Terminator Salvation

Release Date: May 21, 2009 

Runtime: 2 hr. 10 min. 

Director: McG 

Cast: Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, Anton Yelchin, Moon Bloodgood, Bryce Howard.

Despite the inevitable occurrence of Judgement Day, the film conceived causes uneasiness rather than contentment. We open on a desolate landscape that has been rampaged by machines and thus, setting up the backdrop for the rest of the film. While there are two character stories moving in parallel, there seems to be lack of much development or emotion. Aside from this depression is an abundant amount of explosions and deaths to keep the viewer distracted from noticing any of this. Sam Worthington, as the hybrid cyborg, pretty much owns this film, casting John Conner in a dim light. Though a bit confusing, the predestination paradox that was brought up in "The Terminator" keeps the story on a continuity, as well as the fate of John Conner himself. The last 30 minutes is where I felt the most connection to the first two films, bringing in recognizable elements and suspense. Interestingly enough, in the end, the only empathy you feel is towards a machine rather than the resistance. I say the next sequel, we just keep it at ahnold vs. the machines. 

Rating: 2 stars