Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Arnie wasn't kidding when he said "I'll be back.""Terminator 2: Judgment Day," or as I'd like to call it, Arnie's best film, is arguably one of the greatest action movies of all time, perhaps only surpassed by the monumental Star Wars series. Much like Star Wars, Terminator 2 is an action-packed sci-fi movie, where the sequel surpasses the original and leads to a number of spinoffs.
Long before Elon Musk started warning us about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence, Arnie was already giving us a glimpse of the pitfalls of AI overlords in this film. The Terminator series seems to have been designed with Arnie in mind, his stoic delivery being perfectly suited for the role of a cybernetic organism. You might be surprised to learn that Arnie was initially hesitant to play the role of a killer bot with minimal dialogue, especially considering he had already played a similar role in Conan.
James Cameron, however, had other plans. He managed to convince Arnie that he wasn't meant to play Kyle Reese, but rather, a half-man, half-machine, fully badass character. And aren't we all glad that he did?
It's intriguing how an AI, a cybernetic organism, warns us about the dangers of AI, and yet is the genesis of AI itself. This paradox isn't much different from Musk's stance, who despite warning us about the dangers of AI, continues to develop AI technology, such as Tesla's Autopilot, which holds the power of life and death in its cold, calculating mechanical hands.
A fun fact about the making of this movie: The executives at Carolco studio were quite nervous when the original budget of $75 million shot up to $88 million, with more expenses looming. They suggested cutting some scenes to manage the budget, particularly the iconic opening biker bar scene where The Terminator is introduced. They tried to get Schwarzenegger to persuade Cameron to delete that scene, but Schwarzenegger refused, famously stating, "Only a studio guy would cut a scene out like that."
"Terminator 2: Judgment Day" is perhaps the best action film ever made, that still resonates today. It's a must-see for any fan of action cinema and a key piece of Arnie's impressive filmography.
- You are not comfortable with intense action and violence.
- You are under the age of 13, due to its R rating.
- Graphic scenes of destruction and death upset you.
- You are not a fan of science fiction.
- You prefer movies with more dialogue and less action.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with Terminator 2? You've got robots from the future with technology to time travel, but they can't find one kid in Los Angeles? And why do they always arrive naked? You'd think with all that advanced technology, they could at least pack a pair of pants! Then there's the T-1000, the most advanced model, turns into anything it touches, but spends half the movie chasing a teenager on a bike. You can turn into liquid metal, but you can't catch a bike? I mean, if I could turn into anything, I'd at least turn into a car. A fast one!
And another thing, there's a cyborg from the future who can't be bargained with, can't be reasoned with, doesn't feel pity or remorse or fear... and yet, he's still more emotionally available than most men on a first date!
The Matrix (1999)
Enthusiasts of "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" will also love "The Matrix" as both movies share a core theme of humanity fighting against machines and AI for survival. Both films are trailblazers in terms of special effects, featuring groundbreaking visual techniques that have since become staples in the action genre. They also boast complex narratives that delve into philosophical ideas about reality, human nature, and free will. With high-intensity action sequences, thought-provoking plotlines, and iconic performances, "The Matrix," like Terminator 2, has left a lasting impact on science fiction cinema.
Blade Runner (1982)Directed by Ridley Scott, this film is often regarded as one of the best science fiction films ever made. Like the Terminator 2, it deals with complex themes of artificial intelligence and a dystopian future. The film is known for its rich visual style and thought-provoking narrative.
The Terminator (1984)Fans of "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" will also love "The Terminator" because it is the riveting original from which the acclaimed sequel springs. Just like its successor, "The Terminator" combines thrilling action, cutting-edge special effects, and a compelling story about the struggle for survival against a near-indestructible cyborg. It introduces audiences to the iconic characters of Sarah Connor and the relentless Terminator, played by Linda Hamilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger respectively, laying the groundwork for their complex relationship and character development seen in Judgment Day. The film's dystopian future setting, suspenseful chase scenes, and thought-provoking themes about technology and fate are sure to captivate those who appreciated these elements in the sequel.
Aliens (1986):Directed by James Cameron, the same director as Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Aliens is another excellent cinematic experience. With its thrilling action sequences and powerful performances, especially by Sigourney Weaver, Aliens shares the same intensity and advanced technological vision as the Terminator series.
The Fifth Element (1997):This Luc Besson's film offers a similar blend of science fiction and action elements as seen in "Terminator 2". It is acclaimed for its wild, imaginative design, fantastic performances (especially by Bruce Willis and Milla Jovovich), and quirkily humorous tone.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015):This film, directed by George Miller, is a relentless, action-packed, and visually stunning dystopian film that equals the intensity and momentum of the Terminator series. The film's riveting pacing and thrilling stunt work will likely appeal to fans of the high-octane action in Terminator 2.
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