Terminator Genisys Review

I just watched Terminator Genisys last weekend. Yes I know it has been out for quite some time. I’ve been occupied. Even after reading James Cameron's endorsement, I went in with an open mind. And while I am mostly against reboots and unnecessary sequels, I have always had a soft spot for Terminator: Judgment Day (1991). To me, unnecessary reboots and sequels portray laziness, an unwillingness to try something new/different, averseness to change, and of course, greed. The latest examples are Fast and Furious 7 and Jurassic World. God rest Paul Walkers's soul but Furious 7 was SSDD. Jurassic World is good but it's not for we that were around when Jurassic Park and The Lost World were released. For us, it's the same movie all over again. It would be fun for those aged 15 and below. And I think Chris Pratt was cast just to capitalize on his new found stardom/fame. Not that Guardians of the Galaxy was a good movie but I digress. Terminator Genisys is an excellent movie and is proof that reboots can be done right. It is not a remix of the first two movies; it is an entirely different film.

Genisys is a reboot not just for the newer/younger generation but for fans of the first two movies. I am rather glad that the third and fourth movies were disregarded. Rise of the Machines was rubbish and Salvation wasn't memorable.

Truth be told, I was worried when the fifth movie was announced and that Arnold was reprising his role as a T800. My reaction was 'here we go again! Isn't he too old to convincingly portray a terminator?' Alas, his aged appearance was brilliantly addressed in the movie. More so, his performance here is superlative and enough to redeem his last outing in the third movie.

Though a reboot might contain familiar characters and elements, it should bring something new to the table and the T1000 did just that; not with the shape shifting and not with the GPS tracker bit, but with something else. – removing part of its body and then shape-shifting that part to have a pointed edge and then lobbing it as spear. Also, the T800 now runs. I don't recall Arnie running in Judgment Day. That said, the lines "Come with me if you want to live" and "I'll be back" shouldn't have been used. The movie would be just as fine without them.

Some have complained about the confusing nature of the different timelines but I think that's part of what makes Genisys great. Though not all genres can, a good movie should stimulate thought and conversation long after the movie has ended. And this movie does that. I'm still trying to figure out how Sarah Connor knew certain things since the timeline was different. It could turn out to be a flaw/goof. I'll have to watch it again to be sure. I'm also unclear as to what actually caused the different timeline. I don't think the film is confusing. It simply requires some thought and isn't for simpletons. If you want a confusing movie, watch Cloud Atlas.

The tone of the undeserved poor reviews have convinced me that those critics are nothing more than disciples of Simon Cowell’s brand of traumatising insults masked as critiques.

I watch Judgment Day every couple of years just to get my terminator fix. With Genisys, I have a new favourite. The only thing T2 has over Genisys is the score. Genisys has a good score but I don't think it's as good as that of T2. That said, Genisys has a good collection of actual songs.

My advice to the writers, the Director, the studio and everyone involved in making this film is this: Though Genisys doesn't have a stellar box office performance, that doesn't mean it isn't a great movie. A classic example is The Shawshank Redemption. If the planned sequels don't happen, so be it. It can serve as a good conclusion. This movie accomplished the seemingly impossible task of properly reopening an already concluded story. However, if you do make a sequel, please don't give away plot twists and reveals in the trailers.

The good guys at HonestTrailers would probably ask, why did Skynet bother sending a T800 and a T1000 back to 1984 when it could have easily sent an altered John Connor (T3000)? That would have ensured success. Now for the most important question of all: Who sent the T800 back to 1973 to protect young Sarah Connor?