One of the greatest and most visually stunning sci-fi actions films of all time

Rating: 10/10 (25 June 2015)

How often do you see a sequel that surpasses it's predecessor? Sequels like these are exceptionally rare and come only once in a blue moon. In the summer of 1991, Director James Cameron left a long lasting impression on audience with this exciting and visually stunning sequel to the 1984 science-fiction classic 'Terminator', with Arnold Schwarzenegger in arguably his most iconic role. Exploding with groundbreaking computer-generated visuals and energy-fueled special effects, this sequel to the 1984 predecessor continuing the storyline with a plot more fleshed out than ever and more compelling character exploration than what James Cameron brought us in the first outing. And the results are nothing short of impressive or fun. From the opening scene showing the massive shoot out between the terminators followed by the burning landscape in the opening credits, to the ending; this movie James Cameron delivering his outstanding flair of filmmaking to the screen. Terminator 2: Judgement Day sees Schwartznegger return as T-800, a robot sent back in time to the year 1995 to protect John Conner (played by Edward Furlong) the preteen son of Sarah Conner (played by Linda Hamilton -- who he tried to kill in the first film) who is now imprisoned in a mental facility, from a liquid metal shape-shifting robot named T-1000 (played by Robert Patrick), who sets out to kill the young lad.
This science-fiction adventure offers just about everything you would expect from a sequel except one thing, only much better. It kicks off with an engaging premise about a war between humans and robots ruled by Skynet (the main antagonist), a lethal computer network system that launches a massive global attack that wipes out millions of lives on Earth. The war is the event known as Judgement Day. From there on out, the film blesses us with an powerful plot that carries on quite well from beginning to end, and characters with magnetic backgrounds. This includes John Connor who is revealed to be a future resistance leader during the aftermath of Judgement Day, that is if they fail to stop it. Arnold Schwartznegger does a magnificent job as T-800, probably the most memorable performance of his career. Yes, his performance does lack emotion but what do you expect? He's playing a robot. And let's not forget his larger-than-life line "Hasta La Vista, baby!". Edward Furlong does a pretty well job as John Conner, especially for this being his first acting role. Then there is Linda Hamilton playing Sarah Conner, John's mother, who is assist John and T-800 on their mission to bring down the tyrant T-1000, played by Robert Patrick who fits suitably well in the role. Hamilton is tremendous in her role, indulging a fair amount of charisma and emotion into her character with a mysterious past. While the film grants an astonishing amount of nuance in the narrative department, the most impressive aspect comes from the visual effects. Arguably the biggest eye-catcher in the visuals point out at the way T-1000 transforms back and forth from a human into the liquid metal robot he is. These effects, along with the explosive special effects make up for some high-octane action sequences.
Terminator 2: Judgement Day is not only one of the greatest sci-fi films ever made or one of the greatest sequels, but perhaps one of the best films of all time, especially for its decade. This is one of those films many sci-fi fans will love and cherish for many years beyond, no matter how much it ages, an astounding achievement that shows that James Cameron really had something thoughtful in mind.