One word describes this latest installment of the ‘Terminator’ movie franchise: upgrades. Linda Hamilton is back playing Sarah Connor and Arnold Schwarzenegger is back playing his previous terminator character, but they are joined by a new cast of characters who add a different future to this blockbuster franchise. Age has caught up with Sarah Connor and Schwarzenegger’s terminator, but that doesn’t stop them from trying to prevent a future ruled by machines. That much remains the same. The reset of the story is all upgraded to move the franchise further to its future destination.
As per usual, a terminator from the future is sent to the present to prevent threats to its rule from ever existing. Not surprisingly, Sarah and Arnold’s terminator are ready for this eventuality. Joining them in the mix are new characters: Grace (portrayed by Mackenzie Davis) and Daniella ‘Dani’ Ramos (portrayed by Natalia Reyes). Portraying the new model terminator from the future is Gabriel Luna. The result is an action-packed science fiction thriller with the fate of humanity at stake.
Just when you thought we have seen the best that future technology has to offer in this movie franchise, we are given a feast of a lot of new tech. As a fan of cyberpunk role-playing games, I was very giddy in hearing the terminology and seeing the new cybernetic enhancements they incorporated in the film. The blend of already known machinery as shown in previous installments of ‘Terminator’ meshed perfectly well with the new cybertech. The machines of ‘Terminator’ have been known to adapt and evolve. That comes into full display here.
Though Hamilton and Schwarzenegger’s characters have aged, they have aged so gracefully to the point that they can keep up with Dani and Grace to go up against the new terminator threat. The action in ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’ is crazy good, and you will see new stunts and scenarios not visualized with such grandeur in previous installments of the franchise. The movie gives you enough time to breathe before assaulting you with another round of great action sequences.
Nonetheless, the story provides us with an interesting question to ponder: do we let our fate be decided or do we decide our own fate? ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’ suggests that we choose our own destiny, no matter how dark a fate looms before us.What we do now can most assuredly change future events. Neither can we let the past dictate our future. The film stresses the importance of present events in moving on from the past and moving forward to a future of our own design. These thoughts in themselves create a beautiful message that complements the cinematic feast that ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’ is. As a result, you have one entertaining story that will keep you at the edge of your seat.
If you’re a fan of the ‘Terminator’ franchise, watch this film. If you’re a fan of great action-packed science fiction, this is the movie for you, as well. Prepare to enter the dystopian reality that is ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’. The movie is now showing in cinemas.
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