Terminator Franchise (1984-∞)

[mfunk9786]

Hamilton's believable yet still amazing physical and psychological transformation between the first film and the second is still one of the more impressive and unique ways in which a sequel progressed and expanded its universe in a compelling way that made the sequel feel worth having been made (and possibly better than the first). I would hope that if this is done right, Hamilton (and Schwarzenegger) could be used in an interesting manner that replicates even some of that vibe from the shift from the first to second films. Doesn't seem likely, but I'm open to being surprised.

[knives]

Considering some of his recent roles I have to imagine there will be at least some critique of the T-800 in the sequel which could be interesting.

[mfunk9786]

Slated for release July 26th, 2019

[Morbii]

Looks like the 4K T2 blu-ray has been pushed back (again). Amazon is estimating Dec. 31st 2018 now.

Also listed as “currently unavailable” on amazon. This doesn’t bode well.

[MichaelB]

Going from feedback from a friend with a review copy, it makes Predator look like a model of accurate grain preservation. I can only hope that the delay is so they can redo it properly, but I’m not overly optimistic.

[flyonthewall2983]

The two biggest issues most videophiles will have with this new release are the near absence of organic looking film grain and some tweaks to the palette that, for example, add a kind of greenish-teal tone to several scenes that never had them before

[colinr0380]

I keep regularly checking YouTube to see if it turns up and finally someone has uploaded Robert McKee's fantastic introduction to The Terminator in his Filmworks season for the BBC back in 1993. This one piece did a lot to introduce me to critical thinking about films, and that even 'pure entertainment' pieces can have aspects that are worth exploring in more detail. I particularly like McKee's comment about the difference between a hero and a villain (which was only strengthened in T2), and the comparison of the structure of the film to that of Greek myth!

[DarkImbecile]

Terminator: Dark Fate trailer

[mfunk9786]

Looks bad!

[ivuernis]

Terminator: Dark Fate trailer

That was underwhelming.

[domino harvey]

Why would anyone need to cover a Bjork song to be “dark and spooky,” it’s already there— extra work to retread something for lesser results? Hmm, I feel like there’s a parallel here but can’t quite put my regenerating liquid metal exoskeleton finger on it

[swo17]

Even the CG in the Björk video is better!

[willoneill]

My impression from that teaser is that Arnold is barely in this, in which case ... what’s the point?

[tenia]

My impression from that teaser is that Arnold is barely in this, in which case ... what’s the point?

The usual marketing ploy, I guess.

[Finch]

Cameron has long ceased to be a good filmmaker (I'd even go as far as saying the 84 original is his only truly good film) and the so-so impression of this trailer only reinforces that. Yeah, he is only producing but everyone and now this trailer is playing up his involvement as saying it's going to be a return to form because he's more directly involved.

Two things bug me the most: 1) the pandering fan service-y bits like Linda Hamilton in slow motion 2) the Terminator "looking" like another non-White Caucasian after the Korean guy in Genisys.

Now, I checked and Gabriel Luna is actually American of Mexican parentage, and maybe I'm projecting onto the film, but this feels like more "Othering" of non-Caucasian minorities. That said, Imdb credits a second actor, Brett Azar as "T-800" and Arnie as The Terminator as well as Luna, so... Is Luna supposed to be a younger version of Arnold? But if so, why is he going after Mackenzie Davis?

Re the Hunter cover, maybe they thought the Bjoerk original wouldn't gel with the footage or they were cheapskates and got someone to cover it.

[Big Ben]

Why would anyone need to cover a Bjork song to be “dark and spooky,” it’s already there— extra work to retread something for lesser results? Hmm, I feel like there’s a parallel here but can’t quite put my regenerating liquid metal exoskeleton finger on it

It costs less to do a cover version I suppose. See Also: Using a Nirvana cover for Westworld.

[Bumstead]

You're all missing the political genius of Tim Miller: the Mexican T-1000 wreaking havoc in Trump's America!

(Even the CG of the 1991 Terminator 2 was better.)

[Robespierre]

As someone who has actually mostly enjoyed the non-Cameron sequels, this looks pretty bad. Or maybe I just need to rewatch the other sequels for perspective. Linda Hamilton pulling out a bazooka to blow up the latest and greatest Terminator model had me laughing out loud.

[ford]

Now, I checked and Gabriel Luna is actually American of Mexican parentage, and maybe I'm projecting onto the film, but this feels like more "Othering" of non-Caucasian minorities.

I don’t understand your point: you’re saying the role should go to...a white guy?

[flyonthewall2983]

I might be in the minority that T2 was the only good one, being the beneficiary of everything he learned from big-budget filmmaking in the years between his original film and what has to be one of the greatest sequels of all time. The 80's grindhouse aesthetic of the first one didn't do much for me, but the best thing it did was get Cameron Aliens where it proved for awhile (at the very least, in his films for the next decade) he could thrive in that area of action blockbusters.

[Robespierre]

They're releasing it in awards season as well, clearly they have high hopes for it!

[moreorless]

I might be in the minority that T2 was the only good one, being the beneficiary of everything he learned from big-budget filmmaking in the years between his original film and what has to be one of the greatest sequels of all time. The 80's grindhouse aesthetic of the first one didn't do much for me, but the best thing it did was get Cameron Aliens where it proved for awhile (at the very least, in his films for the next decade) he could thrive in that area of action blockbusters.

Honestly I'v found the reverse with time, the original films 80's grime has aged a lot better than Aliens, the latter certainly isn't a bad film but it feels a bit bland visually by comparison and the drama is a bit ham fisted as well relative to both Terminator films.

Honestly though at this stage I think all these sci fi action/horror franchises(Terminator, Alien, Predator) have become weighed down with fan serving lore. Its debateble I spose whether this is damaging the films or whether its more of a cover for poor quality film making but either way I think if any of them carry on they'd be better off rebooted, return to the basic concept and put the film in the hands of a quality director.

[Robespierre]

Wouldn't it be preferable to let these franchises die and have new, original content instead of drudging up Aliens and Terminators and Predators every few years?

[flyonthewall2983]

That'll probably happen soon enough since these recent efforts have not mined enough box office earlier installments did comparatively.

[tenia]

Terminator Genisys pretty much bombed at home but still managed to pull $440m worldwide, so there's that, I guess.
The question is whether or not they've been silly enough to give this new one $150m budget again.
EDIT : estimated between $160 and 200m. These guys are crazy.