Prepare yourselves, it’s time for another Terminator film. About as indestructible as its cyborg lead, the franchise has continued to roll out entries for over 30 years and doesn’t appear ready to go down just yet. Where the original and its defining sequel were action blockbusters years ahead of their time, each film that followed was progressively worse than the last until the series hit rock bottom with Terminator: Genisys. Given this history, it was surprising that the series was given yet another revival this week and – against all odds – it’s actually not bad. The franchise’s latest entry blends the best of its past with the modern action tropes and societal commentary we’ve come to expect, lifting the series to heights it hasn’t seen since 1991.
Those familiar with the Terminator’s previous outings will know what to expect here – machines have taken over the planet somewhere in a dystopian future, yet they feel the need to send a killer cyborg back to the present so they can, quite violently, eliminate some future troublemakers while they are young and weak. The human target inexplicably meets a second, far friendlier killer cyborg, before watching the two machines duke it out right up until the credits roll. Dark Fate doesn’t stray too far from repeating this formula, but its lean, no-nonsense approach to the action means it tends to succeed in the places where past sequels failed. Grace (Mackenzie Davis) fills the role of the guardian Terminator this time around, however she’s far less robotic than her past counterparts. Without spoiling too much, Davis’ character is more than the usual emotionless AI, and Grace becomes a more interesting and complex character as a result. Sharing the screen with Grace throughout most of the film is Dani (Natalia Reyes), who finds herself being relentlessly pursued across Mexico and the US due to some great purpose she serves in the war-torn future. Unfortunately featured little in the film’s marketing, Reyes does a solid job as a series newcomer and manages to hold her own amongst the strong cast. She essentially fills a similar role to the young John Connor in Terminator 2: Judgement Day, and you’ll quickly find that her struggle is just one of many similarities this film shares with the blockbuster second entry.
The return of Linda Hamilton to the role of Sarah Connor has been the largest selling point in the lead up to this latest release, and with good reason. Much like Jamie Lee Curtis did in the recent Halloween reboot, Hamilton delivers a powerhouse performance as the grizzled action veteran returning to do her character justice. She connects and interacts with the other leads effortlessly, plus her dark wit and cold delivery see her delivering most of the film’s lighter moments. The inclusion of Hamilton’s Sarah Connor isn’t just for nostalgic purposes though, as her return has also been used to cement Dark Fate as a bit of a reboot – writing off the last three films and inserting itself as the true sequel to 1991’s Terminator 2. This is definitely a benefit to the film and its plot, as it provides something of a clean slate for a convoluted series that’s been in a downward spiral for a while. While it does mean that you’ll need to have some knowledge of the first two films to really get a handle on what’s happening, it also means there’s a decent bit of history and groundwork already in place.
For the transition between these two films to happen, some work had to be done in bridging the 22 year gap – and the way this is done in the opening minutes might be a bitter pill to swallow for some. Some may find its treatment of classic characters a bit rough, however others might see it as a turning point and the breath of fresh air the series desperately needed. Regardless of audience’s thoughts on what plays out, most will definitely agree it’s certainly not a sequence that’s easy on the eyes. This introduction is one of the most CGI-heavy segments of the entire film, and it serves as a pretty rough example of what’s to come. You’ll have no problem spotting the real from the fake both here and throughout the film, especially when the effects are applied to the cast’s faces or movements. This is generally on show most often with the franchise’s newest killing machine, the Rev-9 Terminator (played by Gabriel Luna). While Luna may do well with what he’s given, his character is a digital creation in just about every scene. This is well used in places to show off some slick abilities and superhuman feats, yet in some of the more fast-paced fight scenes the Rev-9 often becomes a weightless blur of CGI that can be a bit jarring to watch. The film seems to recognise this issue as well, with majority of the second half of Dark Fate shot under the cover of darkness.
If you’re able to look past some of the rougher edges of it all, there’s definitely a huge amount of action on offer to keep the lengthy film alive. The series has always fielded some pretty ridiculous and meandering plots, so the latest entry does well to keep the intensity dialled up for the most part. This means that you’re in for a ton of slow-motion explosions, brutal gunfights and – of course – the return of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Because it wouldn’t be a true Terminator film without the original himself, Arnie joins the cast once more to do what he does best. His inclusion pairs well with the return of Linda Hamilton and original producer James Cameron, and he’s at his peak when the action heats up or when injecting the quieter moments with some of his trademark humour. It’s worth noting that Dark Fate has wisely chosen not to place Arnie in the lead role here, meaning that the audience receives a good dose of nostalgia and fan-service while also allowing the series to have a fresh start as it moves forward.
Terminator: Dark Fate is pretty much everything it sets out to be. It’s an explosive blockbuster with equal parts nostalgia and wit designed to appeal to old and new fans alike. However it’s also an over-the-top and repeated narrative with effects and visuals that leave a whole lot to be desired at times. In saying this, it’s certainly better than many of the franchise’s recent releases, and fans of the early films will get a kick out of what’s on offer. As a modern reboot, it’s managed to rise above its recent sequels to deliver an action ride that’s at least worth the price of admission – and if this adventure’s success is anything to go by, the Terminator series will definitely be back.
Terminator: Dark Fate stars Linda Hamilton, Mackenzie Davis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Natalia Reyes & Gabriel Luna – In cinemas now.