So, ‘Terminator: Genysis' has been getting a lot of bad press. I think critics are tired of the reboots and recycled ideas that Hollywood has been putting out. While I don’t entirely disagree, I will say there is an enjoyment at seeing a fresh take on an old classic. ‘Terminator: Genysis’ attempts to update and modernize the ‘Terminator’ franchise and I have to confess, as a time-twisting, mind-bending piece of science fiction, it wasn’t half bad. I can see why the critics thought it was over blown and over confusing, but for those who enjoy trying to follow and unravel the paradoxes of time travel and alternate time lines, this was an entertaining ride.
The story of Skynet sending back a Terminator to 1984 to prevent the birth of John Conner, the savior of mankind over the machines is well known for anyone who follows the franchise. John Conner (Jason Clarke) sends back his trusted soldier, Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney) to foil the Terminator’s mission and save his mother Sara Conner (played respectably by ‘Game of Thrones actress, Emilia Clarke). In a paradox of time, the soldier that is sent back becomes John Conner’s father. This time, something different happens and when Kyle Reese arrives in 1984, he does not find a helpless Sara Conner, rather a hardened fighter who has been protected and trained by a Terminator her whole life. Arnold’s obvious age difference is explained as the human tissue of the Terminator ages just like a human’s. I will say I was quite impressed at the use of old (actually young) Arnold footage from the original movie that is superimposed in the current one. The illusion of young Arnold fighting current Arnold was seamless.
SInce the timeline has been altered, the reboot has open license to take the story wherever they want. The action was fast and furious, but an engaging, albeit confusing, time twisting tale was woven in. This was not just some poorly written action flick rather a well thought out revamp that hopes to continue and expand the franchise. I thought the film was at its’ weakest when it tried to inject humor into the mix. It seemed out of place, and candidly, just not funny as events spiraled out of control in the dark and dystopian world they were trying to create. As I stated earlier, the special effects were stunning and the roller coaster ride was worthy of a Saturday matinee popcorn movie.
The insight as to the creation of Skynet was well done and modernized to reflect the fears arising from today’s dependency on technology. Whether we realize or not, we are addicted to digital technology and the film lays out how that will be our downfall when the machines finally gain self awareness. This was an artfully crafted story that taps into the fears of our current dependencies and extrapolates where it will take us. A parable for the modern age which is the basis of all good science fiction.
When the original ‘Terminator’ came out, it was a low budget, almost campy, B-movie that somehow rose above its’ genre. The special effects were nothing special, even by 1984 standards, but through a terrifying story at the dawning of the computer age that was just beginning to touch our collective consciousness and from the sheer star power of the future Govenator, Arnold Schwartzenegger, ‘The Terminator’ became more than a cult classic, it became a cultural phenomenon. Terminator 2 captured the magic and went big budget, but it has not been able to repeat that X-factor that makes a movie stand the test of time. I understand why studios try to reintroduce and reboot these classics, because they have a built in audience base from nostalgia alone. I will say that was a respectable and enjoyable attempt. No hard feelings here, but I doubt it will start the mega-franchise the studios were hoping for.
I give this film ** 1/2 stars
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