This surprisingly effective low-budget effort from Canada plays on universal childhood fears, and manages to be scary without resorting to scenes of sadism or graphic bloodletting.
75
Chicago Tribune
Chicago Tribune
This is good-natured terror, the sort that can take time at the height of action for a quick joke. [18 May 1987, p.3C]
63
Slant Magazine
Slant Magazine
If you can get in touch with your inner 12-year-old, The Gate is a pleasant diversion.
60
Time Out
Time Out
The lunacy on view is strangely dreamlike, and no bad thing. It's only a pity the film actually tries to make sense. More abandon all round, and the result could have been a Z-grade cult classic.
50
Los Angeles TimesMichael Wilmington
Los Angeles TimesMichael Wilmington
The Gate, whatever minor triumphs it dredges up, is too hopelessly copycat. It's basically powdered Speilberg on Zwieback toast and Stephen King on a stick. [19 May 1987, p.3]
50
Miami HeraldHal Boedeker
Miami HeraldHal Boedeker
The movie puts us back in Poltergeist territory, but it cannot approach that film's shock value. The plot is too simple. Watch the children pulverize the demons. Watch the demons terrorize the children. You get the idea. [22 May 1987, p.D5]