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By Frederic Germay
 For me, it’s rare to experience a movie that refuses to let you blink, even for a second. It’s rare to experience a movie that is uncompromisingly stunning and addictive. A movie that doesn’t slow its pace, but gains momentum as the plot unravels. A movie that challenges all your preconceived notions while introducing blindingly new concepts. I wish “Terminator Salvation” was that kind of movie.
Now, don’t get me wrong – “Salvation” is a great film by most standards. But I also feel there should be an adequate balance of action, dialogue, and exposition in a truly excellent film. Whereas, “Salvation” was simply pure non-stop action meshed with intermittent storylines. I’m sure that many fans of the saga will enjoy this refreshingly candid vision of the “Terminator” dystopian future, but the unnecessary overload of grittiness and explosions could have been traded for a more immersive script. I was hoping for a storyline that would rival the first “Terminator” film, and would have successfully redeemed the franchise and maintained continuity with the “The Sarah Connor Chronicles” version as well.
Despite how this movie failed to appease my extraordinarily high expectations for it, I would still recommend this to movie-goers. The plot is engaging and the action is intense. The special effects bonanza that this film provided far surpasses any other film currently in theatres. The acting is also top-notch – Christian Bale delivers a solid performance as John Connor, but the true gem of the film would be Sam Worthington’s mesmerizing performance as Marcus Wright. Throughout much of the film, we view the war-torn ruins of earth through the eyes of Marcus, a former criminal and death-penalty recipient. This gripping feat delivered by Worthington should receive critical praise and attention.
Also much praise should go to director McG’s coarse execution of “Salvation”. This film marks the beginning of another “Terminator” trilogy and McG is slated to direct the next installment as well. If “Terminator 5” is provided with a better script, it could very well be the best film in the saga yet – given McG’s unfaltering directorial style. On another note, I do have to commend this film for delivering a talented all-star cast. Bryce Dallas Howard, Moon Bloodgood, and Helen Bonham Carter are just a few of the big A-list names in this movie. Carter is only featured in the film for a short while, but her performance is especially haunting. However, the inclusion of the singer Common as an actor in this film only reinforces my insistently reiterated theory that singers should generally never traipse into the realm of acting.
Ultimately this film is well made, and I would consider seeing a second time. I appreciate how the film was made quite accessible to those who aren’t familiar with the “Terminator” saga, but they also ended up alienating the original fan base as a result. My only problems with the overall film are that it had the potential to be much better, and that there wasn’t much of a fully developed storyline to compliment all that spectacular action.
Then again, this movie is primarily targeted towards the younger demographic – aiming to obtain a new fan base other than the ailing original terminator fans. So that’s why all the explosions and special effects wizardry have additional value and prominence in this film, whereas the actual evolution of the storyline was forced to take a back seat to the action. Nevertheless, this film is worth watching. It delivers what it promises. However, if you are seeking a film experience that will blow you away rather than merely entertain you; I would recommend checking out “Star Trek” instead. I give this movie a 7/10.
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