Time travelling or in the case of Terminator Genisys, time warping, is a very tricky business to explain let alone comprehend. But if you don’t over think it, you’ll be better off for it. Such is the case for this fifth chapter of the Terminator franchise that so proudly began in 1984 with James Cameron’s sci-fi hit The Terminator. It’s the film that made Arnold Schwarzenegger a bona-fide action star and for my money, remains the very best of the series. Genisysserves as a potential trilogy reboot of sorts. Warning spoilers ahead…
Since that first film back in ’84, we have been told that John Connor, the unborn child of Sarah Connor and Kyle Reese will save mankind in a war against the machines some time in the distant future. In this chapter, we see Kyle (Jai Courtney) of the year 2029 being sent back to 1984 by John (his son) to protect his mother Sarah (Emilia Clarke) from a Terminator sent back to kill her. Confused yet? Don’t worry just go with it.
Emilia Clarke, who takes on the role originated by Linda Hamilton, is perfect and superb as a young Sarah Connor. The term Genisys refers to an OS system that will serve as a precursor to Skynet and eventually what will become Judgment Day and the rise of the machines. This feels very much like a multi-verse version of the franchise.
There are some cool nods to the original film, with a slightly different twist such as a young T800 Arnold versus its older yet but not obsolete version of itself. Kudos to director, Alan Taylor (Thor: The Dark World) for making Genisys the most Cameron-esque film since the first two installments. That alone makes it my third favorite of the series. Look for a cool yet important cameo by Doctor Who alum Matt Smith and stick around long enough for a mid-credit scene.
Directed by: Alan Taylor
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Emilia Clarke, Jai Courtney and Jason Clarke
Terminator Genisys – ***1/2 (out of 5 stars)
JPB
