On Screen Movie Review: Terminator Genesys

Article by Richard Smith

There is no fate but what we make. That’s been the central theme of the Terminator Franchise since the beginning. With the release of the 5^th movie in the series, Terminator Genesys, that message while different, still hits home. The reboot if you can call it that turns the story we know and turns it completely around with some good plot turns and twists.\

If you’ve ever seen the original (and if you haven’t shame on you) you know that John Conner sends his own father back in time to protect his future mother from a cyborg sent back to kill her before John is born. We actually get to see the events that set the original film in motion. In Genesys this is about where the story diverges from the original. You see John sends Reese back to protect Sarah, but in this case Mom is ready and already a formidable woman thanks to a Terminator. This T-800 was sent back to an earlier point in her life, saved her at that point and then watched over and protected her. She calls him Pops. They took the “Alternate Reality” concept introduced in Star Trek and not only did it better but one upped it. What you get is a lot more time travel, a deeper insight into what could have happened had John and Sarah spent more time together. Another plot twist is how Skynet actually USES John Conner in it’s plans. Sorry Dr. Who fans, Matt Smith doesn’t see much screen time and even less because he is voicing a digital character. It’s interesting to see a story you know so well become so unpredictable.

Of the movies not directed by James Cameron, I say this is the best. I didn’t mind T3, and Terminator Salvation, but the John Conner portrayed didn’t really measure up. This movie had left its share of questions, but it was a good script, the actors were great, and the pace was just as it should be. Effects wise, it was great. What you would expect from a Terminator flick and more. I personally liked how they used old footage from the original movie from a new perspective. The things we can do. I am looking forward to the follow up movies to be released in 2017 and 2018 respectively.

There wasn’t a whole lot about this movie I didn’t enjoy. Non-stop action and a great story. I’m giving Terminator Genesys 4.5 Outposts out of 5. Check it out!