STARGATE

 Directed by Roland Emmerich, and written by Emmerich and Dean Devlin. Devlin co-wrote Universal Soldier and Geostorm (and directed Geostorm). The writing team of Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin were also responsible for Independence Day and Godzilla. Needless to say the screenplay here is not good. Thinly written/developed characters, numerous plot conveniences (For example: During a good deal of the first act James Spader’s Daniel Jackson will walk into rooms and immediately know the answers to decades long problems/mysteries with disgustingly little effort), and weak dialogue. 

Not a fan of the Arabic-coded natives, either. Feels a bit problematic. Regardless, there is potential here. Stargate has a very silly but cool story involving the creator/s of the human race, Egyptian Gods, aliens, slavery (yes, really), and inter-galactic travel. Most of the flick utilizes practical effects and sets, which are all top-notch. This wasn’t rare back then, but it sure is now.

Props to the production design by Holger Gross, who does a stand-out job. His work is a definite bright spot. James Spader and Kurt Russell fit their respective roles well (and honestly, who doesn’t enjoy watching Kurt Russell tussle with some Egyptian gods). It’s a shame that both are given relatively little to work with. Richard Kind and French Stewart get supporting roles, and it’s shocking to see them here (and in mostly serious roles too. Both aren’t good.).

Stargate is another one of those films best enjoyed with your brain in the off position. It should be exciting, but is more often bland. There’s some mild fun to be had with Stargate, but the bad pieces weigh down the good that’s here. Despite some bumps, Stargate does not rank as one of Roland Emmerich’s worst (it’s fine), but still falls far from greatness. Let’s make the jump to a better film.

2.5 STARS