Terminator: Salvation

Joseph McGinty Nichol (2009)

110min

12A Certificate

Review

Our Score

by Jamie Russell

The fourth entry in the Terminator series continues the franchise stumble that began with Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines. Set in the aftermath of "Judgement Day", it's a glum, post-apocalyptic mess that can't decide which of its two lead characters is most interesting - Christian Bale's gruff resistance leader John Connor or a mysterious stranger from the past played by Sam Worthington. Worthington gives the film's stand-out performance, but Bale is completely wasted, left with little to do but shout orders into walkie-talkies. Director McG (Charlie's Angels) further fudges the issue by piling on bombastic action sequences featuring new toys such as Terminator motorbikes and a towering Transformers-style robot. It's less inventive than desperate - a suspicion only confirmed when the franchise's most familiar face keeps his "I'll be back" promise, thanks to some expensive digital trickery.

Summary

In a future dominated by the deadly robots, resistance leader John Connor fights to stop the creation of an advanced new terminator and searches for the teenager destined to go back in time and become his father. Elsewhere, a mysterious stranger with no memory is about to learn the shocking truth about his origins. Sci-fi thriller sequel, starring Christian Bale, Sam Worthington and Anton Yelchin.

Cast & Crew

John Connor Christian Bale

Marcus Wright Sam Worthington

Kyle Reese Anton Yelchin

Blair Williams Moon Bloodgood

Kate Connor Bryce Dallas Howard

Dr Serena Kogan Helena Bonham Carter

Barnes Common

Virginia Jane Alexander

General Ashdown Michael Ironside

Star Jadagrace Berry

T-800 Roland Kickinger

T-800 Arnold Schwarzenegger

Sarah Connor Linda Hamilton

Director Joseph McGinty Nichol

Other Information

Language: EnglishColourTheatrical distributor: SonyGuidance: Violence, swearing and brief nudity.Available on: DVD and Blu-rayReleased on: 29 May 2009

Drama

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