Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Tim Miller, 20th Century Fox, MA 128 Minutes.
‘Deadpool’ director Tim Miller was tasked by producer/writer James Cameron (sci-fi supremo of the first two Terminator movies) with fashioning an action-filled sequel to ‘Terminator 2’, to make it a fitting addition to the other films in the franchise.
Besides Linda Hamilton reprising her character as tough terminator hunter, Sarah Connor, Arnold Schwarzenegger – after promising “I’ll be back” in ‘T2’ – returns as an ageing retired terminator, but this time playing a rather restrained role in what is a stimulating storyline.
In this instalment, human-hybrid cyborg Grace (Mackenzie Davis of ‘Tully’) is sent from the future to protect Dani Ramos (Natalia Reyes of ‘Pickpockets’), a young Mexican woman being pursued by a Rev-9 liquid terminator (Gabriel Luna of ‘Transpecos’) who is also from the future.
There is no Skynet in Miller’s alternative future, instead it is Legion dispatching the Rev-9 to terminate Dani – similar to the shape-shifting terminator in T2 who was determined to stop John Connor assuming leadership of the resistance.
Grace soon discovers she will require significant support to stop the Rev-9 from killing Dani and is relieved to receive help from the weaponised Sarah Connor before the three head for the US-Mexico border.
From this point on, the three women must endure a series of hazardous car and helicopter chases with the Rev-9 in hot pursuit, having eliminated countless people standing in its way.
Their only respite coming when they encounter Carl, the now married terminator who Sarah recognises as having clashed with her son, John. Sarah vows to kill him once their mission is concluded.
The trio then team up with the original terminator (Schwarzenegger) in their efforts to protect Dani against the upgraded and relentless Rev-9, with all involved in a deadly confrontation at a treacherous dam site.
Miller’s cinematic take cannot be seen as a direct sequel to ‘Terminator 2’ even though there are flashbacks showing younger versions of Hamilton and Schwarzenegger, with the major highlight of this cinematic tactic being a thrilling alternative future timeline.
Apart from Reyes’ impressive portrayal as Dani (the new John Connor), there are many exciting action scenes and enjoyable performances from Hamilton and Schwarzenegger – both of whom Terminator fans would relish seeing return in a sequel.
Vic’s Verdict: 3½ Stars
