Doorways

This is a moderately interesting pilot film for a series that never came to be. Similar to SLIDERS... too similar in the race for a prime time TV slot. Although the main characters were fairly well portrayed and the settings reasonably constructed, it was just a case of two series too similar to one another.

I did very much enjoy the setting for the "hospital" in this; it makes me wonder where that building really is. The ironwork railing was terrific (it can be surprising what impresses in a movie). I also enjoyed "The Bikers" (you just have to see it).

Giving it 6 stars for what it is: a made-for-TV pilot movie from the 90s. It's not a bad flick. Being a pilot film, expect an open ending without resolution but the two scenarios it presents were fairly well thought out and portrayed. Not a bad attempt. But this was 1994, Sliders was a close 1995 competing for the same sci fi concept, and Sliders of course won out.

George R. R. Martin, writer of "Beauty And The Beast," and a well known professional SF writer ("Tuff Voyaging" is heartily recommended) came up with this pilot for an alternate universe adventure show some time before Sliders, but Tracey Torme's version was the one that became a series. Ignore the disparaging remarks and watch it -- George Newbern goes well beyond the bounds of 'male ingenue (sp?)' and Kurtwood Smith delivers two good performances (conceivably he could have been the Kenny of live action TV, a comment you will need to watch it to understand, if the series had made it.

In the first half hour there are a number of plot flaws that are hard to accept. Had the writers thought about it just a bit more it might have worked out as a good series. But then again, they'd have had stiff competition from Sliders.

Also, I think the talent agent could have picked out some better actors. The mix clashed with each other while the variety in sliders melded better. It is a good comparison between a series that made the concept work vs a series that did not allow it to work. The behind the scenes crews is crucial in making a series a hit. I was going to say especially the casting director but that is not true. Without a good scrip writer... etc etc. Each part has to perform to a certain level for a series to make it. They did not meld well in this one.

This fun,imaginative TV pilot by George R.R.Martin(Beauty & the Beast) dealt with a couple who could travel to earth-like planets located in other dimensions.Cat comes from another world to our earth,in fact she is a former slave on the run from her masters who are in hot pursuit. Here she is befriended by a doctor who then becomes caught up in her flight. With the advanced technology from her homeworld, she is able to find a portal that will open up into the next world. Trouble is she isn't always conveniently near the opening & must race to get to it. She also carries an organic weapon with her that packs a devastating punch.The premise is similar to the TV series Sliders. I wish this had been picked up by the network(ABC) as a series as it had so much potential. Visiting a new & different world each week would offer endless story possibilities. The report is that the ABC network had to choose between this or another sf show. They went with the other show:Lois & Clark. What a shame.

Doorways should be given a chance and put out on DVD. Everyone I have talked to about this movie says that they really liked it and wish that they could purchase it for their collection. It has an unusual plot and was fun to see where each scene would take you. The whole idea of sci-fi is to take you away from the stress and strain of everyday drudgery. It gives you a feeling of other things and other worlds out there, if you don't watch it all the way through how can you even think of trying to rate the movie. Many people listen to these people that rate movies and take their word for truth. I have found many good movies that were supposed to be lousy but found them to be great movies. Give those poorly rated movies a chance because what sucks to one or two people may be a very good movie.