The effects may be dated, but the story is timeless.

Rating: 8/10 (21 March 2016)

Although this film has been almost completely overshadowed by it's vastly superior and instantly classic sequel, Terminator deserves a place among the greatest sci-fi action films of all time. What James Cameron was able to accomplish with a measly six million dollar budget is absolutely incredible.
The style of the film is easily comparable to Halloween, the horror classic which released six years earlier. An unstoppable antagonist chasing down an initially weak protagonist. This game of cat and mouse is thrilling, and would be perfected by Cameron in Terminator 2.
The film has some flaws, most typical of lower budget and independent fare. The score is primarily synthesizer sounds. Performances range from good to bad – Linda Hamilton certainly developed as an actress in a big way by her 1992 return to the franchise. Effects are a fifty/fifty between jaw-dropping and cringe-inducing, although it should be noted that Stan Winston's designs are incredible in every case.
Overall, this is a wonderful film with a few minor issues, and should be seen by anyone who considers themselves a fan of the genre.