Movie Reviews : More Teen Demonology In Sequel to ‘The Gate’

In “Gate II” (citywide) bright, imaginative 15-year-old Terry (Louis Tripp) still hasn’t learned his lesson. Never mind that nearby there’s a house in ruins, where his best friend once lived, to remind him of the terrifying events depicted in “The Gate” (Canada’s top grosser for 1987).

What Terry discovered in his pal’s suburban back yard was nothing less than a passage to hell, which had been concealed by an old tree with a mysterious geode entangled in its roots.

Believing himself to be a confirmed demonologist, the nerdy Terry is determined to tap the powers of the demons beyond The Gate. He hopes the evil supernatural powers can help him redeem the life of his widowed father (Neil Munro), an alcoholic ex-airline pilot.

Terry’s satanic hocus-pocus, conducted in the ruins of the house, is interrupted by three other teen-agers--the savvy, open-minded Liz (Pamela Segall), her handsome but obnoxious boyfriend (James Villemaire) and his less imposing sidekick (Simon Reynolds). Even though the ritual is not completed, it has summoned forth an 18-inch homunculus, a kind of malevolent E.T, which Terry locks up in a bird cage.

Although “Gate II” doesn’t generate as much fun and excitement as the original, it does get its story going lots sooner.

For director Tibor Takacs and writer Michael Nankin, both films are allegories for teen-agers, in which demons emerge as expressions of youthful fears and temptations. (“Filthy lucre” takes on a comic meaning here.) “Gate II’s” makers care more about their young people (who are well-played) and their problems than in special effects, which are deliberately amusing.

“Gate II” (rated R for scenes of drug use), which bears a 1989 copyright, is most likely to be enjoyed by those who’ve seen “The Gate,” available in video stores.

‘Gate II’

Louis Tripp: Terry

Pamela Segall: Liz

James Villemaire: John

Simon Reynolds: Moe

A Triumph release of a Vision p.d.g. and Damon/Saunders presentation of an Alliance Entertainment production. Director Tibor Takacs. Producer Andras Hamori. Executive producer John Kemeny. Screenplay by Michael Nankin. Cinematographer Bryan Englund. Editor Ronald Sanders. Special effects Frank Carere. Special visual effects designed and created by Randall William Cook. Costumes Beth Pasternak. Music George Blondheim. Production design William Beeton. Art director Set decorators Nick White, Joe Verreault. Sound Steve Jolesd. Running time: 1 hour, 34 minutes.

MPAA-rated R (for scenes of drug use).