Terminator Salvation

Terminator Salvation (2009)
Directed by McG
Length: 130 minutes
Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and language



When I was younger, I wanted to be a terminator when I grew up. I tried my best to dress, talk, and act like Arnold Schwarzenegger. Needless to say, my childhood ambitions never really panned out. But perhaps you'll understand how excited I was upon hearing about the production of a new terminator flick; then imagine my horror upon hearing the infamous McG was behind the helm. The guy famous for Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle would be directing my beloved franchise into the ground...or would he? After anxiously awaiting the release of the latest chapter in the Terminator franchise, I can honestly say that, while not great, McG has delivered an enjoyable movie that will satisfy fans and non-fans alike.

Unlike the previous three films, Terminator Salvation takes place after Judgment Day, the day Skynet (a highly sophisticated AI) became aware and unleashed a war upon the human race filled with death and destruction. Amongst the bleak and ashy remains of the world, we find the prophesied savior of humanity John Conner, played by Christian Bale (Public Enemies, The Dark Knight), struggling to lead the remainder of humanity in opposition of the machines bent on our destruction. The mission to stop the machines becomes murky upon discovering Marcus Wright, played by newcomer Sam Worthington (Avatar, Rogue), a seemingly normal human, with one exception...Marcus is actually a new prototype machine equipped with organs and memories of the donor's previous life.

Let's start with the bad and build from there. Traditionally, I feel that a good cast can do wonders for bad directing, plot, writing, etc. True, an actor is only as good as the material, but good/great performances can go a long way towards redeeming a film. Unfortunately, the acting in Terminator Salvation lacks substance and emotion. Even with a good cast toting the likes of Bale, Bryce Dallas Howard (The Look of Real, Spider-man 3) as Kate Conner, and Anton Yelchin (Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac, Star Trek) as Kyle Reese, the dialogue feels stilted and devoid of any emotion. I understand the movie takes place during an apocalyptic future where we are constantly at war; if the scenes only centered around fighting, then I would accept this as a reason. But the scenes involving human interaction left a lot to be desired. The few scenes between Bryce Dallas Howard and Bale felt rough and a bit put on. Yelchin, a young actor with a bright future, even fails to really deliver a good performance. Of all of the actors and actresses, Sam Worthington provides the best example of stoic heroism in the face of danger with a dash of emotion at the right times. But even his performance is flawed as his Aussie accent pops up on a few occasions.

Now for the good. The special effects and scenery are amazing. The machines look their best as they hunt for humans to eradicate. Another interesting but welcome change is the introduction of different models of the terminators. Not only do we have the traditional humanoid models, but we have water-based ones, motorcycle scouts, herders, etc. A lot of praise should go to the set designers who developed an impressive landscape. You truly get a sense of the mass destruction that blankets the earth in a pile of rubbish and ash. In an ironic sense, this is the most beautiful film in the series yet.

A lot of reviews and opinions have blasted the script, an element I was initially cautious of. However, I found the plot to be original, creative, and believable. I don't think the script will be winning an Oscar for best original screenplay, but it certainly provides for an easy to follow yet enjoyable action movie scenario. It also was enjoyable to see not just one or two terminators duking it out over John Conner, but an entire legion of deadly machinery.

So, all said, is it better than Terminator or T2: Judgment Day? No, but that doesn't mean the movie is a failure. McG has thankfully placed the series on the right track as the focus has shifted from preventing Judgment Day to stoping the machines in the future. Having already signed the cast on for two more sequels, I eagerly await the explosions, scenery, and development of the future films. Let's just hope that Bale and the rest of the cast remember why they are considered "good" actors in time for the sequels.

Final Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote:
Kate Conner: "What should I tell your men when they find out you're gone?"
John Conner: "I'll be back."