Yesterday a few of our Cape Town and Johannesburg readers were treated to an early screening of The Warriors Gate. Thanks to Times Media Films, we hosted a press screening at Ster-Kinekor venues in N1 City Mall and Cresta Shopping Centre. “Is it fun? Is it worth watching? Was it good?” These are a few of the questions answered by our film critics – you, the viewers.
It was a night of laughter and fun for most people who attended the early screening of The Warriors Gate, a Chinese-French action-adventure-fantasy film starring Dave Bautista. Our guests were treated to some popcorn, cooldrink and adventure – what other ingredients do you need for a 90-inspired fantasy-fu film?
It’s always great watching a film like this with an awesome audience, hearing and seeing people react to what’s happening on screen make it a really fun experience. And The Warriors Gate was no different. It was easy to gather from the laughs and chuckles that the audience was having a good time.
Regardless of their thoughts on the movie, viewers can easily admit that it was a fun evening out.
“I truely enjoyed it. Was a movie that has many laughs and perfect fight scenes.” – Mohammed Sarlie
“The movie was entertaining. Had some humour, great dance moves and kept my attention. I will recommend it to teenage boys that are into gaming. The popcorn was the freshest I ever had.” – Heleen Niere
“I enjoyed the experience. I laughed a lot during the movie.” – Gerald Herold
“Loved every minute of the movie. The leading characters were awesome. Liked the funny bits too and the music rocked.” – Leonora Abrahams
“Movie – Fantastic and enjoyed it thoroughly / Team – Visual and extremely friendly” – Razia Allie
“The storyline is definitely ideal for a teen audience but I still did enjoy it and appreciated the graphics and action. Good acting and the closing scene … is great!” – Liza Smith
“It is not the type of movie that I normally watch, but I will definitely [take] my two boys to go see it. I think they will thoroughly enjoy it as they are fully into gaming and warriors.” – Caren Visser
Great night watching #WarriorsGateSA with good friends and @FortressofS at #SterKinekor pic.twitter.com/mdhJ2iei3n
— Liza Smith (@doelie) May 11, 2017
“I enjoyed the lighthearted nature of the film, but there were too many superhero/coming-of-age/comic tropes in there. The acting was fairly poor, helped by some iffy dialogue. The cinematography was fantastic though, that place is incredibly beautiful. Overall I feel the premise was okay but let down but some very cheesy decisions as regards characters and script. I did enjoy parts of the film, but there were many cringeworthy moments.” – Bruce Jackson
“The movie was very much sub-par with poor acting, no solid storyline, no correct flow, no climax. It’s possibly the worst movie since Ghost Rider 2, that I’ve watched.” – David Klaasen
“A very cheesy, yet fun, fantasy romp reminiscent of the 90’s movies from my childhood.” – Deville Louw
“…an enjoyable, humorous movie.” – Kevin Mare
“The movie was great and I thoroughly enjoyed it.” – Jason Van Wyk
Thanks @FortressofS for last night's amazing screening of #WarriorsGate @sterkinekor #gaming #movies #adventure @DaveBautista @uriahshelton pic.twitter.com/9nrLZmTn4c
— Duschanka Hitzeroth (@DHitzeroth) May 12, 2017
“The movie was really pretty cool. I am definitely not one for the whole adventure/sci-fi/gaming vibe but surprisingly, I enjoyed it. It was gripping, funny and sentimental – which is not what your usual adventure film offers.” – Duschanka Hitzeroth
“The film provided a decent night out. I enjoyed the unexpected amount of humour the film offered – for me this was its saving grace. This is because the film did not offer any mature content or story line. It also did not offer a noteworthy perspective on current trends or ‘hot topics’ in contemporary society, nor did it offer a novel reflection of the human condition. There was nothing new about the telling of the escapades of a teenage boy. As such I was left trying to find something relatable or a hook to keep my attention, thankfully humour is always relatable.” – Che Kelly
“I enjoyed it, especially the butterfly conversation. Now that was classic!” – Nadia Swartbooi
“Better than I expected it to be. Very old school feel to the way the story played out. Adults are definitely not the target audience for this one though.” – Mat & PJ
“I enjoyed it. It was funny. We don’t usually watch movies like that but it was entertaining.” – Yahzeel Jacobs
“I laughed a lot throughout the movie, some of the lines were really funny and the fighting scenes were cool. The graphics were fine until the giant man – that was so fake. Overall, I enjoy the movie and so did my friend.” – Moira Lynne
#warriorsgateSA is best enjoyed with a 2ltr Fanta and a bowel of cheese-puffs.
— BrettRexB (@BrettRexB) May 11, 2017
“Warrior Gate was surprisingly entertaining. It had a pleasant amount of comedy and the characters were likeable too. The music could have been better, mostly for scenes set in the real world though. Overall not a bad film.” – Neilan Adams
“I was surprised, as I enjoyed it much more than I expected too. The comedic twist kept the movie on the lighter side. I also enjoyed the opening scene. All in all, not bad.” – Kegan van der Berg
“Honestly, it wasn’t for me, especially coming off the back from the King Arthur preview. I did not enjoy it, even the trailer of the movie was not impressive.” – Chad Joshhua
“The movie was okay. The action and the comedy weren’t really that great, but it was okay. It’s always good to watch something new and different.” – Skulile Skenjana
“Target audience is clearly young adults. A whimsical love story with a “nerd gets the girl” theme. Lighthearted and enjoyable but not groundbreaking.” – Zach Groenewald
“The movie definitely was cheesy but it was funny. The locations they filmed in were amazing. Wonderful night.” – Laura
“I so enjoyed The Warriors Gate because it was a perfect mix of fantasy, action, adventure and comedy. I loved the whole storyline and the amazing scenery made me want to book a plane ticket there. I would definitely recommend The Warriors Gate!” – Carryn Paikin
@sterkinekor thanks for the tickets to watch #warriorsgateSA last night, epic movie loved it.
— Leonora (@Leo_Abrahams) May 12, 2017
Thanks to everyone who attended and made the screening a special night of fun. The film opens in cinemas today, 12th May.
A teenager was transported to China in a magical way for a mission to accomplish by saving the princess from danger. He transforms himself into a Kung Fu warrior to battle the evil villains by converting his video game skills.
Directed by Matthias Hoene, from a script by Luc Besson (who also serves as the film’s producer), The Warriors Gate stars Mark Chao, Ni Ni, Uriah Shelton, Dave Bautista, Sienna Guillory and Dakota Daulby.

What’s the next one going to be?
We don’t know yet. Watch this space :)
Cooooolll….