Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) - User Reviews

'Terminator 2: Judgement Day', is the sequel to the sleeper hit of '84, 'The Terminator'. The movie is set in the lead up to a nuclear apocalypse in 1997. The apocalypse occurs when military machines that have become self-aware, turn nuclear weapons onto humans causing the destruction of our world and society. Not content with three billion deaths, the brain, or C.P.U. of the machines, 'Skynet', seeks to extinguish all human life. In the year 2029, John Connor, the leader of the human resistance, is the only man that stands in Skynet's way.
This, however, is not the period focus of the terminator films, and we receive only brief, horrifying flashes of this terrible future. It remains a distant, terrifying threat throughout the movie, with the main focus of the film being in the present day (1992) before the apocalypse has taken place. It is here the film keeps a theme of hope, that our future is not yet written, and can be changed.
'Skynet' plans to eradicate John Connor, and the human resistance of the future, by striking at him in 1992 when he is just a boy. A terminator is sent back through time to 'terminate' Connor, played by Edward Furlong.
The plot is quite complex, its much better unfolding before you; one piece of advice though, is that you really must see the original Terminator film before you see this. Otherwise it won't make too much sense, and the film is so great when properly grounded within its plot context.
Terminator 2 was the first film to cost over US$100 million; it features ground breaking, dazzling special effects, which still impress fifteen years later. It is a great example of money well spent. It grossed over US$500 million, which was also a record. The casting is utterly perfect; Edward Furlong is the pre-teen target, sassy with troubled attitude, and Linda Hamilton returns from the first Terminator movie to reprise her role as Sarah Connor, John's mother. Hardened by the battle with the first terminator, and seven years in an abusive psych ward, Hamilton is intense as the brooding, dangerously protective Connor. Robert Patrick in what is probably his only major screen credit is frighteningly merciless as the 'bad terminator', the T-1000, whose mission is to kill John Connor. Plus Arnie's back. Arnold Schwarzernegger in what is without question his absolutely best performance. The big man is supremely destructive as the terminator, and yet there is an undercurrent of near goofy charm in his dogged protective determination, that hooks the audience with sad sentiment as he is destroyed. Arnie actually acts in this movie, and successfully gets through a touching scene.
Director James Cameron also returns from 'The Terminator'; his direction is based primarily toward action and suspense, which kicks off in the first fifteen minutes, and keeps you desperately hanging on till the end. You take a deep breath when the credits roll. Not to say that this one wears you out though. The tempo of the film rests as the heroes do; it is in these lulls when we get to know the 'real' Arnie as the terminator. The scenes and stunts are awesome, and range from helicopters flying under low bridges to massive big rig accidents.
The sound-track is entirely original, like nothing else i've ever heard. The music is emotive, accompanying the scenes perfectly. For example, when the T-1000 approaches there is a sound that i'm not even sure how they made, but it is evil to the core. Theme music completely encapsulates the 'sad with hope' lens of the film, plus the magnitude of the struggle the characters face.
This is in my top five favourite movies. I'm sure everyone has seen it, if you haven't, stop whatever it is you are doing with your life, and see it now!!

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