Terminator Salvation

Synopsis

The latest installment of the Terminator series is set in post-apocalyptic 2018 with the majority of mankind destroyed by a computer system called Skynet, which perceives humans as a threat to its own existence. John Connor (Christian Bale, The Dark Knight) is the man fated to lead an attack by The Resistance to obliterate Skynet and its army of Terminators before they kill the rest of human kind.

Review

Have you ever gone to an amusement park and got on a ride that shot straight up really high in the air, stopped at the top and then just plummeted, nearly having your heart explode with anxiety? Well, Terminator Salvation had so much non-stop action that’s how the movie seemed to me. For just its action, it receives 5 reels and if all you care about in a film is action, then this is one for you to see.

Now this film can be a bit confusing if you’re not familiar with the entire story from back in the Arnold Schwarzenegger days. You might want to watch the first couple Terminator films so you remember what’s going on. Those movies are so old, I forgot a lot about them. For a minute I was thinking, “What in the world?”

Anyhoo, this new chapter of the Terminator film franchise is set in 2018. John Connor (Christian Bale, The Dark Knight) is the man destined to lead The Resistance—a lose network of combatants who are made up of the human survivors of Judgement Day (nuclear armageddon). They are committed to conquer Skynet, an artificially intelligent system which became self aware (as Rene Descartes would say, “I think therefore I am”) and revolted against its human creators. Skynet destroyed most of humanity in a nuclear holocaust and John and a group of survivors fight to keep the machines from terminating all of humankind. These folks are in a straight up dystopian society (look it up, people!).

Everything John was raised to believe is true changes when he crosses paths with Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington, Rogue), an outsider whose only memory is of being on death row. Shoot, John doesn’t know if Marcus is sent from the future or came from the past. Regardless, they need to get inside Skynet’s operations to stop this madness. Yes, I know it’s confusing. Just be sure to watch the old Terminator films.

Despite the story, the grit of Terminator’s action scenes will keep you going for the length of the film. If all you want is a good action film, or you’re a Terminator fanatic, pay the toll and strap yourself in securely for the action ride you’re about to take.

I have no complaints about any of the actors. They hopped on the train and stayed on for the entire movie. Christian Bale is who he is. He’s a good action hero with quality skills, so he doesn’t disappoint. Worthington wasn’t bad either. He moved me enough to feel for his character and be on his side. Common (Wanted) is getting his little screen time in these major blockbuster movies. Go on Common. It doesn’t even matter that it’s a few lines here and there; he’s getting gigs.

The sound mixing, sound editing and visual effects were superb. Even if you don't care about that stuff you'll be happy someone does because the sounds are just unbelievable. That’s one good sound system at Loews Theater. My goodness, my ears were ringing when I walked out. Their sound system is nothing like the OLD time theater by my home. The only sound you’re getting is from the jive speakers in front of the theater. It’s so ridiculous.

Terminator isn’t one of those films where you’d say it’s all that and just as good as the old ones. Nope! However, it’s some good action. Take it for just that. I do think you’d cheat yourself seeing it on a TV screen at home.

My Rating ~ 4 Reels

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