Ash
We all know “Terminator” sits up there as one of the most iconic, well-loved 80’s sci-fi/action franchises of them all. And god knows “Terminator” fans are unwaveringly loyal. So, instead of reviewing the new “Terminator: Genisys”, per se, I’ve decided to pen an open letter to diehard fans of the franchise:
Dear “Terminator” purists,
First things first; in “Terminator: Genisys” the names remain the same but the faces change. Accept this. Move on.
Emilia Clarke replaces Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor and Jai Courtney replaces Michael Biehn as Kyle Reese. And while Clarke’s Sarah Connor is the spitting image of Hamilton’s, Courtney’s Reese is nothing like Biehns (be prepared to say goodbye to Biehns’ worn soldier look, guys). That said, Courtney is good enough in the role and Clarke is the perfect casting choice – she’s gutsy, commanding and looks just like the Sarah Connor all you “Terminator” buffs have come to expect.
Jason Clarke is also good as John Connor but, unlike Courtney and Emilia Clarke, really has no pre-worn shoes to fill here. Bear in mind different actors have played John Connor in every film, so Clarke is more or less free to do what he wants with the part.
And of course we can’t forget Arnold Schwarzenegger, the face of the “Terminator” brand. Hats off to Arnie, who at 67 still knows how to kick some serious ass (and is also a better actor in his senior years – his heart-felt ‘Pops’ scenes are some of his best). But since when do Terminator’s look like old men, I hear you wondering. Terminator flesh ages, just like normal human flesh. Duh!
In fact the “Genisys” writers have come up with a lot of clever answers for potentially troubling plot holes in this movie. However the ambitious screenplay is not without its flaws, and the fact that Skydance/Paramount are looking to make a hit franchise out of this reboot (they’re planning two more movies in the proposed new trilogy) is fairly blatant throughout the entire film. By now viewers aren’t finding it difficult to distinguish between the scripts that are pure story and those that are part screenplay, part business model.
I don’t mean to undersell the film though. “Terminator: Genisys” does a legendary franchise justice, putting a fresh spin on proceedings. Director Alan Taylor hits the perfect balance between giving audiences a modern, fresh take on what’s come before and providing enough throwbacks to the first couple of films to keep a smile on faces. In fact, you could say this one plays like a tribute album to James Cameron.
All in all “Terminator: Genisys” is a good restart for the series and will revive interest in the brand, undoubtedly introducing a whole new generation of filmgoers to “The Terminator”. And that can’t be a bad thing.
PS. A quick side note to “Terminator” virgins – be sure watch T1 and T2 before you see “Genisys”. You’ll thank me later.
