"The Terminators" is a good and NOT so good movie

A wasted opportunity

In the vast universe of science fiction cinema, where the limits of the imagination are infinite, some films manage to remain engraved in the collective memory for their audacity, narrative or simply for capturing the zeitgeist of their time. Then there is The Terminators (2009), a film that, although it has a title that evokes one of the most iconic sagas in cinema, falls short in almost every aspect. For fans of the genre and those looking for an immersive cinematic experience, The Terminators can be a broken mirror that reflects the lack of innovation and excess of conformity in the industry.

Why it is a bad movie: The nonsense of imitation

From the first moment, The Terminators makes its lack of originality evident. The film attempts to capitalize on the success and notoriety of the Terminator saga without bringing anything new to the genre. Directed by Xavier S. Puslowski, this low-budget production seems more like an unintentional parody than a work that attempts to explore or expand the concepts of artificial intelligence and machine rebellion.

The script, a messy amalgam of clichés and predictable situations, fails to generate empathy with the characters or create a cohesive narrative. The attempt to set up a dystopian future where androids rebel against their creators feels empty, lacking any social or philosophical commentary that might resonate with the audience. Unlike its spiritual predecessors, The Terminators does not offer any questions about human nature, technological advancement or destiny, elements that made the original franchise a benchmark.

The cast, made up of actors such as Jeremy London and A. Martinez, does what they can with a weak script, but their performances are undermined by dialogue that seems lifted from a cheap science fiction manual. The lack of depth in the characters is palpable, and the audience finds themselves unable to care about their fate. The direction, lacking vision and style, does not help elevate the material, but rather sinks it further into mediocrity.

Why it is a bad movie: The nonsense of imitation

From the first moment, The Terminators makes its lack of originality evident. The film attempts to capitalize on the success and notoriety of the Terminator saga without bringing anything new to the genre. Directed by Xavier S. Puslowski, this low-budget production seems more like an unintentional parody than a work that attempts to explore or expand the concepts of artificial intelligence and machine rebellion.

The script, a messy amalgam of clichés and predictable situations, fails to generate empathy with the characters or create a cohesive narrative. The attempt to set up a dystopian future where androids rebel against their creators feels empty, lacking any social or philosophical commentary that might resonate with the audience. Unlike its spiritual predecessors, The Terminators does not offer any questions about human nature, technological advancement or destiny, elements that made the original franchise a benchmark.

The cast, made up of actors such as Jeremy London and A. Martinez, does what they can with a weak script, but their performances are undermined by dialogue that seems lifted from a cheap science fiction manual. The lack of depth in the characters is palpable, and the audience finds themselves unable to care about their fate. The direction, lacking vision and style, does not help elevate the material, but rather sinks it further into mediocrity.

Why it's a good movie: Glimmers in the Dark

Despite its numerous shortcomings, The Terminators is not a complete disaster. The film manages, at times, to capture a sense of frenetic action that, although superficial, can be entertaining for those who enjoy unpretentious action. The combat scenes, although clumsy in their execution, have a rhythm that could capture the attention of a less demanding viewer.

Another aspect to highlight is the photography. Despite the evident low budget, the film manages at certain moments to present a visual design that, although derivative, is effective in its atmosphere. The desolate locations and cold color palette contribute to creating a dystopian atmosphere that, although unoriginal, is functional within the context of the film. These visual elements, along with a soundtrack that attempts to imitate the industrial and electronic sounds of its predecessors, add a layer of immersion that, while not enough to save the film, at least makes it tolerable in certain sections.

Important aspects: The mirage of content

The Terminators attempts to emulate what made the Terminator franchise great, but fails to capture the essence that made it memorable. There is no charismatic antagonist like Schwarzenegger's T-800, nor an inspiring hero like Sarah Connor. What's left is an empty attempt to replicate the formula, but without understanding what made it work in the first place. The film is a reminder that, in cinema, it is not enough to copy forms; substance is needed to get the audience emotionally involved.

What makes it not so special: A journey without a destination

At the end of the day, The Terminators is a film struggling to find its own identity in a sea of ​​imitations and unnecessary sequels. It fails to stand out in any significant way, and while it has moments of action that may briefly entertain, it lacks the depth and wit that make a film last in the memory.

It's a bitter reminder that, in movies, the name isn't everything. For those looking for a rich and meaningful cinematic experience, The Terminators will be a disappointment. But for those who just want to spend some time disconnected from reality, without expecting too much, it could be tolerable viewing. In any case, it's a film that, as its title suggests, ends up leaving no lasting mark on the cinematic landscape.