Review of Stargate (1994) by Bryan Patrick S — 10 Nov 2012

Stargate is a perplexing, fun adventure.

I'll start with the negatives. Stargate has undeveloped characters and acting that only reaches about half the level it should. It focuses around James Spader who is good at times but doesen't lead the story with perfection. It also didn't give much time or many moments to Kurt Russell who ends up becoming a Background figure for most of the film, despite good moments. Also, Jaye Davidson is set up as a massive villain but doesen't get to act due to the costume and changed voice overshadowing the character.

The pacing is irregular and the action could have been better. Also, there's an extended period in which we learn of the planet beyond the Stargate where the characters don't understand each other at all and it drags on for a while.

That being said, Stargate was fun to watch.

It was set up with excellent art direction and costumes which created a great atmosphere,.

It also consisted of terrific visual effects, creative cinematography and an astounding musical score. It was also shot in a beautiful location and set the film up very nicely.

Also, the action is half-decent and is never used too excessively or reliant on gore.

Stargate explores good themes without ever be oping cheesy or campy and there's even an occasional laugh in there.

Stargate is a very fun movie and is excellently made. It's a movie I would have loved even more as a kid. In certain ways, it reminds me of some of the Star Wars movies and so it pleased that part of me that was still a kid. I was constantly smiling watching Stargate, so all in all I was very pleased with this movie.