Terrific visual effects but had its weaknesses

Rating: Null/10 (24 June 2000)

This film had all the trademarks of a classic. It has excellent special effects, witty dialogue and some explosive fights. One thing that aggravated me was the swearing. Why? Ok, it may make the characters more realistic, but it makes foulsome viewing. I liked the 15 minute cut scene extra version. However, beside the swearing, this is awesome. The shape-shifter was very menacing and I supressed a cheer at the end when Arnie and the T-1000 went to battle.
Perhaps the best performance comes from Arnie himself, though in places I often wonder whether or not he has sufficient acting ability. Linda Hamilton was good as Sarah Connor, totally unwilling to accept the terminator, but gradually warms to 'it' as she refers it. The end may have you wondering whether or not it was a good climax. The liquid metal effects were just right, but there were too many of them. However, you were bewildered by them and the fact that there were too many really doesn't matter.
Perhaps the most chilling scene in the movie is when Arnie cuts his arm open and reveals his endo-skeleton to the terrified inventor and his family before the chaotic conclusion with the T-1000 android. What I wondered during the film is, if the T-1000 is mostly liquid, where is its chip going to be placed? Also, the film also makes no sense whatsoever in terms of the past and future. Don't bother asking yourself questions like: "How could this happen?" etc. etc. because you will not get the answers ever. Just accept it as an extreme case of complexity but also sheer enjoyment. A lot better than number one, too. It had more story and you had to feel for Arnie in places, too. Acting is a bit poor in parts and I thought on occasion that the inclusion of John Connor was also a bit of a bad decision, but gradually I think they have made the right choice.
Overall, a good movie, but with unnecessary swearing in many places. My total rating would be 4 out of 5. Excellent it is, but terrific? It ain't. But... if you want a good night's entertainment, this is the film. Not for the young at heart. It will terrify them beyond belief.