Stargate is a clever adventure that should find its audience.
70
The Hollywood Reporter
The Hollywood Reporter
Stargate is a blast from the past in many ways, but it imaginatively employs the latest special effects technology to give audiences new thrills. [24 Oct 1994]
Stargate is peppered with numerous minor faults, some of which - although not all - are easily forgiven. It's the bigger plot problems and lackluster climax which are more difficult to excuse.
50
Austin Chronicle
Austin Chronicle
Roland Emmerich hasn't bettered us as a culture with Stargate, but he hasn't corrupted us, either.
50
Washington PostHal Hinson
Washington PostHal Hinson
By the end, the film’s early promise has pretty much degenerated into routine pyrotechnics.
50
Entertainment WeeklyOwen Gleiberman
Entertainment WeeklyOwen Gleiberman
The film has flashes of psychedelic visual energy, but its story is limp.
Without Davidson Stargate might seem clunky and routine, but he gives it a weirdo charge. It may be a lousy movie, but it's a more enjoyably lousy movie than most.
50
Chicago Tribune
Chicago Tribune
The arrival of Ra (Jaye Davidson), bearing sci-fi cliches, changes Stargate from a merely hokey movie to one that is truly ridiculous.
25
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
Stargate is like a film school exercise. Assignment: Conceive of the weirdest plot you can think of, and reduce it as quickly as possible to action movie cliches.
What this juvenile adventure has in spades is special effects and picturesque locations. What it lacks is an emotional link to make the Saturday afternoon he-man posturing palatable, or at least bearable.