In the FILMSTARTS review it once only received one out of five stars, but at the same time it also has a large fan base: Is “Stargate” a hit or a flop? You can find out exactly that tonight – now available on Amazon Prime Video.
Over the years, individual FILMSTARTS reviews have repeatedly caused quite a stir. Four stars for “Jack and Jill”? Absolutely ridiculous, many said! 2 stars for “Joker”? A farce, some think! But it is precisely the very different opinions that make the cinema experience (or the discussions afterwards) so exciting in the end. One of our most controversial reviews is undoubtedly the review of “Stargate” by disaster film pope Roland Emmerich (“Independence Day”, “Moonfall”).
“Stargate” is now available in the flat rate program of Amazon Prime Video:
“Stargate” on Amazon Prime Video*
To be honest, we ourselves don’t really know whether we should recommend the film to you or advise against it. Opinions on the star-studded 90s blockbuster, celebrated by many genre fans, are particularly divided, even within our editorial team.
Anyone who wants to see the film not only in the classic cinema version but also as a director’s cut can now get both versions in a double pack for home cinema. After PLAION PICTURES has already given the film one or two collector’s editions in the past, which are now sold out, “Stargate” celebrated its home cinema comeback in 2023 in a stylish media book edition on Blu-ray.
“Stargate” Limited Edition bei Amazon*
“Stargate”: nonsense with cult factor
The story of Egyptologist Dr. Daniel Jackson (James Spader), who opens the door to an alien world while examining a mysterious artifact, was not only a financial hit at the box office in 1995, but was also well received by audiences – so well, in fact, that it gave rise to an entire universe that today consists of several films and TV series.
The cult status of the sci-fi blockbuster can hardly be taken away from it. But does that automatically make it a good film? No. At least not according to our author Ulrich Behrens, who hardly had a good word to say about the film in the official FILMSTARTS review of “Stargate”.
The film, which features a well-known cast including Kurt Russell (“Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2”) and Djimon Hounsou (“Gladiator”), has “pretty nice images” to offer, but even these cannot hide the fact that “Stargate” “lacks logic and credibility” from start to finish. Russell, Spader and co. are clearly trying to get the best out of the idiotic script, but given the completely far-fetched story, they cannot save much.
But is “Stargate” actually so miserable? Or has the sci-fi blockbuster earned its cult status, perhaps even gained it over time? Now you can see for yourself. A truly excellent sci-fi film from 2023 recently found its way to Netflix:
This film made Oscar and cinema history in 2023: Now you can stream the sci-fi war blockbuster on Netflix
*The links to the Amazon offer are so-called affiliate links. If you make a purchase via these links, we receive a commission. This has no effect on the price.
This is an updated re-publication of an article that previously appeared on FILMSTARTS.
