closer
to his mom and step-pop.
Sci-Fi Titles from Upcoming Movies List
1994
Spring: Cartooned, The Muppet Treasure Island
01 Jul: The Shadow
22 Jul: Forrest Gump
29 Jul: The Mask
05 Aug: Blankman, Time Cop
12 Aug: Troll in Central Park
August: Highlander III: The Magician
04 Nov: Frankenstein
Autumn: Ed Wood, Interview With The Vampire, Star Trek: Generations
Decemb: Batman III, Foundation, Godzilla (American), Spiderman, Casper
1994 : The Lawnmowerman 2, Sinbad Tales, Tremors II
-1995-
Decemb: Catwoman
1995 : Pocahontas (animated), Judge Dredd, Mortal Kombat, Batman Forever
-1995-2000-: Star Wars I, Star Wars II, Star Wars III
edited from a post byI
Bryan D. Jones Computing Services
Internet: bdj@engr.uark.edu University of Arkansas
GAT d--(?) -p+ c++(++++) l+(-) u++ e*/+ m---(*) s/- n---(+) h* f+
g- w++ t++ r++ y+
TALES FROM THE HORIZON
A New Zine coming to you with the best of amateur Sci-Fi and Horror
writing! Send contributions to TimKBear@AOL.Com
Contributions are necessary for the success and health of this
zine. Any rumors of interest you find on the internet (or elsewhere)
should be forwarded to me at TimKBear@AOL.Com (TimKBear on
America Online). Also, I am in search of a columnist for an
X Files column. Anyone interested should e-mail at the above
address.
Feel free to distribute this document to any local or national BBS, as long
as it is complete with this documentation.Please send in your shareware
fee!
If you enjoyed reading this issue and wish for us to continue uploading at
the site you received this, please send $5.00 to the following address:
Tim Kretschmann
S71 W12474 Berrywood Lane
Muskego, WI 53150-3718
The shareware fee is simply to make it worthwhile for me to continue
writing and distributing this magazine. Hopefully, future editions will
have contributions from all over, and this will not be as much work, so the
fee can go down.