Tag: Terminator

Terminator Zero

Terminator Zero

by Mattson Tomlin; dir. Masashi Kudō (Netflix, 2024)

TV poster: “Terminator Zero” by Mattson Tomlin; dir. Masashi Kudō (Netflix, 2024)

The Japanese setting works for this eight-episode anime series, but the menace and intrigue give way to muddle as Tomlin focusses on prepping his characters for future seasons, not scripting a cohesive, satisfying ending to what viewers are actually watching. Thence, termination.

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines

dir. Jonathan Mostow (2003)

Film poster: Terminator 3 (2003)

A not-terrible pastiche of the original two films. Claire Danes and Nick Stahl nail the human element, but while the plot leans gratifyingly towards simple pursuit, the competing Terminators have become nigh indestructible, turning the action scenes into a bore-fest of destruction.

The Terminator

The Terminator

dir. James Cameron (1984)

Film poster: The Terminator (1984)

Though irrevocably lodged in the 1980s, the original Terminator nevertheless stands up well as a nightmarish SF thriller. The final effects are a bit ropey but Hamilton, Biehn and Schwarzenegger nail their roles, allowing James Cameron’s straightforward plot to carry the day.

Terminator Genisys

Terminator Genisys

dir. Alan Taylor (2015)

Taylor_Terminator Genisys

Conceptually, the first two Terminator films were perfect, leaving no room for escalation. (Instalments three and four thus nose-dived pointlessly.) Terminator Genisys tries something different, retrofitting the franchise with less menace but more humour. Though not a classic, it’s at least enjoyable.

Derelict Space Sheep