It's a classic

Rating: 8/10 (31 July 2001)

OK, it's a classic, but few would argue that it's aged well. The effects, particularly at the climax, now leave a lot to be desired, (and in hindsight, so does the acting).
Still, it's the interesting (if far-fetched) plot that drives the film, and the fact that the Terminator itself is one of the greatest screen baddies ever. For the few who have never seen the film, it won't be giving the game away to say that the titular bad guy takes some finishing off, coming back from the dead time and time again in an inventive showdown in a factory. That's because this is one of those films that has inspired countless clones and homages. The inferior sequel, suffering from a crippling lack of imagination, doesn't even come close to capturing the menace of an unstoppable killing machine, even though Robert Patrick gave the T-1000 a look and feel all its own.
The prospect of a third film is quite depressing. I'd prefer to see a remake of this, or a Star-Wars style update with updated fx.