1. Fists cause more damage than bullets.
2. The preservation of your job and is more important than the preservation of the human race.
3. The generator worked because it worked before.
89 Reviews
Devil's Gate: Passable entertainment
Platypuschow11 January 2018
Set in the fictional town of Devil's Gate a federal agent teams with a local officer to investigate a missing wife & child. Trouble is their investigation leads them to the unbalanced husband and his trap filled home.
I expected horror, it was advertised as horror..........it's not really.
Milo Ventimiglia and Shawn Ashmore star in this interesting but ultimately flawed sci-fi movie which looks great but lacks in too many areas that matter.
Jonathan Frakes from Next Generation also stars and is particuly good, shame his role was a tad too small.
I liked the plot I did, even though I'm not a big sci-fi guy I think they did a good enough job here and left it open for potential sequels. Sadly it doesn't flow all too well and something just didn't sit right for me.
Watchable effort and this may really appeal to some, for me it was a deeply average offering.
The Good:
Decent plot
Jonathan Frakes
Great opening sequence
The Bad:
Poorly paced
Seriously, stop killing pets in every damn movie
Things I Learnt From This Movie:
Milo Ventimiglia plays unhinged characters far too well
I would happily live in that house, yes I'm weird
I expected horror, it was advertised as horror..........it's not really.
Milo Ventimiglia and Shawn Ashmore star in this interesting but ultimately flawed sci-fi movie which looks great but lacks in too many areas that matter.
Jonathan Frakes from Next Generation also stars and is particuly good, shame his role was a tad too small.
I liked the plot I did, even though I'm not a big sci-fi guy I think they did a good enough job here and left it open for potential sequels. Sadly it doesn't flow all too well and something just didn't sit right for me.
Watchable effort and this may really appeal to some, for me it was a deeply average offering.
The Good:
Decent plot
Jonathan Frakes
Great opening sequence
The Bad:
Poorly paced
Seriously, stop killing pets in every damn movie
Things I Learnt From This Movie:
Milo Ventimiglia plays unhinged characters far too well
I would happily live in that house, yes I'm weird
Great images. Weak story.
peterp-450-2987168 February 2018
"You both need to clear off my property,
or as god is my witnessI will not be responsible for what happens!
Colt, If she goes in there Maria and Jonah are as good as dead."
An onrushing hot rod that suddenly breaks down near an awful looking, abandoned farm with lots of barbed wire and warning signs. There are squeaky doors and you can hear a howling wind while the person with car trouble is looking for someone who can help him. And then he experiences that awful moment. Something he did not see coming. I immediately sat straight up in my chair and expected an intense horror. Especially when the title of the film is "Devil's gate". The poor, dilapidated farmstead and the desolate environment immediately reminded me of "The Texas chainsaw massacre". A no-man's-land where a psychopathic, crazy family terrorizes and kills lost tourists so they can brew a hearty one-pan meal afterwards. To my disappointment, the movie title turned out to be the name of the town where the story takes place.
To be honest, the first part of the movie was tremendously fascinating. A missing woman and her son. The F.B.I. Agente Daria (Amanda Schull) who, together with the local policeman Colt (Shawn Ashmore), investigates the disappearance of both persons. And the downright suspicious acting Jackson Pritchard (Milo Ventimiglia) where the two enforcers of the law finally arrive. And when the two law enforcement officers make a rather disconcerting discovery in the Jackson cellar, the film will take a completely different turn. That's the biggest plus of this film. The surprise effect is huge. You are repeatedly misled. One moment you expect a sort of "Silence of the Lambs" serial killer scenario. Then you come to the conclusion that this film has an "X-Files" vibe. Such a movie you'd come across on some SyFy channel.
Unfortunately, the quality of this indie SF drops as the film progresses. I wasn't interested in the religious aspect. The "an eye for an eye" principle was rather laughable. Despite the sometimes high-quality special effects and generally not so bad acting (with even a cameo of the Star Trek veteran Jonathan Frakes), this film didn't really appeal to me. It seemed as if a whole arsenal of ideas and proposals were being collected and subsequently they didn't know anymore which direction it should go. In the end it felt as if I had watched a pilot episode of the umpteenth television series. "Devil's gate" is such a film where the story doesn't really match the footage when it comes to quality. Unfortunately. Because it had potential.
An onrushing hot rod that suddenly breaks down near an awful looking, abandoned farm with lots of barbed wire and warning signs. There are squeaky doors and you can hear a howling wind while the person with car trouble is looking for someone who can help him. And then he experiences that awful moment. Something he did not see coming. I immediately sat straight up in my chair and expected an intense horror. Especially when the title of the film is "Devil's gate". The poor, dilapidated farmstead and the desolate environment immediately reminded me of "The Texas chainsaw massacre". A no-man's-land where a psychopathic, crazy family terrorizes and kills lost tourists so they can brew a hearty one-pan meal afterwards. To my disappointment, the movie title turned out to be the name of the town where the story takes place.
To be honest, the first part of the movie was tremendously fascinating. A missing woman and her son. The F.B.I. Agente Daria (Amanda Schull) who, together with the local policeman Colt (Shawn Ashmore), investigates the disappearance of both persons. And the downright suspicious acting Jackson Pritchard (Milo Ventimiglia) where the two enforcers of the law finally arrive. And when the two law enforcement officers make a rather disconcerting discovery in the Jackson cellar, the film will take a completely different turn. That's the biggest plus of this film. The surprise effect is huge. You are repeatedly misled. One moment you expect a sort of "Silence of the Lambs" serial killer scenario. Then you come to the conclusion that this film has an "X-Files" vibe. Such a movie you'd come across on some SyFy channel.
Unfortunately, the quality of this indie SF drops as the film progresses. I wasn't interested in the religious aspect. The "an eye for an eye" principle was rather laughable. Despite the sometimes high-quality special effects and generally not so bad acting (with even a cameo of the Star Trek veteran Jonathan Frakes), this film didn't really appeal to me. It seemed as if a whole arsenal of ideas and proposals were being collected and subsequently they didn't know anymore which direction it should go. In the end it felt as if I had watched a pilot episode of the umpteenth television series. "Devil's gate" is such a film where the story doesn't really match the footage when it comes to quality. Unfortunately. Because it had potential.
Nuthin New on the X Files Front
Tweetienator7 January 2018
A mystery thriller with solid acting, solid production (tv-scale) and well, a story that boild down to its core is VERY standard (todays term: generic) and predictable, even the end is a genre cliche par excellence.
Anyway, if you like such movies with a little X Files taste, you may dare to watch, it won't kill you, but just don't expect anything outstanding like some of those super-positive (fake!?) reviews try to sell you. An okay watch for a rainy afternoon with nothing else to do.
Anyway, if you like such movies with a little X Files taste, you may dare to watch, it won't kill you, but just don't expect anything outstanding like some of those super-positive (fake!?) reviews try to sell you. An okay watch for a rainy afternoon with nothing else to do.
Surprisingly Good and Underrated Sci-Fi Film
claudio_carvalho13 January 2018
FBI Special Agent Daria Francis (Amanda Schull) is assigned to travel to Devil's Gate, a small town in North Dakota, to investigate the disappearance of Maria Pritchard (Bridget Regan) and her son Jonah. Her prime suspect is the husband and father Jackson Pritchard (Milo Ventimiglia), who lives in a farm in the middle of nowhere. However Sheriff Gruenwell (Jonathan Frakes) asks Francis to let Jackson alone since he would be a good man. Deputy Conrad 'Colt' Salter (Shawn Ashmore) heads with Francis to interview Maria´s sister and she leaves her house convinced that Jackson may be hiding them. When they arrive at his farm, Jackson assaults Maria and she enters the house to investigate, and finds a weird thing. What is Jackson hiding?
"Devil´s Gate" is a surprisingly good and underrated sci-fi film. The screenplay is intriguing and the lead cast (Amanda Schull, Shawn Ashmore and Milo Ventimiglia have good performances. The conclusion after the initial credits is a cliffhanger for a possible sequence. My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): Not Available
"Devil´s Gate" is a surprisingly good and underrated sci-fi film. The screenplay is intriguing and the lead cast (Amanda Schull, Shawn Ashmore and Milo Ventimiglia have good performances. The conclusion after the initial credits is a cliffhanger for a possible sequence. My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): Not Available
I wish I liked this more...
Kolobos517 January 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Devil's Gate is a new genre bending horror film. It's creative and unique, you'll start watching it and never in a million years guess where it's going, and it has a solid cast. So why doesn't the movie work?
Well, first, there's the script. It really needed more work. The basic story is that a woman (Bridget Regan of The Last Ship) and her young son have disappeared from their remote farm house. The investigation is going nowhere so a fed (Amanda Schull of 12 Monkeys the overrated TV show) is dispatched to investigate. She is partnered with a dim local cop (Shawn Ashmore of The Following) along the lines of Scream's Deputy Dewey. They begin their search and, despite strenuous objections from the local Sheriff (Jonathan Frakes of Star Trek The Next Generation), the look into the husband (Milo Ventimaglia of This Is Us). He's weird, he has a temper, their marriage was unhappy, his house looks like Leatherface should be hanging around in the attic, he has elaborate traps laid all around, and he has SOMETHING caged up in the basement. So you're probably thinking standard psycho story, right?
Wrong.
The movie has some pretty dramatic twists from there and, without giving away too much, develops a cosmic horror plot thread I actually really liked. Or, wanted to like anyway.
Devil's Gate throws so much at you that it never stops to develop any of its ideas. Or its characters. Another problem is that despite having a better than average cast, they're all playing one note stereotypes. The movie also has serious pacing problems and can't be bothered to fully develop any of its truly interesting ideas.
The films also really stretches its budget. While there are some fantastic practical effects, there are also some really lousy digital ones.
Devil's Gate it a frustrating movie that frankly should have been a lot better. The ideas are there, the cast is there, but the director and screenwriters just can't pull it all together.
My recommendation, watch The Void instead.
Well, first, there's the script. It really needed more work. The basic story is that a woman (Bridget Regan of The Last Ship) and her young son have disappeared from their remote farm house. The investigation is going nowhere so a fed (Amanda Schull of 12 Monkeys the overrated TV show) is dispatched to investigate. She is partnered with a dim local cop (Shawn Ashmore of The Following) along the lines of Scream's Deputy Dewey. They begin their search and, despite strenuous objections from the local Sheriff (Jonathan Frakes of Star Trek The Next Generation), the look into the husband (Milo Ventimaglia of This Is Us). He's weird, he has a temper, their marriage was unhappy, his house looks like Leatherface should be hanging around in the attic, he has elaborate traps laid all around, and he has SOMETHING caged up in the basement. So you're probably thinking standard psycho story, right?
Wrong.
The movie has some pretty dramatic twists from there and, without giving away too much, develops a cosmic horror plot thread I actually really liked. Or, wanted to like anyway.
Devil's Gate throws so much at you that it never stops to develop any of its ideas. Or its characters. Another problem is that despite having a better than average cast, they're all playing one note stereotypes. The movie also has serious pacing problems and can't be bothered to fully develop any of its truly interesting ideas.
The films also really stretches its budget. While there are some fantastic practical effects, there are also some really lousy digital ones.
Devil's Gate it a frustrating movie that frankly should have been a lot better. The ideas are there, the cast is there, but the director and screenwriters just can't pull it all together.
My recommendation, watch The Void instead.
Underneath the ... layer(s)
kosmasp19 October 2017
This starts off being one thing, but as we soon learn, there is much more to it. Which is really nicely done and interwoven with the story. So some may be disappointed with this not being straightforward, but I like the fact it takes chances. It is not perfect at all, but it has an interesting and unnerving story, with some excellent actors and a really good script to hold it all together.
So while I won't talk too much about the plot (it really should be experienced, especially if you like horror in general, mixed with other ingredients that make it eerie), but I can tell you that the effects are really good. And that the ending ... well may not be for everyone but is exactly what it should be ... whether you like it or not ...
So while I won't talk too much about the plot (it really should be experienced, especially if you like horror in general, mixed with other ingredients that make it eerie), but I can tell you that the effects are really good. And that the ending ... well may not be for everyone but is exactly what it should be ... whether you like it or not ...
Has it's moments, but...
elmoslively8 August 2018
This film is overwrought and overacted and fits well into the middle of M. Night Shyamalan's middle years of film making. It does kind of look cool at times and some of the creature work is okay, with a couple of creepy scenes. Unfortunately, it leaves itself wide open for a sequel, but one hopes that won't happen.
Commander Riker heads an unknown cast in this beautifully shot sci-fi thriller
freemanpatrick728 November 2018
I'm not going to spell out the synopsis since it's been done before. This seemingly low budget thriller does a fine job putting all the pieces together. The acting, for the most part is adequate. The fx are a lot better than what I've seen in films with a much bigger budget.
The director (Clay Staub) does a great job of hiding the monster until it couldn't be hidden any longer.
With the exception of some CGI you never get the feeling that this is a cheap and cheesy student film.
But by far the crowning glory of the whole project is the brilliant cinematography. Miroslaw Baszak does an excellent job of capturing the bleak and dreary landscape to the point that you don't want to visit the area, let alone live there. His interior shots are perfectly lit, giving the desired creepy-old-house affect while still allowing us to see what's going on.
Editing, sound design and the score all complement the film so seamlessly that you never think about them - you experience them.
The story is nothing new. (But what is these days?) It combines elements of several other stories we've all seen before. Which isn't to say that it's bad, it's just not ground breaking.
All in all the completed project is something that all cast & crew involced should be proud to have been a part of.
The story is there, execution is ehh
jpq-8933215 October 2018
The movie was good. Acting was ok, some people far better than others. The drawback is that the movie introduced so many interesting concepts but failed to fully develop any of them. The movie has about 3-4 good areas that if fleshed would make this an 7-8 hands down. But for the actors, the storyline and the scenery I'd give it a 5.
Recommended
eduaranguren1720 June 2020
Just grab THE ORIGINAL FILM (not a cheap copy with same name) and you won't regret.
Whit a very low budget 10 M. Aprox. The producers made this possible. Excellent photography, deep script that could seem to be the opposite (open your eyes), well performance and very well directed.
I'd rather give this movie a chance, instead others with multimillionaire budget but zero excitement!
A decent sci-fi thriller
ten-thousand-marbles16 September 2020
There's not much new going on here, but this is a well executed story, production and performances alike. I liked also that it carries a little mystery through the first half, not revealing who or what the monsters, demons aliens, weird things actually are. Worth a watch.
Squandered Possibilities
gluonpaul24 September 2018
Warning: Spoilers
There really is nothing worse than a lost opportunity at something great.
The acting talent in this movie is decent, Shawn Ashmore does a good job, Jonathan Frakes shines for the short time he is on camera and Amanda Schultz does an decent job.
The basic plot is done well, essentially a remake with a twist on the invasion of the body snatchers plot.
Some of the sequences are well shot and competently put together on screen and the creature design although a little bland works for the purpose of the movie and isnt overdone on screen.
This movie looks for a time as though it is going to subvert some expectations and here is where we start going in the other direction. It seems for a time as though it is leading you to believe the father is a bad guy, in todays cinema a pretty standard trope. Then it looks like it is all changing, you start feeling like the plot is developing to become something more than just a bog standard horror movie with typical tropes... and then it doesnt. Suddenly we are back to the father is just bad, mothers love trumps all, women all make men look incompetent, pets are killed (please stop doing that movies). Just standard movie tropes from the last 20 years.
This really felt like it could have been so much more and in the end left you feeling disappointed. If it didnt initially make you feel it was going to provide more than the bog standard for modern horrors it may have got a slightly higher rating, if it had followed through and actually broken some of the molds it could have got a far higher score but as it is, well it just doesnt cut the mustard.
The acting talent in this movie is decent, Shawn Ashmore does a good job, Jonathan Frakes shines for the short time he is on camera and Amanda Schultz does an decent job.
The basic plot is done well, essentially a remake with a twist on the invasion of the body snatchers plot.
Some of the sequences are well shot and competently put together on screen and the creature design although a little bland works for the purpose of the movie and isnt overdone on screen.
This movie looks for a time as though it is going to subvert some expectations and here is where we start going in the other direction. It seems for a time as though it is leading you to believe the father is a bad guy, in todays cinema a pretty standard trope. Then it looks like it is all changing, you start feeling like the plot is developing to become something more than just a bog standard horror movie with typical tropes... and then it doesnt. Suddenly we are back to the father is just bad, mothers love trumps all, women all make men look incompetent, pets are killed (please stop doing that movies). Just standard movie tropes from the last 20 years.
This really felt like it could have been so much more and in the end left you feeling disappointed. If it didnt initially make you feel it was going to provide more than the bog standard for modern horrors it may have got a slightly higher rating, if it had followed through and actually broken some of the molds it could have got a far higher score but as it is, well it just doesnt cut the mustard.
ehh...could have been better
innovatingvisionary6 January 2018
Worth a watch on dvd or netflix.
I gave it a four. Would have given it a 5.5 if the lead character "Milo Ventimiglia" who plays Jackson Prichard wasn't such a bad actor. Interesting story / plot..somewhat dull overall but not bad. directing, camera, angles, lighting, scenery etc.. are all good.
Complete trash
amy_longworth26 August 2018
A low budget attempt at creating Invasion of the body snatchers with a dash of creatures resembling from The Pack (2010). 7/10.
Fella_shibby6 May 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Saw this on a pirated dvd few days back. Been on my radar for a very long time after watching the trailer.
The film starts with a driver whose car breaks down in the middle of nowhere n he approaches a farm house which is the only single house in an isolated country side. The place n the house has an eerie vibe to it. Good opening with a sense of dread.
The driver tries calling out but nobody responds. He hears some sound from the basement n he steps on a bear trap. He painfully manages to remove his leg but .......
This shud b suffice as i want others to watch this well made, low budget horror film.
Minor drawback is that the film has very less bodycount, tension is lost during the final scenes as the confrontation wasnt that creepy. The star cast is decent. Shawn Ashmore apart from X-men has become more synonym with horror/thriller films. His twin brother's film The Shrine is one of my fav horror film.
This film has shades of The Pack (2010) n Blood Creek aka Town Creek, both good horror films. One may also find shades of Invasion of the body snatchers.
Some of my favourite TV actors badly put together
djmotiv27 August 2018
Warning: Spoilers
With credits like The Last Ship, 12 Monkeys, Suits, Killjoys and Heroes behind the 4 main actors in this movie, you'd think you might be in for a hidden treat ... you're not!
The storyline is flawed, there is no real underlying suspense, so it lacks the typical anxiety build up of most horror and thriller genre movies. The antagonist in the movie is muddled because it juggles between these aliens and one of the leads, without ever really creating any suspense.
Disappointing is an understatement.
The storyline is flawed, there is no real underlying suspense, so it lacks the typical anxiety build up of most horror and thriller genre movies. The antagonist in the movie is muddled because it juggles between these aliens and one of the leads, without ever really creating any suspense.
Disappointing is an understatement.
Creepy and mysterious with interesting twist.
paulclaassen11 June 2018
The film features some really fantastic photography, and also really awesome visuals. The story itself was rather creepy and mysterious. The film was shot almost in monochromatic grey where other colors were not well defined. I'm not sure if this was the intention to blend in with the theme, or if it simply appears that way. The acting in general was good, and I enjoyed the mysterious feel to the film. The film has an interesting twist that changes everything we thought we knew about the father looking for his son...
Passable thriller
Otte116 August 2018
Better than expected, not so much so that I would recommend. The story definitely is not what you expected it to go. This is really not a horror as it being described.
Story: Interesting Acting:Decent
Overall: it was about two decisions from being a 7 out of 10. The ending leaves you slightly unfulfilled. It was almost as if they were purposely preparing for a sequel.
Overall, it did what it was supposed to do, pass time and not make me regret watching.
Story: Interesting Acting:Decent
Overall: it was about two decisions from being a 7 out of 10. The ending leaves you slightly unfulfilled. It was almost as if they were purposely preparing for a sequel.
Overall, it did what it was supposed to do, pass time and not make me regret watching.
Unexpected treat..
ommbomb19 January 2018
I went into this film with no idea of the subject matter..or cast..basically not knowing what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised to say the least. Not everyone's cup of tea but if you hold a flame for movies that tread ground in the theme of alien abduction you might (like me) find this film a rewarding way to spend your time. Plus the cast are also a great surprise once you become aware they are all very familiar for smaller parts in smaller movies that you have seen before. The FX are of high quality..I loved the juxtaposition of confusion between "angelic beings/demons"..and earths garden variety of interstellar child thieves! I do not want to spoil this for anyone..I almost gave it a miss and was glad I did not. I hope you get a kick from it as I did. And Elizabeth Schull is gorgeous as always.
Terrible movie!!!
lara_xelaju28 June 2020
It's a scifi NOT a horror this low rating from viewers!!
joiningjt24 August 2020
This is another version of a movie that's been done 3 times with a different twist I wont say the movie because it'll give it away but its a really good scifi. People were expecting a horror film thus the lower rating people dont give anyone a break ......again....... I will recommend to everyone to QUIT being so judgemental a movie has 1 major purpose to ENTERTAIN!! If it entertains you it worked!! Simplify the film industry right there!! If the movie gives a message to you or teaches you great that's extra but bottom line it's to entertain you!!! This movie is entertaining!!
Milo/Jack??? WHY? Does Mandy/Becca know about this?
t-ktinney21 July 2020
Like the other reviewers said, "DON'T!" I got about 20-30 minutes in and stopped. It's absolutely awful. Bad acting, cliches everywhere to be seen, silly, dumb character and dialog, and why in the name of Buddha did Milo Vermandgos (?) make a movie like this is beyond me. I mean, he's on "This Is Us!"
I can watch bad movies but this one was just SOOOO bad and just all around stupid. Life is too short to waste time reading a bad book or watching a bad movie when there are so many good ones available. Skip it. The good reviews here are written by people with low expectations in life or they hit a big blunt while watching and their eyes deceived them. :-(
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