Movie Review: Stargate The Ark of Truth

Lt. Colonel Cameron Mitchell Lt. Colonel Samantha Carter Dr. Daniel Jackson Vala Mal Doran and the alien Tealc all members of the elite Stargate SG-1 team travel to the ruins of Dakara in hopes of finding the fabled Ark of Truth. Built by the Alterans (builders of the stargates) millions of years before this ancient artifact may be the sole means remaining to defeat the Ori armies who have thus far proven unstoppable in their quest to conquer the universe in the name of their religion Origin.

Review:
How do you end a beloved TV series? Especially when the series was on for ten years and spanned two channels. Sci-Fi channel cancelled Stargate SG-1 after ten seasons and in the middle of a storyline. MGM and the show’s producers wanted the fans to know the ending of the current storyline. That is where Ark came from and is that ending.

Ark is the first of two direct to video DVDs and it ends the Ori storyline completely. Vala and her husband decide what they are going to do, as they become reunited. You also find out some more of the Ori/Ancient history that had not been covered. The one and only tidbit that fans wanted that is not in the movie is Richard Dean Anderson, so sorry fans.

The technical side of the movie is well done. Though the movie never will get to be seen on the big screen, it is still made for it. The cinematography is amazing. The shots show that the director was given some more money than normal. By the way, the money was not wasted. Even when they have to incorporate computer graphics into the landscape, it is flawless.

The music is another point of delight. It is masterfully orchestrated and is one of the best soundtracks that unfortunately will not be up for an Oscar. Joel Goldsmith does a masterful job and should be paid attention to as his career keeps going. This correct usage of classical influence is a delight to the ears. I believe that Goldsmith will be as remembered as John Williams if his career continues.

Science fiction does not always get the respect it deserves, but Stargate is one of the reasons it should. Stargate SG-1 survived ten years and, Atlantis, its spin off, is still going strong. This movie proves why Stargate should go down as one of the best franchises, not for its genre, but of all time.

Christopher Judge, Amanda Tapping and Michael Shanks have gotten to carry their characters all the way through to the end. These three have carried the series, along with Richard Dean Anderson and Ben Browder, to epic heights. Richard Dean Anderson, as O’Neil, is still missed. Ben Browder came in and could not replace him, but he masterfully made his own mark. Claudia Black has also carved her own niche into the world. These actors bring a strong performance in Ark and you laugh and sit on the edge of your seat because of it the whole movie.

Morena Baccarin and Beau Bridges have been great as supporting characters and are great in Ark. This the perfect end to the Ori storyline.

Review by Paul Shannon

Grade: A
Official site: http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FStargate-Ark-Truth-Ben-Browder%2Fdp%2FB0010YSD7M%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Ddvd%26qid%3D1214851220%26sr%3D8-1&tag=leavingnormal&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325
Buy on Amazon: Stargate – The Ark of Truth