The new 'Terminator' could use some salvation
Too many plot holes and bad acting bring down a movie that may have had potential.
Tim Clifford
Issue date: 6/2/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment
The moment that takes the cake, though, is when the machines identify that they have captured Kyle Reese, could destroy him instantly and end the John Connor problem on the spot, and instead choose to imprison him and extend their devious plan. The only thing that makes this cheesy "Dr. Evil" moment worse is that it happens about halfway through the film. By the way, while I won't spoil it for those who haven't seen it, the ending is so dumb, "Hollywood," and hokey that it might well be a contender for the title of Worst Ending Ever.
An inherent problem with the recent "remakes" and "reboots" of recent is that all of them are attempting to capture the essence of the original films yet modern directors seem to have no idea what made those original films classics. McG has focused all of this film's energy on the crazy machines and the big explosions and has lost sight of great characters. The original "Terminator" and "T2: Judgment Day" were popcorn action films, but they had memorable character relationships. This film has only static characters who spout criminally cheesy tough-guy dialogue ("If your gonna pull that gun out you better know how to pull the trigger") and ultimately never display any genuine relationships. The whole film ends up feeling a bit…um…mechanical and empty.
It's been announced that the DVD to this film will contain about 30 to 40 minutes of cut footage, most notably a topless scene involving Moon Bloodgood that caused a major controversy at studio screenings. Could this film be the next "Blade Runner" -- the director's cut takes precedent over the theatrical release and improves the film? Possibly, but not likely, since a new ending would be required as well as the repair of seriously lagging plot points. McG has made a noble effort to garner credit as a great director despite his cornball name, but unfortunately this is an abysmal failure. With how stale this entry is it may very well be time to "terminate" the Terminator franchise all together.
An inherent problem with the recent "remakes" and "reboots" of recent is that all of them are attempting to capture the essence of the original films yet modern directors seem to have no idea what made those original films classics. McG has focused all of this film's energy on the crazy machines and the big explosions and has lost sight of great characters. The original "Terminator" and "T2: Judgment Day" were popcorn action films, but they had memorable character relationships. This film has only static characters who spout criminally cheesy tough-guy dialogue ("If your gonna pull that gun out you better know how to pull the trigger") and ultimately never display any genuine relationships. The whole film ends up feeling a bit…um…mechanical and empty.
It's been announced that the DVD to this film will contain about 30 to 40 minutes of cut footage, most notably a topless scene involving Moon Bloodgood that caused a major controversy at studio screenings. Could this film be the next "Blade Runner" -- the director's cut takes precedent over the theatrical release and improves the film? Possibly, but not likely, since a new ending would be required as well as the repair of seriously lagging plot points. McG has made a noble effort to garner credit as a great director despite his cornball name, but unfortunately this is an abysmal failure. With how stale this entry is it may very well be time to "terminate" the Terminator franchise all together.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 6
filmguy
filmguy
posted 6/02/09 @ 5:07 PM PST
I'm so tired of critics nit picking every little plot hole in T4 while totally overlooking the dozens from Star Trek. T4 certainly has many problems but I think it's a much better attempt than Star Trek. (Continued…)
Eliza
posted 6/02/09 @ 5:24 PM PST
Jeremy Irons is not in the film. I hated the movie, too, but you should at least get the facts straight. Michael Ironside the one you're thinking of?
Fred
posted 6/03/09 @ 1:39 AM PST
Jeremy Irons?You'review is null and void as you know fuck all about film,you cock...
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