It’s been four years since “Terminator: Genisys” was released to mixed critical and audience reaction. For the past few decades, it seems like the Terminator franchise has been desperately trying to find it’s footing after the events of “Terminator 2: Judgement Day”. “Terminator: Dark Fate” once again tries to set the franchise on a new course.
The film follows the events of “Terminator 2: Judgement Day” and picks up shortly after those events (a major character death that would spoil most of the film happens at this point). The film then shifts to modern day and focuses on a young woman named Dani as she finds herself the target of a new Terminator model (the Rev-9). Dani is protected by an enhanced human named Grace as well as Sarah Connor as they try to protect Dani from the dark fate that lies ahead of her.
Let me start by saying that this film negates “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines”, “Terminator: Salvation”, “Terminator: Genisys” and the television show “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”. Those additions to the franchise now take place in an alternate timeline. I know some franchises have worse continuity (Highlander and X-Men come to mind) but this film further tarnishes what little continuity the franchise still had. The film itself almost serves best as a stand-alone film as opposed to a sequel as a result.
The movie was directed by “Deadpool” filmmaker Tim Miller and he once again delivers an adrenaline rush with this film. Many of the action set pieces felt original and intense in the film. The movie also delivers pulse pounding stunts that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats as the Terminator franchise often does.
James Cameron returned to consult and help develop this sequel. I find some of his choices a bit odd since some of his decisions contradict scenes he filmed for “Terminator 2: Judgement Day” in which Sarah and John Connor were seen older and happy in 2029. These scenes actually appear in a cut of the movie so why he retconned his own masterpiece for this film is beyond me. It sort of takes the message of the second film away that we can create our own destiny and instead copies the ending of the third movie, that judgment day is inescapable. I prefer to think we make our own destiny.
The new characters and actors in the movie are somewhat lackluster compared to the returning characters and stars. Natalia Reyes was serviceable as Dani but wasn’t very convincing as ‘future Dani’. Gabriel Luna was completely wasted as the Rev-9. The highlight among the new cast members was Mackenzie Davis as Grace. Davis brought an intensity to the role that the other new cast members did not.
This brings me to the highlights of the film, Linda Hamilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger. It was so refreshing to see those two share the screen together again after so many years. Hamilton plays a wonderfully seasoned (and grizzled) Sarah Connor who’s only purpose is to kill every Terminator she comes across. Schwarzenegger plays a Terminator model T-800 and actually provides the most interesting subplot of the film. After this T-800 was set free from Skynet, he attempted to seek a purpose and become more ‘human’. In my opinion, this should have been the main story of the movie. Some of the best episodes of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” revolved around Data’s quest to become more human. This film could have used more of that.
When all is said and done, this film is ultimately a good sci-fi action movie that is handicapped some by it’s own brand name. If you view this film as more of a stand alone movie, it is far more enjoyable. If you look at this film as a sequel to any of the other movies in the franchise, it will probably just leave more questions than answers. I would still recommend seeing this movie in the theaters, just know what you are getting yourself into first.
Grade: B-
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