Schwarzenegger is back!

Rating: 9/10 (29 March 2001)

Very few sequels surpass their predecessor. "The Empire Strikes Back" and "The Godfather" are the few exceptions that come to mind. Add to that list "Terminator 2: Judgment Day".
This remarkable film not only beats the original but does not require you to have seen the first film. The plot of "T2" is self-contained. In this sequel we see John Connor (Edward Furlong) as a ten year old rebel. He lives with his foster parents because his mother Sarah (Linda Hamilton) has been committed to a mental hospital because of her claims that a terminator had come to kill her in 1984.
A terminator has been sent back to kill John. The T-1000 (Robert Patrick) which is more advanced than the original terminator, is sent back to eliminate the future leader of the human resistance. To protect John, the resistance sent back a T-800 (Schwarzenegger). The T-800 must protect John throughout the film and as John attempts to break his mother out of the institute. The T-800, Sarah, and John must now attempt to sabotage Cyberdyne Industries the company that will eventually create the technology that will lead to the computer takeover of the future.
This film is unique in many ways. Character development is a critical element to the plot. In this sequel, we see a transformed Sarah Conner. In the original, she was reliant upon Reese (Michael Biehn). In "T2" we see her as a self-reliant, mentally tough warrior. She is in peak physical condition and trained in weaponry. She along with the T-800 take on the responsibility of protecting John, despite the fact that she must overcome her initial distrust of the terminator. We also see a development of the T-800 in a sense. Throughout the film John tries to help him act more human-like.
In addition to the plot, the cast is another high point of the film. Schwarzenegger is obviously at his best, Linda Hamilton does a great job reprising her role as Sarah. The newcomer to the film is Edward Furlong, and I must say he does well for an untrained actor. He brings attitude and a sense of toughness to the character. A great supporting cast including Joe Morton, Earl Boen, and Robert Patrick as the evil and stoic T-1000 also make this film what it is. Patrick is not physically intimidating yet makes up for it with his dark demeanor. He is the perfect villain.
Special effects are truly the highlight of "T2". The computer effects as well as the stunts and makeup are highly deserving of praise. The special effects department does a great job of bringing the T-1000's "liquid metal" effect to the screen. The stunts and fight sequences between the two terminators are very well choreographed and filmed. This film is worth watching for the special effects alone.
"T2" is one of the greatest movies ever created. It combines a great cast and story with incredible special effects and stunts. This is a must see for any film fan.