Guest writer Kent1985 of the Fused Film Blog reviews the new Stargate: The Ark of Truth direct-to-DVD movie for Geeks of Doom.
Stargate: The Ark of Truth DVD
Starring Ben Browder, Amanda Tapping, Christopher Judge, Michael Shanks, Claudia Black
Release date: March 11, 2008
So this has been the first time ever in my life that I have been hyped for a straight-to-DVD movie. I am a huge fan of Stargate and I love SG-1 with a passion. By saying that, I was a little disappointed with the film. I loved the cinematography, the acting as it has always been good but the story seemed to lack.
Maybe it is because it wasn’t as epic as I thought it was going to be but overall I do not think the Ori story-arc could have ended any other way. Stargate- SG-1 is a saga that lasted 10 years and featured some of the best things a sc-fi show could offer. Probably the best thing about the show is how it created a journey of the present day military exploring space and unlocking the secrets of the galaxy as well as the secrets of the human race.
Pros — the fact that it was an SG-1 movie was awesome. Secondly, it had really good cinematography and special effects for a 7 million dollar film. Thirdly, it had great casting of secondary characters like the new character Jason Marek, the liaison from the IOA and Tomin, the Ori warrior and Vala’s “husband.” They were very convincing and gave the film an added element. Lastly, the humor, action, and typical SG-1 camaraderie that fans have always seen and known from the shows journey through 10 seasons was clearly present and strong.
Cons — First-off, no cool fight scene involving Teal’c. If there is going to be a Stargate movie you need to have Teal’c kicking butt! Secondly, there was not enough Doci-Daniel Jackson interaction that was very intense and prevalent when the Ori story began. Lastly, there was too much time spent on the ship the Odyssey. I think there should have been little more time finding the ark while going through some tough adventurous situations to get it and there should have had a little bit more intensity when it was used. Especially when you see the film you will know what I mean. Everything just seemed rushed.
In the end because I am hardcore “Gatehead,” I give director/writer Robert C. Cooper props for ending the SG-1 saga in a decent way while trying to stay true to the show. It now has me pumped for Stargate: Continuum, the next DVD movie coming this summer. If I had to give any advice to fans, watch the last five episodes of Season 10 and then jump right into the movie that way it will just make the movie seem like an extended episode and it will make a little more sense on how the events take place.
Lastly, thanks to MGM who hasn’t given up on their good money making franchise and let’s hope after Continuum they make more SG-1 DVD movies.
2.5 stars out 4 for Stargate: The Ark of Truth.
I absolutely loved this DVD movie! In fact, I too would like to thank MGM for allowing this opportunity for the Stargate adventures to continue. As usual, the acting was excellent, the plot was intense, and the character chemistry was wonderful.
I will give this movie 3.5 out of 4 stars. The Stargate boys know how to write their big finales!
The only negative comment that I have is that I did notice some “rustiness” in terms of the writing and acting. It was noticeable that these people have had a break from working with each other.
It was still a great movie, though, and I can’t wait for the next one!
Comment by Brenda Hall — March 16, 2008 @ 5:32 pm
After waiting what seemed like years I finally got to see what happened to the ORI. Unfortunately, I too was disappointed. I felt the ending was just that an ending no pizzazz. It’s like they looked at their watch and said “ok, we need to finish this” and just settled. The replicator-humanoid seemed like a terminator and the energizer bunny combo, and if you’ve been watching, Replicators aren’t that easy to get rid of. A little originality here, please. I too kept waiting for Teal’c to kick butt!
I hope Continuum is better and brings back some of the great action that I’ve come to love. I fear they too will rush with this DVD-Movie and again I will be disappointed.
3.5 stars is way to generous…I agree with Kent 2.5 at the very most. If they want a 4 for Continuum they need to have an original plot and just not rush things. That’s what us Stargate fans want and expect.
PS glad to see KENT branching out…Way to GO!
Comment by theMOM:) — March 20, 2008 @ 12:02 pm