Terminator Salvation Review (Movie)

Being "back" is so good.
(No spoilers given, only brief story synopsis)
An underlying fear always attaches itself to the hopes of fanboys whenever a franchise gets new life. To many, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines could have easily been the end of the story. Luckily, director McG was determined to give audience members a chance to witness the war, post Judgment Day. A war that loomed as a threat for the existence of mankind. This movie throws you right into that war.

From the beginning of the film to the end, there is nonstop action. Instead of being a film that opts for explosion after explosion just for show, the action is deliberate and purposeful. The fight scenes between man and machine are orchestrated beautifully. Every scene has the purpose of captivating, just as every machine has the purpose of terminating.

Salvation, taking place in the year 2018, follows two main characters. An adult John Connor (Christian Bale) leads the Resistance, a group that believes the fight against SkyNet will save humanity. The other main character is Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington). Wright's story is very interesting, but one that is worth watching for yourself. What I will say is that he's a welcome addition to the franchise. Both characters share a mission; to protect the life of Kyle Reese. Reese, in case you don't remember, was the main character of the first Terminator film, who traveled back in time to protect Sarah Connor, only to end up becoming the father of John Connor. A much younger Reese (Anton Yelchin) returns as a member of the Resistance's L.A. branch, obviously unaware of his future paternal status. Keeping Reese alive is the key to John Connor's existence, which in turn is key to saving the human race.

If you aren't familiar with the first three films, then you may have a slight problem keeping up with Salvation. But I can assure you that knowing every historical detail is not necessary to enjoy this film. From beginning to end, the movie does a fantastic job of entertaining new fans of the franchise, as well giving series veterans plenty of familiar references.

Visually the film is stunning. During the intense fighting scenes, McG does a terrific job of making you feel as if you're standing on the front lines of the war. Despite being more of a sci-fi war film, compared to a horror or action film like the first three, Salvation easily fits in keeping with the previous films.

Often, films with a high level of action can leave you bored in between high intensity scenes, but Salvation is truly a nonstop adrenaline rush, mixed with incredible acting skills by Bale, Worthington and Yelchin (although Bale did go into his breathy Batman voice a few too many times).

The Verdict:
Terminator Salvation truly does not disappoint in any way. Fans of the franchise will be thrilled with the film, and fans of the genre will be blown away. Salvation is a contender for the best movie in the series, as well as a contender for best sci-fi action film ever. Thankfully there's two more films in the series before the Terminator story is complete, and if this movie is an indication of quality, I will gladly watch them both.