The UNpopular Opinion: Terminator Salvation | Movie News

The UNpopular Opinion: Terminator Salvation
Comments: 121
terometer
69%
Strike Back below!
by: J.A. Hamilton Aug. 17, 2010


written by J-A Hamilton

THE UNPOPULAR OPINION is an ongoing column featuring different takes on films that either the writer HATED, but that the majority of film fans LOVED, or that the writer LOVED, but that most others LOATHED. We're hoping this column will promote constructive and geek fueled discussion. Enjoy!

“You think you’re human?” –John Connor

“I am human.” –Marcus Wright

The TERMINATOR franchise is an old one and has seen its share of ups and downs. The first one was light years ahead of its time story wise, from a technological standpoint and even conceptually. The second one reinvented the action movie as we know it, with an even bigger story, insane special effects and unbelievable battles and then three set the franchise backward on its heels with a less than lackluster installment that felt more like a lazy man’s TERMINATOR 2.5 rather than taking the first one’s adrenaline level and squaring it like the second film did. TERMINATOR SALVATION had impossibly big shoes to fill and everyone knew it but as a big fan of the series I have no reservations when it comes to expressing my love for the film. Perfect? No (I’ll get to that) but an ambitious step in the right direction, most definitely.

There were two very vital, very volatile issues to consider here when making this film, the first one being the story. Clearly the “send two Terminators back in time to a have a bloodbath orgy with John Connor” thing was getting old, so it was indeed time for a change. I wasn’t against the post apocalyptic future overrun by Terminators (it was bound to happen) and feel it was probably the only direction this film could have successfully gone in. Yeah it was a little bleak, cold and heartless but be that as it may it still made sense. The other trick with the story was to avoid gaps in logic when compared to the previous three. I feel they did well in that respect too. On that note, the Terminator storyline can be somewhat overwhelming (especially to newcomers) so Linda Hamilton’s voiceover and Arnie’s likeness certainly added some much needed perspective whilst trying to bridge the gap and connect the series.


"I get that you're angry but you're seriously invading my personal space."

The second issue was of course Arnold Schwarzenegger himself, the defining symbol of the franchise. Many people felt that it just couldn’t be done without him and on some levels they were right. Revitalizing an iconic franchise with a new lead character is dangerous and tricky on the best of days. McG did the ground work, thought this through and mapped out a great plot line featuring a slew of characters both old and new. John Connor was in the lead as he should have been (personally I’d have loved to see what Edward Furlong could have brought to the table here but unfortunately he’s not part of the A-list leading man club these days so to take a gamble on him in an already risky situation just wouldn’t make sense I guess) but they kept Arnold’s dream alive and as small a part as it was, it still made a tremendous impact for me.

There was nothing wrong with the acting and/or casting choices as far as I’m concerned. Christian Bale and Sam Worthington worked well together and were both essentially key components to making this a successful character driven adventure. The Resistance is the Resistance but these guys gave them hope and purpose. Bale’s performance rang a little close to his Batman/Bruce Wayne persona (especially when he yells, “WHAT ARE YOU” at Worthington after the water battle. I was cool with it though, as I was cool with the idea of a meatier role for the Terminator good guy this time around. I liked Marcus Wright, his story arc and his humanity. Moon Bloodgood continued to look sexy (thank you Lord for her topless scene, I thoroughly enjoyed it) and also fit well into her action role which was impressive.


"Yep, we can definitely use this fella to replace the can opener."

Some critics said the Terminators themselves were lacking in their supremacy this time around as far as being unstoppable killers is concerned, I would have to disagree. The Terminators were just as vicious and relentless as ever, only this time there were multiple kinds to look out for. I didn’t care for the huge Transformer looking “gatherer-bot” that was rounding up all the humans but him aside, these guys were bad ass looking. The new models were a bit more buff, the new motorcycle and water units were lethal as hell and of course (SPOILER ALERT) the newest breed of human-looking Terminator was a decent (if not a tad predictable) way of upping the ante.

My only real complaints here are pointed mostly toward the marketing. All things considered I knew this wouldn’t be rated R. I enjoyed the Unrated Director’s Cut but I felt it came about as too little, too late. Such is the way of things though as PG-13 is the best way to make a buck in theatres. The trailers are what really let me down though. I just don’t get why they decided to ruin the Arnold cameo by presenting a TV SPOT trailer dedicated to simply that. Sure, the cat was already out of the bag but the mystery was a selling point in itself, they didn’t have to show it. I also think they could have left the fact that Marcus Wright was a Terminator out of the ad campaign as well. Build up the animosity between him and Connor sure but again, why ruin the mystery?


I love how they made the Terminators look even more evil this time around.

TERMINATOR SALVATION was a solid way to expand the Terminator mythos, which is exactly what I was looking for at the end of the day. Sure it was risky, much like re-vamping PREDATORS for a new generation and possibly new franchise was also risky (yes, I enjoyed PREDATORS). McG was hoping for a trilogy (what director isn’t these days) and after this one I admit to being curious as to where they’ll go from here and how they’ll keep the edge sharp. There was a great deal of winks and nods to the past films (my favourite being the G&R song from T2) which to me shows that everyone was trying hard to make this sequel worthy. I feel they succeeded. Is mine the unpopular opinion? It could be but in all honesty I know just as many people who loved it as I do hated it so we’ll see how you guys feel about that one.

Source: JoBlo.com

Add to MFC Profile

Extra Tidbit: I tried watching the first episode of THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES but couldn’t get into it. I’ve heard good and bad things about that series as well. What did you guys think?

121 discussions Expand all
Show Oldest First  |  Newest First  |  Most Popular
 
+3
Vote Up Vote Down
muveadict2
1:15AM on 05/08/2011 Add as a friend | MFC profile
hey...
Salvation was good, the only flaw in the moviw was the choice to give up a seriously bad ass cyborg for JC, which i think any of the grunts standing around should have then promptly shot themselves in the head and donated the heart.
Salvation was good, the only flaw in the moviw was the choice to give up a seriously bad ass cyborg for JC, which i think any of the grunts standing around should have then promptly shot themselves in the head and donated the heart.
 
+1
Vote Up Vote Down
AnnaDraconida
7:59PM on 08/20/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I LOVED SALVATION.
Simple as that.

Part 3 had Arnold but still became the worst film in the series (largely due to the cheesiness of it all & the horrible casting of Nick Stahl as JC).
Simple as that.

Part 3 had Arnold but still became the worst film in the series (largely due to the cheesiness of it all & the horrible casting of Nick Stahl as JC).
 
+7
Vote Up Vote Down
Crazy Dud
1:36AM on 08/20/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Yeah, Salvation was briskly paced, entertaining, and had plenty of nods to the fans. It certainly wasn't great, but it wasn't that bad.
Yeah, Salvation was briskly paced, entertaining, and had plenty of nods to the fans. It certainly wasn't great, but it wasn't that bad.
 
+2
Vote Up Vote Down
brmcd
2:35PM on 08/19/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I did walk out of the theater disappointed, not in the movie but in Christian Bale. I am a huge fan and was definitely let down this time around. Sam Worthington and Anton Yelchin definitely carried the movie for me. It would have been interesting to see Furlong try but he's still kinda just looks like a creepy child with a beard.
I did walk out of the theater disappointed, not in the movie but in Christian Bale. I am a huge fan and was definitely let down this time around. Sam Worthington and Anton Yelchin definitely carried the movie for me. It would have been interesting to see Furlong try but he's still kinda just looks like a creepy child with a beard.
 
+6
Vote Up Vote Down
C.K. Dexter Haven
11:18AM on 08/19/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I honestly feel like the hinted post-apocalyptic future in the first 2 films was more impactful than the one fully depicted in Salvation, and that that's what gave those first 2 movies part of their spark: the implication of granduer in a low-scale, present day cat and mouse game. That and McG just really doesn't bring much as a director, imo.
I honestly feel like the hinted post-apocalyptic future in the first 2 films was more impactful than the one fully depicted in Salvation, and that that's what gave those first 2 movies part of their spark: the implication of granduer in a low-scale, present day cat and mouse game. That and McG just really doesn't bring much as a director, imo.
 
-3
Vote Up Vote Down
sliktuc
9:59AM on 08/19/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
This is Superman Returns all over again
Which is to say it's a great and worthy, new and interesting take on and reboot of a once great series of films that I wish would never end...and nobody liked it for no apparent reason.



This movie is not T2, get the fuck over it. T3 tried that and just fell flat. McG gets way too much shit for this movie. It was the most different Terminator so far and that was its strength: It...
Which is to say it's a great and worthy, new and interesting take on and reboot of a once great series of films that I wish would never end...and nobody liked it for no apparent reason.



This movie is not T2, get the fuck over it. T3 tried that and just fell flat. McG gets way too much shit for this movie. It was the most different Terminator so far and that was its strength: It was badass, held onto the best parts of the series (save for Arnie-ish), but tried a lot of really cool, new things.



I could tell that it was the first of a new trilogy and I liked it. Now, I loved T2, but the best thing about it is it turned Terminator 1 on its head and did its own thing in a huge and awesome way. Terminator Salvation was simply trying to do the same thing and in my oppinion it succeeded.



Dear lord, make sure T5 gets enough cash to get made. That is all and thank you for writing this, I no longer have to feel like I'm taking crazy pills.
 
-3
Vote Up Vote Down
morix
2:16AM on 08/19/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
RE: Sarah Connor Chronicles
The first season of that show was great, but the second season sucked bad. It just got real boring and moody, and they never got to the freakin' point about what the lead singer of Garbage was doing there. If you rent it, I recommend watching the first season only, then stop and proceed no further.



Side note: I still haven't seen Terminator Salvation yet. I know, I suck.
The first season of that show was great, but the second season sucked bad. It just got real boring and moody, and they never got to the freakin' point about what the lead singer of Garbage was doing there. If you rent it, I recommend watching the first season only, then stop and proceed no further.



Side note: I still haven't seen Terminator Salvation yet. I know, I suck.
 
-3
Vote Up Vote Down
muveadict
1:25AM on 08/19/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
dude...you sure this is unpopular?
because i liked it, as disjointed and messed up as it was. the movie was entertaining enough and lets face it 3 was a pile of hot steaming turd and nothing can live up to 2. just wish they had stuck with sam as jon and the original spin, that would have been more interesting.
because i liked it, as disjointed and messed up as it was. the movie was entertaining enough and lets face it 3 was a pile of hot steaming turd and nothing can live up to 2. just wish they had stuck with sam as jon and the original spin, that would have been more interesting.
 
+5
Vote Up Vote Down
KINGWEE
10:48PM on 08/18/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
The main problem(s) I had with T:S was that it NEVER felt like a Terminator movie! It really came off like a sub-par Transformers more than anything else. Also, this entry into the series was supposed to be the one that really showcased what Judgement Day was like, however, the "action" just wasn't there. The opening sequence was absolute dreck and Worthington was NEVER convincing in any...
The main problem(s) I had with T:S was that it NEVER felt like a Terminator movie! It really came off like a sub-par Transformers more than anything else. Also, this entry into the series was supposed to be the one that really showcased what Judgement Day was like, however, the "action" just wasn't there. The opening sequence was absolute dreck and Worthington was NEVER convincing in any way. Love it all you want, man, but I hate this fucking movie!!!



p.s. Common?? Really???
 
+3
Vote Up Vote Down
Ayestrain
10:03PM on 08/18/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Salvation was..
..a terribly wasted opportunity.



The best scenes were with Anton Yelchin as the young Reese, trying to escape from the new breed of Terminators.



Bale as Connor made zero impact on me. Worthington's acting was wooden and he further displayed that he's not ready for leading man status. The scenes with Helena Bonham Carter were awful.



It seems to me...
..a terribly wasted opportunity.



The best scenes were with Anton Yelchin as the young Reese, trying to escape from the new breed of Terminators.



Bale as Connor made zero impact on me. Worthington's acting was wooden and he further displayed that he's not ready for leading man status. The scenes with Helena Bonham Carter were awful.



It seems to me they only superficially tried to connect this movie to the past films--it didn't feel like a Terminator movie to me.
 
+2
Vote Up Vote Down
pcch7
9:06PM on 08/18/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Didn´t love it, didn´t hate it.. Good action but stupid plotholes. TSCC is at least as good as T1 & T2. One of the best shows the last decade
Didn´t love it, didn´t hate it.. Good action but stupid plotholes. TSCC is at least as good as T1 & T2. One of the best shows the last decade
 
+4
Vote Up Vote Down
drewmanning
5:32PM on 08/18/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Finally it's been like three UNpopular articles since I agreed with this column. Terminator Salvation wasn't all that bad but the marketing fully killed this thing by revealing who/what Marcus is/was in every trailer. The movies not perfect but I have seen worse part 4's; Batman & Robin & Live Free or Die Hard come to mind specifically.
Finally it's been like three UNpopular articles since I agreed with this column. Terminator Salvation wasn't all that bad but the marketing fully killed this thing by revealing who/what Marcus is/was in every trailer. The movies not perfect but I have seen worse part 4's; Batman & Robin & Live Free or Die Hard come to mind specifically.
 
+4
Vote Up Vote Down
tazhughes
4:37PM on 08/18/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Where I think they screwed the pooch was in rushing the storyline along and getting us to John Conner just so Bale was in more of the movie. They should have left it as a movie about Marcus and Kyle trying to find and get to this mythical John Connor. Allow is voice to be heard on the radios and keep them moving through the post-apocalyptic world trying to survive and find him. That would build...
Where I think they screwed the pooch was in rushing the storyline along and getting us to John Conner just so Bale was in more of the movie. They should have left it as a movie about Marcus and Kyle trying to find and get to this mythical John Connor. Allow is voice to be heard on the radios and keep them moving through the post-apocalyptic world trying to survive and find him. That would build up the John Connor Mythos and allow us to become more emotionally connected to Marcus so that his sacrifice, whihc should have come in teh second film, might seem more emotional and heroic like Arnie's was in T2. Then they could really have set it up for a trilogy, first movie Marcus and Kyles trek to find John ending with Kyle being captured, Second Marcus and John meet and team up to save Kyle ending with Marcus' sacrifice, and then a third one that deals with the onslaught of the war with the machines and ends with John giving his special mission to Kyle ("umm yeah dad, time to go screw mom").
 
+3
Vote Up Vote Down
SoundGirl
1:23PM on 08/18/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Every fanboy dream of what Terminator Salvation should have been is what made Terminator 3 a terrible movie.



At least TS tried something a little different instead of saying "Let's just make T2 again, but this time the bad guy will be liquid AND solid metal, and it'll be a hot chick! Oh and while we're at it, we'll make John Connor a sniveling baby, tack on a contrived love...
Every fanboy dream of what Terminator Salvation should have been is what made Terminator 3 a terrible movie.



At least TS tried something a little different instead of saying "Let's just make T2 again, but this time the bad guy will be liquid AND solid metal, and it'll be a hot chick! Oh and while we're at it, we'll make John Connor a sniveling baby, tack on a contrived love story, and kill off Sarah Connor with cancer even though it makes absolutely no sense within the timeline."



Sarah Connor's death, now there's a plot hole for you. How does someone die after a three year battle with cancer, two years after the events of T2?
 
+2
Vote Up Vote Down
DougHeffernan
11:59AM on 08/18/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I liked watching the worthington and bloodgood parts but the bales scenes annoyed me for the most part. Some cool action blah story, the whole thing was just ok in my opinion. Maybe i need a couple more viewings..
I liked watching the worthington and bloodgood parts but the bales scenes annoyed me for the most part. Some cool action blah story, the whole thing was just ok in my opinion. Maybe i need a couple more viewings..
 
+5
Vote Up Vote Down
ajjara
11:30AM on 08/18/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
What?
Are you insane?!? I didn't comment when this article was about how the godfather was terrible (cause that's just silly) but sticking up for terminator salvation? The movie's just bad... it's not bad cause it didn't have arnold.. it's not bad cause of the acting or directing... it's bad cause it doesn't make sense, it disregards the whole universe and it has an endless supply of plotholes and...
Are you insane?!? I didn't comment when this article was about how the godfather was terrible (cause that's just silly) but sticking up for terminator salvation? The movie's just bad... it's not bad cause it didn't have arnold.. it's not bad cause of the acting or directing... it's bad cause it doesn't make sense, it disregards the whole universe and it has an endless supply of plotholes and nonsense... my favorite example... marcus showing kyle reese how to TIE A ROPE around a gun... is kyle retarded that he needed someone to show him this? Also the terminators hardly terminated anyone, they did throw around people alot though? does that count? finally in a movie about the war there were less terminators than in the FLASHBACKS of other movies?!? What? I want this unpopular opinion to be a good thing, cause some movies do need to be looked over again, but it's like you're taking the easy way out every time and just finding stuff to try and get a rise.
 
+4
Vote Up Vote Down
Lucien12
10:45AM on 08/18/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
All this movie needed was a couple more rewrites of the script. They were headed in the right direction but it was just rushed into production... Unfortunately the potential wasn't lived up to.
All this movie needed was a couple more rewrites of the script. They were headed in the right direction but it was just rushed into production... Unfortunately the potential wasn't lived up to.
1 Reply
 
Crazy Dud
1:32AM on 08/20/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
This is not a bad way of looking at it. The film is good, but with the premise and the Sam Worthington character, it definitely had the potential to be great.
This is not a bad way of looking at it. The film is good, but with the premise and the Sam Worthington character, it definitely had the potential to be great.
 
+2
Vote Up Vote Down
Can Ispeak To Ken
7:44AM on 08/18/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
It was PG-13...



I'll say it again... It was PG-13!... A **terminator** film was PG-13! There's nothing else to discuss.
It was PG-13...



I'll say it again... It was PG-13!... A **terminator** film was PG-13! There's nothing else to discuss.
 
+0
Vote Up Vote Down
Hip-Hop Legend
7:06AM on 08/18/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
extra tidbit: I enjoyed the Sarah Connor Chronicles a lot and wish they hadn't canceled it!
I liked this movie too, but I will say it everytime you guys write an article about this film. Without Arnie it's not a Terminator film, and no matter how hard they try to make it one it never will be without him! It just felt like an action film with killer robots! It was a good film, but it just didn't feel like a Terminator film!
I liked this movie too, but I will say it everytime you guys write an article about this film. Without Arnie it's not a Terminator film, and no matter how hard they try to make it one it never will be without him! It just felt like an action film with killer robots! It was a good film, but it just didn't feel like a Terminator film!
 
-3
Vote Up Vote Down
Hip-Hop Legend
7:02AM on 08/18/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
extra tidbit: I enjoyed the Sarah Connor Chronicles a lot and wish they hadn't canceled it!
I liked this movie too, but I will say it everytime you guys write an article about this film. Without Arnie it's not a Terminator film, and no matter how hard they try to make it one it never will be without him! It just felt like an action film with killer robots! It was a good film, but it just didn't feel like a Terminator film!
I liked this movie too, but I will say it everytime you guys write an article about this film. Without Arnie it's not a Terminator film, and no matter how hard they try to make it one it never will be without him! It just felt like an action film with killer robots! It was a good film, but it just didn't feel like a Terminator film!
 
+1
Vote Up Vote Down
skuttyhill
12:20AM on 08/18/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
LIKE MINDED
I also never understood the negativity that was lashed out at Terminator: Salvation. I found the movie extremely watchable. The performances were strong, the story, while maybe not the most original, was effective within the Terminator mythology and I thought there was a lot of visual creativity (the helicopter crash comes to mind). I loved the variety of Terminators in the future world too....
I also never understood the negativity that was lashed out at Terminator: Salvation. I found the movie extremely watchable. The performances were strong, the story, while maybe not the most original, was effective within the Terminator mythology and I thought there was a lot of visual creativity (the helicopter crash comes to mind). I loved the variety of Terminators in the future world too. I can only hope that the next film expands on the universe that was created.
 
+1
Vote Up Vote Down
Freeden
12:15AM on 08/18/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
This was the only Terminator that bored me. The action was decent, but I was highly disappointed by Christian Bales work. I love him as an actor, and this is probably the worst I have seen him (although, Im sure there are movies where he is worse). This film had poor written all over it, from getting McG to direct to Bale's rant. I tend to judge a film by how much I want to see it again, with...
This was the only Terminator that bored me. The action was decent, but I was highly disappointed by Christian Bales work. I love him as an actor, and this is probably the worst I have seen him (although, Im sure there are movies where he is worse). This film had poor written all over it, from getting McG to direct to Bale's rant. I tend to judge a film by how much I want to see it again, with films usually ending up in either the buy it on dvd category, would watch it again, would catch it on tv, and wouldn't watch it again. This is a film I wouldn't watch again. Even the third film entertained me, but with this one, I was just bored. I know people that like it, but a good film this is not. I can't agree with this article. If there is another Terminator film made, get a new director and if Bale phones it in again, fire him. Heck, just get Cameron to do the next one. Forget Arnold, it just isn't the same without Cameron.
 
+5
Vote Up Vote Down
Nite Owl
11:47PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
IT'S DEFINETLY NOT THE BEST IN THE SERIES
But I liked it. I liked that we finally got a movie about the War istead of another time travel movie. It has it's problems and all but I still like it for what it is.
But I liked it. I liked that we finally got a movie about the War istead of another time travel movie. It has it's problems and all but I still like it for what it is.
 
+3
Vote Up Vote Down
AmericanGods
11:12PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Is this really unpopular?
Is Terminator: Salvation really hated that much? Considering T3 was the dumbest approach possible to the franchise, having Arnold deliver lines like "Talk to the hand", have him get his clothes from a strip joint, cast a supermodel as a female terminator called the TX (terminatrix). By comparison the filmmakers here tried their darnedest to get everything right with this film. Casting Bale as...
Is Terminator: Salvation really hated that much? Considering T3 was the dumbest approach possible to the franchise, having Arnold deliver lines like "Talk to the hand", have him get his clothes from a strip joint, cast a supermodel as a female terminator called the TX (terminatrix). By comparison the filmmakers here tried their darnedest to get everything right with this film. Casting Bale as John Connor, getting Jonathan Nolan to rewrite the script, going to Danny Elfman to compose the music, sticking to as many practical effects as possible, and not giving us an antagonist called the Terminatrix. T3 felt like Jonathan Mostow taking a dump on the franchise, whereas T4 felt like McG trying to redeem himself and the franchise in a single film. While the film is flawed, at least there's a few original ideas here and not everything is CGI endoskeletons and re-used ideas from previous movies. An homage is one thing, but giving the same damn movie we already saw twice before (this means you T3) is something entirely else.
 
-3
Vote Up Vote Down
tidwell
10:25PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
First of all, I liked T3. It's not as good as the first two, but it has ridiculous action (the crane scene?) and IT HAS ARNOLD. I think an unpopular opinion would be to stand up for T3.

Anyway, I only say Salvation once (opening night)and remember hating it. Some of the action was solid, but the acting at times was incredibly stiff. I'll see it again, but I rank it fourth.
First of all, I liked T3. It's not as good as the first two, but it has ridiculous action (the crane scene?) and IT HAS ARNOLD. I think an unpopular opinion would be to stand up for T3.

Anyway, I only say Salvation once (opening night)and remember hating it. Some of the action was solid, but the acting at times was incredibly stiff. I'll see it again, but I rank it fourth.
1 Reply
 
Hip-Hop Legend
7:06AM on 08/18/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I agree very much with you about T3. It seems like everyone hated that film, but I really liked it. The crane scene was crazy cool, and the scene in the graveyard was really awesome too! The coolest thing was that it had Arnie!
I agree very much with you about T3. It seems like everyone hated that film, but I really liked it. The crane scene was crazy cool, and the scene in the graveyard was really awesome too! The coolest thing was that it had Arnie!
 
-5
Vote Up Vote Down
iamjacksnihilis
10:18PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
...okay, begin rant.



Are you kidding me? This movie is so dumbed down and poorly written it's mind boggling. The characters are all absolutely terrible. John Connor does nothing but yell into a receiver and stare at things weirdly for two hours. They introduce Kyle Reese only to have him do nothing but talk about how awesome John Connor is and get his skinny ass caught by...
...okay, begin rant.



Are you kidding me? This movie is so dumbed down and poorly written it's mind boggling. The characters are all absolutely terrible. John Connor does nothing but yell into a receiver and stare at things weirdly for two hours. They introduce Kyle Reese only to have him do nothing but talk about how awesome John Connor is and get his skinny ass caught by machines. All the other "main" characters are glorified background (all of whom bring nothing to the table except the severely underused Bryce Dallas Howard). The character of Marcus was decent but completely ruined by a cheese ball ending and the fact that his character's "big twist" is completely ruined by the marketing, so much so that instead of feeling for this poor dude, it's more like, "yeah, so...oh wait, he didn't know...".



The action sequences are pretty good (I'll admit, I was completely floored by the opening bomb blast), but since McG probably knew that the only really good thing this movie had going for it was the action scenes, it becomes a complete overload. The gatherer/motorcycle chase and the Connor/Marcus woods chase drag on FAR too long.



Also, the Arnold cameo? What Arnold cameo? All I saw was shit CGI.



Christian Bale and Sam Worthington worked well together? When? They were only on screen together for like 10 minutes.



This movie is gratuitous nonsense with a few "heh heh, get it, that was in the first two movies...hyuk hyuk".



While the third one was not great, it was a lot better than this mess.
 
+2
Vote Up Vote Down
thor333us
9:57PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
extra tidbit
I liked the show but the second season didn't have the crazy action of the first and that's what killed the ratings.
I liked the show but the second season didn't have the crazy action of the first and that's what killed the ratings.
 
-1
Vote Up Vote Down
fnorori
9:28PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I dislike McG as well
But honestly this movie wasn't all that bad. It wasn't X-Men Origins. And it was certainly better than T3. I love T2 and its one my favorite films of all time and the first Terminator is good on its own. This one didn't really give me the future that I envisioned or pictured from James Cameron but it was still believable and with that said I know many of you hated him, but I thought Sam...
But honestly this movie wasn't all that bad. It wasn't X-Men Origins. And it was certainly better than T3. I love T2 and its one my favorite films of all time and the first Terminator is good on its own. This one didn't really give me the future that I envisioned or pictured from James Cameron but it was still believable and with that said I know many of you hated him, but I thought Sam Worthington was the best thing about the film. Marcus Wright and Kyle Reese were the only characters I cared for and the action scenes were actually entertaining. So all in all, very good popular opinion this week
 
+1
Vote Up Vote Down
Pistolas
9:25PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
The story was very simple(some people said none-existent), the decent performances saved the movie a little bit, I think that the greatest expectations was on Bale but Worthington ended been the best of the movie. The flick was fun for the most part and had some cool scenes. That's all. You can expect a depth movie from a terminator franchise but you can't expect depth from McG, the guy is a...
The story was very simple(some people said none-existent), the decent performances saved the movie a little bit, I think that the greatest expectations was on Bale but Worthington ended been the best of the movie. The flick was fun for the most part and had some cool scenes. That's all. You can expect a depth movie from a terminator franchise but you can't expect depth from McG, the guy is a entertainer, if you want depth call Nolan or Spielberg. When you heard a movie from McG you know the sort of thing you're gonna see when you enter the cinema.. and that's it.
 
+0
Vote Up Vote Down
filmguy450
8:54PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I Hate McG But...
thought this movie was great. I really went in expecting to hate it, as T3 is a major crapfest, and McG's three previous films are all some of the worst of their given years!



So, imagine my surprise when I found this to be excellent! It has problems, yes, but it worked, was exciting, and moved at a relatively good pace.
thought this movie was great. I really went in expecting to hate it, as T3 is a major crapfest, and McG's three previous films are all some of the worst of their given years!



So, imagine my surprise when I found this to be excellent! It has problems, yes, but it worked, was exciting, and moved at a relatively good pace.
 
+0
Vote Up Vote Down
VideoK1d
7:39PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
It's great on Bluray!
I pretend T3 never happened and this works nicely with the first 2.

I just have a thing for post-apocalyptic movies. Just like I love industrial music.

I loved the cyborg story of Marcus Wright and I knew MCG wasn't finshed. it made 400 million worldwide. They should do a Narnia and just do a sequal on a smaller budget
I pretend T3 never happened and this works nicely with the first 2.

I just have a thing for post-apocalyptic movies. Just like I love industrial music.

I loved the cyborg story of Marcus Wright and I knew MCG wasn't finshed. it made 400 million worldwide. They should do a Narnia and just do a sequal on a smaller budget
 
+1
Vote Up Vote Down
SuperMarcey
7:25PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I loved it, and I have defended this to no end. I know someone who hated it on first viewing, watched it again and said it wasn't as bad. Perhaps this is one that needs multiple viewings to appreciate?
I loved it, and I have defended this to no end. I know someone who hated it on first viewing, watched it again and said it wasn't as bad. Perhaps this is one that needs multiple viewings to appreciate?
 
+2
Vote Up Vote Down
poopontheshoes7
7:10PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
YES! Great to see some love for T4. I liked a lot too. i feel this is one of the films fans simply overreact to in the extreme. I mean, I honestly don't get how fans think its as bad as they say it is. The technical aspects are all top notch. Bale and Worthington are good leads (Bale is a perfect Connor. Tough and doesn't taker any BS. He played the semi-obsessive angle perfectly imo) and it...
YES! Great to see some love for T4. I liked a lot too. i feel this is one of the films fans simply overreact to in the extreme. I mean, I honestly don't get how fans think its as bad as they say it is. The technical aspects are all top notch. Bale and Worthington are good leads (Bale is a perfect Connor. Tough and doesn't taker any BS. He played the semi-obsessive angle perfectly imo) and it didn't insult us with a stupid plot. it could have been so, so much worse. Was it groundbreaking? No, but it was a fun, well made action film worthy of the Terminator name.
 
+1
Vote Up Vote Down
LelekPL
7:00PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Licked it, but...
I must say, the first time I saw it I found it really entertaining, I loved Bale as Connor and thought Marcus was a cool, although not entirely necessary, character. Apart from a few differences with Cameron's vision and a lack of a actual battle between men and machines I was really satisfied. However, after further viewings I got what everyone was "bitchin'" about. I still think that Bale was...
I must say, the first time I saw it I found it really entertaining, I loved Bale as Connor and thought Marcus was a cool, although not entirely necessary, character. Apart from a few differences with Cameron's vision and a lack of a actual battle between men and machines I was really satisfied. However, after further viewings I got what everyone was "bitchin'" about. I still think that Bale was great as Connor - the postapocalyptic Connor - no more a joker, a cocky rebel like in T2, because let's face it, it's after Judgment Day, almost 6 billion people were killed, there's really no place for one-liners and being hip. That's why I liked it. I also believe that this was Worthington's best performance to date. And in all fairness I must add that McG did a decent job with the script he had. Because this is were it all falls down - the script. It's got too many plot holes and convenient resolutions in it. From Skynet not sending an army of Terminators to kill Connor if he was so important, to the resistance being able to take down Skynet and rescue both the hostages and Connor, when before they said it was impossible and could only bomb the place. And there are many more, some of course were the result of the plot holes made in previous movies, because let's face it, the Terminator saga was not the most coherent franchise ever made, but some were just a result of the stupidity of the writers (who's track record is really terrible) - the famous desert heart transplant.

Yet, I would still have to say that if I only take the entertainment value into consideration than I must admit I still like it. I'm a sucker for a bleak vision of the future a'la The Road, Children of Men or Road Warrior and here maybe it's not as good as in those movies, and definitely not as tragic as the visions of the future in T1 and T2, I still felt content about it. Yeah, I know it could be done a lot better, with a lot more T-600's and with an actual R rated battle and people being able to only walk at night and with fewer hot women with done hair and make-up. But on it's own it delivered for me: It had two credible leads, an underrated performance by Anton Yelchin, more than solid action pieces and a good final battle (although, like I said, it was a bit of a plot hole). Plus I felt they've done the references two previous movies a lot better than that excuse for a Terminator movie T3.

I'd give it a 6/10

the rest: T1 - 9/10, T2 10/10 and T3 3/10
 
-1
Vote Up Vote Down
Beeorn
6:47PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
It wasn't that bad
No, it wasn't as good as the other three, but it was an entertaining action flick. The other three were about 'fish out of water' monsters in the past, but this had none of that, which was my biggest complaint. Ohterwise, it continued the story, fleshed out the characters in different ways, and had some pretty good fx.



And the TV series started out strong, lulled through most of...
No, it wasn't as good as the other three, but it was an entertaining action flick. The other three were about 'fish out of water' monsters in the past, but this had none of that, which was my biggest complaint. Ohterwise, it continued the story, fleshed out the characters in different ways, and had some pretty good fx.



And the TV series started out strong, lulled through most of the 2nd season, but ended on a strong note. I was expecting a 3rd season, but Fox axed it.
 
+1
Vote Up Vote Down
HarkonnenAmongYou
6:47PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Agreed!
(I was starting to worry about this column the last couple weeks, I got pretty angry last time). Terminator Salvation is one of the more underrated and misunderstood films that came out in 2009. I enjoyed it and thought it was a good film (3/4 star rating). I have to also say I think the series is headed in the right direction. Yes, it is flawed, the films biggest problem is the story/script...
(I was starting to worry about this column the last couple weeks, I got pretty angry last time). Terminator Salvation is one of the more underrated and misunderstood films that came out in 2009. I enjoyed it and thought it was a good film (3/4 star rating). I have to also say I think the series is headed in the right direction. Yes, it is flawed, the films biggest problem is the story/script can't decide on which many character to focus on (Marcus or John). Nevertheless I am truly convinced that upon this films release many people didn't give it a chance from the get-go. The hatred for McG was set in before seeing it (don't lie), so naturally everyone said forget this guy and his stupid movie. Not to mention after talking to some people who saw it, some were expecting it to be T2 all over again. Well I hate to break it to you but that's not what TS went for. Oh well, I'll sit comfortably in the minority on this one with Mr. Hamilton. I respect those opinions who didn't like it for what ever reason though.
 
-4
Vote Up Vote Down
anomaly7
6:39PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
It was the weakest terminator film for me (at least T3 had Arnold), for the following reasons:

1. T1 and T2 had awesome villians. T4 had none, just transformers and an arnold cameo. The unstoppable bad guy is what made this frnachise, and it failed in that respect.

2. The original script wasn't suppose to have Conner at all (which is retarded). Bale wanted to play him so they...
It was the weakest terminator film for me (at least T3 had Arnold), for the following reasons:

1. T1 and T2 had awesome villians. T4 had none, just transformers and an arnold cameo. The unstoppable bad guy is what made this frnachise, and it failed in that respect.

2. The original script wasn't suppose to have Conner at all (which is retarded). Bale wanted to play him so they added him into the script. Therefore, the movie felt like 2 half scripts, one for marcus (which I didn't really care for) and one for Conner (which was underdeveloped).

3. Poor characterizations. How did Conner become a military leader after being the loner in T3? Understanding his development would have made the character more than just the cutout he was. Kate Conner and Common's characters didn't do much, I just felt like they were there to take up space.

5. They should have thrown in more use of the terminator themes from the original score.



I liked the movie for what it was, but it could have been so much better. I would still like to see a conclusion to the franchise.
 
-1
Vote Up Vote Down
Bicycle_Thief
6:29PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Double Post
"Now I know what death tastes like".... What?!
"Now I know what death tastes like".... What?!
 
+1
Vote Up Vote Down
Bicycle_Thief
6:27PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Is a Terminator movie supposed to make you go to sleep?
If that's the case, it was freaking brilliant!
If that's the case, it was freaking brilliant!
 
+2
Vote Up Vote Down
HaJay
6:25PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Salvation was fun and kept the Terminator story going for the fans and I hope they continue with the trilogy. It wasn't perfect but it was still a cool sci fi movie nonetheless.
Salvation was fun and kept the Terminator story going for the fans and I hope they continue with the trilogy. It wasn't perfect but it was still a cool sci fi movie nonetheless.
 
+4
Vote Up Vote Down
CaptainDeadman
5:44PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I whole-heartedly agree!
I had read constantly that it was the worst movie ever made, blah blah blah, and I decided to rent it. I enjoyed "Terminator Salvation" for the most part(I dare say more than part 1), and afterwards I came to the forums here on Joblo to ask why people hated it. I either got personal issues like "I don't like Bale" or nothing at all. People hate for the hell of it. It's almost like some...
I had read constantly that it was the worst movie ever made, blah blah blah, and I decided to rent it. I enjoyed "Terminator Salvation" for the most part(I dare say more than part 1), and afterwards I came to the forums here on Joblo to ask why people hated it. I either got personal issues like "I don't like Bale" or nothing at all. People hate for the hell of it. It's almost like some people never grow out of the high school phase, and college doesn't help. Especially the elitist film fans who enjoy bullshit like "Lost Highway" or "Eraserhead". Spare me.
 
+0
Vote Up Vote Down
SchaefDizzle
5:13PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Awesome
I love Salvation and T3 and think that all 4 tell a great story. And the show is amazing, you just hafta get a few episodes in. Brian Austin Green Fox plays Derek Reese (Kyle's brother) and is a total badass. Plus, they work in Dr. Silberman and Miles Dyson! WIN!
I love Salvation and T3 and think that all 4 tell a great story. And the show is amazing, you just hafta get a few episodes in. Brian Austin Green Fox plays Derek Reese (Kyle's brother) and is a total badass. Plus, they work in Dr. Silberman and Miles Dyson! WIN!
 
+2
Vote Up Vote Down
cupajoe
5:03PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I didn't like Salvation the first time I watched but over time I grew to dig it quite a bit. I just pay no attention to the MANY nods to the other flicks and the fact that it is a post apocalyptic world and yet bloodgood had the whitest teeth you ever seen in your life. Despite all that I still find myself watching it whenever it is on tv.



One this is for sure though--it was a...
I didn't like Salvation the first time I watched but over time I grew to dig it quite a bit. I just pay no attention to the MANY nods to the other flicks and the fact that it is a post apocalyptic world and yet bloodgood had the whitest teeth you ever seen in your life. Despite all that I still find myself watching it whenever it is on tv.



One this is for sure though--it was a hell of a lot more entertaining then Transformers Revenge of the Fallen
 
+0
Vote Up Vote Down
GioFace
4:58PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Terminator salvation sucked dick
avoid gaps in logic? its easy not to do that when you revamp the entire franchise like the new star trek did. linda hamilton voice recording was weak too. why re-record her footage just to add"oh btw, reese is gonna look a lot younger!" would have been far more nostalgic if they used the original recording or didn't change her lines. and this isn't transformers. we don't need a bunch of...
avoid gaps in logic? its easy not to do that when you revamp the entire franchise like the new star trek did. linda hamilton voice recording was weak too. why re-record her footage just to add"oh btw, reese is gonna look a lot younger!" would have been far more nostalgic if they used the original recording or didn't change her lines. and this isn't transformers. we don't need a bunch of different terminators.



Doing the future wars as a film is one thing, a good idea actually. but this movie did it all wrong.



Go back to the original Terminator when reese goes into the underground bunker only for that other terminator to get in and start shooting up the place. when a future war movie has the tone of that, then i'll support it
 
-1
Vote Up Vote Down
iKev
4:44PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Salvation wasn't as awful as some sci fi movies as of late, still it wasn't what we had all hyped it to be. I love UNpopular Opinion, I wish there were more of them
Salvation wasn't as awful as some sci fi movies as of late, still it wasn't what we had all hyped it to be. I love UNpopular Opinion, I wish there were more of them
 
-1
Vote Up Vote Down
schwarzgerät
4:23PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
"The first one was light years ahead of its time story wise"



Not really. 'Doctor Who' had already done the very same story on TV as early as 1972.
"The first one was light years ahead of its time story wise"



Not really. 'Doctor Who' had already done the very same story on TV as early as 1972.
1 Reply
 
schwarzgerät
12:47PM on 08/18/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Haha, thumbs down, apparently for daring to say 'The Terminator' wasn't terribly original. Fucking dummies.
Haha, thumbs down, apparently for daring to say 'The Terminator' wasn't terribly original. Fucking dummies.
 
+0
Vote Up Vote Down
justjoe
3:46PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
No that bad but not good either..
T4 wasn´t that bad but...the pacing was off, the plot predictable and boring and the two leads lacked any sort of charisma (Bale was just his angry yelling himself and Worthington may be the most overrated "star" of the decade. And MCG is no James cameron!!! But the future setting was good looking, the action and FX were solid and the guy playing young Kyle Reese was fun. I do still share more...
T4 wasn´t that bad but...the pacing was off, the plot predictable and boring and the two leads lacked any sort of charisma (Bale was just his angry yelling himself and Worthington may be the most overrated "star" of the decade. And MCG is no James cameron!!! But the future setting was good looking, the action and FX were solid and the guy playing young Kyle Reese was fun. I do still share more love for T3 if only for the Schwarzenegger-factor or Kristanna Locken being nearly naked. :-)
 
+3
Vote Up Vote Down
otto697
3:39PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I'll Stick With The Popular
"...But there was one man who taught us to fight, to storm the wire of the camps, to smash those metal mother****ers into junk." He turned it around. He brought us back from the brink. His name is Connor. John Connor..." - Kyle Reese. THIS is what the movie should have been about, except that it never happened, and it was obvious that it never happened and was just swept under the rug. The...
"...But there was one man who taught us to fight, to storm the wire of the camps, to smash those metal mother****ers into junk." He turned it around. He brought us back from the brink. His name is Connor. John Connor..." - Kyle Reese. THIS is what the movie should have been about, except that it never happened, and it was obvious that it never happened and was just swept under the rug. The story did not at all warrant itself as a Terminator movie. This seemed like a script that WB had on it's shelf and was about to lose the option on it, and they just turned it into a Terminator script. Everyone should just watch the 3rd theatrical trailer, and that is how this movie should be remembered as. Simply a good trailer. And the REASON they let the Schwarzenegger/Cat out of the bag, was because WB realized very quickly that they weren't going to make their money back and it was a desperate ploy to put butts in seats.
 
-4
Vote Up Vote Down
SnakeEyesOwns
3:32PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Agreed, I really enjoyed Salvation. It wasn't the best as most people have already said but it was a solid installment and beat the hell out of T3. Woulda been cool to see Ed Furlong as John Connor.
Agreed, I really enjoyed Salvation. It wasn't the best as most people have already said but it was a solid installment and beat the hell out of T3. Woulda been cool to see Ed Furlong as John Connor.
 
+5
Vote Up Vote Down
bluetuned
3:13PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
agree with a lot of this
The decision to reveal that Marcus was a Terminator was one of the most asinine marketing decisions in recent memory. It's not like it was a twist that you would never see coming during the film, but going into it with full knowledge that he is a Terminator is such a waste of a cleverly constructed plot line.



The other HUGE flaw is the ending. Sorry, but a heart transplant on...
The decision to reveal that Marcus was a Terminator was one of the most asinine marketing decisions in recent memory. It's not like it was a twist that you would never see coming during the film, but going into it with full knowledge that he is a Terminator is such a waste of a cleverly constructed plot line.



The other HUGE flaw is the ending. Sorry, but a heart transplant on the middle of a goddamn battlefield in a post-apocalyptic setting? No. Just... no.



Marcus was the best aspect of this story, and they blew the most interesting aspect of his character in the trailers and then killed him off at the end. Both are stupid decisions that kept this film from being what it could have been.
1 Reply
 
Antarius
5:29PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Originally they were going to kill off Connor and reprogram a Terminator as him so the Resistance wouldnt die. If you notice in the T800 fight his face gets scanned on the assembly line supporting this idea. However this ending was leaked and everyone went crazy and ape shit so they redid the ending with the heart transplant.
Originally they were going to kill off Connor and reprogram a Terminator as him so the Resistance wouldnt die. If you notice in the T800 fight his face gets scanned on the assembly line supporting this idea. However this ending was leaked and everyone went crazy and ape shit so they redid the ending with the heart transplant.
 
+4
Vote Up Vote Down
SCope07
3:11PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Respectfully disagree
I wanted to like this movie. I enjoyed the trailers and thought it was the perfect next installment but there were issues you can't over look.



One, story. It had MAJOR holes. You can't deny that the terminators were ruthless and very smart but why, if they wanted to stop John Connor, did they not just kill Kyle Reese right away! They knew who he was from the previous movies so...
I wanted to like this movie. I enjoyed the trailers and thought it was the perfect next installment but there were issues you can't over look.



One, story. It had MAJOR holes. You can't deny that the terminators were ruthless and very smart but why, if they wanted to stop John Connor, did they not just kill Kyle Reese right away! They knew who he was from the previous movies so why not kill him instead of capture him and then be done with it.



Also, why in the hell did Marcus have to enter the Terminator main base alone? Why not stay back and assault with Connor to protect him. He knew by then what was at stake.



Those two things just don't add up and anyone, even if you haven't seen the other movies, can see those mistakes.



My second issue (which is all personal) was that Moon Bloodgood did a HORRIBLE job acting and totally torn me from the escapism of the film. Everyone else (maybe not Common) was okay but she SUCKED. I'm sorry but I count that against McG.



With all that being said, I would be more than happy to have another Terminator movie come out. I enjoy what new upcoming directors are doing and want more. This time, though, keep Arnold out of it. That was a big mistake as well in this film. You don't need him! Move on.
 
+2
Vote Up Vote Down
Housecoat man
3:09PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
T4 makes T3 look as good as T2!
Without a doubt one of the worst films made in the past decade. Wow...that this actually got an UNpopular opinion article is beyond sad to me...is quality storytelling just not that high on people's list anymore? You could tell in 5 minutes that it was the wrong terminator film in every way.



So let me get this straight...what you're saying is that you

a)liked seeing John...
Without a doubt one of the worst films made in the past decade. Wow...that this actually got an UNpopular opinion article is beyond sad to me...is quality storytelling just not that high on people's list anymore? You could tell in 5 minutes that it was the wrong terminator film in every way.



So let me get this straight...what you're saying is that you

a)liked seeing John Connor as someone else's bitch through the whole film (after 3 films already building him up as the savior of future mankind) who sits on his ASS and is surprised that his mother, who spent a total of 3 days with kyle reese, didn't tell him EVERYTHING about the future? Holy retardedness batman!...(get it, batman...bale...heh heh...)

b) action scenes we've seen before that were designed with obvious transformers wannabe special fx?

c)editing that is high school level at best ie/ when it cuts from Marcus and Moon going from being at some abandoned convenience store to her suddenly being jumped by some guys in a football field?

d) a total misuse of Arnold, thrown in just because we think we need arnold in the film.

e) No emotional core, grounding or relatability. Sam Worthington was the best thing in the film and what's that saying?



I could go on and on and on and have tortured many people forcing them to listen to how much I loathe what an atrocious mess this film is to such a great franchise. It's difficult to think of a bigger missed opportunity in hollywood than Terminator Salvation and anyone who actually thinks it has even the slightest redeemable qualities needs to re evaluate their standing in life and may God have mercy on their...okay, i'm going too far but seriously. A hollywood shitfest if ever there was.
4 Replies
 
HaJay
6:26PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
yeah...like you get laid.
yeah...like you get laid.
 
nicholas@ngel
6:02PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
@Housecoat man: well said and so true!
@Housecoat man: well said and so true!
 
Housecoat man
3:43PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I agree. Getting laid frequently helps people think clearer thus enabling them to see what a shitfest this film is. Thank you for agreeing with me:)
I agree. Getting laid frequently helps people think clearer thus enabling them to see what a shitfest this film is. Thank you for agreeing with me:)
 
SnakeEyesOwns
3:36PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Wow, someone needs to get laid.
Wow, someone needs to get laid.
 
+3
Vote Up Vote Down
SCope07
3:07PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Respectfully disagree
I wanted to like this movie. I enjoyed the trailers and thought it was the perfect next installment but there were issues you can't over look.



One, story. It had MAJOR holes. You can't deny that the terminators were ruthless and very smart but why, if they wanted to stop John Connor, did they not just kill Kyle Reese right away! They knew who he was from the previous movies so...
I wanted to like this movie. I enjoyed the trailers and thought it was the perfect next installment but there were issues you can't over look.



One, story. It had MAJOR holes. You can't deny that the terminators were ruthless and very smart but why, if they wanted to stop John Connor, did they not just kill Kyle Reese right away! They knew who he was from the previous movies so why not kill him instead of capture him and then be done with it.



Also, why in the hell did Marcus have to enter the Terminator main base alone? Why not stay back and assault with Connor to protect him. He knew by then what was at stake.



Those two things just don't add up and anyone, even if you haven't seen the other movies, can see those mistakes.



My second issue (which is all personal) was that Moon Bloodgood did a HORRIBLE job acting and totally torn me from the escapism of the film. Everyone else (maybe not Common) was okay but she SUCKED. I'm sorry but I count that against McG.



With all that being said, I would be more than happy to have another Terminator movie come out. I enjoy what new upcoming directors are doing and want more. This time, though, keep Arnold out of it. That was a big mistake as well in this film. You don't need him! Move on.
 
+2
Vote Up Vote Down
SCope07
3:05PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Respectfully disagree
I wanted to like this movie. I enjoyed the trailers and thought it was the perfect next installment but there were issues you can't over look.



One, story. It had MAJOR holes. You can't deny that the terminators were ruthless and very smart but why, if they wanted to stop John Connor, did they not just kill Kyle Reese right away! They knew who he was from the previous movies so...
I wanted to like this movie. I enjoyed the trailers and thought it was the perfect next installment but there were issues you can't over look.



One, story. It had MAJOR holes. You can't deny that the terminators were ruthless and very smart but why, if they wanted to stop John Connor, did they not just kill Kyle Reese right away! They knew who he was from the previous movies so why not kill him instead of capture him and then be done with it.



Also, why in the hell did Marcus have to enter the Terminator main base alone? Why not stay back and assault with Connor to protect him. He knew by then what was at stake.



Those two things just don't add up and anyone, even if you haven't seen the other movies, can see those mistakes.



My second issue (which is all personal) was that Moon Bloodgood did a HORRIBLE job acting and totally torn me from the escapism of the film. Everyone else (maybe not Common) was okay but she SUCKED. I'm sorry but I count that against McG.



With all that being said, I would be more than happy to have another Terminator movie come out. I enjoy what new upcoming directors are doing and want more. This time, though, keep Arnold out of it. That was a big mistake as well in this film. You don't need him! Move on.
 
+5
Vote Up Vote Down
pizzabagel18
3:00PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
What?!?!?! Are people taking CRAZY Pills!
This is an "UNPOPULAR OPINION". The franchise is dead and stopped be awesome after Judgment Day. The third installment was terrible, and Salvation didn't even feel like a Terminator movie. It felt like Live Free or Die Hard just like that didn't feel like a Die Hard movie. I like Bale, but not as John Conner. Arnold's face shouldn't have been on a terminator. Open-heart surgery in the...
This is an "UNPOPULAR OPINION". The franchise is dead and stopped be awesome after Judgment Day. The third installment was terrible, and Salvation didn't even feel like a Terminator movie. It felt like Live Free or Die Hard just like that didn't feel like a Die Hard movie. I like Bale, but not as John Conner. Arnold's face shouldn't have been on a terminator. Open-heart surgery in the middle of the desert. Playing GNR while riding the motorcycle at some poor attempt to make you remember Judgment Day. This movie just missed for me as a Terminator movie. Marcus Wright's story was so much more interesting than Conner's. I know I am being harsh about this movie, but the fact is that it just wasn't good. Cool effects in some parts but that is about it. the END.
1 Reply
 
SCope07
3:10PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Nice post! I agree about the open heart surgery. What was the point of that scene?! It didn't even have to be in the movie and was completely out of my realm of believeability. Marcus's story line was way better and I wished there had been more than what was shown involving him and Anton Yelchin as Kyle Reese (who was easily the best actor in the movie)
Nice post! I agree about the open heart surgery. What was the point of that scene?! It didn't even have to be in the movie and was completely out of my realm of believeability. Marcus's story line was way better and I wished there had been more than what was shown involving him and Anton Yelchin as Kyle Reese (who was easily the best actor in the movie)
 
-2
Vote Up Vote Down
csdot
2:45PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
finally an "UNpopular Opinion" column i agree with! sure its not on par with the first two, but its a solid sci-fi action movie. the cast is great (for the most part), the effects (both visual and sound) are top notch.

i can understand a little disappointment from diehard fans, but i think people are way too hard on it. for a Terminator film without Arnold it kicks ass!
finally an "UNpopular Opinion" column i agree with! sure its not on par with the first two, but its a solid sci-fi action movie. the cast is great (for the most part), the effects (both visual and sound) are top notch.

i can understand a little disappointment from diehard fans, but i think people are way too hard on it. for a Terminator film without Arnold it kicks ass!
 
+1
Vote Up Vote Down
screamer581
2:29PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Pretty bad flick
Definitely disagree with ya J.A.. I couldn't stand "Salvation".



I also don't agree with you on T3. I thought T3 was a great and just plain fun film, maybe even on almost on par with Part 2.

(T1 is, and always will be the best of the franchise though)



Now that's even more of an unpopular opinion I bet.
Definitely disagree with ya J.A.. I couldn't stand "Salvation".



I also don't agree with you on T3. I thought T3 was a great and just plain fun film, maybe even on almost on par with Part 2.

(T1 is, and always will be the best of the franchise though)



Now that's even more of an unpopular opinion I bet.
2 Replies
 
SCope07
3:07PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I agree that T1 is still (and always will be) the best in the series. Same with Godfather Part 1, way better than the others!
I agree that T1 is still (and always will be) the best in the series. Same with Godfather Part 1, way better than the others!
 
pizzabagel18
3:04PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
T3 and T4 sucked. T3 did nothing but make fun of everything great in T2.
T3 and T4 sucked. T3 did nothing but make fun of everything great in T2.
 
+2
Vote Up Vote Down
Double-Oh-Zero
2:14PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Not bad...
Well, like it's been said already, it's way better than T3. It was indeed a foregone conclusion that they were going to take the "Future War" route with the franchise if it was going to continue, and I think they pulled off that aspect well enough. My only problems were the fact that they relied too much on money shots of the machines and not enough on character, and that they tried way too...
Well, like it's been said already, it's way better than T3. It was indeed a foregone conclusion that they were going to take the "Future War" route with the franchise if it was going to continue, and I think they pulled off that aspect well enough. My only problems were the fact that they relied too much on money shots of the machines and not enough on character, and that they tried way too hard to force in references to the earlier films (including the climax that takes place in a factory setting). And I don't get all the hate that Bale got; he's way more believable to me as a hardass soldier/future saviour than the mopey, sad-sack Connor in T3 (not entirely Stahl's fault, though).
3 Replies
 
Zenbryo
5:49PM on 08/18/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I completely agree with you on that. Making John Connor an unknowable legend/cameo is much more interesting. Plus Marcus and Reese were great.
I completely agree with you on that. Making John Connor an unknowable legend/cameo is much more interesting. Plus Marcus and Reese were great.
 
Double-Oh-Zero
3:46PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Well, fair enough, but given the choice, I buy the angry, straight-laced Connor more readily than the mopey one. Regardless, I think that it would have worked better if they went with the original plan of just having Connor pop up in the last act as a sort of extended cameo, and feature Kyle Reese as the main protagonist with Marcus.
Well, fair enough, but given the choice, I buy the angry, straight-laced Connor more readily than the mopey one. Regardless, I think that it would have worked better if they went with the original plan of just having Connor pop up in the last act as a sort of extended cameo, and feature Kyle Reese as the main protagonist with Marcus.
 
Zenbryo
2:48PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
The big problem with Bale's performance, at least in my opinion, is his lack of ability to convey John Connor.

That's the thing. Connor isn't just a hard-ass soldier of fortune. He is a rogue, a bit of a criminal, with a good sense of humor. Add a few levels of Badass to Eddie Furlong's portrayal, and you have yourself John Connor.

Bale went with "dour, angry, straight...
The big problem with Bale's performance, at least in my opinion, is his lack of ability to convey John Connor.

That's the thing. Connor isn't just a hard-ass soldier of fortune. He is a rogue, a bit of a criminal, with a good sense of humor. Add a few levels of Badass to Eddie Furlong's portrayal, and you have yourself John Connor.

Bale went with "dour, angry, straight-laced" Connor, which is to say, he didn't play John Connor.
 
+0
Vote Up Vote Down
Rawzombie
1:43PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
we've been at since before either of us existed
I agree with pretty much every here especially the tv spots and trailer. I think it would have been a bit better movie of they wouldn't have torn the veil off so much in the trailers and I kinda think they should have gotten someone else to play John Connor ...don't get me wrong I love this movie but seeing as Christian Bale is already Batman he doesn't need to be John Connor but oh well it...
I agree with pretty much every here especially the tv spots and trailer. I think it would have been a bit better movie of they wouldn't have torn the veil off so much in the trailers and I kinda think they should have gotten someone else to play John Connor ...don't get me wrong I love this movie but seeing as Christian Bale is already Batman he doesn't need to be John Connor but oh well it still fit for me as a fan.
 
+0
Vote Up Vote Down
KevinT1149
1:17PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Movie I thought was really good. Furlong though I would have liked to see him but he doesnt look a part that can fill the action role. I remember they were suppose to get him back for Terminator 3 but he ended up getting arrested or something. I just think people hated it because it just didnt follow the classic forumla of the first 3 movies.
Movie I thought was really good. Furlong though I would have liked to see him but he doesnt look a part that can fill the action role. I remember they were suppose to get him back for Terminator 3 but he ended up getting arrested or something. I just think people hated it because it just didnt follow the classic forumla of the first 3 movies.
 
+3
Vote Up Vote Down
wolverinerpt
1:12PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Nice article!
I thought this was way better than three and agree with you on a just about every point. How can you make a true sequel of a franchise now 25 years old?! There were cool homages. I would've like the build up to have been better as well, but that's modern day marketing for ya'....always there to spoil something out of sheer desperation to cash in on every penny. I'm still hoping for a sequel,...
I thought this was way better than three and agree with you on a just about every point. How can you make a true sequel of a franchise now 25 years old?! There were cool homages. I would've like the build up to have been better as well, but that's modern day marketing for ya'....always there to spoil something out of sheer desperation to cash in on every penny. I'm still hoping for a sequel, but it'll probably be a while. Has it runs it's course too, maybe, but I enjoyed it and I too wish it was hard R...still gotta check out the director's cut.



Couldn't get into the SC Chronicles. Some things just aren't made for TV.
 
-1
Vote Up Vote Down
halflife
12:57PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
good casting?? hahah
Moon Bloodgood, and Common, good casting? Moon was fucking terrible (hot yes), and her acting, oh god the fight scene with her and those dudes, so stupid. Don't even get me started with Common......his name alone, like McG.



The only thing Salvation had going for it was the setting, thats IT. And Pg-13, wtf! ghey!



I like how they found Kyle Reese, and didn't...
Moon Bloodgood, and Common, good casting? Moon was fucking terrible (hot yes), and her acting, oh god the fight scene with her and those dudes, so stupid. Don't even get me started with Common......his name alone, like McG.



The only thing Salvation had going for it was the setting, thats IT. And Pg-13, wtf! ghey!



I like how they found Kyle Reese, and didn't kill him, BOOM machines win. How did that machine even ID him??? did they have driver's license records after judgement day? Kyle Reese was born after the war started, so there should be NO WAY of identifying him. The movie was just a Terminator movie for retards. Like how in T1 Kyle Reese says they hunt at night so the machines don't really see them, but in Salvation he says they go out in the day because the machines see good at night time...contradiction much?
1 Reply
 
FuriousGeorge66
1:00PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Absolutely agree...honestly, from top to bottom, one of the worst movies I've ever seen.
Absolutely agree...honestly, from top to bottom, one of the worst movies I've ever seen.
 
+4
Vote Up Vote Down
annihilist
12:51PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I agree that this movie got a lot of shit it didn't deserve. It's a good action film with an interesting story that stayed true to the Terminator mythos. Some of the performances were sub-par, Bale's being one of those, but that didn't make it unwatchable.



The problem, ultimately, were those big shoes this movie had to fill. The first two films are iconic and there was a lot of...
I agree that this movie got a lot of shit it didn't deserve. It's a good action film with an interesting story that stayed true to the Terminator mythos. Some of the performances were sub-par, Bale's being one of those, but that didn't make it unwatchable.



The problem, ultimately, were those big shoes this movie had to fill. The first two films are iconic and there was a lot of expectations placed on the producers to make up for the disappointment of the third film (which I didn't think was that bad either).



Very few films can live up to that kind of expectation. This movie had to win over an audience that was expecting specific results from the film, rather than taking the movie as it came. That ultimately spelled this movie's doom.
 
+1
Vote Up Vote Down
The_Soloist
12:41PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I thought that this was a solid movie. Definitely better the second time around. I thought it was a step in the right direction for the story and set up alot of good things for the next two films. I can see why people don't like it or think it was bad, but to each his own. I think everyone involved did a great job and thought that Worthington stole the show from Bale (even though Bale did a...
I thought that this was a solid movie. Definitely better the second time around. I thought it was a step in the right direction for the story and set up alot of good things for the next two films. I can see why people don't like it or think it was bad, but to each his own. I think everyone involved did a great job and thought that Worthington stole the show from Bale (even though Bale did a great job as well). There were a couple of good action scenes (the street scene with the radio and when Marcus is riding away in the car with Kyle and the little girl). I enjoyed this movie for what it was and can't wait for the next two.



As for the extra tidbit, keep watching past the first epsiode, it does get better. But I'd say if your not into it about mid season, then I would just say it's not for you.
 
+2
Vote Up Vote Down
HedwigX
12:27PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
2/5 for me
It would easily have gained an extra point if they hadn't sold the fact that Marcus was a Terminator in the ads. And telegraphed it badly with that stupid prelude with Helena Bonham Carter. Yeah, still a fairly inadequate sequel.
It would easily have gained an extra point if they hadn't sold the fact that Marcus was a Terminator in the ads. And telegraphed it badly with that stupid prelude with Helena Bonham Carter. Yeah, still a fairly inadequate sequel.
 
+3
Vote Up Vote Down
VitamanMan8
12:26PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Apart from one twist at the end that made no sense at all, the movie was awesome. It's not EXACTLY what the franchise needed, but hopefully the next one will be.
Apart from one twist at the end that made no sense at all, the movie was awesome. It's not EXACTLY what the franchise needed, but hopefully the next one will be.
 
+4
Vote Up Vote Down
IwishIwasBond
12:16PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I enjoyed the hell out of it, sure it has plenty of flaws. My main flaw is I hated the soundtrack by Danny Elfman, I wanted to hear the full terminator theme but they just did the industrial drum bit at the end. I found the film actually wasn't bleak enough, I never really got the feeling of utter desperation and hopelessness which it would have had with R rating. I still loved the action...
I enjoyed the hell out of it, sure it has plenty of flaws. My main flaw is I hated the soundtrack by Danny Elfman, I wanted to hear the full terminator theme but they just did the industrial drum bit at the end. I found the film actually wasn't bleak enough, I never really got the feeling of utter desperation and hopelessness which it would have had with R rating. I still loved the action scenes in it and it moved along at a great pace. if they make another one eventually I'd still be down to see it.
 
+0
Vote Up Vote Down
mandingo
11:58AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Could have been alot better, but...
I was happy with the end product. I was just hoping for an epic battle like in the flashbacks. But it was still a well shot badass flick. Way better than T3.
I was happy with the end product. I was just hoping for an epic battle like in the flashbacks. But it was still a well shot badass flick. Way better than T3.
 
+3
Vote Up Vote Down
cup_of_beef
11:50AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I also really liked T4. I would have preferred a future that was more dark (less sunshine) like from the flashbacks in the first two movies, but thats far from a deal breaker. The acting was good with the exception of bale who was unusually mediocre. It had loads of action and an interesting story and Micheal Ironside which all adds up to awesome.



Seemed to me that the hate...
I also really liked T4. I would have preferred a future that was more dark (less sunshine) like from the flashbacks in the first two movies, but thats far from a deal breaker. The acting was good with the exception of bale who was unusually mediocre. It had loads of action and an interesting story and Micheal Ironside which all adds up to awesome.



Seemed to me that the hate this movie got was more about McG than the movie itself.
 
+6
Vote Up Vote Down
FilmBufffff
11:31AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Hells Yea!!!
Finally somebody said it. Terminator 2 is my favorite film of all time and Terminator Salvation doesn't have shit on it. That being said, Salvation is way better than the abortion known as T3 because it brought back the serious tone of the first two films. The film is just a great post apocolyptic war film and an amazing look at the war against the machines 15 years in. Remember the war doesn't...
Finally somebody said it. Terminator 2 is my favorite film of all time and Terminator Salvation doesn't have shit on it. That being said, Salvation is way better than the abortion known as T3 because it brought back the serious tone of the first two films. The film is just a great post apocolyptic war film and an amazing look at the war against the machines 15 years in. Remember the war doesn't end for another 15 years or so. Sure their are script problems but they're not bad enough to ruin a film like they did with Transformers 2.



Speaking of TF2, TS is a much better film than that and the action scenes are much more enjoyable. I'll say that again in case your mind wasn't blown. McG made a better action movie than Michael Bay. Seriously. I don't look at this film as a sequel to T2 but as the first in a trilogy about the war with the machines and as that, it's more than good enough. It's also Sam Worthington's best performance by a mile. In time people will realize that this film didn't deserve all the shit it got and McG, wherever you are, be proud that you set this franchise back on the right course.
 
+1
Vote Up Vote Down
Weapon X
11:30AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I enjoyed Salvation despite its storytelling flaws, but I dug the shit out of Sarah Connor Chronicles. Mostly for Summer Glau, but also for the alternate directions it took in expanding the mythology past T2.
I enjoyed Salvation despite its storytelling flaws, but I dug the shit out of Sarah Connor Chronicles. Mostly for Summer Glau, but also for the alternate directions it took in expanding the mythology past T2.
 
-15
Vote Up Vote Down
Gorehound_88
11:14AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
the film was terrible
I hated it from the first 5 minutes of the film the opening scene contradicts everything set up in the previous trilogy because by the point the film starts with sam in jail judgement day should have happened already but yet the wrters have such disregard for james cameron that they again in t3 they made arnies t - 800 kill john connor when those lines came out i almost died. Chrsitian bale had...
I hated it from the first 5 minutes of the film the opening scene contradicts everything set up in the previous trilogy because by the point the film starts with sam in jail judgement day should have happened already but yet the wrters have such disregard for james cameron that they again in t3 they made arnies t - 800 kill john connor when those lines came out i almost died. Chrsitian bale had to be the worst choice for john connor and i wish they had kept Nick stahl because for me he and claire danes were brilliant and grounded the project and she was much better than bryce dallas howard
1 Reply
 
BHak88
12:14PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
The first five minutes were a flashback to before J-Day.
The first five minutes were a flashback to before J-Day.
 
+2
Vote Up Vote Down
BHak88
11:03AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Excluding the fact that yes, it was pg-13 just to make a buck, and arnold didn't star in it, it was a worthy addition to the franchise anyway. They had to move beyond Arnie at some point, and I thought Worthington did a great job.
Excluding the fact that yes, it was pg-13 just to make a buck, and arnold didn't star in it, it was a worthy addition to the franchise anyway. They had to move beyond Arnie at some point, and I thought Worthington did a great job.
 
-2
Vote Up Vote Down
georgethree33
11:00AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I love TS
Salvation was great. Not perfect, but far better than 3. Excellent addition to the franchise, and yes - a crappy ad campaign and lousy rating. should have released the director's cut to the theater instead of gambling on the PG13 cut
Salvation was great. Not perfect, but far better than 3. Excellent addition to the franchise, and yes - a crappy ad campaign and lousy rating. should have released the director's cut to the theater instead of gambling on the PG13 cut
 
+6
Vote Up Vote Down
razgriz21
10:51AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
NO
Motorcycle Terminators, tons of references to the past movies, and a PG-13 rating do not make a Terminator movie.

Plus, McG directed it.
Motorcycle Terminators, tons of references to the past movies, and a PG-13 rating do not make a Terminator movie.

Plus, McG directed it.
1 Reply
 
nicholas@ngel
12:32PM on 08/19/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
nothing more to be said unless you are someone trying to create talkbacks! i'm sure you know who you are.., you are the douches giving positive feedback on this film.., and or just read your friends opinions and go on that. so sad. j.a. is a douche!
nothing more to be said unless you are someone trying to create talkbacks! i'm sure you know who you are.., you are the douches giving positive feedback on this film.., and or just read your friends opinions and go on that. so sad. j.a. is a douche!
 
+2
Vote Up Vote Down
Cate88
10:46AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Finally
As much hate as this film gets, I am really suprised there isn't more red boxes. I have said the whole time that this film was a big step in the right direction, it just needed a little work. I would welcome a second film from McG. It seems he really wanted to make a great film and he would learn from what didn't work on this one.
As much hate as this film gets, I am really suprised there isn't more red boxes. I have said the whole time that this film was a big step in the right direction, it just needed a little work. I would welcome a second film from McG. It seems he really wanted to make a great film and he would learn from what didn't work on this one.
1 Reply
 
halflife
1:02PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
says the guy with a live free or die hard avatar..........
says the guy with a live free or die hard avatar..........
 
+2
Vote Up Vote Down
SoundGirl
10:30AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I thought T4 was a decent flick. Sure, it wasn't as great as T2 (not much is) but it had everything it needed and it was much better than T3.



In the very least, T4 had a certain level of respect for the previous films and didn't take a shit all over the timelines (T3 and Sarah Connor Chonicles, I'm looking at you).
I thought T4 was a decent flick. Sure, it wasn't as great as T2 (not much is) but it had everything it needed and it was much better than T3.



In the very least, T4 had a certain level of respect for the previous films and didn't take a shit all over the timelines (T3 and Sarah Connor Chonicles, I'm looking at you).
 
+0
Vote Up Vote Down
JediteX
10:25AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Sarah Conner Chronicles was a great show, it was one of the best shows of the last three years.
Sarah Conner Chronicles was a great show, it was one of the best shows of the last three years.
 
+8
Vote Up Vote Down
redjoe84
9:58AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Bale phoned it in
Does anyone agree with me here? Christian Bale looked like he could care less about this role, and I never cared about or connected with him as an audience member. I guess maybe he just needed a break after TDK, but damn, Sam Worthington stole every scene they were in together. For that matter, so did Anton Yelchin. In fact, all of the acting from "the resistance" was mundane and boring.
Does anyone agree with me here? Christian Bale looked like he could care less about this role, and I never cared about or connected with him as an audience member. I guess maybe he just needed a break after TDK, but damn, Sam Worthington stole every scene they were in together. For that matter, so did Anton Yelchin. In fact, all of the acting from "the resistance" was mundane and boring.



That said, that action was sick, and it was a fun movie up until the very end when (SPOILER) there was a talking computer consciousness like in so many other sci-fi movies. That was a lame way to end things, and smashing monitors doesn't actually break a computer.
2 Replies
 
nicholas@ngel
12:27PM on 08/19/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
keep generating!
keep generating!
 
VitamanMan8
12:22PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Bale LOOKED like he was phoning it in. But after hearing his epic rant from the set, it's impossible to argue that he wasn't committed to the role. And after hearing how much he made the writers change his character in the script, I know he was deadly serious.
Bale LOOKED like he was phoning it in. But after hearing his epic rant from the set, it's impossible to argue that he wasn't committed to the role. And after hearing how much he made the writers change his character in the script, I know he was deadly serious.
 
+0
Vote Up Vote Down
petes41
9:47AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Salvation and Chronicles
Salvation was good, 6 out of 10 for me. Sarah connor chronicles, my favorite show last couple of years, great acting and Summer, oh Summer! 10 out of 10! Wish they finished it but oh well!
Salvation was good, 6 out of 10 for me. Sarah connor chronicles, my favorite show last couple of years, great acting and Summer, oh Summer! 10 out of 10! Wish they finished it but oh well!
 
+3
Vote Up Vote Down
ElderPredator
9:46AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Very much agree!
I thought the movie was terrific being a gigantic fan of the original films. I thought it was a terrific first chapter to a new trilogy and I don't get all the hate for it.
I thought the movie was terrific being a gigantic fan of the original films. I thought it was a terrific first chapter to a new trilogy and I don't get all the hate for it.
 
-4
Vote Up Vote Down
snoopmish
9:46AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Double post.
Double post.
 
+1
Vote Up Vote Down
snoopmish
9:42AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Completely Agree
This is the only way the franchise could go. Besides, everytime they saw an "Arnold" terminator they would KNOW the thing was evil, no more suspense there at all. I felt like it was chapter 1 of the final war and was satisfied with it. Never got the hate for it.



AS for the SCC, that sucked, it turned into a Terminator of the week thing and all these characters kept coming back...
This is the only way the franchise could go. Besides, everytime they saw an "Arnold" terminator they would KNOW the thing was evil, no more suspense there at all. I felt like it was chapter 1 of the final war and was satisfied with it. Never got the hate for it.



AS for the SCC, that sucked, it turned into a Terminator of the week thing and all these characters kept coming back in time....it was just ridiculous. I quit after the first season.
 
+2
Vote Up Vote Down
NoGoodNamesLeft
9:42AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Salvation was a great movie. It was awesome all the way through. With the nods and tidbits and all. Like Marcus teaching Reese the shotgun rope trick. It wasn't no Terminator 2 (one of the best movies EVER MADE), but this movie was great for what it was.
Salvation was a great movie. It was awesome all the way through. With the nods and tidbits and all. Like Marcus teaching Reese the shotgun rope trick. It wasn't no Terminator 2 (one of the best movies EVER MADE), but this movie was great for what it was.
 
-3
Vote Up Vote Down
CJN
9:31AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
T4 is not a bad movie, its a strong 6,5 out of 10 imo. (6,8 on imdb). Entertaining is the word here and its a lot better than T3.



Some problems that I think made the movie worse, Christian Bale being John Connor (and being in too many movies there for a time), a little to oversimplified story and the surroundings in the desert; why not film more scenes looking like the flashbacks...
T4 is not a bad movie, its a strong 6,5 out of 10 imo. (6,8 on imdb). Entertaining is the word here and its a lot better than T3.



Some problems that I think made the movie worse, Christian Bale being John Connor (and being in too many movies there for a time), a little to oversimplified story and the surroundings in the desert; why not film more scenes looking like the flashbacks from T1 and T2 with dark ruined cities. Sam Worthington actually fits this role since he was a robot and without the need of multifaceted facial expressions. :)
3 Replies
 
snoopmish
11:12AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I hope so too. I would love to see those shots...but they are about 10 years away, storyline wise.
I hope so too. I would love to see those shots...but they are about 10 years away, storyline wise.
 
CJN
10:08AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Okay, I see. Thanks for the info.

Hopefully we will see a continuation of the saga.
Okay, I see. Thanks for the info.

Hopefully we will see a continuation of the saga.
 
snoopmish
9:46AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Because those flashbacks in T1&2 are from the END of the war, they're only at the begining in this one. If you look at the timeline mentioned, technolgy isn't there yet. Kyle was a grown man in those films, in that time. Here he is just a kid starting out.....if people let it, it will get there.
Because those flashbacks in T1&2 are from the END of the war, they're only at the begining in this one. If you look at the timeline mentioned, technolgy isn't there yet. Kyle was a grown man in those films, in that time. Here he is just a kid starting out.....if people let it, it will get there.
 
+4
Vote Up Vote Down
Zenbryo
9:01AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Good Flick
I didn't see it in theaters the first time 'round because all of my buddies told me it stank to high heaven. I finally watched it on HBO about three weeks ago, and I really regret following my friend's advice.



It isn't perfect, but it is FAR from the crapfest it was made out to be. Marcus and Kyle Reese are so good they should have had their own movie. Salvation isn't perfect,...
I didn't see it in theaters the first time 'round because all of my buddies told me it stank to high heaven. I finally watched it on HBO about three weeks ago, and I really regret following my friend's advice.



It isn't perfect, but it is FAR from the crapfest it was made out to be. Marcus and Kyle Reese are so good they should have had their own movie. Salvation isn't perfect, but it is a solid action movie with some good gravitas. Bale isn't great, and his Connor didn't hit the right charismatic note, but the movie worked.



Certainly better than 3, that's for damn sure.
 
+6
Vote Up Vote Down
Ocelot_Snake
8:47AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I enjoyed the hell out of it
I enjoyed the hell out of it
 
+2
Vote Up Vote Down
smiler.uk
8:41AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I like to think ive got a decent appreciation for movies and T4 was definitely enjoyable , okay it wasnt a genre changing movie however it was better than T3 ( tho did like the T3 ending) and it was better than a lot action movies out there. Im sure it could have been tweaked but no way does it deserve the hate thats been heaped on it.
I like to think ive got a decent appreciation for movies and T4 was definitely enjoyable , okay it wasnt a genre changing movie however it was better than T3 ( tho did like the T3 ending) and it was better than a lot action movies out there. Im sure it could have been tweaked but no way does it deserve the hate thats been heaped on it.
 
-13
Vote Up Vote Down
Terminal_83
8:20AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Nope
T4 was watered down, dumbed down, simple minded, plot hole infested, wooden acted, Saturday morning cartoon fodder for the teenagers to ooh and aah at convinced they'd seen something truly groundbreaking. Even the Arnie cameo was just a cheap attempt to gauge the nostalgia of the Terminator fans and nothing more. This movie was just a wannabe "Transformers" with a "Terminator" sugar coating...
T4 was watered down, dumbed down, simple minded, plot hole infested, wooden acted, Saturday morning cartoon fodder for the teenagers to ooh and aah at convinced they'd seen something truly groundbreaking. Even the Arnie cameo was just a cheap attempt to gauge the nostalgia of the Terminator fans and nothing more. This movie was just a wannabe "Transformers" with a "Terminator" sugar coating that continues to be so bad and forgettable it makes Arnie's "Tawk too da hand!" joke look edgy.



Acceptance of Salvation is accepting of taking the Terminator premise in to kiddy friendly territory. Period.



And please 86 the captions under the pics. It really undermines the attempted credibility of this article.



P.S. The Extra Tidbit only confirms this article is intended solely to poke at the readers for kicks and nothing more. Please cut it out.
7 Replies
 
nicholas@ngel
12:23PM on 08/19/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
it's amazing what JA will do to keep up the ratings on his ridiculous articles! Ha!
it's amazing what JA will do to keep up the ratings on his ridiculous articles! Ha!
 
HaJay
6:30PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I don't think there was anything wrong with this article. And if what you guys are saying is "true" about people voicing their opinions and such in a "let bygons be bygons" regard, there was no reason for Terminal to go beyond disagreeing...which he did.
I don't think there was anything wrong with this article. And if what you guys are saying is "true" about people voicing their opinions and such in a "let bygons be bygons" regard, there was no reason for Terminal to go beyond disagreeing...which he did.
 
nicholas@ngel
6:13PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
whether his opinion is popular or "unpopular" i believe the miserable terminal 83 is merely exercising his right of opinion on the mess that was T4 and any total acceptance of said-like crap in addition to voicing other opinions. maybe he misses other older writers or articles..., idk.

accept crap now so we'll only get watered down acceptable crap in the future, and on and on.
whether his opinion is popular or "unpopular" i believe the miserable terminal 83 is merely exercising his right of opinion on the mess that was T4 and any total acceptance of said-like crap in addition to voicing other opinions. maybe he misses other older writers or articles..., idk.

accept crap now so we'll only get watered down acceptable crap in the future, and on and on.
 
SnakeEyesOwns
3:34PM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Holy shit man, take a breather, smoke a joint or kick a puppy if need be but I think you need to calm down.
Holy shit man, take a breather, smoke a joint or kick a puppy if need be but I think you need to calm down.
 
razgriz21
10:49AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I agree Terminal.
I agree Terminal.
 
redjoe84
9:51AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Do you realize that the whole point of the article is to get a reaction from readers? At the top of every unpopular opinion article:
"We're hoping this column will promote constructive and geek fueled discussion. Enjoy!"
I'm pretty sure asking "what did you guys think?" is just a straightforward way of doing that, not "poking for kicks."
Douche.

Do you realize that the whole point of the article is to get a reaction from readers? At the top of every unpopular opinion article:
"We're hoping this column will promote constructive and geek fueled discussion. Enjoy!"
I'm pretty sure asking "what did you guys think?" is just a straightforward way of doing that, not "poking for kicks."
Douche.

 
petes41
9:49AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Wow Terminal, a little hard on them here aren't you? Really like reading your comments and agree to some of this, but wow! lol
Wow Terminal, a little hard on them here aren't you? Really like reading your comments and agree to some of this, but wow! lol
 
+1
Vote Up Vote Down
Netforce
8:18AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I think overall Terminator Salvation worked on certain level of entertainment and as Terminator franchise. The casting is fine (Helena Bonham Carter annoyed me a bit though) and action scenes are fun. My complaint is they should have kept Arnold's cameo scene a secret, not to go on national television announcing about this. However, what I glad the most is they decided to set Salvation in post...
I think overall Terminator Salvation worked on certain level of entertainment and as Terminator franchise. The casting is fine (Helena Bonham Carter annoyed me a bit though) and action scenes are fun. My complaint is they should have kept Arnold's cameo scene a secret, not to go on national television announcing about this. However, what I glad the most is they decided to set Salvation in post Skynet war (which kinda made the movie looks like Mad Max). Overall, I hope (if) the next Terminator movie happens, it should continue after Salvation and set in the future world.
 
+0
Vote Up Vote Down
Pied Piper
8:08AM on 08/17/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I thought T4, with some minor tweaks, and a reworked final 20 minutes could've been fooking awesome. My main problems with it other than the obviously shitty ending, was that I didn't think the CG arnold was needed at all, a little to much reliance on CGI, the marcus/chick escape scene and for some reason Anton Yelchin and the Rapper (common?) just didn't do it for me. Other than that this...
I thought T4, with some minor tweaks, and a reworked final 20 minutes could've been fooking awesome. My main problems with it other than the obviously shitty ending, was that I didn't think the CG arnold was needed at all, a little to much reliance on CGI, the marcus/chick escape scene and for some reason Anton Yelchin and the Rapper (common?) just didn't do it for me. Other than that this movie could've kicked major ass. In the sequels I'd love to see McG get the boot and a better writer take a crack at the script.
back (loading) more
JoBlo Movie Show | Movie Games | Stanley Kubrick Tribute | Chat Room | JoBlo Comic Strip | Contests | Links | Advertise on this Site | JoBlo in the Media | JoBlo.com Newsletter
Site Credits | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Site Map
© 1998 - present JoBlo Media Inc., All Rights Reserved Hello | JoBlo® is a trademark of JoBlo Media Inc. All movie titles, pictures, etc... are registered trademarks and/or copyrights of their respective holders
Dedicated hosting provided by the good folks at NEXCESS.NET Web Hosting
Website Design & Development by Face3 Media
Search Engine Optimization powered by Higher Education Marketing