The Terminator (1984)

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn

A human soldier is sent from 2029 to 1984 to stop an almost indestructible cyborg killing machine, sent from the same year, which has been programmed to execute a young woman whose unborn son is the key to humanity’s future salvation.

And so the saga began nearly three decades ago. Before CGI, they had to build practical effects and improvise, and the ‘Terminator’ excels on every level considering the time when it was made.

‘The Terminator’ is an incredible production, loaded with breathtaking action sequences and incredible visuals. Ok, so by now we’re all familiar with the premise, so I’m not going to explain the movie (if you’ve never seen the film, where the hell have you been??). Whether you’re into fantasy or not, this is a film that should appeal to the mainstream viewer thanks to Arnold Schwarzenegger. Admit it, ‘The Terminator’ would not have worked so well without his fabulous dry sense of humor, and unique appearance which makes him a perfect candidate to portray the villain. Despite the humor – mainly due to the character’s ignorance – he is a real bad ass and ruthless killer.

Linda Hamilton is likable as an ordinary girl, Sarah Connor, sharing an apartment with her best friend and working in a hamburger joint. Her character is relatable and believable. Speaking of likable, Michael Biehn makes a credible hero, Kyle (oh, and that well defined physique!).

The plot might be a bit confusing, but they do try their best to explain. Only thing that bothers me, though: Kyle is sent from the future to protect Sarah Conner – who is marked for assassination because of her son, John Conner (who is not yet born). But Kyle then impregnates her, thus John’s father. So, if he never came back, she wouldn’t have given birth to John. So, how does this work that he was sent to protect her because of her son, if there wouldn’t have been a son in the first place if he wasn’t sent back? I can’t seem to wrap my head around this, but nevertheless, it was a lot of fun! The Terminator’ delivers non-stop action and suspense from beginning to end – this is pure adrenaline rush!

‘The Terminator’ earned $78.3 million on a $6.4 million budget. It won awards for Best Science Fiction Film, Best Writing and Best Makeup.

Would I watch it again? Yes, definitely.