Promising premise delivers underwhelming film

Rating: 3/10 (23 May 2009)

When I first read that another Terminator movie was in the works, this one set after Judgment Day, I was as excited as a kid in the candy store. Yes, T3 wasn't the best of the trilogy, but it at least closed that particular chapter of the series. Thus, I sat in line at the theater Friday night with great anticipation.
Imagine my dismay two hours later when I found myself trying to concoct what the plot of the movie was.
Visually it is spectacular as one would think it would be. Looking beyond that, gaps begin to appear the movies facade which eventually bring the movie crumbling to the ground.
There was little focus on the characters and the overall development which is a disappointment considering the few shining aspects of the film consisted of the performances of Sam Worthington and Anton Yelchin.
Terminator Salvation is the equivalent of a Michael Bay film, full of visual splendor, but falling flat in mental enjoyment. In fact, Bay's films have the further benefit of witty dialogue, an attractive female counterpart and a somewhat enjoyable story. This movie has none of those redeeming aspects.
One also questions the logic behind making Kate Connor pregnant if it is not acknowledged in anyway. Or the fact they pushed that 'The War will end' when anyone familiar with the series knows it goes on for at least another decade.
In essence, the movie is a $200 million, 2 hour setup for a future trilogy. And it is that which is the most disappointing because the overall premise of the movie is entirely brilliant. Actually watching it, though, will leave you nothing but frustrated.