“The Gate II: Trespassers” (1990)

Horror

Running Time: 90 minutes

Written by: Michael Nankin

Directed by: Tibor Takács

Featuring: Louis Tripp and Pamela Segall

John: “Who needs chicks when we got demons?”

Critical Commentary

“The Gate II: Trespassers” is a sequel that attempts to capture the same blend of horror, fantasy, and teen adventure as its predecessor, “The Gate.” Directed by Tibor Takács and released in 1990, it follows the story of Terry Chandler (Louis Tripp) and his friend, Lori Lee (Pamela Adlon), as they inadvertently unleash demonic forces from another dimension through a mysterious hole in Terry’s backyard.

The film begins with Terry still reeling from the events of the first movie, which saw his home invaded by malevolent creatures from another realm. Despite his traumatic experience, Terry remains fascinated by the occult and continues to dabble in dark magic. When he discovers a new set of demonic artifacts, including a mysterious pair of sunglasses that allow him to see into other dimensions, Terry cannot resist the temptation to experiment further.

As Terry and Lori delve deeper into the occult, they unwittingly open a portal to the demonic realm once again, unleashing chaos and danger upon themselves and their friends. The film explores themes of temptation, curiosity, and the consequences of meddling with forces beyond one’s understanding.

One of the strengths of “The Gate II” is its imaginative and often surreal depiction of the demonic realm. The special effects, while dated by today’s standards, are still impressive, creating a nightmarish and otherworldly atmosphere. From grotesque creatures to eerie landscapes, the film’s visuals are sure to leave an impression on viewers.

However, where “The Gate II” falls short is in its pacing and character development. The plot meanders at times, and some scenes feel drawn out or unnecessary. Additionally, the characters lack depth, with Terry and Lori being the only ones given any real development. The supporting cast, including Terry’s friends and family, are largely forgettable and serve little purpose beyond providing fodder for the demonic forces.

“The Gate II” explores some interesting thematic elements, particularly the dangers of unchecked curiosity and the consequences of tampering with the unknown. Terry’s relentless pursuit of arcane knowledge serves as a cautionary tale, reminding audiences of the perils of delving too deeply into the occult.

The film also touches on the theme of friendship, as Terry and Lori navigate the dangers of the demonic realm together. Their bond is tested as they face increasingly perilous situations, and their loyalty to each other ultimately proves to be their greatest strength.

Despite its flaws, “The Gate II” retains a certain charm that will appeal to fans of 80s and 90s horror. It successfully captures the spirit of its predecessor while introducing new elements to keep the story fresh. The film’s imaginative visuals and surreal atmosphere create a hauntingly memorable experience that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.

“The Gate II: Trespassers” benefits from its exploration of Terry’s character arc. Unlike typical horror protagonists, Terry is not a conventional hero but rather a troubled teenager grappling with trauma and inner demons. His journey throughout the film is as much about confronting his own fears and insecurities as it is about battling supernatural forces. This adds a layer of depth to the story, allowing viewers to empathize with Terry’s struggles and root for his redemption.

The film also deserves credit for its practical effects, which remain impressive even by today’s standards. The creatures and demonic entities that inhabit the alternate dimension are brought to life with remarkable detail and creativity, contributing to the film’s eerie and immersive atmosphere. From grotesque monsters to surreal landscapes, the visual design of “The Gate II” is a testament to the skill and ingenuity of the special effects team.

Moreover, “The Gate II” effectively builds upon the mythology established in the first film, expanding the lore of the demonic realm and introducing new elements to enrich the story. While some sequels struggle to recapture the magic of their predecessors, “The Gate II” successfully builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, deepening the lore and exploring new avenues for storytelling.

“The Gate II: Trespassers” benefits from its atmospheric soundtrack and effective use of sound design to heighten tension and suspense throughout the film. The eerie score, composed by Simon Boswell, sets the mood perfectly, immersing viewers in the dark and foreboding atmosphere of the story. From ominous synthesizer melodies to chilling ambient sounds, the music enhances the overall sense of dread and unease, adding another layer of depth to the viewing experience.

Furthermore, the film’s exploration of the consequences of Terry’s actions adds a layer of moral complexity to the story. As Terry delves deeper into the occult and unwittingly unleashes demonic forces, he must confront the repercussions of his choices and take responsibility for the chaos he has unleashed. This adds an element of psychological depth to the narrative, as Terry grapples with guilt, regret, and the realization that some doors should never be opened.

Moreover, “The Gate II” benefits from its self-awareness and willingness to embrace its campy and over-the-top elements. While the film certainly takes its subject matter seriously, it also injects a healthy dose of humor and playfulness into the proceedings, resulting in a more engaging and entertaining viewing experience. From witty one-liners to quirky character moments, the film never takes itself too seriously, allowing viewers to enjoy the ride without getting bogged down by excessive darkness or nihilism.

Despite these shortcomings, “The Gate II” still manages to deliver some genuine thrills and scares. The film’s blend of horror and fantasy is well-executed, and there are plenty of tense moments to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The climactic showdown between Terry and the demonic forces is suitably epic and delivers a satisfying conclusion to the story.

In conclusion, “The Gate II: Trespassers” is a flawed but entertaining sequel that will appeal to fans of 80s horror cinema. While it may not reach the same heights as its predecessor, it still offers plenty of demonic mayhem and supernatural thrills to satisfy genre enthusiasts.

Technical Commentary

Video

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is there to give the cult movie “Gate II” a new day on Blu-ray. The results are impressive, displaying a fresh viewing experience, with enjoyable sharpness that does a fine job capturing the original cinematography. 

Audio

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix provides a confident stereo listening event for “Gate II,” offering the full force of a low-budget genre offering. Dialogue exchanges carry as intended, finding performances intact, with an inoffensive balance of hysterics and hushed emotional encounters. 

Special Features

• Audio Commentary by film historian Jarret Gahan
• Return To The Nightmare: A Look Back At Gate II – documentary
• From The Depths – interview with make-up effects artist Craig Reardon
• Theatrical Trailer
• Retail Video Promo