Sunday, June 7, 2009


MOVIE REVIEW TERMINATOR SALVATION
Twenty-five years after Arnold Schwarzenegger rose to stardom in James Cameron's The Terminator, the franchise returns. Unfortunately both men aren't around for this fourth installment replaced by a new wave of techno story-tellers. Examining the previously hinted futuristic war thread, their creativity in expanding the rich background is to be admired. Regrettably its entry into its next phase is weakened by some poor writing that should have been terminated at the editing stage.
In 2018 the ultimate battle between man and machine rages. Defending humanity against the tyranny of the cyborg run Skynet, the rebellion is led by John Connor (Christian Bale). Due to a time distortion he must save his future father, Kyle Reese (Anton Yelchin) from execution. Joining his quest is Marcus (Sam Worthington), a human/machine hybrid unwittingly holding the key to salvation for both races. Previously the bastion of epic grandiose adventure, Terminator Salvation sees the series slip into the realms of gritty action immediately apparent from the first hazy shots of a desolate vista filled with dead bodies. Director McG seems at home in this Mad Max inspired landscape, although carefully ensuring the franchise's links are still respected. These elements plus a lean but involving plot keep events moving at a rapid pace ensuring the words 'dull' and 'moment' never enter its vocabulary. The special effects add some further visual colour amidst a story determined not to stray too far into outlandish cartoon fantasy. Terminator Salvation falls apart with dreadful dialogue and shallow characters. Apart from Worthington and Yelchin's roles, the other actors have nothing to work with in parts requiring little to do except react to the mayhem without any genuine emotional verve. Even the normally dependable Bale is wasted in the crucial lead role as Worthington steals his thunder with a genuinely intriguing anti-hero. Whenever moments centre on him, the film comes alive but when they don't the lack of energy becomes palatable. The actors do their best in spite of the lazy writing which deflates what should have been an overall great experience. Terminator Salvation is a mixed bag with some great science fiction lumbered with weak characters. Some may view the series tonal change as a step too far, although others may appreciate the film-maker's resolve in trying something different. Merely 'OK' than 'brilliant', the lacklustre response greeting this entry perhaps proves that a Terminator film without Arnie is an option few are willing to accept.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 6 Movie Review by Patrick Moore Terminator Salvation Official Homepage click here. Terminator Salvation released in Australia on Thursday 05 June 2009. If you have any comments to make about this Movie Review, then please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review Terminator Salvation Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.

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