THE much-anticipated post-apocalyptic Terminator trilogy gets off to an explosive start in the action sci-fi thriller Terminator Salvation.
After 2003’s third instalment did not live up to its name of Rise of the Machines, with an unsatisfactory machine count and very little “rising” going on, fans finally get to enjoy a range of demonic death-dealing machines.
The film starts in the present day, with condemned killer Marcus Wright (WA’s Sam Worthington) talked into handing over his body for research by ex-Cyberdyne Systems scientist Dr Serena Kogan (Helena Bonham-Carter).
Skip forward to 2018 and we see the earth devastated from evil computer network Skynet’s Judgement Day nuclear attacks.
Pockets of resistance do their best to avoid the terminators roaming the land to eradicate the survivors, while trying to come up with a way to take back the planet from the machines.
Resistance fighter John Connor (Christian Bale) takes part in an ill-fated strike against a machine installation, but gains vital information at the cost of the lives of his comrades.
At the same time, Wright awakens 15 years after his execution to find himself wandering the wasteland with no knowledge of humanity’s downfall, or of why he has come back to life.
Landing this role is a real coup for Worthington, who brings an undeniable charisma to the screen in his portrayal of the hardened Wright, and gains equal billing alongside established leading man Bale.
Another star of the film is the design of the machines such as the bulky skull-faced T-600s, malevolent eel-like water dwellers and a giant terminator that dispenses terminator bikers.
The T-800 that appeared in the first Terminator film also makes an appearance with a cameo from you-know-who.
Terminator Salvation is a visual feast throughout, with a highlight in the stunning images of a devastated Los Angeles.
It is also action-driven from start to finish and doesn’t overstay its welcome, clocking in at just less than two hours.
Much of the film comes across as a sort or cross between War of the Worlds and Mad Max, but with the rich mythology of the Terminator franchise.
As it builds towards a climax, the audience is asked to swallow more and more implausible plot developments, but it is such a thrilling ride that this doesn’t seem too big an ask.
When you think about it, the whole time travel/changing the future from the past premise doesn’t really stand up to logical scrutiny, so who cares if the film pushes the bounds of believability in other ways?
Terminator Salvation is just the salvation that fans of the franchise have been waiting for.
Terminator Salvation
Directed by: McG
Starring: Christian Bale, Sam Worthington
Rating: four stars (115 minutes)
Opens: June 4