STARGATE
A film review by Ben Hoffman
Copyright 1994 Ben Hoffman
The idea that ancient civilizations were visited by Beings from another planet has long been a source of mystery and wonderment for us on Earth. Could they have made the pyramids? Could they be responsible for the tremendously heavy statues on Easter Island? Director Roland Emmerich and co-writer Dean Devlin, have made an entertaining film that approaches the subject of inter-planetary visitors not from the standpoint of "could they have " but rather "what if they really did come here?"
"StarGate" refers to the entrance-way from one world or galaxy into another. When an ancient artifact is discovered near the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt that could lead to our learning the origin of our civilization, both the military and civilian authorities show great interest.
Representing the military is Colonel Jack O'Neil (Kurt Russell), the hard-nosed investigator of the artifact. Representing a different viewpoint (openness rather than secrecy) is Daniel Jackson (James Spader), a brilliant Egyptologist. Along with a small group of men they embark on the journey to the "other side" of the Universe. It seems that going through the StarGate scrambles the molecules of their being and are re-assembled when they reach their destination.
What they find when they arrive and what they learn of the people and their origin is a fascinating story. Their fight for life against the ruler, Ra (Jaye Davidson), and even a love interest in the "other" world, the beautiful Sha'uri (Mili Avital) makes for exciting science fiction; if that is a genre that turns you on, go for it.
2.5 bytes 4 Bytes = Absolutely must see. 3 Bytes = Too good to be missed. 2 Bytes = So so. 1 Byte = Save your money.
Ben Hoffman
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