Unforgettable, truly original sci-fi

Rating: 10/10 (11 February 2004)

In the near future, a powerful computer run by SkyNet is entrusted to make almost every computerized aspect of human life fully automated, and is in charge of almost everything including missle defense. The computer begins to "think" for itself and sees the human race as a threat, and decides to attempt to wipe it out by starting a worldwide nuclear war, killing most of the world's population. The survivors are left to fight the machines and attempt to regain control. They are lead by a powerful man named John Connor who teaches them to fight back against the machines whilst on the brink of extinction. The humans almost succeed in exterminating the machines that have kept them slaves for decades, but as a result SkyNet sends a cybernetic organism called a terminator back in time to kill John Connor's mother before he is even born, thus removing the threat of him altogether. John Connor decides this cannot happen and decides to send back a soldier to the past to protect his mother, and himself, from the terminator. The fight for the future will be fought in the past. Man vs. machine. Sorry for that, like it was needed.
Very possibly the best action film of all time, with the exception of it's sequel, and executed with a bunch of no name actors and a shoestring budget...not to mention a director with almost no experience, it's an amazing feat to say the least. It's been 20 years since it's release, and while some special effects have aged inevitably, the effect of the movie itself has not.
Linda Hamilton, Arnold (I'm not even going to try and spell that last name), and especially, the cult following worthy Michael Biehn for his characters alone, all give good performances. The film has a few very minor flaws, but is not reflective onto the enjoyment or quality factor. The action and the story are all paced nicely, has excellent direction, the characters have are well developed, and the overall content is quite impressive. The movie is fairly simple, but is extremely effective. Terminator has been deemed a classic and respectfully so. I'm sure it will provide a great movie experience for myself and others for many years to come. The idea of a machine sent to kill you that is all but unstoppable, without any remorse or hesitation, is very chilling and is one of the film's main reasons for such success. I don't need to say any more, you've seen it. Needless to say, this film started many careers of those involved. Classic.
An absolute must for any action or sci-fi fan's collection.