Directed by Tim Miller

Starring: Linda Hamilton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mackenzie Davis

Rated R for violence throughout, language and brief nudity 

It is unfortunate to say that the Terminator series has had more flops than hits. “The Terminator” first premiered in 1984 to positive reviews. Years later, “Terminator 2: Judgement Day’ was released to high praise and some state it is one of the best action films of all time. But ever since “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machine” was released, the series has gone downhill, mostly because James Cameron, the director of the first two films, was largely absent from the films going forward. But Cameron has returned back to the series, as a producer, but does that mean that “Terminator: Dark Fate” has returned to its former glory?

“Terminator: Dark Fate” is the continuing saga of the “Terminator” series. In this installment, Grace (played by Mackenzie Davis) is sent back to time to protect Dani (played by Natalia Reyes) from REV-9 (played by Gabriel Luna). The REV-9 is also sent back in time but to kill Dani. Grace and Dani are also joined by Sarah Connor and T-800, (played by Linda Hamilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger, respectively).

If the story of “Terminator: Dark Fate” sounds very similar to “Terminator 2: Judgement Day”, that’s because it is a carbon copy of the “Terminator 2”. The first twenty minutes of the film are almost identical to “Terminator 2” and it’s buildup at the mall. Not to mention that the story is just a re-write of the second film, but the story just ignores the entire film of “Terminator 2”. Without giving out any spoilers, but the first five minute of “Dark Fate” throws away the entire film of “Terminator 2”. Not only is this sloppy done, but this bold choice in the film made fans of the series angry. I was baffled of why this decision was done as well, it adds no context to the story being told. The terrible decision to rewrite “Terminator 2” into “Dark Fate” and making a bold decision in the first five minutes in the film makes the story poorly written.

Fortunately the actors of the film are a saving grace in the film (no pun intended). Going into the film, I was skeptical of the new characters being introduced. But to my surprise, the new characters are quite enjoyable. Gabriel Luna as the new Terminator is actually quite menacing and an actual threat to the characters. His character has the capability of splitting into two forms and it was enjoyable to see all the characters fight off these forms. Dani and Mackenzie’s story line was okay to see, the actors in the roles are done well.

Being a big fan of “Terminator 2”, I very much enjoyed seeing Linda Hamilton back as Sarah Connor. Hamilton played the role of Conner as she did in “Terminator 2”. The same goes for Schwarzenegger as the T-800. Although in the first two films, the Terminator was unable to feel emotions. But somehow, now he is able to feel something as close to emotions. It is just boggles me of how the excuse was made up of why he feel certain things. But in the end, it all comes down the screenplay. The screenplay feels like a cheap attempt to not only shock the audience, but it needs to rely on the past films to make this film work. The film would have been a return to form if it were not for the screenplay.

“Terminator: Dark Fate” is ultimately a film that yield mixed results. The actors do a fantastic job as their respective roles and the action is fun to view, but the story is executed sloppy. The foundations of any film is the story and if the story cannot stand on its own, then the film will fail as well. “Terminator: Dark Fates” proves that James Cameron was not the missing puzzle to the piece, but instead a step in the wrong direction.

2.5/4