The arrival of Ra (Jaye Davidson), bearing sci-fi cliches, changes Stargate from a merely hokey movie to one that is truly ridiculous.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
The New York Times by Caryn James
Stargate is a clever adventure that should find its audience.
By the end, the film’s early promise has pretty much degenerated into routine pyrotechnics.
ReelViews by James Berardinelli
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.
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.
Entertainment Weekly by Owen Gleiberman
The film has flashes of psychedelic visual energy, but its story is limp.
Los Angeles Times by Peter Rainer
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.
Chicago Sun-Times by Roger 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.