Grade: B+ “Terminator: Dark Fate” is finally here!!!

Back in the summer of 1991, I was eight years old and everyone was talking about “Terminator 2: Judgement Day.” People who saw the movie could not stop talking about the cutting edge CGI that was presented alongside a thrilling story. I was sold and I had to see the movie. The only problem was that I was too young to see an “R” rated movie at the time. Also, my parents had a hard time giving me their blessing to see the movie so I figured I would just wait until “Terminator 2” hit VHS and see the classic movie. Once it finally hit VHS, my neighbor got a copy and invited me over to watch the coveted movie. Of course, I had to beg my parents for their permission because it was the first “R” rated movie that I had seen. They caved and, to this day, I still get chills watching Arnold battle the T-1000 with a creepy blue hue. “Terminator 2: Judgement Day” did scare me at a young age but I couldn’t look away because I was so entertained. Linda Hamilton in the mental hospital probably gave me a few nightmares back then, but I was so transfixed on the incredible action sequences and liquid metal CGI, they were worth the few sleepless nights. I will never forget how terrified I was while watching John Connor escape the T-1000 in the mall. It was such a memorable scene, that leads to an iconic chase! What it boils down to, I have so many memories attached to “Terminator 2: Judgement Day,” I will see any Terminator movie that gets released. I am a fan of the iconic franchise and I could not wait to see “Terminator: Dark Fate” the moment I saw the trailer. 

“Terminator: Dark Fate” is once again written by James Cameron. Cameron directed “Terminator 2: Judgement Day” and after the sub-par Terminator movies we have had since “T2,” fans are very happy to have him return to the franchise. “Terminator: Dark Fate” is about a young girl named Dani who has a similar storyline to John Connor. The young girl leads the human resistance in the future and a new terminator is sent to kill her. Grace (played by Mackenzie Davis) and Sarah Connor (played by Linda Hamilton) are tasked to protect Dani at all costs from the deadly terminator trying to kill her. 

You can tell that “Terminator: Dark Fate” is trying to get back to its roots because the REV-9 terminator (played by Gabriel Luna) tries to give a performance like Robert Patrick’s T-1000. In general, the movie had a very similar feel to “T2.” It boasts impressive CGI throughout the movie and it also has a great story to keep the moviegoers entertained. “Dark Fate” also has an impressive car chase along a Mexico highway. 

Mackenzie Davis does a great job as the new terminator, Grace. Davis knows how to kick ass on screen and you can really tell that she wanted to end her enemy on screen, the REV-9. Schwarzenegger is only in the second half of the two hour and eight minute movie but when he is on screen, it takes you back to the “T2” days! 

I saw it on an IMAX screen with a stellar sound system that really enhanced the iconic musical score as the terminators were doing battle. It was so much fun!

Definitely go see “Terminator: Dark Fate” on the biggest and loudest screen you can possibly find. You and your friends will be highly entertained, especially if you are a fan of the franchise. Terminator is finally back and I will be back for the next installment!