a rating average of 5.80/10. Michael Wilmington of the Los Angeles Times, in comparing it to the works of Steven Spielberg and Stephen King, wrote, "whatever minor triumphs it dredges up, is too hopelessly copycat". In rating it 3/5 stars, TV Guide called it a "surprisingly effective" and refreshingly uncynical horror film that may be too wimpy for some horror fans. Commenting on the film's dreamlike plot, Time Out said it could have been a cult film had the filmmakers abandoned their attempts to tie together the bizarre elements. In a retrospective review, Odie Henderson of Slant Magazine wrote, "If you can get in touch with your inner 12-year-old, The Gate is a pleasant diversion." Henderson identifies family values as a core theme, though it is subtle enough not to be preachy. Reviewing the DVD for Dread Central, Paul Nicholasi rated it 4.5/5 stars and called it "a MUST HAVE movie for all horror fans" that they can show their kids to introduce them to horror films. References External links 1987 films 1987 horror films American supernatural horror films American independent films American monster movies Canadian supernatural horror films Canadian independent films English-language Canadian films 1980s English-language films Films shot in Toronto Films using stop-motion animation Heavy metal films Demons in film Films with live action and animation Films scored by J. Peter Robinson Films scored by Michael Hoenig 1987 independent films Films directed by Tibor Takács 1980s American films 1980s Canadian films