⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐✨ 4.5

A classic film that was groundbreaking upon its original release, prompting the question: how does it hold up 35 years later?

I remember watching this 35 years ago in a packed cinema. I had watched the original on VHS at a mate’s house and went to see the sequel with my sister. Prior to watching, I could still hear the haunting score of the Terminator in my head. This remains the absolute peak of the franchise, never truly surpassed by any of its successors. Though I originally planned to catch the 3D theatrical re-release, a packed watchlist led me to stream the 4K digitally restored version instead.

The visual effects combine traditional filmmaking and CGI, standing up remarkably well. While certain effects look slightly dated and some T-1000 moments appear a bit rough by modern standards, that is to be expected. Revisiting the film highlighted how much of the action relies on traditional stunts and practical filming rather than heavy CGI. The digitally remastered footage is brilliantly clear, complemented by a moody, dark, and atmospheric opening that beautifully contrasts the evening and daytime sequences.

While it helps to see the first film, Terminator 2 works independently by effectively filling in the backstory. The core acting is generally strong, featuring standout performances from Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor, Edward Furlong as John Connor, and Robert Patrick as the T-1000. Arnold Schwarzenegger was often criticized for his acting, but he delivers and is perfectly cast in a demanding role few others could pull off. The dynamic shift is brilliant: the Terminator is now the protector, while the T-1000 is sent to kill. Hamilton’s character has also evolved drastically due to the trauma of the first film. That said, some minor supporting cast members such as John Connor’s adoptive parents are poorly cast. For those wanting the full context, watching the first film is still well worth the time prior to watching this.

At the time of its release, it was considered the most expensive film ever made, with a budget between $92 million and $102 million, ultimately pulling in around $500 million at the box office. Naturally, the retro technology depicted in the film’s timeline now looks distinctly dated.

The film’s enduring classic status is thanks to its relentless action, meticulously choreographed stunts and iconic soundtrack featuring Guns N’ Roses. Revisiting it after all these years was thoroughly enjoyable and it’s clear it would have been even better in the cinema. While the pacing is fast-paced, the editing could have been tighter and it highlights how none of the subsequent sequels ever quite matched its quality. Interestingly, watching it again made me realise that Robert Patrick’s character doesn’t appear as much as I thought in the second half, and there’s a significant stretch before he finally shows up towards the end. This likely aids the films dramatic conclusion which has some decent twists and surprises.

To date, this remains James Cameron’s best-directed film, also co-written with him. Photography was filmed in just 5 months around Los Angeles in 1990 to 1991 with the film taking just 14 months to produce, which is impressively quick. If you haven’t seen it, you might catch it at the cinema still if you’re quick and Sky Cinema also shows it. I streamed it on Amazon.

Set a decade after the events of the first film, Terminator 2: Judgment Day follows the malevolent artificial intelligence Skynet as it sends an advanced, shape-shifting liquid metal assassin—the T-1000—back in time to 1995 to eliminate a young John Connor, the future leader of the human resistance. In response, the adult Connor manages to reprogram an older T-800 cyborg and send it back to protect his childhood self. As young John and the cyborg rescue his militant mother, Sarah, from a psychiatric hospital, the trio embarks on a high-stakes mission to intercept the creator of Skynet and destroy the nascent computer technology before a nuclear holocaust can devastate humanity. Culminating in an iconic showdown at a steel mill, the film blends groundbreaking visual effects with an unexpected bond formed between the machine and the boy it was sent to protect.

Online synopsis 

Film Rating

Music/Sound

4.5 out of 5

Story/plot

4.5 out of 5

Acting/Performances

3.5 out of 5

Overall

4.5 out of 5

Certification: 15
Running time: 143 minutes
Screening type: 3D