Stargate (1994) Review

Stargate (1994)

Movie Review by Debbie Winkler

Starring: Kurt Russell, James Spader, Alexis Cruz, Mili Avital, Djimon Hounsou
Director: Roland Emmerich
Series: Stargate is the original movie that launched all the TV-series spin offs (including Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, and Stargate Universe)
Release Date: 28 October 1994
Language: English
Length: 121 minutes
Movie Rating: PG-13
View Format: DVD
My Rating:

Synopsis:

“Dr. Daniel Jackson (James Spader), a scholar of ancient hieroglyphics, signs on to help the Air Force (led by Kurt Russell) unlock the mystery of a stone archway that’s really a portal to another universe. There, they encounter a culture of friendly primitives and some not-so-nice dog-headed beasties armed with lasers. The Ultimate Edition of this visually creative space adventure offers a remastered director’s cut, audio commentary and a featurette.” — Netflix.com

Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing this movie again. I remembered the basic plot from the first time I saw this movie years ago, but, now that I have been watching Stargate Atlantis, and Stargate Universe, I decided that I would like to see the original movie again to see what, if any, links there are between them. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the TV series have kept as much of the original Stargate look as possible. This includes the Stargate itself and the retrofitted nuclear-missile silo that houses the original Stargate. I must say that this movie still looks relatively modern and up-to-date. This is helped by most of the actors playing fashion-unaware scientists and uniform-clad military men. It is also helped by the fact that the special effects are really good! The trip through the Stargate and the spaceship contain most of the special effects scenes and they still look really cool! I was totally into it and really believed that this could happen.

I thoroughly enjoyed this plot. I love Egyptian culture and history so I really enjoy watching movies that include these as well (Mummy anyone?). I think that I identified with James Spader’s character more than anyone, as he was so excited to be in an ancient-Egypt-like culture that he had a hard time remembering that they were there on a mission! So, because of these details, I found the setting fascinating and probably enjoyed this movie quite a bit more than I ordinarily would. I really loved the bad guys, who took on the persona of the Egyptian gods, complete with falcon and dog heads (Horus & Anubis). I also liked the lead bad guy because, while he looked like a human, he really had no human characteristics and felt nothing for anyone around him. I cannot imagine being the last survivor of a race of intelligent beings and so I am not sure what I would have done in his place, but I am sure that he saw humans as little more than beasts of burden like we see our animal pets today.

So, really, this movie is not a great film. The acting is not high quality and the story is probably not that original, but I just like it. I can’t really tell you why other than the fact that it captured my attention and gave me material for some great fantasies where I was able to ask myself, “what if?” and put myself in their shoes. I think that this movie has a kind of timeless quality among science-fiction lovers and will be enjoyed for years to come. If you enjoy science fiction or sci-fi action movies, then I highly recommend you take the time to rent this one -- especially if you are watching any of the TV shows!

Content:

This movie contains stylized science-fiction violence, including fighting, battle sequences and death. There are scenes with aliens, smoking, and some sensuality (though this is more hinted at than shown). Kurt Russell’s character has a child who accidentally shot himself and this is not shown, but is discussed throughout the film. Appropriate for viewers ages 13 and up.

Other Recommendations :

1. Swan Princess (1994) Review
2. Thumbelina (1994) Movie Review
3. Yogi the Easter Bear (1994) Review
4. A Flintstones Christmas Carol (1994) Review
5. Scooby-Doo in Arabian Nights (1994) Review