So after having seen 'Terminator: Genisys', to my surprise, I actually kind of liked it. It's a guilty pleasure, to say the least.
I found that, despite all the tongue-in-cheek references to the original films, meaning the first two, I was amazed at how much more giddy I was by them than it was cringe-inducing. Particularly the recreation of key scenes from the 'The Terminator' (1984). You know Hollywood is un-inspired when they feel the need to make a sequel to something and then include a quarter of the movie with shot for shot remakes of certain sequences from the original. But at the same time, I didn't mind it that much at all. Being a huge fan of the first two movies, and seeing how this movie payed much respect to them and no thought to the third and fourth film, was all the more admirable to me. Like the Terminator himself says in this movie: "Old, not obsolete."
When there were moments and incidents introduced that would have led the movie into the realms of stupidity, it was smart enough to take a fresh detour here and there. And, when all else fails, at least use elements (or cliches) that are overdone, but still fun nonetheless. Once again: "Old, not obsolete."
The casting was also relieving. Literally, at first I thought half the casting choices were a bad idea. Judging by all the trailers, Jason Clarke (John Connor) seemed more infantile and less prophetic like the brief instance you see of him in the opening sequence of 'Terminator 2'. Emilia Clarke (Sarah Connor), although a very attractive woman, seemed merely to be there just for the sex appeal (and still was in certain scenes). And Jai Courtney (Kyle Reese), well he didn't look or seem like the Kyle Reese I remember at all. But after seeing the movie, all actors did their jobs thankfully well. And yes, of course Arnold was the Terminator we all know and love.
Is it a really good, or great movie. Absolutely no! Is it still an unnecessary sequel? For the most part, yep. But if you love the first two James Cameron epics, you should at least give this movie a watch.
My rating: 3 / 4
