80s Movie Review - The Terminator

Director: James Cameron

Genre: Action/ Science Fiction/ Thriller

Runtime: 108 minutes

Year: 1984

Starring: Arnold Schwarzengger, Michael Biehn, Linda Hamilton, Lance Henriksen, Paul Winfield, Bess Motta, Earl Boen, Rick Rossovish, Dick Miller, Shawn Schepps, Bruce M. Kerner, Franco Columbu, Bill Paxton, Brad Rearden, Brian Thompson

Description: A human soldier (Michael Biehn) is sent from 2029 to 1984 to stop an almost indestructible cyborg killing machine (Arnold Schwarzenegger), sent from the same year, which has been programmed to execute a young woman (Linda Hamilton) whose unborn son is the key to humanity’s future salvation.

Review: Who would have dared to think that “The Terminator” would be a successful classic that still has a huge fan base to this day. The film directed by James Cameron was launched in the 80s as a B-movie, but the success was unprecedented. I am also a huge fan of the film, partly thanks to the special effects that were amazing at the time. And of course the way Arnold Schwarzenegger portrays the murderous cyborg, what eventually became his most iconic role.

Young Sarah Connor becomes the target of a maniacal cyborg who was sent to the past to murder the mother of the future resistance leader John Connor. In the future mankind will fight against murderous machines that seized power after a nuclear war. The resistance sends soldier Kyle Reese to the past to protect the unsuspecting Sarah and eliminate the ruthless cybernetic organism.

It was Schwarzenegger’s breakthrough role and since then it’s hard to picture anyone else in the role. Because he wasn’t director James Cameron’s first choice. Not, everyone knows Schwarzenegger and his most memorable role, even if they never saw any of the Terminator films.

The film is over 30 years old and the action film still impresses. Especially the scene in the dance club is very iconic and well-crafted. “The Terminator” is a dark and exciting film that contains a depressing atmosphere and bombastic action. It’s a great film that entertains from start to finish. I still think the sequel from 1991 is better, but “The Terminator” is, without a doubt, one of the best sci-fi action films out there.

Rating: 4,5 / 5

Top 5 Thursday: James Cameron Movies

This director has so many awesome movies, that it’s about time for me to rank my favorites. And no, “Titanic” isn’t one of them!

5. The Terminator

The first in the very successful (and still ongoing) franchise. Arnold as a bad guy, Michael Biehn kicking ass, Linda Hamilton before she becomes a bad ass herself. Super awesome film.

 

 

4. True Lies
Probably James Cameron’s most entertaining movie. It’s one of those films I can watch over and over again, and it still entertains me.

 

3. Avatar

Sceptical at first, didn’t see it in theatres. Now I regret it, because it’s one of my favorite movies. It has a message and it looks stunning.

 

2. Aliens

One of the scariest movies and also one of the best sequels ever made. Sigourney Weaver is so bad ass. The fact that there is literally nowhere to go and you’re surrounded by creepy aliens, scares the living sh** out of me.

 

1. Terminator 2: Judgment Day

If you thought “Aliens” was a good sequel, “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” is probably the best sequel ever made. Everyone knows this movie. It’s one of the few movies that made tough guys cry. And Arnie is super awesome!

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: The Abyss

Top 5 Thursday: Movies from 1984

I found someone doing lists like this online and I thought of doing it too. I decided to start with my year of birth, 1984. The best movies from that year in a top 5.

5. The Neverending Story
This movie was a big thing for me when I was a kid. These days children wouldn’t appreciate it as much, but I still do. And that wolf, Gmork, freaks me out!

4. Ghostbuster
How can I not include “Ghostbusters”? Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd are great together and the stars of this movie. I haven’t seen it in a while though.

3. The Terminator
Although the second one is the best in the series, this is very cool as well. I think this put Arnie on the map.

2. Gremlins
“Gremlins” is one of those movies I can watch over and over again. Gizmo is the cutest movie character ever and I think this film is timeless. It’s fun and scary at the same time.

1. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
I love the entire franchise, okay maybe I want to forget about the last one, but it brought my favourite male character in movies.

They Almost Made the Top 5: Nightmare on Elm Street, Bachelor Party, Beverly Hills Cop