The Terminator

8

TommingsJul 7, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Pretty much one of the most iconic sci-fi action romps of its time "The Terminator" manages to pull you into its time twisted, post apocalyptic and (defiantly now) retro 80's ride, filled with an action packed storyline, putting time aside for not only character relations but also throwing in elements of a horror, "The Terminator" doesn't drag nor disappoint, with a seemingly flexible cast and an actor who was born to play this role, "The Terminator" is full of surprises that might just leave you wanting more.

Like I said Schwarzenegger was born to play the role of the Terminator, its an iconic part, one filled with many quotes and catchphrases (which is pretty much all of his dialogue) contributed by fantastic and believable performances by Linda Hamilton and Michael Biehn, thrusting this film into a gripping tale of hunter and hunted. The soundtrack is one that gets you motivated and pumped but has a sense of sadness to it one that gets you even more emotive (especially when the drums kick in) towards the actual war taking place as the story takes a route down memory lane for Kyle Reese, its another part that makes this franchise iconic as its a theme you will never forget.

Yes, this is a bit of an action flick, one taken with a pinch of salt, and for a low budget film (especially in the 80's) its done an amazing job at heart, with only the CGI and make up looking very naff at some points, but hey.. cant blame them! Yes, there are a few questionable moments that end up in explosions and onslaught, but that's all apart of the experience, what I'm surprised at is how an action romp such as this has time to fit in sensible and likable characters that have point and purpose to the entire integrity of the films lore. I have to say I'm not a mega fan of James Cameron's work, but seeing what tools where at his disposal he has done a fantastic job with this, making something original and thought out, that can and does deserve at least one good sequel. Yes, I do like this film, of course there are flaws with it, even at its time, mainly being a tad mediocre and following a noticeable A to B format but I think we can agree that the action contracts that. this one is for retro loving thrill seekers!… Expand

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8

TedDawsonNov 6, 2019

In 1984 a movie did not have more than one storyline and a dozen script reviews plus 1 year postproduction for CGI... So my Vote is from a 1984 view...

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8

vikesh2206Jul 18, 2015

Action packed, intelligent and entertaining, James Cameron's The Terminator is a pinnacle of sci-fi/action films to come and a standout for Arnold Schwarzenegger.

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8

LinttaFlamingoSep 19, 2016

Looks very dated but it's pretty good. Nicely developed characters and a cool villain that doesn't need any introducing. The effects aren't that great but it's not a deal breaker.

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8

MovieManiac83Apr 23, 2015

The Terminator, the film that catapulted Arnold **** into Hollywood's stratosphere, was never designed for more than a niche audience. Indeed, while the film made a nice profit for Orion Pictures (returning grosses about six times its cost),The Terminator, the film that catapulted Arnold **** into Hollywood's stratosphere, was never designed for more than a niche audience. Indeed, while the film made a nice profit for Orion Pictures (returning grosses about six times its cost), it did not make the kind of money that would cause it to be labeled a "blockbuster" or that would justify a sequel. But The Terminator arrived at a time when America's appetite for science fiction was escalating and when the home video revolution was taking off. Although only a minor success in theaters, The Terminator was a gargantuan hit on home video. And, when James Cameron solidified his reputation by directing Aliens, it became unthinkable that there would not be a sequel to The Terminator.

The movie's strength is that, like The Matrix, it combines action with ideas. This isn't a run-of-the-mill turn-off-the-brain collection of chases and fight scenes. The plot, which involves time travel and the paradoxes inherent therein, requires viewers to pay attention or risk having no idea what's happening. I remember leaving the theater 25 years ago and hearing a girl remark: "I liked it but I didn't understand what was going on. Was that guy from the future Arnold's father?" Cameron, as it turns out, took a little too much license in claiming full credit for the story. Noted science fiction author Harlan Ellison sued, arguing that The Terminator bore more than a passing resemblance to two of his Outer Limits teleplays, "Soldier" (about two time-traveling soldiers who end up in 1964, where they fight to the death) and "Demon with a Glass Hand" (about a time-traveling robot that looks like a man). The settlement resulted in Ellison gaining an on-tape credit as well as an undisclosed amount of money.

The Terminator is structured as one long chase, with the vulnerable Sarah and Reese fleeing from the relentless Terminator. At first, Sarah distrusts Reese, believing him to be demented. But, once The Terminator has destroyed a police station and killed most of the cops within, she has no choice but to trust Reese. That bond develops into a romance, but The Terminator's pursuit allows little opportunity for down time or sweet nothings. Nevertheless, Cameron has a knack for getting us to care about the characters and their relationship even though not a lot of time is spent getting to know them. (There are actually more "character building" sequences in the more heavily action-oriented Terminator 2.)

Key special effects, which were cutting edge in 1984, appear dated by today's standards. Stan Winston's stop-animation Terminator, which takes over for Schwarzenegger at the end, looks like what it is: the product of a special effects lab. It's not credible, but the story is strong enough to overcome such shortcomings. In fact, some of the other visual chicanery - time travel effects, Schwarzenegger's makeup, and flash-forward scenes set in a post-apocalyptic 2029 - are effective. By the time Terminator 2 arrived, Cameron had both the budget and the ability to better integrate the robot Terminator into its surroundings. The herky-jerky awkwardness that marks the climax of the first movie is not evident during the sequels.

The potential evidenced by Cameron in The Terminator - the ability to sustain suspense, meld action with story, and provide compelling characters despite the limitations of the actors portraying them - would be fully realized in two future features, Aliens and Terminator 2. This movie, however, is in some ways more impressive than either of those because of what the filmmaker was capable of achieving with a limited budget and without significant studio backing. The themes and ideas presented in The Terminator hold up well today, even though we have moved into the post-Cold War era and only the most nihilistic individuals could see 2029 in such bleak terms. It's a rousing science fiction story that proves an on-screen adrenaline rush need not short-circuit the brain.… Expand

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8

reviewfrom19842Aug 10, 2016

A classic.............................................................................................................................................

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8

ahmedaiman9999Oct 8, 2018

In regards of every single aspect, The Terminator is the textbook example of just how much can be done with as little money.

With a simple, yet innovative use of camera movements, and different camera angles, James Cameron shot some of theIn regards of every single aspect, The Terminator is the textbook example of just how much can be done with as little money.

With a simple, yet innovative use of camera movements, and different camera angles, James Cameron shot some of the most impressive action sequences and car chases. The use of zooming technique, in particular, in chases scenes also created a great deal of tension.

Simply put, The Terminator is one of the best paced action movies ever. It's not fast as most of the cheesy action flicks of the eighties, nor slow-burning like Blade Runner's that definitely wouldn't suit the movie's tone. It's just perfect!

Some may say the special effects are dated and don't hold up very well, but I don't mind them at all. In fact, I liked so much the visual effects, and I found them pretty convincing. The makeup is also remarkable for its time.

What dazzles me aren't the effect, though, but the not-a-word-wasted dialogue. There is no line of dialogue that has been wasted. Every line or even gesture is as short as it's powerful as you can ever imagine.

The movie isn't without its flaws, though. I found the way we got to know for the first time about the background story pretty lazy. Also, the whole situation was unsuitable for giving us information, but, nonetheless, the time was perfectly enough for us to know the most important things. There were also a couple of times later when the luck played a vital role in saving the protagonist's life. Besides, there is a glaring plot hole at the end of the movie that really drove me crazy till the credits roll.

The movie features Arnold Schwarzenegger in his career-defining role, and I can easily see why. Casting him was a perfect choice to portray a relentless, rigid, indestructible cyborg. From seeing her vulnerable to accepting her fate, and trying to convince herself of it, Linda Hamilton is absolutely terrific as Sarah Connor. Michael Biehn is fantastic as well. Kyle Reese is my favorite character from the movie.

A great score that just hits the right note by walking a fine line between the bleakness of the post-apocalyptic world and the cheesiness that distinguishes the movie's nature.

Unpretentious filmmaking at its finest!

(8.5/10)… Expand

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8

MrPajamasSep 9, 2020

When you say Arnold Schwarzenegger, I immediately think of the Terminator, and for good reason. The Terminator is just a great movie. It has a great story and a very good plot. The action here is also excellent and what stands out most aboutWhen you say Arnold Schwarzenegger, I immediately think of the Terminator, and for good reason. The Terminator is just a great movie. It has a great story and a very good plot. The action here is also excellent and what stands out most about the film are the effects, which look absolutely luxurious for 1984. The Terminator is a classic and if you haven't seen this blockbuster, you should remedy that.… Expand

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8

l0nlym1lkMar 28, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This dark and gritty action film has everything a man could want in a film. The synthwave soundtrack really adds t the tense feeling this film depicts as well as the dark and gritty visual style. My only problem with this film is that some characters are very one note, and could really use some polishing of the script. I'm not just talking about the terminator himself, but kyle reese and sarah conner as the protagonists should have a bit more chemistry. However, this film does do something that better that the sequel f*cked up. I am referring to the action in this film. for the most part this film is grounded in reality and so the action isn't too "in your face" and is instead quite harrowing considering the circumstances that are set up in the film. Which in my opinion I prefer action this way instead of over the top shootouts on exploding skyscrapers. In addition to this, the performance from Arnold Schwarzenegger is truly terrifying. this is why I think that The terminator is a classic 80s action movie and should be viewed by everyone with skin(unlike the sequel).… Expand

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8

Amirhosein2005Jul 14, 2021

The Terminator is an ambitious and advanced film that is definitely one of the biggest leaps in cinema.

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8

HellHoleHorrorJan 24, 2023

This looks and sounds so eighties! It is the epitome of the decade. The hair, the production design, the effects, everything in this film is defined by and defines the eighties. Not that it’s a bad thing, it is good to be distinctive. TheThis looks and sounds so eighties! It is the epitome of the decade. The hair, the production design, the effects, everything in this film is defined by and defines the eighties. Not that it’s a bad thing, it is good to be distinctive. The sound design is excellent, surprisingly good considering the age. The music fits with the tone but I did find it a touch synth which comes across as a bit cheesy. The story is actually really strong and incredibly well told. I love time travel and robots! The future war scenes compliment and contrast the eighties perfectly. The slow menacing stalker makes this feel a little like a slasher horror movie, again a very good thing. My only real gripe is that it is occasionally a little slow. Overall it really is an awesome film that never ceases to entertain.… Expand

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8

Computey18Mar 8, 2023

Sequel is better but still pretty good. Also James Cameron so there's that.

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8

DawidJohnsonFeb 6, 2023

Arnold Schwarzenegger's nipples are also in this movie! Everyone should watch!

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7

JerrikaApr 22, 2014

Well, it's got it's ups and downs. Arnold gives an amazing performance as the Terminator as well as very entertaining scenes, but I find the other movies better. They have longer moments telling the story, but the first movie has, in my eyes,Well, it's got it's ups and downs. Arnold gives an amazing performance as the Terminator as well as very entertaining scenes, but I find the other movies better. They have longer moments telling the story, but the first movie has, in my eyes, too many moments with Arnold shooting things and killing people. Sure, that's what he does, but can we have something else aside from mindless killing in the first 15 minutes please?… Expand

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7

TheApplegnomeDec 30, 2014

The Terminator: the groundbreaking action film that changed the sci-fi genre.

The story is so well done; it almost terrifies me every time I watch this film. The concept: that an almost indestructible machine from the future travels backThe Terminator: the groundbreaking action film that changed the sci-fi genre.

The story is so well done; it almost terrifies me every time I watch this film. The concept: that an almost indestructible machine from the future travels back in time to change everything it just spectacular. If only all sci-fi films were like this. The movie is overall highly entertaining, and there are much cool things. The characters are great, especially the villain. The actors are also great, even though there are some less great actors. The Terminator is surprisingly very well made for a sci-fi film from the 80s. But at the same time are there some aspects in the film that could have been done better, like some of the practical effects. It’s also visible on some places that there are dolls instead for real objects. The action though, is awesome. But there could have been more. The soundtrack is very good, it’s so classic and it gives the audience really scary feelings. The film couldn’t have had a more incredible ending that it got. It’s so great.

There are a bunch of great things in this film that the sci-fi genre got as foundation nowadays, and this truly is a classic sci-fi film. Unfortunately could the action been a bit more extensive. It’s a bit low for my taste.

The Terminator gets a 7.8.… Expand

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7

MarickOct 18, 2015

Full of suspense, full of energy, this film is quite interesting even wear those years .

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7

Jay777Jan 19, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great movie but I hate that Kyle dies I don't think they should have killed of Kyle but great movie very intense which is good. warning this movie is not suitable for under 15 unless the parents let them… Expand

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7

CoreGamer1408Oct 24, 2021

I had a choice buy one DVD copy of Derp Fate or buy T1/T2 for the same price on DVD. No real contest hey lol. Modern films are mostly trash. So how does a DVD re-watch of a 80's film hold up in 2021? Well it is a film of it's time. Some ofI had a choice buy one DVD copy of Derp Fate or buy T1/T2 for the same price on DVD. No real contest hey lol. Modern films are mostly trash. So how does a DVD re-watch of a 80's film hold up in 2021? Well it is a film of it's time. Some of the effects don't hold up. The movie has a whole low budget TV feel to it all. The performances are all fine. Story is well outthere, but in good way. Fun 80's action movie for sure. T1/T2 even Salavation plus the game Resitance are my Terminator head cannon. The rest of the T-movies can burn for all I care. T2 is where it all should of stopped.… Expand

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7

Boonie2000Jun 14, 2019

Cult movie. If I remind myself movies with Arnold Schwarzenegger this comes to my mind immediately!

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7

FilipeNetoJan 29, 2021

This film is one of the action classics that has never left the TV since it premiered. It started a cinematographic franchise that developed later and has been one of the most dystopian visions of the future of humanity in cinema: anThis film is one of the action classics that has never left the TV since it premiered. It started a cinematographic franchise that developed later and has been one of the most dystopian visions of the future of humanity in cinema: an extermination war between humans and machines.

In this film, Sarah Connor is a young girl like so many others. However, she is the target of a dark killer, who will not stop until she is killed. When he is about to succeed, another man appears, saves her and tells him the truth: the killer is actually a complex machine, sent to the past to kill her before she can give birth to a guerrilla commander who, fifty years from then, will lead the war against machines.

If it is action that we are looking for, this film takes that expectation seriously: what it offers us is pure and hard action, from start to finish. It's full of normal and welcome elements in films like this: destroyed cars, car chases, police cars, exploding trucks, highway shootings, high-speed cars. Okay, these folks in the Eighties and Nineties don't seem to be able to design an action movie without destroying cars! Nothing against it, but it is something that I found curious. I particularly liked the shooting sequence at the police station, and the ending, at the factory, is just as memorable.

Linda Hamilton is the most interesting actress in the cast. She is a good actress, and shows talent in the scenes where she is allowed to. I say this because the film was not nice to her: the only thing she does most of the time is to be in danger and to look scared and confused. Still, she did it sincerely. Michael Biehn has more time and opportunities to show what is worth, and he too was extremely competent in his work. But it is Arnold Schwarzenegger who takes the rug off them and makes the film iconic. The film is still from that time when he was just a muscle mountain, hard as steel, with a strong, barely disguised, German accent. He couldn't be better, and it's hard to imagine another actor for the role.

James Cameron ensures an inspired direction. He knew how to guide his team and get the best out of his cast. Being a 1984 film, I was expecting something different, much more dated and looking ugly, as many films of that decade seem to be now. However, I was very impressed: cinematography is beautiful and the film is sharp and excellently filmed; sets and costumes are, of course, a reflection of the time, but that was to be expected. What about visual and special effects? Okay, I'm willing to concede that they seem archaic to our eyes, but here the fault is ours. James Cameron is an effects expert and used the best there was... in 1984. And in fact, considering it's age, special effects will look much more magnificent. Before finishing, a word of praise for the main theme of the soundtrack designed by Brad Fiedel in synthesizer: undoubtedly, one of the most striking soundtracks for action cinema.… Expand

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7

Toasty87Jul 12, 2020

Slow in some parts very slow in others but brilliant everywhere else .

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7

AmiristosMar 4, 2021

Personally I believe that the action in the first terminator is not as good as in 2 or 3. This movie is more about creating the template for feature terminators and it does it really good. CGI and actions scenes are too good for 1984 andPersonally I believe that the action in the first terminator is not as good as in 2 or 3. This movie is more about creating the template for feature terminators and it does it really good. CGI and actions scenes are too good for 1984 and nobody can doubt that..All in all very good introduction to terminator movies..Nice job… Expand

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7

MaddoxWhiteApr 25, 2021

A pretty decent action movie...weird how much better the sequel is, though.

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7

royalguy07Feb 24, 2023

A fun time, wasn't quite feeling it as a definitive classic but I enjoyed it from start to finish. Arnold needed just a little more to do.

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7

AlexXiloJul 17, 2023

A very solid sci fi action/drama film, Arnold did a great performance with all the other actors included.

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6

TyranianApr 14, 2019

Pretty good SciFi action with Arnie and some cool stuff though its dated a bit visually.

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6

alexandreaDec 1, 2021

Not as good as I remembered it being when I was a kid. I wish I could watch it again with those eyes

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6

zNeverSleepingSep 29, 2020

Pode se dizer que "The Terminator" é um clássico. Conceito maneiro, premissa intrigante, um antagonista Badass e momentos icônicos fazem desse filme memorável. Mas depois de 36 anos, qual a visão primaria que alguém como eu tem ao assisti-loPode se dizer que "The Terminator" é um clássico. Conceito maneiro, premissa intrigante, um antagonista Badass e momentos icônicos fazem desse filme memorável. Mas depois de 36 anos, qual a visão primaria que alguém como eu tem ao assisti-lo pela primeira vez?

É inegável que a direção é atenta, brincando muito bem com subversão de conceitos e clichês. A lore é bem explorada, com bons diálogos expositivos e uma possibilidade de ramificação enorme. A caracterização do pequeno universo apresentado também é muito legal, com figurinos e maquiagem muito bem feitos. Os efeitos práticos foram uma boa tentativa na época, mas envelheceram muito mal, ficando claro que o que estamos vendo é um boneco, ou um "projeto de CGI".

A interpretação do Arnold Schwarzenegger é muito icônica, assim como suas falas, modo de andar e figurino. Não posso dizer o mesmo dos outros personagens, que não me convenceram, soando bem desinteressantes. Inclusive, não gostei da performance de Linda Hamilton, que parecia um pouco perdida em cenas dramáticas, mas não posso cobrar muito dela, pois sua personagem é fraquíssima, sendo muito mal escrita e desenvolvida. Já Edward Furlong esteve no modo automático por todo o filme.

Quanto aos aspectos técnicos, a mixagem de som soa muito forçada, o que atrapalha muito a experiencia. A imersão espacial se perde em diversos momentos, o que tira um pouco do aprofundamento na cena. A edição de áudio é tão ruim quanto, ficando muito aparente quando algo era adicionado na pós-edição. Tanto a fotografia quanto a OST não me chamaram atenção.

Dito isso, acredito que vale sim a pena ver a obra, mas sem expectativas altas, pois você se decepcionará facilmente.

Audio: English, with original subtitles. Zenfone Earphones [DTS 5.1]
Quality: 1080p SDR [Bluray]… Expand

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5

FloroOct 17, 2021

I think it has a very predictable plot but you can kind of enjoy the fast-paced action sequences.

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4

SpangleJun 26, 2014

Just could not get into this one. The premise is interesting and the thrills are certainly there for the most part, but all I saw was an overhyped movie that is like many things we see today; a movie with an interesting premise that getsJust could not get into this one. The premise is interesting and the thrills are certainly there for the most part, but all I saw was an overhyped movie that is like many things we see today; a movie with an interesting premise that gets drowned out by needless explosions and countless shootouts. I think this one would be well served if there were less of those action elements and more of the sci-fi and human drama that could really carry this one. I am not advocating removing all of the action elements, but use them less as it is numbing by the end of the film and you barely care about what is going on. There are certainly great moments, in particular the end of the film, but that is not action, rather it is the sci-fi/human drama element I like the most of this one. Sadly, those moments are few and far between, as the action dominates the screen and kills the rest. However, the action sequences are well put together and the sci-fi/human drama parts are great, so this one is not a total failure, but I thought I would like it a lot more than I did.… Expand

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4

PetitBikiniOct 29, 2016

I do not like "The Terminator". It is one of those films that were great when they came out but over time, they've aged terribly. Some films like "Casablanca" age well through time and get better each time you watch it. This is not the caseI do not like "The Terminator". It is one of those films that were great when they came out but over time, they've aged terribly. Some films like "Casablanca" age well through time and get better each time you watch it. This is not the case with "The Terminator".… Expand

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2

Trev29Dec 18, 2012

What a horrible piece of dung. Everything that was funny, was clearly not intended to be. The story and acting are pretty worthless and pitiful. I wish this series never would have started to begin with, as the others are pretty meaningless also.

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1

csw12Dec 18, 2012

It has 1 or two funny lines that probably arent' suppose to be funny but otherwise you have slow, repetitive pile of junk, that has acting below par and a movie that should have been terminated from the beginning.

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0

JaredCJul 2, 2007

"I am the Terminator," what agay type of movie this is. Sure some of the action scenes were pretty sweet but overall the movie totally completely sucked. Thumbs down for James Cameron.

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The Terminator

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