I watched Terminator: Dark Fate and I didn’t like it. 2/5
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Terminator: Dark Fate, released in 2019, is the latest attempt to revitalize the Terminator franchise. Directed by Tim Miller and featuring the return of Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor and Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Terminator, the film aims to serve as a direct sequel to Terminator 2: Judgment Day, disregarding the events of the intervening films. While Dark Fate boasts impressive action sequences and a few standout performances, it ultimately falls short due to a lack of originality, weak storytelling, and a failure to recapture the magic of the earlier films.
The film picks up years after the events of Terminator 2, introducing a new enhanced Terminator, the Rev-9 (Gabriel Luna), sent from the future to terminate a young woman named Dani Ramos (Natalia Reyes). Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) returns to aid Dani, joined by an enhanced human soldier named Grace (Mackenzie Davis) and an aging Terminator known as Carl (Arnold Schwarzenegger). Together, they must protect Dani and prevent the rise of a new AI threat. However, the film’s execution fails to deliver the excitement and emotional depth of its predecessors.
One of the biggest drawbacks of Terminator: Dark Fate is its lack of originality. The film feels like a rehash of previous Terminator installments, recycling plot elements and character arcs that we’ve seen before. Despite introducing new characters and a fresh threat, Dark Fate fails to bring anything truly innovative to the table. The narrative feels formulaic and predictable, lacking the surprises and twists that made the earlier films so memorable.
While Linda Hamilton delivers a strong performance as Sarah Connor, the new characters fail to leave a lasting impact. Natalia Reyes as Dani Ramos lacks the depth and charisma needed to carry the weight of the story. Mackenzie Davis as Grace brings physicality to her role but is limited by underdeveloped character arcs and weak dialogue. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s return as the Terminator adds some nostalgic charm, but his character’s development feels contrived and lacks the emotional depth seen in previous films.
The action sequences in Terminator: Dark Fate are undeniably impressive, with intense gunfights and high-stakes chases. Tim Miller’s direction keeps the pace brisk and delivers visually stunning set pieces. However, the frenetic action often overshadows the storytelling, resulting in a film that relies heavily on spectacle rather than a compelling narrative. The emphasis on CGI-driven sequences can detract from the human element and emotional resonance that made the earlier Terminator films so captivating.
The film’s attempts at humor and levity also fall flat. The banter between characters feels forced and out of place, undermining the seriousness of the situation. The quips and one-liners often land with a thud, failing to generate genuine laughs or add depth to the characters. This tonal inconsistency hampers the overall impact of the film and prevents viewers from fully investing in the story and its stakes.
In conclusion, Terminator: Dark Fate receives a 2/5 rating due to its lack of originality, weak character development, and reliance on spectacle over substance. While Linda Hamilton’s return as Sarah Connor and the impressive action sequences offer fleeting moments of enjoyment, the film fails to recapture the magic and impact of its predecessors. Terminator: Dark Fate falls short of the high expectations set by the earlier films in the franchise, ultimately leaving audiences with a sense of missed potential and a longing for the glory days of the Terminator series.