Film review: Terminator Genisys (7 out of 10)

As a reviewer there are films where you need to dissect the plot and analyse what’s going on in depth.
Terminator GenisysTerminator Genisys
Terminator Genisys

Then there are the movies where you just sit back and enjoy the action.

Terminator Genisys definitely sits in the latter camp.

With a tangled plot about split time lines and characters talking about weird and wonderful ‘scientific’ concepts, it’s best to let all this wash over you.

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Back in 1984 when director James Cameron brought us the low budget but brilliantly executed original little did we know that all these years later the same characters would be fighting for their lives.

And what’s more remarkable is that Arnold Schwarzenegger is still strutting his stuff as the definitive robot at the heart of the plot.

This latest in the series, which apparently should be considered as the proper third movie, starts with some dramatic action as we see the machines take over.

However, if you’ve never seen a Terminator film then this isn’t really the best place to start.

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You need to realise that John Connor is mankind’s greatest hope to rid the planet of these sophisticated robots.

It also helps to know who Sarah Connor and Kyle Reese are and how they have fitted in during previous movies.

Having seen all the previous Terminator films, I started off trying to work out what the heck was going on, but soon realised this was pointless and just settled back to watch stunning special effects and some spectacular fight scenes.

Schwarzenegger has pretty much nailed the role of the Terminator, whether playing a good robot or a bad one.

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Jai Courtney is Kyle Reese, a role that doesn’t demand too much and Emilia Clarke does a pretty good job as Sarah Connor.

J.K. Simmons adds some class with his cameo as a detective and former Dr Who Matt Smith makes the most of his small role.

Director Alan Taylor keeps the action rattling along at an amazing pace and crams a lot in during the two hours plus.

So, if you just fancy a spectacular film with great effects and are prepared to accept the plot without question then this is very entertaining.

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And stick around for the mid end credit additional scene which sets us up for the next in the series.

Film details: Terminator Genisys (12A) 126mins

Director: Alan Taylor

Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Clarke, Emilia Clarke

Screening courtesy of Horsham Capitol