Sci-Fi/Fantasy - Terminator Movies Discussion #1: "I'll be back"

sum1 · 05-17-2010, 04:32 PM

The first movie was kind of limited, but entertaining. The governor of California was good and so was Michael Biehn. Linda Hamilton was kind of weak, but likable enough. The most effective part was when the terminator was reduced to a metal skeleton with glowing red eyes and kept coming. That was scary. Michael always seems to get killed off in his films. People will sometimes talk about the movie being "about" various deeper themes, but there's very little that's truly deeper about the film. In terms of such themes, the only one that really works and is important is the technological singularity idea, basically technology getting too smart and getting independent and dangerous. A theme that's also significantly addressed in 2001 A Space Odyssey.

The second Terminator film is a considerable improvement on the first, with more depth (though not too much depth), more kick and more fun. The Governator is hilarious. Linda Hamilton is much improved. The kid is good, even though he makes a wimpy-looking John Connor. Robert Patrick does a great job as a totally composed, sinister-as-hell-looking Terminator. He kind of radiates snake. It's a good film. Certainly the best part of the franchise.

The third film is a serious letdown. Though only good thing is the Governator's performance, which is often damn funny. The usually good Claire Danes is totally bland here. Nick Stahl makes a weak John Connor. Kristanna Loken makes an AWFUL Terminator. About as convincing a killer robot as Arnold would be convincing playing Willow Rosenberg. No discipline. Annoying. too.

I didn't even get through the 4th film. It bored me to hell. That guy from Avatar was dull as hell. Christian Bale is appropriate for John Connor, but he's not an actor I warm to. Anton Yelchin was likable, but TOTALLY inappropriate for Kyle Reese. And Bryce Dallas Howard as Kate? Yawn. It was nice to see Michael Ironside, though. But the film was dead-spirited and so

boring. Like I said, I didn't get through it.

There's a Terminator 5 slated for 2012. God knows why. To make bucks, I guess. But the franchise has gone to crap, so there's no justification for making any more films.

Cryostar · 05-19-2010, 07:03 AM

Sell toys!

sum1 · 05-22-2010, 06:30 PM

Can't you think of more to say?

Cryostar · 05-25-2010, 07:18 AM

I could think of tons more to say....but they'd be fabricated lies. I felt like saying the truth only.

sum1 · 05-26-2010, 12:06 AM

So you've absolutely no views on any of the films?

Cryostar · 05-27-2010, 07:27 AM

I thought T1 and T2 were ok...anything after is little more than an abortive attempt to capitalize on a fan base.

sum1 · 05-27-2010, 10:37 AM

They should have left it at two movies. Or three at most, considering the Governator's performance in 3 was fun. But after they ran out of Austrian bodybuilders they should have called it a day.