The Gate (1987)

Today Matt & Todd kick off Halloween season by delving into The Gate, a 1987 supernatural horror film directed by Tibor Takács. When The Gate hit HBO, it quickly became an instant rewatch for us, we're surprised it took us so long to get to it.

As 1980s horror films go, this one is fairly tame. It is PG-13, after all, but don't let that turn you off. The Gate is a lot of fun. What it lacks in sex, drugs, and splatter, it makes up for with story, atmosphere, and practical effects that still hold up nearly 40 years later. Whether you're discovering it for the first time or revisiting an old favorite, it's well worth your time.

One of the things that makes The Gate stand out is that it features a cast of surprisingly likable characters. Unlike many horror films, you're not simply waiting for everyone to be picked off one by one. There's genuine heart here, which gives the story emotion often missing from the genre. We like to call it a "starter horror film." There is some genuinely creepy material that still works today, but it's accessible enough for a wide audience.

The Gate stars:

• Stephen Dorff as Glen
• Christa Denton as Alexandra "Al" (Whit Bissell Award Winner - Todd)
• Louis Tripp as Terry Chandler
• Kelly Rowan as Lori Lee
• Jennifer Irwin as Linda Lee
• Deborah Grover as Mom
• Scot Denton as Dad
• Ingrid Veninger as Paula (Whit Bissell Award Winner - Matt)
• Sean Fagan as Eric
• Linda Goranson as Mrs. Chandler
• Carl Kraines as The Workman
• Andrew Gunn as Brad

A few years later, Tibor Takács returned with The Gate II: Trespassers. It's a fun sequel in its own right, though a bit more uneven than the original. While it doesn't resonate as strong, or hit the mark as well as the first film, there's still plenty to enjoy. The original is an enduring cult-classic, a status well deserved. While Trespassers may not be quite as good, it offers enough creativity and charm to make it worth a watch on its own merits.

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