The Terminator series is one of my favorites. I believe I first encountered it during my short tenure at Hollywood Video after I graduated college. I also remember my dad renting the first one for a movie night (with the fellas) before I was a teenager. I am fond of the story with its tale of ordinary people rising above apocalyptic circumstances to save the world. And so, my final thoughts on the series.
The Terminator has one thing the others don't, the basis of the mythos. However, it has the awkwardness of being first base. I, personally, have a particular fondness for this installment and for one character in particular: Kyle Reese. It's not due to the overall good looks on his portrayer: My fondness for this one is due to the fact that the protector (Kyle) is human, therefore he has something to lose. The fight is seemingly a suicide mission, and he knows it...but he does his duty anyways. Honor, dedication, love, loyalty, sacrifice; the stuff of which heroes are made.
T2: Judgement Day has the popular distinction of being one of the few "sequels" that outshines its parent film. The effects are definitely better, and the camerawork shines more. But the gimmicks are similar, the formula is the same, and there are more of the same characters from the previous installment than any of the others. The technicality of the piece outstrips it predecessor, but the story's not better, nor are the performances. I also have a problem with the "hero" being a machine who's humanity is never shown.
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines is as sleek and sexy as its villain machine. Fate is an interesting antagonist, as the hero of the series isn't interested in fulfilling his destiny to lead the human race. Nick Stahl has the perfect balance between what Furlong began in T2 to what Connor will eventually become. His brooding nature along with hidden compassion, coupled with a credible street-savvy, gives us a window into what Connor's destiny will require. However, the biggest downside is that there is no brain or heart to this installment, merely filler.
Terminator Salvation returns to the bleak future in the aftermath of Judgement Day. The production design paints the devastation and hopelessness brilliantly, complete with low-tech guerilla tactics and high-tech enemies. The gimmicks are similar, but not mirror images of the previous installments. Pristinely cast, especially in Anton Yelchin's Kyle Reese, Christian Bale's John Connor and Sam Worthington's Marcus Wright. Each bring a level of heart and soul to their characters that makes them worth our concern. Marcus' character works as a written character, however, in the grand scheme of the mythos...he's a bit far fetched.
The series is well mapped, well cast, and well delivered. The mythos is clearly laid out and executed. I look forward to seeing the events surrounding the deploying of each protector in the future.
****
In: Lance Heinricksen
Out: Anton Yelchin
Coming Soon: Charlie Bartlett
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