A Second Chance

Rating: 9/10 (25 May 2009)

In "Terminator Salvation" with his very existence in jeopardy and the entire Human Resistance threatened, powerful and impassioned Christian Bale as leader John Connor declares, "If we stay the course, we are dead. We are all dead!" Christian Bale is such an intense and explosive presence. He has also been publicized for his personal explosion on the set of "Terminator Salvation". Perhaps, this was warranted or not? Bale has since apologized for his lapse in judgment and manners. Bale's passion and intensity elevates Director McG's "Terminator Salvation". Up until now, McG's most noteworthy movies were "Charlie's Angels" and "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle". Being a "Terminator" fan and a huge fan of the first two movies by James Cameron, hearing about "Terminator Salvation" seemed bit of a crap shoot. McG does well. The director pays homage to the mythology, and creates a new one particularly in the character of Marcus Wright, brilliantly played by charismatic Sam Worthington. The story by John Brancato, Michael Ferris, and Jonathan Nolan ("The Dark Knight") is action driven and compelling pathos.
"Terminator Salvation" works, because Worthington matches Bale's intensity and power. Their styles compliment. Especially from the "Batman" movies, Bale embodies a fierce internal drive and intelligence. He also balances a sense of compassion in Resistance Leader John Connor. Worthington as Marcus Wright, who may be the demise of Bale's Connor or as he says, "I'm the only hope you have" is tortured and courageous resolve. Worthington balances strength and vulnerability. At the story arc, John (Bale) asks Marcus (Worthington), "You think you're human?" Marcus tells Resistance fighter (beautiful and strong Moon Bloodgood), "Everyone deserves a second chance" This spirit echoes throughout "Terminator Salvation". That spirit lightens McG's very dark and violent vision of this Post Apocalyptic world.
The Terminator machines in the movie are amazing, and the action sequences are pulse pounding thrill rides. There is a spectacular scene where a Skynet drone demolishes a bridge during a high speed chase. And in the climax, the battle with Bale, Worthington, and the "old school" Terminator is very cool.
We first meet Marcus Wright in 2003, prior to his execution. He literally signs his life away to dying Dr. Kogan (frighteningly frail Helena Bonham Carter), who works for Cyberdyne Systems. In the Terminator mythology, Cyberdyne designed Skynet as the ultimate autonomous defense system. However, when Skynet is deployed the system becomes sentient and causes the nuclear holocaust, Judgment Day.
Now 2018, Kyle Reese (spirited Anton Yelchin) rescues wondering Marcus from Terminator attack in the Los Angeles wasteland. He says, "Come with me, if you want to live!" There are pockets of Resistance scattered throughout the remainder of the world. Kyle Reese, though a teenager, will become the father of John Connor (Bale)—part of the narrative paradox. Marcus and John are destined to meet. But are they defining heroes, or tragic rivals in the ultimate conflict? Bale and Worthington are awesome in this matching of wills and humanity. The supporting cast is strong for the most part. Moon Bloodgood is great as Marcus's friend Blair Williams. Anton Yelchin has that youthful zeal as Kyle Reese. Bryce Dallas Howard seems miscast as John's pregnant and loving wife Kate. She does not provide the movie's emotional anchor.
In the end, "Terminator Salvation" is worth watching, because of the great hero story and the powerful performances by Bale and Worthington. The shining objects are the metallic machines and rumbling explosions, but what compels is the human story from the hearts of Bale and Worthington.