Pub.lished Movie Reviews
The Terminator (1984)
A cyborg assassin is sent back in time to pursue a waitress, who, until then, had been contentedly enjoying her life replete with a charming '80s hairstyle. Her peaceful existence is disrupted by this relentless robotic hitman targeting her.
James Cameron's directorial debut, where he was given true creative control, mirrored this narrative. Much like his movie, Cameron persisted until someone agreed not only to fund his screenplay but also to let him direct it. It was rumored that he was living out of his car at the time.
As a result, the budget was tight. A significant portion of it was allocated to hiring Arnold Schwarzenegger, leaving little for special effects.
Originally, Arnold had signed on to play Kyle Reese. Being discerning in his choice of roles right from the beginning, Arnold, unlike other struggling actors, had the luxury of patience thanks to his bodybuilding winnings, real estate, and mail order business. This financial support enabled him to wait for the right opportunity. Somehow, the relatively unknown director, James Cameron, managed to convince the rising star, Arnold Schwarzenegger, to play a killer robot instead. He assured Arnold that audiences wouldn't despise him for portraying a killer, as it was the robot committing the atrocities, not Arnold himself.
As for the movies most famous line, and one of cinemas most famous lines? The original script for Terminator even had it written out as the more awkward "I'll come back." Arnold thought it sounded "funny," wanting it to be more machine-like, a la, "I will be back." It led to a disagreement between Arnold and Cameron. Cameron explains. "It wasn't meant to be like a big moment at all... For some reason, Arnold didn't say, I'll come back. I said, Well, just say 'I'll be back.' Keep it simple." This allegedly led to a heated exchange between Cameron and Schwarzenegger on set, which ended in Cameron yelling, "Are you the writer?'" Schwarzenegger recalls responding,"No," then Cameron clapped back with, "Well, don't tell me how to fucking write."
The special effects may seem notably outdated today and were even considered questionable during the '80s. However, this minor flaw aside, it's an incredible story that paved the way for the high-budget "Terminator 2."
"Terminator 1" undoubtedly boasts superior storytelling and acting, presenting a gritty, intimate, and desperate atmosphere. "Terminator 2," on the other hand, is considered the overall better movie, due to its higher production values, more convincing special effects, and improved humor. It's rare for a sequel to surpass the original, but this only testifies to the remarkable quality of both films.
" I'll be back "
- You are not comfortable with violence and action scenes.
- You get disturbed by intense and scary scenes.
- You have children below the age of 15, it has been rated as unsuitable by age classification groups.
- You are not a fan of science fiction and time travel concepts.
- You don't enjoy 80's movie aesthetics and special effects.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "The Terminator"? I mean, he's supposed to be an infiltration unit, right? He has a detailed files on human anatomy but can't figure out that wearing sunglasses at night is kinda conspicuous? Not exactly blending in, big guy!
And don't get me started on the time travel. They can send back a killer robot, but they can't send back a note saying "Hey Sarah, maybe don't go to that bar tonight! Or at least wear some running shoes!" But no, they send a naked dude who follows her around like a creep. Now that's a wake-up call!
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Fanciers of "The Terminator" (1984) will love "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" (1991) because it continues the thrilling story of man versus machine established in the first film, with the return of Arnold Schwarzenegger's iconic Terminator character. The sequel amplifies the action, special effects, and emotional depth, introducing the advanced, shape-shifting T-1000 antagonist, while delving deeper into the relationship between Sarah Connor and her son, John. With director James Cameron's masterful storytelling, "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" builds upon the first film's legacy and expands the franchise's universe, making it a must-see for any fan of the original "Terminator".
The Matrix (1999)"The Terminator" and "The Matrix" are iconic films that revolutionized the science fiction genre with their compelling narratives of man versus machine. They share a similar dystopian future setting where artificial intelligence poses a threat to humanity. The adrenaline-fueled action sequences, thought-provoking themes, and complex characters offer a thrilling cinematic experience for fans. Additionally, the ground-breaking special effects and visual styling in both films further highlight their shared appeal for fans of high-concept sci-fi action thrillers.
Die Hard (1988)Directed by John McTiernan, "Die Hard" is arguably one of the best action films of its era. It showcases Bruce Willis in one of his most iconic roles, much like Schwarzenegger's part in "The Terminator". Bringing together a tense plot, engaging character dynamics, and an unforgettable villain, it offers an exciting adrenaline rush and proves that an uncomplicated premise could spawn action magic.
Blade Runner (1982)If your admiration for "The Terminator" is grounded in its convergence of future technology and riveting storytelling, then "Blade Runner" could be your next viewing party choice. This Ridley Scott classic paints a gloomy, apocalyptic future where AI beings known as 'replicants' take center stage. Its atmospheric cinematography and compelling narrative themes make it a cornerstone in the sci-fi genre.
Poltergeist (1982)"The Terminator" and "Poltergeist" are iconic films from the early 1980s that deftly blend elements of horror, science fiction, and thrillers, delivering high-tension narratives infused with suspenseful atmospheres. "The Terminator" offers a relentless, unstoppable cyborg antagonist, while "Poltergeist" offers malevolent supernatural forces, but both provide significant action and gripping, edge-of-your-seat sequences. These films showcase innovative special effects for their time, and both feature strong, memorable performances, particularly from their female leads. They are also directed by renowned filmmakers (James Cameron and Tobe Hooper, respectively) and have had a lasting influence on their genres.
Aliens (1986)"The Terminator" (1984) and "Aliens" (1986) are signature films of director James Cameron, known for his knack for creating heart-pounding action and suspense. They share similar themes of survival against inhuman forces and feature strong, resourceful protagonists. The blend of science fiction, action, and horror elements in both films, along with their iconic special effects, make them must-sees for fans of thrilling, high-stakes cinema. Moreover, the evolution of their characters, especially the female leads - Sarah Connor in "The Terminator" and Ellen Ripley in "Aliens", is a testament to Cameron's ability to craft compelling, multi-dimensional characters.
Spider-Man 2 (2004)Admirers of "The Terminator" (1984) will also love "Spider-Man 2" (2004) largely due to the compelling mix of action, science-fiction elements, and personal struggle. Both movies share a protagonist who must juggle their personal lives with their extraordinary abilities and responsibilities. Similarly to how the Terminator is a machine with a mission, Peter Parker/Spider-Man is a hero with a duty to protect, and both characters face formidable foes in their quests. The high-stakes action sequences, combined with the exploration of the human condition and the costs of power, make both films engaging and thrilling watches.
RoboCop (1987):If you're a fan of "The Terminator", you'll likely appreciate the intricate blend of high-octane action and sharp social commentary found in "RoboCop". Directed by Paul Verhoeven, the film is famed for its innovation, style, and its intelligent take on themes of identity, human nature, and the misuse of authority. Its impressive special effects and intense action scenes make it a classic in the action/sci-fi genre.
Predator (1987):There's an undeniably classic 80s charm about "Predator", directed by John McTiernan and leading the superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger. Like "The Terminator", it boasts a muscular action narrative pinned by an extraterrestrial threat. High on energy and suspense, it's a raw and thrilling ride that does an excellent job of marrying science-fiction with hard-hitting action.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015):While not a direct aesthetic match for "The Terminator", "Mad Max: Fury Road", directed by George Miller, delivers a brand of action that's gritty, relentless, and visually stunning. Embodying a striking representation of dystopian storytelling, it's a masterpiece of chaos, explosions and flamboyant, yet memorable characters. Any fan of high-octane thrillers would be remiss not to see this film.
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