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Director: Roland Emmerich
Starring: James Spader, Kurt Russell, Alexis Cruz, Mili Avital, John Diehl, Carlos Lauchu, Djimon Hounsou, Jaye Davidson
Director Roland Emmerich made this underrated sci-fi classic from a script he wrote with Dean Devlin. The effects are good for the time, but unlike Emmerich’s work since, they enhance the film, rather than overpowering it, as they do in his Independence Day and The Day After Tomorrow, projects. The refreshing story bogs down in some slow spots, but is wonderfully imaginative and fun to watch and has spawned not one, but two television series. Spader and Russell are superb in the lead roles of men with wholly different values and styles, who are drawn into conflict.
Stargate opens up with a the 1920’s discovery of a large arch shaped object during an archeological expedition in Egypt. It is kept secret by the military who are unable to completely decipher its strange markings over the next 70 years, until they bring in an academically gifted but critically dismissed whiz kid in the form of Dr. Daniel Jackson, played by James Spader. He manages to unlock the secret of the arch (it would be a pretty short movie if he didn’t) and is soon accompanying a small military unit lead by Col. O’Neil (Kurt Russell) through the stargate to what appears to be another planet, inhabited by…..humans? The newly discovered civilization resembles that of ancient Egypt, but there are a few differences… Look for a very cool supporting role by Jaye Davidson (The Crying Game surprise).
This film seems to draw a “love it or hate it” response from viewers. I love it. Stargate is first and foremost, a very good story, that will appeal to science fiction fans and those interested in Ancient Egypt, and alternative history works. The script is well-written and well performed, and, in contrast to most features of this genre, is surprisingly understated. It doesn’t tell you too much and doesn’t go too far. If you have missed it and don’t think every science fiction film should be taken up in the next shuttle launch and jettisoned into space to free us from them and their nerdy fans forever, then this is a pleasant way to spend an evening.
