Stunning action orientated sequel

Rating: 8/10 (3 April 2010)

John Connor (Furlong) is sought out for termination by a T-1000 (Patrick) and his only chance of survival is through a terminator (Schwarzenegger) from the future.
The anticipated sequel to one of the best original ideas ever written for screen in 1984 was a worldwide smash and still remains a fans favourite almost 20 years old.
James Cameron, the master of action, had created one of the sharpest and recognized sci-fi thriller's of the 80's along with Aliens and building on that success cemented his established idea through a more action orientated and more consequential sequel that sees Arnie reprise his role as the Terminator, Linda Hamilton showcasing another bravado surprise anti-hero and a debut for Edward Furlong as the saviour of humanity.
This film opens with a voice over from Hamilton's character Sarah Connor, describing the happenings of the last film and what the future could potentially have in store for us should we live through our machines.
Cameron's appreciation of the future is exceptionally visionary if ultimately catastrophic but this gives the film a purpose and an energy that matches its predecessor for script genius and once more, the action is bigger and better.
The futuristic shots of the machines fighting the resistance are wonderfully handled with bright lights and cold hearted cyborgs dominating proceedings whilst there are shots of humans attempting to fight and survive that gives the film a heartfelt sadness. Flashing back to the present day we see a copy of the first film with two naked men appearing in America, both with the intention of seeking John Connor. As with the first there is a wonderful vibe of anticipation and inevitability as both futuristic robots seek the supposed saviour of the human race and as the clock moves forward the action gets hotter as through chases through the shopping mall and then the unforgettable motorbike versus truck chase that examines fabrications of physical ability as we see wonderfully shot low angles following the back wheel of the bike and high aerial shots of the chase in progress, an unforgettable montage of adrenaline that was poorly attempted again in Terminator 3, but this is one of those action sequences for the ages.
The T-1000 is a brilliant creation, a man with the ability to change his arms into any weapon he chooses and the power to transform into any living organism it touches, fantastic. Certainly when it slides through the prison doors and reforms after countless hits is mesmerizing. Patrick has created a true villain.
This film has been recalled for its usage of turning the charisma of Arnie's villain into a good guy and certainly there is more of a comedy vibe and more dialogue from the actor thus round which is more beneficial if not as captivating as when he was a bad guy.
Whilst there isn't the same flowing intensity as the first film this provides plenty of action adrenaline and maintains a futuristic probability that cannot be ignored, a great watch.