A new style and turn for the franchise but will it be a good turn?

Rating: 8/10 (23 August 2009)

The Terminator trilogy, in particular the first two films are iconic and defined a whole new genre of action film. The films balanced this blend of absolutely incredible special effects, horror like plot, and an action superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger in one of the most infamous characters in movie history. So any attempt to create a follow up to the film series that leaves behind modern day to pick up in the future after Judgement Day, eliminates Schwarzenegger and ages hero John Connor by a couple decades is going to be risky and its going to change the entire feel of the film and that is what happens. Also special effects have come a long way so that what we saw in T2 doesn't necessarily impress the same as it does now. Still Terminator Salvation has some great scenes, and still capitalizes on some of the things that are staples to the Terminator series like the T-(enter model number here) with the familiar Terminator hybrid face, the pounding music, and familiar characters established in earlier installments. However, somehow Salvation was missing the epic feel that even Terminator 3 seem to have although it was starting to turn more mainstream by then.
Latest Hollywood action star Christian Bale joins the cast as leader of the resistance John Connor who has been played by numerous actors over the years in film and Television. Bale does his usual Batman impression with his customary growly voice and shocked expression on his face. While he carries the film decently he just feels like a one trick pony and I wouldn't be disappointed to see them replace Connor again. I'm thinking someone with more chemistry and charisma on screen. Sam Worthington actually outshines Bale as former human turned Cyborg, Marcus. He just seems to be more heroic, and has a better fit to the film and his character and story to the series is intriguing. I would rather see them base future installments off of his character and bring him back to play the part. Anton Yelchin, who I have had high hopes for since early in his career. He plays the young Kyle Reese and although certainly doesn't look the part he actually does a great job. Actually Yelchin could have played a good John Connor in his young days which probably makes him the perfect person to play Connor's father although they don't know this yet because of the whole time travel aspect...complex in a way. Bale was the weak link in the three main stars of the film sadly.
As popular a director as "McG" seems to be he really hasn't done anything of real substance. His films have been fast paced and chaotic and mostly pure adrenaline without a lot of meat to them ie: Charlies Angels, and TV's short lived Fastlane. He attempts to follow in the footsteps of epic director James Cameron and Jonathan Mostow who is and will be a great storyteller (ever seen the Kurt Russell film breakdown?) and his next film Surrogates is one of my most anticipated sci-fi films this year. Basically McG wants to blow things up, fight with weapons, and then tell a bit of a story to go along with it and for Terminator that recipe doesn't necessarily make a great sequel. I want to get back to the epic post apocalyptic story!! Still it was great to have another entry in the series and bringing Schwarzenegger back even if it was digitally was kick-ass cool. The mini plot and eventual battle between Schwarzenegger's legendary T-800 and Bale's Connor was downright awesome. Worth seeing but if they are trying to reboot or kick start the franchise we need more depth!! 8/10