Series gets closer to its original target
With the exception of X-Men, no film franchise’s time line has been messed about with as much as Terminator’s.
And as well as needing a PHD to try and explain developments since the first two movies, audiences and critics have greeted each entry since with increasing apathy and frustration.
As a result, excitement levels for Dark Fate were minimal, especially as we’d been given the “this is the best one since Judgment Day” and “oh, but James Cameron is heavily involved this time” spiel ahead of the substandard Genisys’ 2015 release.
Thankfully, this sixth outing improves on its three immediate predecessors – but still falls way short of the seminal first two flicks.
Incredibly this is only the second big screen directorial effort by Tim Miller; however, given his debut was comic book hit Deadpool, he has already busted a few blocks.
One thing Dark Fate nails is its set-pieces; mixing practical and digital effects, there’s a bonerattling beauty and intensity to the action rarely seen since T2.
Callbacks to that first sequel abound – not least in the fact the script, which included contributions from no fewer than six writers, treats the last three entries like they don’t exist.
There’s also a return for Linda Hamilton’s Sarah Connor who, while in great physical shape, is outshone by the fantastic Mackenzie Davis (Grace) and Natalia Reyes (Dani).
Gabriel Luna’s antagonist is a dangerous upgrade on T2’s T-1000 and the mix of desert dust and sleek silver-coated colour palettes screams Judgment Day homage.
But what of Arnie? Back again – for a fifth time – he’s at his best in the role since T2; grizzled and reflective, the 72-year-old also stays mostly clear of the ill-advised comedic moments found in Rise of the Machines and Genisys.
Like the previous two outings the climax hints at more to come – and hopefully there is, within this time line, as although Dark Fate isn’t vintage Terminator, the franchise is on its soundest footing in decades.
Ari Aster follows Hereditary with another slow-burn, tensionriddled terror trip.
While too long, the acting is first rate and the sharp shocks play out in blinding daylight.