A cornerstone of science fiction films

Rating: Null/10 (13 January 2020)

The Terminator had a large role in launching the careers of many of its makers, including Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Cameron. It has since become a beloved cult classic and the first film in a franchise that's still alive, kicking and doing well.
So just what makes it work? What elevated this C-list dark scifi horror film above all that had come before? Well, having one of the best action stars of the century as your villain definitely helps. Even if this was one of his earliest roles. It was also the second film of James Cameron, one of the most acclaimed directors of his time. So there's a lot of talent behind it.
But even though the film has been shot and directed really well, and even though Arnold is just about perfect for the role of an inhuman killer cyborg mercilessly hunting Sarah Connor, the mother of the future rebellion, I think the main thing that caught people's attention, is the story. The future has been overrun by robots and in a bid to end the human rebellion they send one of their own into the past to hunt down the mother of John Connor, the leader of the humans. That's such an imaginative concept that it instantly hooks you in, and after that it's pure 80s horror style and action.
It also helps that the special effects are really good, especially for mid-80s. Sure you can spot when Arnold isn't really there, for example, but the effects would look pretty good even today and the dark aesthetic helps hide a lot of the crimes.
One of the best movies to come out of the 80s and still one of the best scifi horror films ever made.