Terminator 2018: Our classics are terminated

Kadin 2022-04-22 07:01:04

"Terminator" is one of the few movies that can evoke my memories of the videotape era: one summer night, a teenager was leaning against the door of his neighbor's house, watching in amazement as the T-800 on the TV opened his arms, The alloy skeleton inside is exposed, and in the end, even if only half of the body is left, the thriller scene is chasing after the heroine. The great James Cameron restored his nightmare into a realistic scene, making "The Terminator" a nightmare common to many fans around the world.

In "Terminator 2", the thin connotation of the previous work has been perfectly expanded, and with the further maturity of audio-visual special effects, it has transformed from a simple sci-fi thriller into a film history classic with both audio-visual enjoyment and humanistic thinking. Just as I get goosebumps every time I hear the metal thump in the main theme of this film, every time I see the T-800 sinking into the molten steel with a thumbs-up, it makes my eyes water. It's no exaggeration to say that Terminator 2 is probably the only movie that I turn to and rewatch every year.

Of course, not every series will have a sequel that successfully surpasses its predecessor like Terminator 2, and so does Terminator itself. In "Terminator 3", even if the director has a little sense of innovation, the lack of core values ​​makes the film mediocre, and the special effects are reduced to a sheer stunt. At this point, we can't help but think of Stan Winston, the special effects master of the year, from every part of the T-800, to the various changes of the T-1000, to the shocking nuclear explosion scene in the T2. Infiltrating the master's diligent pursuit of art, we must know that the physical model at that time and the computer stunt later are two completely different concepts.

Although "Terminator 3" drew a regretful end to the "Terminator" series, when "Terminator 2018", which was named the first of the new "Terminator" trilogy, was released in 2009, it was still unremarkable. It ignited the enthusiasm of thousands of "Terminator fans". It is true that from the box office and word of mouth of the film, "Terminator 2018" is not very ideal, but objectively speaking, this film also has merit, especially when we always use the classics of our predecessors as a reference, It seems a little too harsh at times.

In addition to the T-800 with Arnold's image in the film and the natural goodwill brought by the tribute to Stan Winston at the end of the film, "Terminator 2018" I am most satisfied with the depiction of the future world. Whether it is a dilapidated scene or a dark and rusty robot, it is full of the atmosphere of the post-industrial era, especially the design of the robot, which is not only in the same vein as the previous work, but also shows a certain newness. And the sense of speed is well reflected.

Secondly, the writers and directors also worked hard on the plot. On the one hand, the time was completely set in the future, which changed the same narrative mode of the previous trilogy, and on the other hand, the role of Marcus was added to form a duo with John Connor. The pattern adds dimension to the story. In terms of theme, this film is also more distinct than "Terminator 3", and is consistent with the consistent ultimate torture of the "Terminator" series: human nature is the essential difference between human and machine. If human beings lose their human nature, then What's the difference with the machine?

Of course, the shortcomings of "Terminator 2018" are also obvious. The most prominent point is that under the comparison of the role of Marcus, the core character of the series, John Connor, is rather thin and boring. Once the sense of balance is lost, the dramatic effect of the "two-hero mode" can also be produced. Naturally a big discount; another point is that the villain is too weak. In the first three movies, T-800, T-1000 and TX are quite characteristic robots, and corresponding special effects bridges have also been designed, especially It is the liquid robot T-1000, and almost every appearance has a memorable special effect picture. On the other hand, there are almost no commendable passages in this work, and the audience will not have the motivation to watch it again and again.

Classic movies are often composed of classic stories, classic characters, classic pictures or classic dialogue. The reason why "Terminator 2" has been regarded as a classic by countless fans is because of the above conditions. For "Terminator 2018", it is not difficult to restart the classic, but it takes more effort to become a classic. According to rumors, "Terminator 5" will be released next summer. Although the previous "classic" has been terminated, it is believed that "Terminator fans" will still look forward to it.

View more about Terminator Salvation reviews

Extended Reading

Terminator Salvation quotes

  • Marcus Wright: I'll sell it to you.

    Dr. Serena Kogan: For what?

    Marcus Wright: A kiss.

  • Blair Williams: I hate to break it to you, but if you have friends on that thing, they're as good as dead. And same as you, if you walk in that direction.

    Marcus Wright: I have been dead a while and I'm getting used to it.