A Sci-Fi Action Masterpiece

Rating: 9/10 (17 October 2019)

T2 is a movie that builds and improves upon the original in every way. Right from the opening pre-credit sequence, the special effects are enhanced, and the action is more intense.
The movie tricks the audience into believing that this movie will be a carbon copy of the 1984 classic. The setup is almost identical, with Arnie's famous T-800 and Robert Patrick's mysterious new character travelling back in time, this time with Sarah Connor's son, John, as the target. The movie then reveals its amazingly executed twist; the T-800 is the good guy, reprogrammed by an older John Connor to protect his younger self from Robert Patrick's T-1000.
The T-1000 is a worthy successor to Arnie's original villain. He is a more advanced cyborg, made from liquid metal, who can change shape and take the form of other humans. Given the fact that the movie is almost 30 years old, the effects hold up surprisingly well.
The movie does an outstanding job of developing the three main protagonists in exciting and unexpected ways. Linda Hamilton is given a lot more to do in this sequel and provides an excellent performance as Sarah Connor. She is a much different character this time around, and we see the effects of the trauma inflicted on her from the original. Over the course of the movie, we see her lose her humanity and almost become a "terminator" herself.
We are introduced to John Connor is this movie. From the original, we know that he grows up to be this great military leader. Given this, it is surprising to find him as a troubled teen, getting moved from one foster home to another. Actor Edward Furlong brings a lot of energy to the screen and gives a good performance.
The movie also finds a way to make Arnold Schwarzenegger's cyborg one of the most human characters in the film. While Sarah is losing her humanity, Arnold is finding his, learning from John, with whom he has great chemistry. Arnie also brings a lot of humour to this version of the T-800, which works brilliantly. His termination at the movie's climax is a genuinely emotional moment.
The action throughout the movie is phenomenal, with one action sequence after another delivering edge of your seat thrills. These include the motorcycle chase, the hospital breakout, the lab break-in, the highway chase and the climax in the factory. Each of these sequences is original and inventive, and it's tough to choose a single piece of action that could be removed from the film. The makeup and prosthetics used on Arnie's damaged face are also great.
At over two and a half hours, the movie is brilliantly paced and never drags. When it slows down after the hospital breakout, we get some crucial character moments between John and Sarah, followed by John and the T-800.
If I had to find a criticism with the movie, it would be Sarah Connor's voiceover. It feels like a last-minute inclusion and a little unnecessary. Fortunately, it is used very sporadically and doesn't detract from the quality of the film.
For me, Terminator 2 is where the franchise ends. It is an all-round satisfying, emotional and hopeful movie. It is funnier, more profound and better than its predecessor in every way. Overall, it is a sci-fi action masterpiece.
Note: This review is for the Directors Cut