Terminator Salvation (DVD)

Introduction ====================== If you have even the slightest knowledge of cinema and cinema history you would have heard of the Terminator franchise. Since the release of James Cameron's first film back in 1984 it has gone on to become one of the most financially successful and popular series in film history, with two previous sequels released. Terminator Salvation is the fourth instalment in the franchise and is the first of the films to be set in the future (2018) and fully tell the story of the war between man and the machines. Of all the films released this summer Terminator Salvation was the one I was probably most excited for. ...  Read the complete review

Despite the lukewarm reception which greeted Terminator 3, it was inevitable that, like the unstoppable machines themselves, the franchise would rumble on. I'll admit it: when the ludicrously monikered McG was announced as Director, my heart sunk. The last thing needed was his addled ADHD flashy visuals and vacuous action. I'll admit something else too: it turns out I was wrong. Sort of. For the most part McG reigns in his baser instincts, turning in a film that is visually striking, yet (by his normal standards at least) reasonably subdued. He gets it wrong on a few occasions, resorting to the flashy, spinney visuals which have characterised his ...  Read the complete review

Terminator Salvation is set in the near future, with the Resistance fighting against the motorised forces of Skynet. John Connor is still an important part, but does not appear to be the military leader we were promised. Throw in a prepubescent Kyle Reese (well almost) and some random dude from before Judgement Day, and the adventure begins. Well, let's start with the good. The effects are pretty damn impressive, with the new giant size terminators dominating the screen. It is a shame we don't get more close-ups of the Hunter Killers, but such is life. The explosions are pretty cool, but nothing that really stunned me. Arnie's CGI cameo is awesome and in ...  Read the complete review

Director: McG Writers: John D. Brancato & Michael Ferris Genre: Sci-Fi - Action - Adventure Country: USA/UK/Germany/Italy Certification: 12+ Language: English MAIN CAST: Christian Bale [John Connor] Sam Worthington [Marcus Wright] Anton Yelchin [Kyle Reese] Moon Bloodgood [Blair Williams] Helena Bonham Carter [Dr. Serena Kogan] The year is 2003. Death row inmate Marcus Wright is awaiting his execution by lethal injection - in walks Dr. Serena Kogan who asks him to sign his body over to Cyberdyne Systems for medical research. With absolutely nothing to lose at ...  Read the complete review

So I finally got to see the fourth instalment in the Terminator franchise, having been warned off against it. The reviews weren't exactly glowing, and my friends didn't exactly entice me with their luke warm responses. Carrying on plot points first hinted at in the earlier films, this one begins with a low key scene of capital punishment early in the 21st century which will provide hints as to how a machine could protect the Connor's back in the 1980's. John Connor is now a hardened fighter who assists in the leadership of the revolution against the machine's. Through nightly transmissions, he reaches far and wide to the few human beings who haven't been ...  Read the complete review