Terminator: Dark Fate (2019) Non-Spoiler Film Review: It's Back And Better Than Ever!

The "Terminator" franchise is one that people have became hostile towards in recent years. Although the first two films are considered timeless classics, the other sequels have been tarnished and slammed by everyone. The reputation has been so bad that when news of the latest installment having James Cameron and Linda Hamilton returning, people would find things to hate on, such as the female cast or claiming that Cameron is a bad filmmaker. However, I was always excited for this film and my expectations were highly met. Taking place 25 years after "Judgement Day", a new Terminator model, Rev-9, is sent back to Mexico City to kill Dani Ramos, though an enhanced soldier is sent back to protect her. They are joined by Sarah Connor, as her entire life has been dedicated to killing any Terminators sent throughout time in order to give her life meaning, after realizing that killing Skynet just replaced itself with a new A.I and a new war against machines. Yes, it is a repeated formula from the franchise, but then again, it's pretty ignorant to claim that this is bad and yet the MCU franchise is fine to repeat the same formula beats in the genre. The story though gets creative for its subversions and choices in the lore and mythology. This can cause people to claim that the film "destroys" the franchise, but I see it as a welcome change. The tone is also perfectly handled to feel like the first two films. It has jokes, but it doesn't try to make you laugh. It can be dark, but not to the point of hopelessness. While the screenplay is well done overall, some lines can be a bit cringe and poorly delivered by the actors, though it's not a huge flaw that ruins the movie. The film feels like classic Terminator to say the least.

Linda Hamilton is once again amazing as Sarah Connor, who is clearly the best character in the film. Not only does Hamilton bring the character back to life with her talents, but Sarah is given plenty to do with her new character arc and position in the story. Grace, played by Mackenzie Davis, is surprisingly well-acted and written as a character as her backstory and personality is interesting in the series. Dani, played by Natalia Ramos, is perhaps the weakest actor of the main trio due to some awkward line delivery, but her acting is pretty solid and her progression in the story feels natural. Arnold Schwarzenegger returns to play another T-800, who's personality is once again slightly different per installment. Although I love his performance in the second film as an obedient bodyguard, I think this is his best performance in the franchise as he not only continue to give out a badass nature, but the personality of this model is very unique and bold that can polarize audiences, but for me, is very engaging. Lastly, there's Gabriel Luna as the Rev-9, who I really felt was nicely casted. He looks normal, but can be menacing. He's ruthless, but has the awareness of how to act around people in order to infiltrate. He's no Robert Patrick, but he comes very close. The characters and acting overall are very good and actually made me care for the new cast of characters.

Although James Cameron isn't directing, Tim Miller did the best job possible. Watching the film, you can tell that it's from the same guy who directed "Deadpool", as it has a very unpolished, grounded feel to the film. The camerawork feels both professional and cinematic in its action, but indie-like in the slower moments. The film does lack colour, with the daytime scenes being dirty and gritty, while the nighttime scenes is very dark and foreboding. It might be considered poor choice of colour grading, but I feel that it fits with the film and tone. The setting of Mexico City also helps the palette more understandable. Speaking of the setting, I love the choice for the first half of the film to be set in Mexico, as we see the locals speak their native tongue and it gives off a more different vibe than being set in LA compared to the prior films. The action is very fun to watch, utilizing both stunts and CGI. The action is just very satisfying to watch as the gunplay and close combat is just pleasing to the senses. The visual effects are good for the most part. The best effect by far are the de-aging effects used in the first scene of the film. However, the effects don't try to look realistic, which is impossible since the film has the unpolished, dirty look to it that CGI will be easy to spot. Not every effect is great, particularly the Rev-9 jumping around, but it is adequate. If there is one thing that's disappointing, it's the score by Junkie XL. While I love the renditions of the classical themes of the franchise, the rest of the soundtrack is pretty forgettable. It just makes you long for Brad Fidel to come out of his retirement. But, Miller managed to showcase the best directing in the franchise that can rival Cameron any day.

"Terminator: Dark Fate" is clearly the best sequel since T2, and is worthy for carrying the Terminator name. Despite some rough CGI, lackluster score, and some awkward lines, the new take on the story, characters, action, direction, and closure to the series makes this film one of the best sequels in recent years. Surprisingly, it is my 2nd favourite film of the franchise, beating out the first film, but not surpassing T2. I might get hate for my opinion, but I still enjoy the first film, I just have issues with the overabundance of exposition and the slow pace, which doesn't hold up the more times I watch. The film was never meant to be superior to "Judgement Day", but rather be the redemption for the franchise, similarly to the characters of Sarah Conner and the T-800 in the film.

Verdict: 8/10. Has some issues, but the stuff that's good is really, freaking good. Watch if you love the franchise or if you need to see an action blockbuster.