Movie Review - Terminator Salvation

Starring Christian Bale and Sam Worthington. Directed by McG.

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and language.

As with most big-budget films that are expected to appeal to lots of people, it's best to stay away from the hype, the trailers, and the plot synopsis to actually enjoy the flick. I personally prefer to know very little about the summer blockbusters until I see them so my opinion is only my opinion. Terminator Salvation was no different and managed to surprise me. If you want to go into the movie like I did, then stop reading now. I'm going to start spoiling some of it for you if you keep reading.

First, the plot. Terminator Salvation is set in 2018 and Judgment Day from the previous flicks has already happened. The machines from Skynet (a computer) are systematically taking out the humans that are still alive as it sees humans as a threat to it's own existence. Christian Bale plays John Connor, who is supposed to lead the resistance to victory. Sam Worthington plays a new breed of Terminator and he believes he is human. The two manage to come together at the end to take on Skynet together. It's a loose description at best, but gives you an idea of the setting of this latest installment.

Second, the acting. Let's face it - you aren't going to a

Terminator movie because of the amazing acting that the series has always had. Arnold was good, but didn't exactly light the screen on fire with his grand delivery of 'I'll be back.' The new film had some weight behind it with Christian Bale, but he manages to do nothing but bark orders and threats with little else to make us feel like he is the chosen leader. Sam Worthington steals the best acting award by infusing immense amounts of emotion into his scenes and Anton Yelchin manages to squeeze some length out of the small role he plays. Overall, Arnold was way more memorable than any of the new recruits can muster.

Third, the effects and explosions. This is the backbone to a Terminator movie and it really is quite good. Each action packed scene is a lot more inventive than we've seen in summer blockbusters for awhile now and manages to keep the movie barreling away at full speed. Often times, the action creeps up and gets a good jump out of you. I was quite surprised at some points. There are lots of things to blowup and director McG doesn't waste any of them. I wish the effects and explosions managed to add more depth to this flick, but they don't. They are just really cool.

Terminator Salvation is a decent flick and well worth watching, especially if you like the Terminator flicks. It's a worthy addition to the franchise even if it isn't a spectacular reboot like the recent Star Trek film was. The acting is decent, the directing is alright, the plot is a bit weak but honors the previous Terminators and the explosions are excellent - which all adds up to a Terminator Salvation flick that is a great escape at the movie theatre.

Terminator Salvation is playing at Cinema 3 in McCook. Follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/divinefilms for updates on movies the minute I get done watching them! Check out showtimes at www.fridleytheatres.com.