Terminator Salvation
Directed by: Mc G
Starting: Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, Anton Yelchin, Moon Bloodgood, Bryce Dallas Howard, Common, Helena Bonham Carter
What’s It About
Remember the scenes in the Terminator films where they would show glimpses of the future? Remember how badly you wanted the series to get to that point? Well, it took 25 years to get there, but as of midnight, May 21st, that wish has finally been granted. The question does remain though, was it worth the wait? Cue the Terminator soundtrack!
Thoughts
I grew up watching the Terminator films. I do consider myself a fan and yes, I thought the 3rd one was horrible! As I sat in my seat at my local theatre, I realized that this is the 2nd Terminator flick that is being attempted without the creator, James Cameron. In fact, this installment is being handled by McG! He directed CHARLIE’S ANGELS and a bunch of MUSIC VIDEOS! “Oh no… just breath, easy does it.” “Why would a studio put a franchise that is well respected and loved by so many, in the hands of this man?" The lights dimmed, and I soon got my answer…
This is nothing like the older Terminator films. There are no tender scenes, no deep storylines, no “Hasta la vista, baby” moments, and no Arnold (well…). What you have here is life after Judgment Day. Resistance fighters have no time to joke around and laugh it up. They live to defeat the machines. This is that story. There really is no room for the Terminator formula to work. What Salvation brings is a gritty, desolate, washed out world, and I for one am glad that they chose to do it this way! Salvation is a new series that while it’s in the same universe as the previous films; it cannot live by the same standards.
The action in Salvation is relentless! Some purists have argued that they have a problem with this being the first Terminator that’s not rated R. Trust me, you won’t know the difference! For every 6 or 10 minutes of dialogue, you get 20 minutes or so of no hold barred action! McG has an eye for camera tricks and they are used to good effect on Salvation. In a scene where a chopper goes down, you will feel as if you’re in the chopper, plummeting to the floor! This is war, and you’re going to feel like you’re in it!
Christian Bale stars as the savior of mankind, John Connor. His performance was pretty solid except for the occasional Batman growl that he apparently hasn’t been able to shake off yet. The best performance though, goes to the machine Marcus Wright, played by Sam Worthington. Even though he’s machine, he is the most human out of the rest of the cast. I was very surprised by Anton Yelchin’s portrayal of a young Kyle Reese. This boy did his homework and it paid off! If I didn’t know any better, I would’ve sworn they put Michael Biehn in a time portal and send him back in time to portray a young version of himself! Common and Moon Bloodgood do what they can with the little time they have onscreen, but to be honest, they don’t bring anything to the table.
There is no reason why Terminator Salvation should be missed. It’s a welcome entry into the Terminator franchise; it’s got great action, wonderful SFX and a story that can be further developed in if they continue to make more. And if they make more, I’ll Be Back!
Memorable Moment
The last 30 minutes. I’m not allowed to say more than that.
FYI
There are a load of references to the older Terminator flicks. I caught 6 of them.
Score
8 out of 10
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