Way better than I expected...

Rating: Null/10 (9 June 2009)

Before I begin, let me just say, Harry Knowles can go suck a fat one. Hollywood needs to stop giving that obese orangutan any perks, kickbacks and set visits because his disgusting review of Terminator Salvation was not only wrong, but completely atrocious. Who the hell talks like that? He not only gives fandom a bad name, he's also well past his used by date.
And after reading the ridiculous flaming and trolling by people on this board, I went into Terminator Salvation expecting something between Aliens Vs Predator 2: Requiem and a Uwe Boll movie. Fortunately, I was wrong. And quite frankly, I fail to understand why so many people on this board hate it so much. Actually, I suspect it's a select handful of people who are giving this film a bad wrap. It's also a built in disposition about McG - which I think has no base in reality, considering this was a very competent film. I think if anything, McG proved he can make a decent action film.
While far from perfect, what Terminator Salvation lacks in depth, it makes up for in heart. People complaining about lack of character development on John Connor seem to have missed the point. We don't need character development on Connor - because we already know him. We already know what and who he is. This film shows us the very early days in the war against Skynet. Connor is a resistance leader, but he's not the savior of humanity. At least not when the film begins. We've seen the great John Connor in previous films, but Connor does not just become humanity's Savior overnight. He needs to earn that right. He needs to earn that respect.
What I found refreshing was Marcus' arc. Basically, he arced more than Connor in this film. He found redemption - he saved Connors life, which I thought was a nice reversal at the end. Connor being saved by the very thing that tried to kill him for so many years. Now Connor has a heart which is only part human. It was a nice thematic touch.
In a lot of ways,this was Marcus' film. We see the events mainly from his perspective.We see this post apocalyptic world through his eyes. Aussie newcomer Sam Worthington definitely showed why James Cameron loves him so much. He has the depth and the brawn to be a top class movie star. He played the role of Marcus very well, and more often than not, out shined Bale.
The film looked absolutely gorgeous. Everything had the appearance of being dipped in ash. The robots were grimy, greasy and tattered. Connor and his troops were battle weary and ragged, stained with blood and sweat. And all the left-over weapons and military equipment were scorched and grimy. I loved the look of this film. It was very realistic.
There were some questionable parts which had me wondering what McG and the screenwriters were thinking – but for the most part, this payed nice homage to the original films, and the action was very well choreographed. The special effects, sound design and CGI were top-notch, as expected from ILM, and the Terminator Endoskeletons looked great. Especially the Arnhuld cameo. He looked rubbery because he was one of the first to come off the Skynet assembly line – and to my surprise they made Arnie look exactly like he did in the first film. I thought that was a great little touch.
One of the only real concerns I had with the film was Danny Elfman's score. At times it was brilliant. It suited the film – but the signature theme from Brad Fidel was only audible on 2-3 occasions. I would have loved it if they kept Fidel's original score. But never the less, McG did a solid job at adding to the franchise.
I'll be anxious to see where they go with Terminator 5. McG did hint at the London premiere last week that T5 may see John Connor travel back to present day to warn the military about Skynet and Judgement Day.
I for one can't wait. And I hope Bale and McG... Oh to hell with it, will be back.