A Sci-fi Action Classic

Rating: 9/10 (22 December 1999)

Terminator 2 has become the standard for sci-fi action films and it has not yet been surpassed. The backbone of T2 is its great script. It blends thrills and compassion better than any film I've seen. Obviously the terminators deal with most of the rough stuff but Linda Hamilton is a revelation. She is fiery, powerful and loving. The balance of action with human themes of faith, endurance, and sacrifice is almost perfect.
While the special effects look a bit dated, the action scenes are still incredible. How they got trucks and helicopters to do these things still amazes me.
It's inevitable with the success of The Matrix to compare these two films. The background stories of the two movies are very similar, machines take over the earth. Where T2 shines is that all of it's character's motivations make sense. The Matrix throws loads of comic book/cartoon images at you and then has characters do silly things. Lots of Matrix fans tout its Messiah themes but they are done in a very shallow way. Terminator 2 also deals with the theme of the prophet but it is more subtle and true. Linda Hamilton is just great playing this role until the end when Schwarzenegger steps in to make a final sacrifice.
While Arnold's acting limitations are well covered up, they are still there. And the cute lines like "Hasta la vista baby" are over done. I also wish it were less violent. But I admit it seems almost mainstream compared to recent action films.
Why quibble about a few minor problems? Terminator 2 has a terrific performance by Linda Hamilton. It is amazingly an anti- war film, blending many positive values with the action. It is masterfully made and still looks incredible.