Better than Terminator Better than T3 Judgment Day still Rules

Rating: 7/10 (23 May 2009)

Many critics in the media complained that the film was loud or Christian Bale carried his "Batman" accent over or the surplus of explosive scenes. I agree and at the same time; disagree. Yes; "Terminator Salvation" is loud but let us not forget what genre it falls in with. Of course it is a science fiction action based film. However this film unlike those before is unique relative to the franchise. It is unique in the fact that the entire movie's plot involves the war between humans and machines. Which is something Terminator that fans have waited decades for. Therefore I feel that the War film genre has a place for this newest installment. Just like the majority of war movies there is little dialogue, lots of explosions and action sequences and is also very loud. So to complain on the excess of Bangs and Booms shows ignorance to the films setting and plot summing up to be a sci-fi action war film.
I must also argue with those claiming that Bale used his "Batman" voice in his role as John Conner. In the beginning of the film you can sense a similarity but it fades quickly as the story progresses. Bale instead gives his character the voice of an American G.I grunt. Conner's voice represents an individual who is experienced and also fatigued from the war that dictated his entire life starting from Birth. Like I said before; this film is slim when it comes to dialogue and to my disappointment is also ignorant to the talent of Bryce Dallas Howard. Also the importance of her role is disregarded. The film also pays absolutely no attention to the fact that Kate Brewster is far along into a pregnancy. The pregnancy is not referred to or mentioned by any of the characters in T4. Kate is simply pregnant looking. Also the film fails to capitalize on the romantic relationship between Conner and Brewster and neglects to even make an attempt at explaining the intertwined destinies of the couple and their soon to be child.
On a side note; if you watch the previous Terminator films you will notice that during the various flash backs or brief glimpses of the war to come; you will notice that both sides use laser weapons. "Terminator Salvation is completely contemporary with weapons. More specifically the different fire arms discharge bullets or shells as opposed to lasers. This obviously was a good decision. Let's face it; laser guns are so 80's.
On a whole I gave the film a rating of 7. A 7 because the story has some unexpected occurrences, plot twist even though they are rather shallow and most importantly the story revolving around the character Kyle Reese as a very young man with potential to be a great warrior as effectively demonstrated. Also the whole idea of Reese being younger than his son Conner is although not completely original but different than what movie plots of today have to offer. With that said I really must recommend that you view the previous 3 films of the franchise before seeing Terminator Salvation. If you have not seen all of the three films leading up; not only will you be lost or confused but you will also be incapable of appreciating the many parts of the canonical film that are key to enjoying another great addition to the franchise