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Saturday, August 4, 2012

Terminator 2: Judgment Day Review



Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!

Plot Summary: Two more terminators are sent back in time: one to kill John Connor and the other to protect him.

Review: Ever since I saw T2 in the theaters, it has been a contender for my favorite movie. Everything about this film just works. The effects, story, dialogue, and action are all on an epic scale with virtually every element being improved over the first film. I will note that for some people they prefer the sci-fi/action of part one over the more action with sci-fi secondary of T2, but I like this blend better. Also, as others have mentioned over the years, it is a clear case where the sequel was better than the original. The action set-pieces are done so well it creates a steady flow to the pacing that makes you forget you're watching a 2+ hour movie; a feat not easily done. Also the special effects were not only ground-breaking for the time, but still look great today. One of the best things about this film is the relationship that is built between, the now teenage, John Connor and the terminator sent back to protect him. The dynamics between these two, whereby they learn from each other, is dealt with in a cool way while being complimented by Sarah Connor who is weary of the terminator. The antagonist, the T-1000 terminator, is an excellent foil to the Arnold Schwarzenegger terminator; we look at all the effort it took to kill the first terminator in part one only to face the more advanced T-1000! The climax is just perfect with the final showdown, and the ending is sad but highly satisfying. There was some heavy philosophy debated here and continuing consideration in regards to how time works and how time travel would effect it. I like the way these issues were approached and it added a much appreciated layer of depth to this huge action flick. This is simply one of those movies everyone must watch! Too bad the franchise had to keep going...

Notable Moment: There are so many great scenes, but my favorite is at the end when the terminator sacrifices himself and his final conversation with John.

Final Rating: 10/10

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