Post by phantomdroid on May 15, 2006 13:39:47 GMT 10
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 nasty, 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 a nightmarish hell that is literally taking over the Earth.
DVD AVAILABLE: Yes
EXTRAS: Stephen Dorff/ Kelly Rowan bios. Theatrical trailer (Bios on German DVD release only.)
OTHER DVD INFO: Trailer also included on Australian Region 4 version, however movie transfer itself is poor quality. U.S. and U.K. versions are good quality but have no special features.
CD SOUNDTRACK: Yes (See the update entry in 'The Gate Trivia' section for soundtrack details.)
PP's REVIEW: Oh, man...I'd almost forgotten about this film...it's been so long since I've seen it (it's gotta be well over 20 years by now.) The Gate is what 80's 'B' grade horror is all about...heroic 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. Thankfully...the Gate's mediocre plot is fully redeemed by some very impressive visual effects and a terrific sense of atmosphere endures throughout. It's an old film to be sure (circa 1987) but it still holds up well and is worth checking out. Of major interest is the fact that this is actor Stephen Dorff's first film and also one of the better creature features of the 1980's...but the thing that made this particular movie great was it's emphasis on subtle creepiness rather than just straight out shocks and gore...and whilst some of the acting, clothes and hairdos leave a lot to be desired (hey...we're talkin' the 80's here kids) it's so much darn FUN to watch...even today. Now don't get me wrong...this film is as cheezy as they come and all you 'Hostel' and 'Saw' franchise fed teenagers out there will probably think that it's lame...but for us generation 'X' folk (30 years and over) this is pure cult- classic gold.
And, man...was Glen's sister Alexandra HOT or WHAT?! Rawr!
RATING: ***** out of *****
DVD COVER:
Open the Gate and your spine-tingling nightmare begins. Close it if they'll let you!
TRAILER: The Gate <- Click on Link
THE GATE TRIVIA: Actor Stephen Dorff (Glen) went on to become a major Hollywood star. He has appeared in such films as, "The Power of One','Backbeat','Judgment Night','Blade','Cold Creek Manor','Alone in the Dark' and director Oliver Stone's 'World Trade Center'. As well as numerous guest apperances on TV...he has even appeared in a Britney Spears music video ('Everytime') in which he played an abusive boyfriend. The Gate was his first major film.
Actor Louis Tripp (Terry) studied theater and dramatic arts with Ray Wickens at St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. Afterwards he appeared in many commercials and children's programs on Canadian television before finally landing the role of Terry Chandler in 'The Gate'. After the surprise success of 'The Gate' Louis returned for the sequel 'Gate 2: Return to the Nightmare' (aka 'Gate 2: Trespassers') which was filmed in 1989 but, due to a distribution problem, remained unreleased until 1992. Louis was also credited as 'The Nerdy Kid' in the rock n' roll road movie 'Detroit Rock City' (1999.) Sadly, it appears that Louis has now faded into obscurity.
Actor Christa Denton (Alexandra) has appeared in several made for TV movies, TV series and even a few Hollywood films (see her filmography in the actors section of the forum.) For her role in 'The Gate' Christa won the award for best young actress in a horror motion picture at the ninth annual Youth in Film Awards (1986-87.) It was her second win (she had previously won in the exceptional performance by a young actress in a television special or mini-series category at the seventh annual YFA's in 1984-85 for the CBS Network's 'Not my Kid.') With two awards under her belt, it seemed that this child star was set to rise, sadly however, she performed only a few minor roles on television and in film before disappearing from the entertainment industry completely. Her current projects and status as an actor are unknown.
'The Gate' was made for less than $3 million but went on to become a surprise cult hit...raking in over $14 million at the Canadian box office.
Actor Carl Kraines (who played the 'Zombie Workman') was also the dialogue coach for the child actors who appeared in 'The Gate'. He provided the voice heard on the record that Louis Tripp's character 'Terry' plays backwards and also played the part of 'possessed Terry' in the sequel 'Gate 2: Return to the Nightmare' (aka 'Gate 2: Tresspassers')
So far there are no definite plans to film a third movie...but in a recent online interview, 'The Gate' director Tibor Takacs did state that he would love to helm a new installment for the franchise.
Sadly, actor Sean Fagan (who portrayed Eric in the movie) passed away in October 2006 from liver failure. He was only 40 years old.
RIP, Sean.
UPDATE: Apparently, Louis Tripp wanted to distance himself from showbusiness so badly that he recently changed his name (legally) to 'Twelve Twenty'. ('L' is the 12th letter of the alphabet and 'T' is the 20th...you get the idea.) He lived in St Catherines, Ontario, Canada for many years but has now moved away to another province.
UPDATE: I've just recently learned that there actually IS a soundtrack to 'The Gate'. It is an extremely rare 44 track synthesizer score by film composer J. Peter Robinson and is usually only avaliable at conventions. However, try looking at such sites as Buysoundtrax.com or Monstersinmotion.com for a good quality copy. If you are a true fan of this movie, you simply must have this highly enjoyable and brilliantly nostalgic CD.
UPDATE: DarkHorizons.com has reported that special effects guru Randall William Cook ('The Gate', 'Gate II', 'King Kong', 'The Lord of the Rings' Trilogy) is all set to direct a 3D remake of 'The Gate'. No word yet on who will be penning the film or what studio will be releasing it. I'll bring you all more news as it becomes avaliable! Here's the report...
Cook helming "The Gate" remake by Dark Horizons
And here's the original JoBlo article...
The Gate Remake? at JoBlo.com
UPDATE: This just in from Cannes. H20 Motion Pictures (Gate producer Andras Hamori's company) have officially greenlit a third Gate film. The new installment will be produced under the title 'The Gate: 20 Years Later'. As mentioned above, Oscar winning FX master Randall William Cook will helm the project (his directorial debut) which, as you might guess, takes place two decades after the original film (I think it's safe to assume that it will ignore the inferior sequel 'Gate II: Trespassers' aka 'Gate II: Return to the Nightmare'.) Will Stephen Dorff, Louis Tripp and Christa Denton be back to battle the pint-sized demonic Minions once again? Well, I certainly hope so! Lol!
;D
UPDATE: Randall William Cook has left the new Gate sequel project. Here's the unfortunate news from iconsoffright.com:
"Randy Cook was present for a recent Fright Night commentary session for ICONS OF FRIGHT, which took place prior to the Fright Night reunion screening at the Nuart Theater and admitted to ICONS staffer Tim Sullivan that The Gate sequel wasn't happening anymore. At least not with his involvement. Apparently, the "script was terrible" and the producers putting the project together wouldn't give Cook the opportunity to work on it further to get it more to his liking. Looks like we'll just have to break out the original movie if we want our Gate fix."
UPDATE: Several months ago, WETA FX guru Randall William Cook let the word out that he was no longer attached to direct the new film 'The Gate: 20 Years Later'. Since then a frustrating uncertainty has surrounded the production. The project was reported to be at first a 3D remake, then a regular 2D sequel and then finally was relegated to production limbo seemingly for good...that is, until a post on ProductionWeekly.com fired things up again. The publication says that actor/ director Alex Winter is now attached to direct. While most genre fans may recognize Winter's work in front of the camera in such films as 'The Lost Boys', 'Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure' and 'Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey'...the former actor eventually made the segue into directing with his weird-fest debut 'Freaked' and later followed it up with the highly underrated 'Fever' starring 'E.T.'s' Henry Thomas. Most recently, Winter directed several episodes of the Cartoon Network's 'Ben 10' animated series as well as it's live-action counterpart 'Race Against Time!'
Hmmmm. Sounds interesting...although, unfortunately, the new information cannot be substantiated at this time. Stay tuned Gate fans...I'll see what else I can dig up.
UPDATE: The IMDb (Internet Movie Database) has a new movie board for The Gate remake up and running. You can view it here...
The Gate (2010) <-- Click on link
Enjoy!
HOT NEWS - Lionsgate has just announced that they will be releasing a Special Edition DVD of The Gate. The DVD will feature an anamorphic widescreen transfer of the film, complete with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. The release will also include a commentary track by director Tibor Takács as well as interviews with cast and crew members. You will also find a photo gallery on the disc and the movie’s theatrical trailer.
“The Gate: Monstrous Special Edition” will arrive in stores on October 6th 2009 for $19.98 USD. Sadly, no Blu-Ray Disc version of the title has been announced.
This is EPIC news!!! Finally The Gate gets the Special Edition DVD treatment it so richly deserves. I cannot wait to buy this!
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 nasty, 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 a nightmarish hell that is literally taking over the Earth.
DVD AVAILABLE: Yes
EXTRAS: Stephen Dorff/ Kelly Rowan bios. Theatrical trailer (Bios on German DVD release only.)
OTHER DVD INFO: Trailer also included on Australian Region 4 version, however movie transfer itself is poor quality. U.S. and U.K. versions are good quality but have no special features.
CD SOUNDTRACK: Yes (See the update entry in 'The Gate Trivia' section for soundtrack details.)
PP's REVIEW: Oh, man...I'd almost forgotten about this film...it's been so long since I've seen it (it's gotta be well over 20 years by now.) The Gate is what 80's 'B' grade horror is all about...heroic 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. Thankfully...the Gate's mediocre plot is fully redeemed by some very impressive visual effects and a terrific sense of atmosphere endures throughout. It's an old film to be sure (circa 1987) but it still holds up well and is worth checking out. Of major interest is the fact that this is actor Stephen Dorff's first film and also one of the better creature features of the 1980's...but the thing that made this particular movie great was it's emphasis on subtle creepiness rather than just straight out shocks and gore...and whilst some of the acting, clothes and hairdos leave a lot to be desired (hey...we're talkin' the 80's here kids) it's so much darn FUN to watch...even today. Now don't get me wrong...this film is as cheezy as they come and all you 'Hostel' and 'Saw' franchise fed teenagers out there will probably think that it's lame...but for us generation 'X' folk (30 years and over) this is pure cult- classic gold.
And, man...was Glen's sister Alexandra HOT or WHAT?! Rawr!
RATING: ***** out of *****
DVD COVER:
Open the Gate and your spine-tingling nightmare begins. Close it if they'll let you!
TRAILER: The Gate <- Click on Link
THE GATE TRIVIA: Actor Stephen Dorff (Glen) went on to become a major Hollywood star. He has appeared in such films as, "The Power of One','Backbeat','Judgment Night','Blade','Cold Creek Manor','Alone in the Dark' and director Oliver Stone's 'World Trade Center'. As well as numerous guest apperances on TV...he has even appeared in a Britney Spears music video ('Everytime') in which he played an abusive boyfriend. The Gate was his first major film.
Actor Louis Tripp (Terry) studied theater and dramatic arts with Ray Wickens at St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. Afterwards he appeared in many commercials and children's programs on Canadian television before finally landing the role of Terry Chandler in 'The Gate'. After the surprise success of 'The Gate' Louis returned for the sequel 'Gate 2: Return to the Nightmare' (aka 'Gate 2: Trespassers') which was filmed in 1989 but, due to a distribution problem, remained unreleased until 1992. Louis was also credited as 'The Nerdy Kid' in the rock n' roll road movie 'Detroit Rock City' (1999.) Sadly, it appears that Louis has now faded into obscurity.
Actor Christa Denton (Alexandra) has appeared in several made for TV movies, TV series and even a few Hollywood films (see her filmography in the actors section of the forum.) For her role in 'The Gate' Christa won the award for best young actress in a horror motion picture at the ninth annual Youth in Film Awards (1986-87.) It was her second win (she had previously won in the exceptional performance by a young actress in a television special or mini-series category at the seventh annual YFA's in 1984-85 for the CBS Network's 'Not my Kid.') With two awards under her belt, it seemed that this child star was set to rise, sadly however, she performed only a few minor roles on television and in film before disappearing from the entertainment industry completely. Her current projects and status as an actor are unknown.
'The Gate' was made for less than $3 million but went on to become a surprise cult hit...raking in over $14 million at the Canadian box office.
Actor Carl Kraines (who played the 'Zombie Workman') was also the dialogue coach for the child actors who appeared in 'The Gate'. He provided the voice heard on the record that Louis Tripp's character 'Terry' plays backwards and also played the part of 'possessed Terry' in the sequel 'Gate 2: Return to the Nightmare' (aka 'Gate 2: Tresspassers')
So far there are no definite plans to film a third movie...but in a recent online interview, 'The Gate' director Tibor Takacs did state that he would love to helm a new installment for the franchise.
Sadly, actor Sean Fagan (who portrayed Eric in the movie) passed away in October 2006 from liver failure. He was only 40 years old.
RIP, Sean.
UPDATE: Apparently, Louis Tripp wanted to distance himself from showbusiness so badly that he recently changed his name (legally) to 'Twelve Twenty'. ('L' is the 12th letter of the alphabet and 'T' is the 20th...you get the idea.) He lived in St Catherines, Ontario, Canada for many years but has now moved away to another province.
UPDATE: I've just recently learned that there actually IS a soundtrack to 'The Gate'. It is an extremely rare 44 track synthesizer score by film composer J. Peter Robinson and is usually only avaliable at conventions. However, try looking at such sites as Buysoundtrax.com or Monstersinmotion.com for a good quality copy. If you are a true fan of this movie, you simply must have this highly enjoyable and brilliantly nostalgic CD.
UPDATE: DarkHorizons.com has reported that special effects guru Randall William Cook ('The Gate', 'Gate II', 'King Kong', 'The Lord of the Rings' Trilogy) is all set to direct a 3D remake of 'The Gate'. No word yet on who will be penning the film or what studio will be releasing it. I'll bring you all more news as it becomes avaliable! Here's the report...
Cook helming "The Gate" remake by Dark Horizons
And here's the original JoBlo article...
The Gate Remake? at JoBlo.com
UPDATE: This just in from Cannes. H20 Motion Pictures (Gate producer Andras Hamori's company) have officially greenlit a third Gate film. The new installment will be produced under the title 'The Gate: 20 Years Later'. As mentioned above, Oscar winning FX master Randall William Cook will helm the project (his directorial debut) which, as you might guess, takes place two decades after the original film (I think it's safe to assume that it will ignore the inferior sequel 'Gate II: Trespassers' aka 'Gate II: Return to the Nightmare'.) Will Stephen Dorff, Louis Tripp and Christa Denton be back to battle the pint-sized demonic Minions once again? Well, I certainly hope so! Lol!
;D
UPDATE: Randall William Cook has left the new Gate sequel project. Here's the unfortunate news from iconsoffright.com:
"Randy Cook was present for a recent Fright Night commentary session for ICONS OF FRIGHT, which took place prior to the Fright Night reunion screening at the Nuart Theater and admitted to ICONS staffer Tim Sullivan that The Gate sequel wasn't happening anymore. At least not with his involvement. Apparently, the "script was terrible" and the producers putting the project together wouldn't give Cook the opportunity to work on it further to get it more to his liking. Looks like we'll just have to break out the original movie if we want our Gate fix."
UPDATE: Several months ago, WETA FX guru Randall William Cook let the word out that he was no longer attached to direct the new film 'The Gate: 20 Years Later'. Since then a frustrating uncertainty has surrounded the production. The project was reported to be at first a 3D remake, then a regular 2D sequel and then finally was relegated to production limbo seemingly for good...that is, until a post on ProductionWeekly.com fired things up again. The publication says that actor/ director Alex Winter is now attached to direct. While most genre fans may recognize Winter's work in front of the camera in such films as 'The Lost Boys', 'Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure' and 'Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey'...the former actor eventually made the segue into directing with his weird-fest debut 'Freaked' and later followed it up with the highly underrated 'Fever' starring 'E.T.'s' Henry Thomas. Most recently, Winter directed several episodes of the Cartoon Network's 'Ben 10' animated series as well as it's live-action counterpart 'Race Against Time!'
Hmmmm. Sounds interesting...although, unfortunately, the new information cannot be substantiated at this time. Stay tuned Gate fans...I'll see what else I can dig up.
UPDATE: The IMDb (Internet Movie Database) has a new movie board for The Gate remake up and running. You can view it here...
The Gate (2010) <-- Click on link
Enjoy!
HOT NEWS - Lionsgate has just announced that they will be releasing a Special Edition DVD of The Gate. The DVD will feature an anamorphic widescreen transfer of the film, complete with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. The release will also include a commentary track by director Tibor Takács as well as interviews with cast and crew members. You will also find a photo gallery on the disc and the movie’s theatrical trailer.
“The Gate: Monstrous Special Edition” will arrive in stores on October 6th 2009 for $19.98 USD. Sadly, no Blu-Ray Disc version of the title has been announced.
This is EPIC news!!! Finally The Gate gets the Special Edition DVD treatment it so richly deserves. I cannot wait to buy this!