The Gates

Throughout most of the performance, we watch the characters gracefully move around the stage, creating an exciting spectacle. The climax gradually grows closer to the finale, attracting our attention with the supernatural frenzy of an unsettled spirit belonging to an evil sorcerer. Out of nowhere, as if materializing from another world, the character "Maria" suddenly appears - why and for what purpose?... The humorous situation develops as rapidly as it ends :) But why was this introduced, you ask? :) - I don't know either :))) The otherworldly manifestation causes a whirlwind of demonic fun - a flickering light bulb built into a musical instrument turns out to be a powerful magical force :)))))) - hands grab the viewer's face, leaving him puzzled. What's going on here? - Even I ask myself this question with good reason :)))) Finally, the climax comes - a confrontation with a vile sorcerer. The characters use a glowing light bulb inside a musical instrument, and thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the actors, this brings wonderful "fruits" - the absurdity ends the performance, leaving the curtain down and not saying goodbye, subtly hinting at a future sequel. :)))) Admittedly, this scenario was conceived by artificial intelligence - I have no other explanation.

I'm honestly not sure what people don't like about this movie.

Because it is pretty damn good!

It's a period piece, that takes place in the late stages of the 19th century.

In a prison that has been cursed- and is haunted- by a satanic serial killer, who was caught, and put to death, prior to bringing his nefarious goals to fruition.

We find ourselves watching as a priest, ghostbusting expert, and two fledgling paranormal investigators, attempt to confront the demon, with hope they can get rid of the dark entity once and for all- using a combination of spiritual and scientific techniques.

So that it can't attach itself to someone, and escape the confines of the prison walls.

The demonic ghost of the killer has a sort of Exorcist meets Evil Dead vibe.

While the film, as a whole, is like a more dramatic version of Ghostbusters.

Either way...I thought that it was both well done, and highly entertaining!

Though, perhaps it's not what some people were looking for, or expecting.

That being said...it does seem to set itself up for a sequel.

So, if you liked it as much as I did.

You have that to look forward to, in the future.

A solid supernatural thriller, all around.

6 out of 10.

John Rhys Davies stars in this. But at the age of 80, the blunderbuss vocal energy of his Raiders Of The Lost Ark days are gone. Then again with the stilted, monologue type dialogue he and the rest of the cast are given to work with, it's not surprising. In fact, it is so uninspiring and dull, that I found it actually painful to listen to, so only lasted 30 minutes of the 1 hour 50.

Which is a pity, as the production quality is decent. Convincing Victorian sets, street scenes, and costumes and a decent soundtrack, show an attempt to be above the B movie bracket.

Plot wise, I cannot really comment much. Victorian death row prisoners, new fangled electrickery, sciency stuff, mixed with dead prisoners ghosts and paranormal shenanigans. It all sounds too familiar.

Go watch penny Dreadful instead.

Don't buy all these fake reviews on here. This is one of the most boring, drawn out, tiring films I've ever seen. I couldn't get past 1 hour 20 minutes. It's literally a bunch of people dressed in period piece costumes in an old prison discussing some ghost.

I fell asleep twice trying to get through it and just gave up. All these 8 or 7 reviews are completely fake. I couldn't spend one more minute watching this thing. It's just that boring and drawn out. Why is every scene just boring dialogue? If you like falling asleep on your couch while trying to get through a 2 hour movie then this is for you!!! 2/10.

For a low-budget film, this one delivers superior production value and atmosphere! It's so nice to see a film that allows for the purely supernatural, without trying to explain everything in pseudoscience terms!

Good, also, to see old John Rhys-Davies in a starring role again! The principals all turn in fine performances, although a few of the lesser performers were truly atrocious (especially Lucien's associate!).

Richard Brake was a fine choice for the intensely evil William Colcott; he delivered a truly menacing performance!

All-in-all, if you don't expect too much from this modest-sized project, I think most people who appreciate a good gothic tale will find it surprisingly satisfying!