Terminator Dark Fate review

The 20 year wait is over for a decent Terminator sequel.

Tim Miller’s Terminator Dark fate lacks for originality but is a solid follow up from that lesser known film that James Cameron made, called Terminator 2 Judgement Day…that was sarcasm. The plot takes place 27 years after Judgement day, we see a modified terminator (Gabriel Luna) sent from the future by skynet to terminate Dani Ramos (Natalia Reyes) and a hybrid cyborg human, (Mackenzie Davis). It is up to the franchise’s beloved action heroes, Sarah Conor (Linda Hamilton) and the Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) to save the day. It is unjustified to compare this film to Terminator 2 Judgement Day. I believe many critics and fans have fallen into the trap of thinking that if a terminator sequel doesn’t live up to the quality of the 2nd film, then it’s a failure. I’m here to review this film as its own separate piece, whilst being connected to the franchise. 

After 3 failed sequels, it is safe to say that paramount took a financial risk with this film.  The last one, Terminator Genisys, took a drastic approach with the timeline, which left audiences feeling confused. The plot for this film is very straight forward and is practically a carbon copy of Terminator 2. This is both good and bad, I will get this point later.  Tim Miller comes from an impressive background when it comes to visual effects and action sequences.  He proved to be a good director of action with Deadpool (2016) and an impressive visual artist with Scott Pilgrim vs the World (2010). He implements the franchise’s best action sequences since the 2nd film. The action sequences from the previous sequels felt wooden, but the action here is progressive and exciting. You feel as if every action set piece is handled with high intensity. The producers clearly had a straight forward approach to the films action scenes and story, it’s basically a chase film.  As a fan, this is what we have been waiting for, although it does feel too familiar and predictable at times.

The film has helmed an impressive production crew, with James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger returning, but Linda Hamilton has clearly been the missing piece of the puzzle. She gives a performance as if she never left the franchise. She understands this character so well and still proves to be a convincing action hero. Talking of bad-ass action stars, new comers Mackenze Davis and Natalia Reyes have bright futures in the action field. They both pull of their roles with ease.  Hollywood action veteran, Arnold Scharweznegger, reprises his role as a father figure. After analyzing his performance, I never knew a terminator could pull off comedic dialogue this well. You have seen the film, you know what I mean.

Its rather diffulcult to review this film without spoilers. There are certain story choices that were frustrating, there are a lot of ‘what if’s’, which may leave audiences unfulfilled. As a straight follow up from the 2nd film, it’s solid and at this point, that’s all I was asking for. I give Terminator Dark Fate 4/5.

Rambo Last Blood Review

Rambo comes home

It has been 7 years since Adrian Grunberg’s diretorial debut, Get The Gringo (2012) hit screens and this time he takes on one of the biggest and longest serving action franchises of all time, in Rambo Last Blood. The story follows an isolated and tortured John Rambo, who settles on a ranch with close relatives Maria and her teenage granddaughter Gabriela. When Gabriela gets kidnapped from ruthless Drug leaders, Rambo sets on a bloody path of vengeance.

This plot has been recycled for years in the action genre. Taken (2008) is the only film that has pulled it off, since then we have witnessed numerous failed rip off’s. However, this recycled formula actually works for this sequel. Family is a theme that we haven’t seen in this franchise, it reminds us that Rambo is much more than a stoic killing machine, he has a heart and this film touches on that on a few surprisingly tearful moments between him and Gabriella. Family was a clear theme that the producers went with when making the film. Therefore, the film feels the most personal since the first. This is very refreshing to see as Rambo First Blood part 2 (1985), Rambo 3 (1988) and to some extent, Rambo (2008) all had ridiculously over the top action set pieces that could only realistically exist in an animated series. The action here is still over the top but it feels more grounded because of the storyline.

With a run time of 1 hour 39 mins, It harkens back to First Blood (1982) with its dramatic elements as well as the excellent choice to have Rambo build tunnels and set traps for the inevitably violent third act. It reminds us, the audience of those intense tunnel scenes from the first film. We also have Brian Tyler returning to compose the music. He repeats most of the music treads, but this time it packs a greater punch. The tracks, ‘coming home’ and ‘preparing for war’ capture the core themes that this film is built on.

As for the final act, it’s flawless. Its well time and planned both by Rambo and the production crew. It contains a claustrophobic intensity as well as a smart back and off with the main villain, Hugo Martinez. As a Rambo fan, this film delivers everything that you would hope for. Yes, This film is predictable and generic in the action genre and if this film wasn’t a Rambo film, I would probably bash it. However, Adrian Grunberg seems to have given this franchise a needed lift, whilst leaving us with a satisfying ending that leaves room for further instalments.

To conclude, Adrian Grunberg delivers a recycled yet heartfelt, realistic action heavy Rambo film that serves the character justice and leaves us wanting more. I give Rambo Last Blood 4/5

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