One of the greatest action/sci-fi films of all time

Rating: 10/10 (27 July 2014)

James Cameron delivers his first box office sensation starring the ultimate body-builder legend, Arnold Schwarzenegger in this classic 1980's technical science fiction action thriller. Its one of the coolest conceptual movies ever made taking place in a modern world that may or may not exist in the near future due to artificially intelligent machines deciding to strike back against mankind. Although, younger viewers will find some of the special effects a bit cheesy and dated, the plot is a concept that will define a whole new genre, and changed Americans' perspective of films forever.
Schwarzenegger is sheer perfection as a menacing futuristic cyborg sent back to the year 1984 in order to destroy the mother of an unborn resistance leader that will inevitably defeat the machines. The human resistance must counter-attack by sending a human being (Michael Biehn) back to the same year to protect the target (Linda Hamilton). This is slam-bang action from start to finish, and features an excellent cast and the innovative, ground-breaking genius of Stan Winston's blending of computer animation with mechanical prosthetic motion photography. A haunting musical score, clever script, tense mood and atmosphere contribute to the film's suspense, and a revealing climax that is the icing on the cake. Cameron's detailed vision is complex and engaging, and Hamilton, Biehn, Paul Winfield, and Lance Henrickson are all outstanding. Also features early performances by 80's up-comers Bill Paxton, Brian Thompson, Dick Miller and more. This will also spawn the excellent ground-breaking sequel, T2: Judgement Day. Its first-rate filmmaking to say the least, and sets the stage for one of the greatest technically challenging film directors of the 80's and 90's.