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The 2000s

The science fiction genre gathered pace in the 2000s as the decade spawned some of the biggest franchises in history of the sci-fi genre, feeding an almost unquenchable thirst from the viewing public. Here we had some of the most famous comic superheroes appearing on our screens in live action for the first time. Amongst them were the X-Men, Spiderman, the Fantastic four, Iron Man and even Superman returned after an absence of almost 20 years. New series of movies originated in this decade, such as Hasbro's Transformers, Riddick, and Resident Evil, whilst we had 2 more Matrix and Star Wars adventures to feast our eyes on. Remakes and reboots, too, were commonplace with the likes of Star Trek, Planet of the Apes, the Day the Earth Stood Still and War of the Worlds. For me, the decade would see the introduction of computer generated blockbusters like Avatar and two films from the Final Fantasy games franchise. For fans of Dr Who, it returned to the small screen after last appearing in 1989, re-establishing itself as the longest-running scifi tv series ever!

CGI

I have explained elsewhere a number of times that this web site is about fictional characters and that this is largely in connection with those played by actors, but not exlusively so. You will find quite a detailed account of comic characters, for example. What makes the cgi films of the 2000s so important is the attempt to make them as "photorealistic" as possible. Whilst cgi continued to feature strongly in science fiction in the future, it's role was more connected with adding visual effects than creating protagonists, but who knows what the future will bring?

Final Fantasy

In Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (2001), Dr. Aki Ross was such a cgi character, and even led to Maxim magazine rating her as one of the most sexiest women ever! Made up of 400,000 polygons and each of her 60,000 hairs rendered individually, she is the most realistic computer-generated women to appear on the big screen at the time. Unfortunately, the technical details of Dr Ross are her most important aspects, as the character, I felt was rather lifeless. A dedicated doctor and pacifist, as well as an expert on phantasms is a brief but accurate description that will suffice for now.

In 2005 the second film was released with characters already established from the poular game franchise of the same name. Here we met Tifa Lockhart, a strong and independant woman who could kick ass when required, being an expert in hand-to-hand combat. Interestingly, the character actually never started in the video game until Final Fantasy VII.

 
Aki Final Fantasy The Spirits Within

Dr Aki Ross in Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (2001)

Tifa Lockhart Final Fantasy

Tifa Lockhart in Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children (2005)

Back to Apes

I really like Estella Warren. Not only is she beautiful, but she has a great physique, obviously developed during her synchronised swimming days (she won the Canadian national championship 3 times!). As Daena in Planet of the Apes (2001), she didn't have to do much but look glamorous, which she did pretty well overall.
Estella Warren Daena Planet of the Apes

Estella Warren as Daena in Planet of the Apes (2001)

Women in Black

More shape shifting from Sarleena in Men in Black II (2002). Problem here is that when she isn't the raven-haired lingerie model, she's actually a plant-like hydra and quite nasty! We don't see much of Lara Flynn Boyle in sci-fi, which is a shame because she is a cert in this genre.


Lara Flynn Boyle Sarleena Men in Black

Lara Flynn Boyle as Sarleena in Men in Black (2002)

The Matrix..

We've met the Matrix in the previous decade where the film fdebuted, but Persephone didn't appear until the second chapter. Taken from Grrek mythology, Persephone is the wife of Hades, god of the underworld or hell as we know it better. She was portrayed by the very beautiful Monica Belucci as a bored wife looking for the meaning of love and became an ally for good.

Monica Bellucci Persephone The Matrix Reloaded

Monica Bellucci as Persephone in The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

Kyra

When I first saw The Chronicles of Riddick (2004), I didn't really see it from a sci-fi babe point of view as I just enjoyed what I thought was a good character performance by Vin Diesel and Karl Urban. But the next few times I watched it, Kyra really grew on me, and it's a tragedy that the character, played by Alexa Davalos, was killed off! Kyra is one of the best kick-ass babes there is, with her gymnastic style fighting and athletic build.

Alexa Davalos Kyra The Chronicles of Riddick

Alexa Davalos as Kyra in The Chronicles of Riddick (1980)

The Trinity

I was surprised but happy to discover that Blade Trinity (2004) was listed as sci-fi on IMdB. Happy because it meant I could list Jessica Biel's character, Abigail Whistler. Abby falls into the kick-ass category, or more accurately, kick-vampire-ass category. I can only imagine that Jessica trained for the film, as she appeared very fit, with nicely toned muscles and the fighting scenes were convincing. I particularly enjoyed the scene where Abby put on her earphones and listened to her mp3 player whilst fighting. Here she is...

Jessica Biel Abigail Whistler Blade

Jessica Biel as Abigail Whistler in Blade (2004)

Aeon Flux

Now, I've seen Aeon Flux (2005) a few times and I still can't get over the genius of the casting of Charlize Theron in the film. Normally a preferred, but gorgeous none-the-less, blonde, she transformed into the dark-haired spandex-wearing Aeon. The character has great combat skills, which, when combined with her gymnastic qualities, makes her an effective assassin.

Charleze Theron Aeon Aeon flux

Charleze Theron Aeon Aeon flux (2005)

The Island

I loved The Island (2005) mainly for some great performances, but seeing Scarlett Johansson as Jordan 2 Delta is a good reason to watch it again...she just oozes sex appeal and her on-screen relationship with Lincoln 6 Echo is electric. Not too bright though...

Scarlett Johansson Jordan-Two Delta

Scarlett Johansson as Jordan-Two Delta in The Island (2005)

Ultra Violet

More of the beautiful Ukrainian Milla Jovovich, this time as Violet Song Jat Shariff in Ultraviolet (2006). She plays a fairly similar role to her other films, but more sword swash-buckling in this one..

Milla Jovovich Song Jat SharriffUltraviolet

Milla Jovovich as Song Jat Sharriff in Ultraviolet (2006)

Girl with gun

Here's Tracey O'Connor, playing Gwen Hunter in Girl with Gun (2006). She appears to be an ordinary working girl, but leads a double life as The Nightingale, an assassin who just won't let the innocent get crushed.

Tracey O'Connor Gwen Hunter Girl with Gun 2006

Tracey O'Connor as Gwen Hunter in Girl with Gun 2006 (2006)

Resiklo

I haven't seen Resiklo (2007), but whilst researching for 2010 films, I came across this Philipino film and saw a character called Bianca, played by Jennylyn Mercado. I had to include her instantly. Another one to watch...

Jennylyn Mercado  Bianca Resikl 2007

Jennylyn Mercado as Bianca in Resikl (2007)

Transformers

At first Megan Fox's character in Transformers (2007), Mikaela Banes, seems like the proverbial piece of eye candy. That she certainly is, but there's more to the character than that. A skilled mechanic, biker and overall jaw dropper, she turns out to be a lot cooler than a lot of babes out there. Whatever you think of the character, she has more to offer than most. On the other hand, Alice, a robot appearing as a human and the inquisitive journalist, both added to the characterisation.

Megan Fox Mikaela Banes Transformers

Megan Fox as Mikaela Banes in Transformers (2007)

Rachel Taylor Maggie Masden Transformers

Rachel Taylor as Maggie Masden in Transformers (2007)

Isobel Lucas Alice Transformers

Isobel Lucas as Alice in Transformers (2007)

Super bitch

This sensual babe is the femme fatale of the Cobra, aka the Baroness. In GI Joe: The Rise of the Cobra (2009), where Sienna Miller she plays the ruthless villainess. Her rival was Afent Scarlett, equally equipped for combat........

Sienna Miller The Baroness Gi Joe Rise of the Cobra

Sienna Miller as The Baroness in Gi Joe: Rise of the Cobra (2009)

Rachel Nicholls Agent Scarlett GI Joe The Rise of the Cobra

Rachel Nicholls as Agent Scarlett in GI Joe: The Rise of the Cobra (2009)

Gwyneth

I never really considered Gwyneth Paltrow as a babe until she played Pepper Potts in Iron Man (2008), but she proved me wrong. She appears as an assisitant to Tony Stark, but later develops into the role of CEO and becomes infected with superpowers for a while. The cinema version of Potts does not create the character anything like the comic version unfortuneately.

Gwyneth Paltrow Pepper Potts Iron Man

Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts in Iron Man (1986)

Watch out:

We have another spandex-wearing babe. This time its Silk Spectre II, played by Malin Akermann in Watchmen (2009). An accomplished fighter, she's probably better known for her feminist views.

Malin Akermann Silk Spectre

Silk Spectre II, played by Malin Akermann in Watchmen (2009) (1987)

Good blood

I actually missed Terminator Salvation (2009) first time round - so here's Moon Bloodgood as Blair Williams. An expert pilot with good combat skills, she had what it took to survive in the harsh robot future.

Moon Bloodgood Blair Wiliams Terminator Salvation

Moon Bloodgood as Blair Wiliams in Terminator Salvation (2009)

Avatar

I always thought of Neytiri as something of a wild cat, defending her litter, right down to her hissing and acrobatics. Surprisingly, I thought I'd like this character more, but found her to be a disappointmment..

Zoe Saldana Neytiri Avatar

Zoe Saldana as Neytiri in Avatar (2009)

X-Men Origins

Kayla Silverfox in X-Men Origins, who was an old friend of Wolverine and even gave him that name, had the ability to persuade other to do what she wanted through her touch.

Lynn Collins Kayla Silverfox X-Men Origins

Lynn Collins Kayla as Silverfox in X-Men Origins (2009)

Pandorum

Not really a lot to say about this character. She was an inmate aboard a prisoner spaceship.

Antje Traue Nadia Pandorum

Antje Traue as Nadia in Pandorum (2009)

Assault girls

I haven't seen Assault Girls, but its another one I have got to see... update when I do...

Meisa Kuroki Gray Assault Girls 2009

Meisa Kuroki as Gray in Assault Girls 2009(2009)

Ashley Scott Gigilo Jane AI Artificial Intelligence

This was Ashley Scott's screen debut. She played Gigilo Jane, an artificial prostitute. She quite literally appeared for a minute and we know very little about the character. That is a real shame, as the image shows...

Ashley Scott Gigilo Jane AI Artificial Intelligence

Ashley Scott as Gigilo Jane in AI: Artificial Intelligence (2009)

Sci-fi Television in The 2000s

On to the small screen...

Bringing up a family in this decade meant little time for TV, although a noteable exception was the long-awaited return of Battlestar Galactica, which did not disappoint. To this end, much of this section needs to be viewed and the site updated, and finding the time for this is hard, just keeping up with the new stuff takes a lot of time. Ah well, at least I've tracked down some images...

Andromeda (2000-2005)

It's great to see the influence of Gene Roddenberry continue on our TV sets. Andromeda is based on ideas he had back in the 1970s.

Lexa Doig Rommie Andromeda

Lexa Doig as Rommie in Andromeda (2000-2005)

Lisa Ryder Beka Valentine Andromeda

Lisa Ryder as Beka Valentine in Andromeda (2000-2005)

Laura Bertram Trance Gemini Andromeda

Laura Bertram as Trance Gemini in Andromeda (2000-2005)

Brandy Ledford Doyle Andromeda

Brandy Ledford as Doyle in Andromeda (2000-2005)

Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009)

Although Number Six has appeared in different manifestations, it is the statuesque and incredibly sexy, platinum-haired version that Tricia Helfer plays which catches the eye. The character was actually a cylon (robot), designed to be so lifelike that it could infiltrate the human civilisation that survived an initial attempt at extermination. I think Number Six deserves her own page, but I'll leave this here for now..

Secondly, Not to be totally outdone, we also have Boomer/Athena/Number 8. Played by Grace Park, part Korean, part American, but actually a Canadian (work it out for yourself!). Before realising that she is in fact a cylon, she shows great compassion for the human race and meets her demise after disclosing secrets to save the life of a human.

One of the drawbacks of being strict about the sci-fi criteria is that, sometimes, a babe is missed off the list - but the possibility of having any crossover section to this site has occurred to me a number of times. Lucy Lawless is such an actress in question, but thanks to a visitor who pointed out that she played Number 3, or D'Anna Biers in Battlestar, I can now include her.

Tricia Helfer Number Six Battlestar Galactica

Tricia Helfer as Number Six in Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009)

Grace Park Boomer Battlestar Galactica

Grace Park as Boomer in Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009)

Lucy Lawless D'Anna Biers Battlestar Galactica

Lucy Lawless as D'Anna Biers in Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009)

Cleopatra 2525 (2000-2001)

A very fit looking Victoria Pratt plays Sarge, who belonged to a group called the Dwarks (honestly). She had it pretty rough when she first joined the underground and this turned her into the kick-ass thug-turned-heroine who helps the others to defeat the Baileys..

Victoria Pratt Sarge Cleopatra 2525

Victoria Pratt as "Sarge" in Cleopatra 2525 (2000-2001)

Jennifer O'Neil Cleo Andromeda

Jennifer O'Neil as Cleo in Andromeda (2000-2001)

Dark Angel (2000-2002)

If I've been guilty of harping on about how sexy Tricia Helfer was as Number Six, then I will be as equally vocal about Jessica Alba, particularly as Max Guevera. Max is a genetically enhanced transgenic super soldier (or x-5 for short), who escapes with others and leads an underground life and a double life as a messenger, until she is able to free the other x-5s. Alba had only just turned 21 when she made this, her first entry into sci-fi, unless I am mistaken, and some 4-5 years before she became Sue storm. She's often criticised for her acting ability, and is sexy enough to get a way with it, but I think she does a fair job here..

Jessica_Alba_Dark_Angel

Jessica Alba as Mas Guevera in Dark Angel (2000-2002)

Birds of Prey (2000)

So Batman and Catwoman DID have something going on!! I knew it and I don't blame batman for one second. The offspring was the Huntress, or Helena Kyle, played by Ashley Scott (shame she was the only one, I mean, cats normally have litters, don't they?).

Barbara Gordon (AKA batgirl - see 1960s TV ) was zapped by that dastardly fiend the Joker in the line of duty Gotham city, leaving her paralysed, which meant she couldn't kick ass anymore. However, as a computer expert, now known as the Oracle, she fights crime from a different angle. I prefer Dina Meyer as Batgirl, even though she only made brief appearances in flashbacks. This is despite the fact that the Joker did  kick her ass, but she gave it her best shot and lets face it a tight leather costume is no match for a lightning bolt!

Another offspring, this time of the Black Canary, Dinah Redmond completes up the team. She's inherited her mother 's telepathic abilities, particularly telekinesis, which means she can throw you across the room simply by waving her hand! Rachel Skarsten plays the character

 

 

Ashley scott Helena Kyle Birds of Prey0

Ashley Scott as Helena Kyle in Birds of Prey (2000)

dina_meyer_batgirl

Dina Meyer as Batgirl in Birds of Prey (2000)

Rachel Skarsten Black Canary Birds of Prey

Rachel Skarsten as Black Canary in Birds of Prey (2000)

Firefly (2002-2003)

Now I will be honest and say that I missed this series, but I am, in the sole interest of research (honest) watching it through from the start. I haven't seen a lot of it, so I'll just update this page when I've seen it....

Morena Inara Serra Baccarin Firefly

Morena Inara as Serra Baccarin in Firefly (2002-2003)

Summer Glau River Tam Firefly

Summer Glau as River Tam in Firefly (2002-2003)

Mutant X (2001-2004)

Shalimar Fox, as the name implies has the abilities of a "feline feral". Well actually more cat-like than fox-like I guess, but don't tell the makers of the show, will you? Victoria Pratt makes a welcome return to our screens to portray the character.

Victoria Pratt Shalimar Fox Mutant X

Victoria Pratt as Shalimar Fox in Mutant X (2001-2004)

Karen Cliche Lexa Pierce Mutant X

Karen Cliche as Lexa Pierce in Mutant X (2001-2004)

Stargate Atlantis (2004-2009)

I suppose Teyla makes it into the collection, just. Born Rachel Zawadi Luttrell, this Tanzanian-born actress is certainly a looker, but is starting to show her age (sorry, but its true).

Rachel Zawadi Luttrell Teyla Stargate Atlantis

Rachel Zawadi as Luttrell Teyla in Stargate Atlantis (2004-2009)

V (2009-2011)

I've tried to watch this as I enjoyed the original so much, but found it to be disappointing. The only babe I have seen is the Visitor Lisa, played by the very pretty Laura Vandervoort. I'll catch up with it sometime and update this section, as I'm sure I'm not doing it justice..By the way, Laura also played in Mutant X and Smallville (see below)

Laura Vandervoort Lisa V

Laura Vandervoort as Lisa in V (2009-2011)

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008-2009)

Still to watch through...

Summer Glau Cameron Phillips Terminator The Sarah Connor Chronicles

Summer Glau as Cameron Phillips in Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008-2009)

Lena Heady Sarah Connor Terminator  The Sarah Connor Chronicles

Lena Heady as Sarah Connor in Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008-2009)

Sanctuary (2008-2011)

Amanda May Mermaid Sanctuary

Amanda May as Mermaid in Sanctuary (2008-20011)

Emilie Ullerup Ashley Magnus Sanctuary

Emilie Ullerup as Ashley Magnus in Sanctuary (2008-2011)

Sahar Biniaz Kali Sanctuary

Sahar Biniaz as Kali in Sanctuary (2008-2011)

Agam Darshi Kate Freelander Sanctuary

Agam Darshi as Kate Freelander in Sanctuary (2008-2011)

Heroes (2006-2010)

Hayden Panettiere Claire Bennett  Heroes

Hayden Panettiere as Claire Bennett in Heroes (2006-2010)

Ali Larter Nikki Sanders Heroes

Ali Larter as Nikki Sanders in Heroes (2006-2010)

Dawn Olivieri Lydia Heroes

Dawn Olivieri as Lydia in Heroes (2006-2010)

Red Dwarf (2009)

Sophie Winkleman Katerina BartiKovsky Red Dwarf

Sophie Winkleman as Katerina BartiKovsky in Red Dwarf (2009)

Doll House (2009-2010)

Eliza Dushku Echo Dollhouse 2009

Eliza Dushku as Echo in Dollhouse (2009-2010)

Smallville (2001-2011)

Erica Durance Lois Lane Smallville

Erica Durance as Lois Lane in Smallville (2001-2011)

Laura_Vandervoort_Supergirl_Smallville

Laura Vandervoort as Supergirl in Smallville (2001-2011)

ImageThe 2000s

It has been described as a decade of disruption, with long wars in Afghanistan and the Middle East after terrorists bombed the world trade centre in the USA. Hurricanes, tsunamis and earthquakes brought even more misery and devastation around the globe. Then if that wasn't enough, we had a  world financial crisis that caused  world-wide recession and austerity. But it was also the decade of innovation, with the release of Apple's ipod and netflix started streaming. Twelve countries adopted the euro as their only (and new) currency and Facebook was launched. The 2000s spawned some of the biggest film franchises in the sci-fi genre that continue to date,  and Doctor Who returned to our screens after an absence of 25 years.