James Cameron’s first two Terminator films are some of the best action movies of all time. The first one launched Arnold Schwarzenegger’s film career, and the second one solidified it. Once that thumb went up, the tears came down and the T-800 captured our hearts and satisfied our need for a badass with a heart of gold (or other metal).
And then there was Terminator 3 and Terminator: Salvation. The third installment was mediocre at best, but at least Schwarzenegger was in it. The fourth film in the series was the worst of them, and Christian Bale as John Connor was a waste. Then again, with a director named McG, no one was really expecting anything classic. After over 20 years, Schwarzenegger is back in Terminator Genisys. Now with that unnecessary teaser for the full trailer out of the way, we finally have some footage to chomp on.
So, let’s check out the trailer for Terminator Genisys, shall we?
First thoughts: How is this plot line going to affect the first two films? It looks to be a completely different spin on the original timeline. Now, before everyone goes insane, let’s think about this: at least they had the guts to try something new. Schwarzenegger is now the T-800 that was sent back to protect Sarah Connor before the events of the the first Terminator film. The bio-exoskeleton of the T-800 has aged, working in the wrinkles of Schwarzenegger, who is now 67 years old. It seems as though the plot is going for a Back to the Future Part II sort of vibe, and it’s intriguing enough.
Game of Thrones‘ Emilia Clarke will be playing Sarah Connor, and though she is capable, she doesn’t have me convinced in the trailer; although, it is just a trailer. Linda Hamilton will always be Sarah Connor to me, but I’ll definitely give Clarke a chance. Jason Clarke will take on the role of John Connor, who’s been played by a different actor in each film so far. Jai Courtney (Divergent) will take on the role of Kyle Reese. Not to mention, Byung-hun-Lee, who was Storm Shadow in G.I. Joe: Retaliation, will be playing the T-1000, and he does a pretty neat little party trick in the trailer, as he molds a piece of his mimetic polyalloy into a spear and chucks it. The man in the director’s chair this time around is Alan Taylor, who’s a solid director, and miles ahead in talent next to McG.
Overall, the trailer looks okay. Just okay. If it weren’t for Schwarzenegger’s “get to da choppa!” move at the end, it would’ve been pretty solid. It might be better to have low expectations for this flick, as the last two previous installments were forgettable. Anyway, Arnold’s back as the T-800, so take my money.