Terminator Salvation (2009) - Movie Review

Terminator Salvation is my second favorite movie of this series. I like it because it actually tells the story of the war between humans and machines, or at least a little part of that war. However, I was a little upset that John Connor (Christian Bale) was not the leader of the human resistance, just a unit leader, but by the end of this installment that will be rectified.

The special effects and graphics are very good. The fight scenes are pretty awesome. The script and plot are very good. I like that the scars on John Connor's face we have come to see on all the actors who have played him are explained.

According to IMDB.com fans have given Terminator Salvation an average score of 6.7 stars. I actually give Terminator Salvation 9 stars, I couldn't wait for the war between humans and machines to be depicted. That is why this is my second favorite of these movies. Perhaps the scores have been so low because time-travel wasn't a part of the script, or was it? How did Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington) die in 2003 and wake up in 2018?

There are many great scenes in this movie that I liked, however, I will only describe three (as usual).

My first favorite scene is when Marcus meets Kyle Reese (Anton Yelchin) and Star (Jadagrace). It's a little sparse as far as action or speaking go, but it is the first time we see Kyle as a teenager. And really it is the first time we have seen this character since the first movie. Although, there was a scene in T2 that didn't make it to the theatrical version where Kyle comes to Sarah in a dream.

The next favorite scene is when Marcus escapes from John Connor's resistance compound. He is helped by Blair Williams (Moon Bloodgood). He has to escape in order to rescue Star and Kyle, but really he has to escape because it has been discovered that he is a Cyborg. But he is not like the Terminators we have come to know. Marcus has a human mind and heart, but everything else is robotic. John Connor goes against everything he believes in in order to save his father, Kyle; John lets Marcus go hoping that Marcus can help save Kyle.

The last favorite scene is when Marcus gives John his heart. Marcus had been a convicted murderer in 2003, and was sentenced to death by lethal injection; which was carried out. However, he was revived by CRS aka Skynet, to infiltrate the resistance. But, Marcus redeems himself, both as a human and a machine by giving John his heart. I believe this is where the salvation comes in. Marcus is the salvation of everything; he helps save Kyle, he helps save John, and he ultimately helps save the resistance.

I almost forgot. Kate Connor (nee Brewster) is played by Bryce Dallas Howard. Bryce is Ron Howard's daughter. I think this was a great casting choice. I have liked everything that I have seen her in. It doesn't hurt that she is a redhead, which is my favorite hair color. Or, more accurately, she is usually a redhead.

These are my thoughts on this damn good movie. What do you think?