He's back.

Rating: 8/10 (10 July 2019)

Though its predecessor works best if its events are predestined, it also makes sense if they're constantly in flux, sending ripples through time to change the outcome of a future that previously seemed so certain. This is the premise for 'Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)', a sequel that decides to elaborate on a line ("the future is not set") and a deleted scene from Cameron's 1984 classic. The result is a film that feels about as natural as possible for a follow-up to one of the most complete science-fictions of all time. It only retcons a couple of small, almost inconsequential elements. The decision to bring Schwarzenegger back as the 'good guy' could have been hokey, but it ends up as a distinct and inspired choice that also allows for an exploration of some fairly compelling themes. I don't think it works quite as well as having him as the villain, though. In general, the piece isn't anywhere near as tight as the first - in fact, it's quite baggy - and it feels almost as though its story is being found as it goes. The initial act is actually quite slow and, frankly, almost dull. There's also an extended segment in the second act which really slows the pace, despite having many interesting character moments and introducing what is, essentially, a well-developed 'side-plot' - which should have been the main focus throughout. I think this part feels so slow because, despite being engaging in its own right, it stops the flick's driving force, that being the extended chase with the T-1000, dead in its tracks. Once the final movement kicks in, the chase invigoratingly picks back up and the focus is placed wholly back on it, making the previous forty minutes seem like a bit of a detour. However, even though there are some issues with the storytelling and pacing, the picture is perhaps the king of set-pieces. There are several extended action scenes - each brought to life with amazing physical stunt-work and still-astonishing special effects (both practical and CG) - which stand out as some of the best in the genre. It's difficult to express just how far these sequences go in making the experience as enjoyable as it is; they compensate, in a way, for the piece's other flaws. It's a shame, then, that the thing is as slow and inconsistent as it is, as it could have been a downright masterpiece. Still, it's a phenomenal feat of filmmaking and a fantastically fun time as a whole. I wouldn't say it's as good as the first, but it's still one of the best examples of its genre. It's entertaining, exciting and every bit as action-packed as it's made out to be. 8/10