DemonGate — 19 years ago(December 11, 2006 03:30 AM)

Here's the skinny on Tibor's little low budget gem from 1987:
THE GATE (1987)
TAGLINE: Pray it's not too late!
GENRE: Horror/ Supernatural thriller
STARRING: Stephen Dorff, Louis Tripp, Christa Denton, Kelly Rowan, Jennifer Irwin, Scot Denton, Deborah Grover, Sean Fagan, Ingrid Veninger, Linda Goranson, Andrew Gunn and Carl Kraines
MUSIC: J. Peter Robinson and Michael Hoenig
PRODUCERS: John Kemeny and Andras Hamori
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: John Kemeny
DIRECTOR: Tibor Takacs
RATED: PG-13
SYNOPSIS: Three young children (Dorff, Tripp, Denton) accidentally release a horde of nasty1c84, pint-sized demons from a hole in a suburban backyard. What follows is a classic battle between good and evil as the three kids struggle to overcome the hell that is now literally taking over the Earth.
DVD AVAILABLE: Yes
EXTRAS: (On German DVD release) Stephen Dorff and Kelly Rowan bios. Theatrical trailer. Animated menus. Picture disc.
CD SOUNDTRACK: No
PD's REVIEW: Oh, manI had almost forgotten about this filmit's been so long since I've seen it (it's gotta be well over 18 years by now.) The Gate is what 80's 'B' grade horror is all aboutheroic kids in way over their heads and going toe to toe with apocalyptic evil. It's so horror nostalgic it brings a tear of joy to my eye. Thankfullythe Gate's worthless first half is somewhat redeemed by some very impressive special effects in the second half and a terrific sense of atmosphere endures throughout. An old film to be sure (circa 1987) but it still holds up well and is worth a look. Of passing interest as Stephen Dorff's first film but one of the better creature features of the 1980's. The element that made this particular movie great was it's emphasis on subtle creepiness rather that just straight out shocks and goreand whilst some of the acting, clothes and hairdos leave a lot to be desired (heywe're talkin' the 80's here kids) it's so much darn FUN to watcheven today. Now don't get me wrongthis film is as cheezy as they come and all you 'Freddy vs. Jason' fed youngsters out there will probably think that it's lamebut for us gen 'X'ers this is cult- classic gold.
And, manwas Glen's sister HOT or WHAT?! Raaghrr!
RATING: *** out of *****
"They caught me when I tried to cash the giant cheque!" - John (Let's go to Prison)