Terminator Genisys has arrived with a lot of hype and expectations.
The film opens in 2029 where civilisation had ended in an apocalyptic battle between the humans and robots. John Connor (Jason Clarke) leads the war against the oppressive robots with the last of the human race. During the final battle, he is notified that the robots are planning on attacking the past and the future via Skynet. The machines send a T-800 back to 1984 to terminate Sara Connor before she gives birth to John. After the “last fight” in 2029, it’s decided that human soldier Kyle Reese, will be the one to follow the T-800 back in time to protect Sarah Connor.
As Kyle starts being transported to 1984, he sees fragments of memories belonging to his alternate 12-year-old self, including a cryptic warning of the events in 2017. Then moments before Kyle disappears, he witnesses one of the resistance fighters attack John.
Without ruining any plot twists, the story of Terminator Genisys re-imagines the original and adds some surprises along the way. While hardocre fans of the 1984 movie might be displeased, the rest of the viewers would likely find it satisfying. Script writers and director Alan Taylor, leave what makes Terminator movies so enjoyable – the one liners. Most humorous scenes involve the group arrested and booked, Arnie throwing punches, dispensing stone faced one liners and political statements. No doubt making fun of his time in politics.
What works in the script also happens to be its downfall. Terminator Genisys takes us through 4 different decades while explaining how it happens, which is necessary to tell the story the film makers wanted. However, some will find the time travelling and scientific talk all too convoluted.
From the splendid wide shot scenes showing the defeat of humans, buildings blowing up, to Arnold appearing at different ages throughout 4 decades, the CGI effects depicting all of it are nothing short of astonishing. Arnold battling Arnold is certainly a highlight.
Jai Courtney, who has cemented himself as the new “go to” action man, takes on depicting the brave but naive Kyle Reese. Emilia Clarke (Games of Thrones) plays the role of Sarah. She displays the no nonsense tough quality to her character well. Clarke resembles Linda Hamilton, which inevitably will lead the two to be compared for their performance.
Byung-Hun Lee and J.K Simmons are horribly under utilised. Lee, who brilliantly depicts the liquid T-1000, only appears for 10 minutes in the story. The character played by Simmons, adds more laughs and really gets the viewers to root for him. However, he simply disappears without any explanation as to what happened to him. Arguably, he will probably re-appear in the next two installments but it would have been nice if he got some type of resolution in this film.
Arnold Shwarzenegger is the best in Terminator Genisys. He brought more humour, new personality and even some emotion to a robot character he has played since the 80s. It’s clear from the beginning that neither he nor director Alan Taylor, take his character and the movie all so seriously – which plays in their favour.
Some have chosen to compare Terminator Genisys with Mad Max: Fury Road, this is as baffling and laughable as those criticising Arnold for being robotic in the movie.
I am going to go against the grain and say this movie is one of the better Terminator films. For those wanting to see it – I suggest to just sit back, relax and enjoy all the action. I give it 7 stars out of 10.
Terminator Genisys is out in cinemas now.
