The Slow Death of the Terminator Franchise

Summary

The video explores the impact of the first two 'Terminator' films, highlighting how they propelled Arnold Schwarzenegger to stardom and became iconic action movies. It critiques the franchise's subsequent installments, noting their mixed reception and diminishing demand, particularly after the box office failure of 'Dark Fate.' The creator also praises the underrated 'Sarah Connor Chronicles' for its deeper exploration of the characters, contrasting it with the weaker film sequels. Overall, the video discusses the highs and lows of the Terminator franchise and offers reflections on its legacy.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The first two Terminator films had a massive impact, defining Arnold Schwarzenegger's career and establishing his stardom.
• 💥 T2: Judgment Day is one of the best action movies and Hollywood blockbusters of the 90s, managing to expand upon its predecessor successfully.
• 📉 The Terminator franchise has had a mixed reception since T2, with some films being mediocre, hidden gems, or outright failures.
• 📅 James Cameron was inspired to create the first Terminator film after a dream and worked hard to gain control over his projects after working on lower-budget films.
• 🎶 The first Terminator film has a unique stripped-down synth soundtrack and memorable visual effects, particularly the stop-motion, which enhances the Terminator’s eerie movement.
• 👨‍🎤 Schwarzenegger’s shift from villain to hero in T2 was groundbreaking, and Linda Hamilton’s performance in T2 was a major step up from the first film.
• 👾 The franchise struggles with subsequent films, with T3 being a step down but still offering a tense and bold final act.
• ⚔️ Terminator Salvation attempted to move the franchise forward with a new direction but ultimately fell short due to flat characters and a weak script.
• 💥 Terminator Genesis is considered one of the worst entries in the franchise due to its confusing storyline and poor casting choices.
• 📺 The Sarah Connor Chronicles TV show is the best on-screen continuation of T2, with strong character development and a fresh take on the Terminator universe.

Q & A

What impact did the first two Terminator films have on Arnold Schwarzenegger's career?

The first two Terminator films were career-defining for Arnold Schwarzenegger, especially the first film, which launched him into decades of stardom and became the character he's most associated with.

How did 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day' differentiate itself from the original film?

'Terminator 2: Judgment Day' aimed to be bigger and more bombastic than the original film, and it succeeded with flying colors, becoming one of the best action movies of the 1990s and a classic Hollywood summer blockbuster.

How does the video creator feel about the Terminator series after 'T2: Judgment Day'?

The creator believes the Terminator series after 'T2' has been a mixed bag, with some mediocre films, hidden gems, and outright terrible movies. He mentions that the demand for new entries in the franchise is at an all-time low after the failure of 'Dark Fate.'

What inspired James Cameron to create the original 'Terminator' film?

James Cameron was inspired by his work with B-movie production genius Roger Corman, a dream he had about a metal skeleton emerging from flames, and an old episode of 'The Outer Limits' titled 'Soldier.'

What was the speaker's first exposure to the Terminator franchise?

The speaker's first exposure to the Terminator franchise was through 'T2 3D: Battle Across Time' at Universal Studios when he was 10 years old. This led him to watch the movies, where he was surprised by the menacing portrayal of the Terminator in the original film.

How does the creator compare the first two Terminator movies?

The creator feels 'T2' is a slicker, more refined movie, but he has a deep appreciation for the original 'Terminator,' especially its haunting atmosphere and unique stop-motion effects, which still hold up today.

What are the creator's thoughts on the portrayal of John Connor and the T-1000 in 'T2'?

The creator acknowledges that Edward Furlong, who played John Connor, is often seen as the weak link in 'T2,' but he believes Furlong's performance fit the character. The T-1000, played by Robert Patrick, is praised as a standout, being so memorable and creepy that future films struggled to let go of that character type.

How does 'Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines' compare to the earlier films?

While 'Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines' is a clear step down from the first two films, the creator was surprised by how much he enjoyed it, particularly its bleak final 20 minutes. However, he criticized Nick Stahl's portrayal of John Connor and felt the new Terminator character didn't live up to the T-1000.

Why does the creator feel 'Terminator: Salvation' was a missed opportunity?

The creator feels 'Terminator: Salvation' tried to shake things up and move the franchise forward, but ultimately it fell flat due to a lackluster script, aesthetic choices, and miscasting. While watchable, it failed to rise above mediocrity.

What is the creator's opinion on 'Terminator: Dark Fate' and how it compares to earlier films?

The creator doesn't think 'Terminator: Dark Fate' is awful, but he believes it's too little too late for the franchise. The film lacks a strong identity, has visually dull action sequences, and suffers from an over-reliance on CGI, making the climax feel weightless compared to earlier films like 'T2.'