Entertaining Retelling Of The Original Film.

Rating: 8/10 (25 December 2001)

And really, this is what T2 is. Giving Arnold the Kyle Resse role the time around to promote Schwarzenegger's then newer "good guy" image. But downplaying that, this film definitely keeps the entertainment and wow factor.
It's T-800 versus the shape-shifting T-1000 in another battle for the future and the fate of John Connor. A more buff version of Linda Hamilton. A supporting role from Sam of "Diff'rent Stokes" as John's punk friend. Lots of explosions, gun fights and chases. And still remarkably good special effects even by today's standards. Schwarzenegger has charisma. His acting range is best in two areas, acting and comedy, and this film allows him to do both. His cyborg persona's attempt to understand humanity ranges from funny to surprisingly touching. The plot is a retelling of the original film, but it's a secondary point for the sheer entertainment value that's delivered from this film.
There's not much that truly can be said about this film ten years after its release. It's a landmark film in the sci-fi genre, especially for its technical advances with CG effects. The "Ultimate Edition" DVD released last year is a "must get" as it adds deleted scenes to the film (The Terminator learning to smile is well worth the price of admission), as well as the "extras" book and all the "Behind the Scenes" information. And the audio quality is nothing to sneeze at, either. An excellent demonstration of any sound system.
Terminator 2: Judgement Day remains a remarkable film. Go in expecting lots of action and a classic Arnold performance, and there will be little to be disappointed with. With a "T3" in the works, it seems that not only the future of humanity is uncertain, but of this franchise as well. Hopefully they'll be able to one-up the standards of sci-fi again, and not be out just to make a quick buck.