Leo Bretherton

Excellent Sci-fi action film. Basically does everything that the previous film does, but provides a much more compelling and ambitious plot. It’s obviously slightly paradoxical with the time travel stuff, more so than in the first film, but I still think the whole story is on a completely different level here. The action set pieces are amazing. All of them feel unique and distinctive - qualities that will only make me want to come and rewatch this more. The T-1000 as an antagonist is utterly brilliant. Took absolutely no time for me to see why he is such an iconic villain for so many people. But most importantly, as I’ve already said, the plot is so much more multi-faceted here, and is therefore a much more interesting film to me. Having the original terminator now be a protagonist, protecting Josh Connor, is already a really intriguing premise. The way they humanise him across the whole film, adds a completely new level of emotional depth that the first film didn’t have. Then Sarah Connor being in a mental asylum for presumably what she had told people about the events of the previous film, I also found really intriguing. But then how those two main elements of the plot seamlessly merge, with epic action set pieces being continuous as they do, is just tremendous. Then, it goes without saying, everything we get from the T-1000 is excellent - a fascinating antagonist. *The Terminator *is quite a simple introduction to these characters and this universe, but *Terminator 2: Judgement Day *builds and expands in all the right directions, undeniably making this a Sci-Fi Action classic. I would compare this to the *Empire Strikes Back* in the way that it keeps the core of what makes the original special, while also expanding the universe in ways that ultimately make it a superior film. Obviously recommended.

Iconic Sci-fi action film. Actually insane that I hadn’t seen it until now. As someone with very little nostalgia for it, yeah it lives up to the hype.  Loved the action, especially towards the end. The Terminator is just such an iconic character,  especially without the skin, and so you can’t help but be captivated by it. Plus, it’s Arnold Schwarzenegger. So either you get that, or a terrifying murdering robot - either is top-tier entertainment.  The Sci-fi world-building is tremendous right from the start. That’s always been one of James Cameron’s biggest strengths and it’s on full show here. Just loved the whole concept. And to be fair, the character writing is also very good for a film that isn’t focusing too much on its characters.  It’s just really good. Once the concept is established, it’s actually quite a simple storyline, but it still delivered for me. I think it’s a sign of a genuinely well-made film when someone who has limited nostalgia for it as a classic or iconic film, still really likes it. Recommended.

Decent drama with some exceptional moments. Maybe too long, and maybe could’ve been told slightly better, but on the whole, really enjoyed this. Tom Cruise is a tremendous lead, as he always is. The cast on the whole to be fair are very good - loads of famous or recognisable actors in this (Hank Schrader and John Kramer was not a link up I was expecting). While the dialogue and plot is very good, the minimal action (mainly the chase sequence) still ended up being the highlight of the film for me. It’s basically an Ethan Hunt escape scene that could be dropped into *Mission Impossible*, so I’m not surprised that ended up being my favourite part. But regardless, that sequence is just ridiculously captivating. The use of music in that sequence especially is wonderful. Creates tension so well. Very reminiscent of how PTA used that chaotic piano in *One Battle After Another. * Overall, it fails to blow me away besides a few excellent moments. But it’s well-rounded and enjoyable enough.

Just going through a bunch of popular films I have watched but don't have rated on here. Solid 'end of the world' film. While very on the nose and not nuanced in any way, I do quite like the modern societal analysis. The USA especially would be exactly like this if a world-ending event like this was to happen. I also think the way it builds fear and suspense in parts is very good too. The use of the score near the beginning and during the compilation of the social media frenzies definitely unsettled me. Then the ending scenes are obviously really scary too. It has a lot of Netflix tropes that I don't really like. And I think the ridiculous amount of A-list actors and celebrities in this film is enough proof how much of a commercially generated and formulaic film this is. But I think it has just enough interesting ideas and stylistic choices to make it stand out. Nothing majorly special about this, but it's a decent watch.