THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, November 4, 1994 TAG: 9411040069
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E11 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY BRENT A. BOWLES, TEENOLOGY MOVIE CRITIC
LENGTH: Medium: 60 lines
WHO BUILT THE Egyptian pyramids and when did they do it? That's the question puzzling Daniel Jackson, a scientist played by James Spader, who discovers the key to another world and our own history in the science-fiction spectacular ``Stargate.''
MGM's big-budget risk is directed by Roland Emmerich in an epic grandeur that hasn't been attempted since David Lynch's horrid adaptation of ``Dune'' in 1984. Based on a story by Emmerich and Dean Devlin, ``Stargate'' is flashy, stylish sci-fi with a quality look that is rare these days.
The film begins in 1928 in Egypt as archaeologists uncover a mysterious circular object buried beneath the dunes. Years later, the Army has it under close scrutiny, unable to decipher the Egyptian markings covering its surface. Jackson arrives and uncovers the secret of the stargate.
Spader, who was thoroughly unappealing earlier this year in ``Wolf,'' is a hoot as the allergy-prone hieroglyphic expert who becomes emissary to the mysterious life forms on the other side of the stargate. His expertise uncovers the real story of the inhabitants of the planet Abydos.
The story's connections and speculations about Egyptian history are fairly clever and will doubtlessly interest archaeology and language buffs. Sci-fi fans should be pleased with the out-of-this-world size of the picture, something that hasn't been seen in sci-fi for years. Emmerich and Devlin's screenplay is not flawless but is surprisingly smart. This is the thinking person's sci-fi flick, but there is enough spectacle and action to satisfy those out for a good time.
Kurt Russell is rather bland as the hard-nosed soldier who leads the expedition through the stargate. His enemy is Ra, the menacing leader of Abydos, played unmenacingly by Jaye Davidson, who made waves with his Oscar-nominated role in the highly overrated ``The Crying Game.'' If not for his super-stereo voice, Ra would be laughingly stupid. He just prances around in costumes that would have made Cecil B. De Mille rave.
The most refreshing thing about ``Stargate'' is its exceptional look. With a budget of nearly $70 million (seven of that for Russell's salary), Emmerich's lavish production features stunning locations and 1,800 extras. Filmed for the most part in the area of Yuma, Ariz., the film features magnificent sets constructed both indoors and outdoors. ``Stargate'' makes use of the desert like no other film has since ``Lawrence of Arabia.'' And David Arnold's rich music score uses a large orchestra and choir, with creepy chanting and huge, almost biblical themes.
With the upcoming ``Star Trek: Generations'' sci-fi buffs are going to have a field day this fall. But you don't have to be spaced out to like ``Stargate.'' There's razzle-dazzle to spare, gorgeous photography and soaring music, making this a motion picture on a scale rarely seen. ``Stargate'' is as much a spectacular visual experience as anything else, so don't let the ``sci-fi'' label scare you off. MEMO: ``Stargate'' is rated PG13. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Brent Bowles is a graduate of Princess Anne High
by CNB