The Terminator (1984)

Terminator review

Various movie franchises exist where I suffer from selective memory loss. In my movie mind a second and third Hangover movie don’t exist, Analyze This never got a sequel and after the first Matrix movie only some spectacular outtakes appeared. After the first two Terminator movies it was a shame no others were made. It was time to revisit those two movies, starting with the first one.

Terminator review

The story is wonderful science fiction. The year is 1984 and a robot, The Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger), is sent from the future by machines, who have taken control of the world, to kill Sarah Connor before she will put a son on the earth. who will eventually lead rebels against the machines. The internet didn’t exit yet and using a phonebook he kills every woman with that name until he has gotten to the right one. The person who he’s after hears the news and start to fear for her life. Especially when she realises that a mysterious man seems to be following her.

Terminator review

It might be strange, but when I saw a Terminator movie for the first time it was the spectacular second film. When I saw this part after it disappointed me a bit, probably because my expectation were so high and the movie wouldn’t be able to meet them. After having rewatched it that feeling is different. The story is solid and Schwarzenegger plays one of his most iconic roles. The special effects, which are mostly practical might look dated in some places, but it doesn’t take anything away from the complete feeling this movie manages to evoke. As a viewer you are there with Sarah Connor and her fear being in a strange and surreal situation where she has to try to survive. The feeling of inevitability creeps up on you and doesn’t let go. With its unforgettable one liners, great action and iconic characters The Terminator a science fiction classic.

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31 thoughts on “The Terminator (1984)

  1. This is my favotite Terminator movie.

    I love it because of its budget constraints and tight story. It’s proof positive when you have a good story told well nothing else matters. All the performances are great, including an underrated Michael Biehn.

    Side note, it has one of the most realistic sex scenes in a Hollywood film.

    • I still love the second one more, which I plan on revisiting as well. Yeah, the sex scene felt natural and not as forced or as amazingly beautiful/impossible as in other films 🙂

  2. Another vote for this as the best of the bunch. The second one is great and is prettier to look at but the sense od dread is never quite the same.

    For what its worth, I’m that rare bird that likes T3…I mean, if they ever made one, of course.

    • I understand what you mean, but I still settle for the second one as the best.

      Yeah, if they ever made a third one it would be amazing 😉

  3. I had the same experience as you. Saw T2 first, then this movie. I had the opposite reaction. Linda Hamilton’s badass Connor was that much more effectice for me in T2, when I experienced this movie AFTER. I was shocked how much this feather hair business skirt wearing woman changed in the sequel and watching that journey was amazing. It was like watching a prequel, but not.

    Great Review Nostra.

  4. I have such vivid memories of watching the scene in the police station, where the Terminator is just gunning everyone down. Terrified the bejesus out of me as a kid! And then you’ve got that brilliant love story between Sarah and Kyle. Such a fantastic film.

    • Yeah, that scene is terrifying as it has been shot so well. If even the police can not stop him you know how dangerous this machine really is. Nice to hear you enjoyed it as much as I did.

  5. I totally agree with your point about liking The Terminator more when it’s separated from T2. I’ve found that parts of T2 seem more dated and goofy now, though it’s still very good. The original is such a well-constructed film and packs quite a punch in a shorter running time.

  6. Still one of THE best man-machine film out there. I haven’t seen it in ages but sometimes I watch some of the clips on youtube, they’re still a lot of fun!

  7. T2 is way bigger than the first terminator but then it lacks the intimacy that this first instalment has… it’s a very small story with very big repercussions… my favourite scene: the close-up on the car’s wheel as it crushes the toy…

    • Yeah, they are different movies but both very awesome. I can’t remember that scene….mine probably the attack in the police station although I also like the shot that I’ve used in the review in the disco.

  8. Hi, Nostra:

    Always like the grit, cramped quarters and cinematic chicanery of the original. Even if Michael Biehn had been considered for the role of the ‘Terminator’. The film would not have work nearly as well without Arnold in the lead.

    This and ‘Predator’ are the exact films Arnold should never have strayed from!

    • Yeah, they were really awesome. He has made some questionable movies although any action stuff he is in I can usually enjoy….comedies…not as much.

  9. Good review Nostra. It’s pretty campy, but still works because of how awesome it is. The sequel’s better, but man, they’re both pretty great in their own rights as is.

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