Terminator: Genisys: Should you see it? (No spoilers)

First off, I only saw the Terminator films like... Last year, so I may not have the same nostalgia-influenced views as so many people seem to have gained. Please keep in mind that my views on what Terminator "is" is most likely different to pretty much everyone on the internet... I'm just, I'm just gonna review it as a movie.

The Terminator series without a doubt has been an interesting one. With two ground-breaking and innovative films that were to many the pinnacle of cinema, and two less than stellar follow-ups, Terminator: Genisys comes to a world filled with people not knowing what to expect.

With the promise of fresh faces, a new story and the return of Schwarzenegger to his career defining role, Terminator: Genisys sets out to do a lot for not only fans of the series, but audiences worldwide. But does it manage to deliver? Well let me say... He's back. (sorry)

Terminator: Genisys begins easily enough. A nice opening voice over to establish this film's timeline and have all viewers on the same page. The intro leads into things you might expect and the premise that the opening sets up is a simple one and very familiar to pre-existing Terminator fans. John Connor leads the resistance, a band of freedom fighters, against Skynet, a highly advanced A.I. and robots and stuff.

The introduction to the main plot of the film feels familiar, but is injected with warmth and likeability from actors that works to subtly invest you in what the characters arcs will deal with. As the intro enjoyably sets up the main plot of the film you might just starts guessing at what the story will deal with, when suddenly the plot throws a curveball that changes everything and throws our familiar and beloved characters into an entirely unfamiliar adventure.

Now we are set to watch this new plot unfold with our characters, but are they entertaining? Yes. The triple lead cast consisting of Emilia Clarke, Jai Courtney and Arnold Schwarzenegger carry the film with a certain charm and charisma that had me loving every second of screen time they shared. That's not to say they only function together, on the contrary while the actors work well in this trio they all prove throughout that they are each individually capable of carrying scenes. This excellent performance work manages to keep the film from slowing down on itself and creates a well-paced feeling that is carried throughout.

Now some of the common gripes now arising with this film is that there's too much action and the time travel is confusing. Throughout the course of the film though, I didn't feel that one bit. The time travel is consistent enough with its own rules and easy enough to follow that the movie doesn't need to go out of its way to explain it, which means it doesn't get bogged down in exposition and keeps a steady rhythm. The action as well is well-shot and creative enough that I couldn't help but have a smile on my face throughout.

By now, you might be wondering about whether the story is good. It is.

Many complaints and various keyboard warriors on Youtube have ranted that Genisys trailers spoil the film's twist and I have even seen some go on to state that they'll avoid the movie just because of this. Fortunately though, there's more to the film than just what is shown in the trailers. The story itself is well-written and manages to keep the plot self-contained in a way that keeps focus on what is important. While there are still unexplored threads, Terminator: Genisys manages to keep itself as a standalone movie rather than being a two hour trailer of films to come.

Though the film is not all laughs action and twists. Many times throughout the duration the film balances excellently with scenes that I can only describe as beautiful as the characters share scenes that bring a real sense of warmth and heart to the film. Through all these working elements the film itself is brought to life and is shown not only to be an excellent sequel, but excellent film period.

So is Terminator: Genisys worthy of the Terminator name (and your money)?

By golly yes.

Terminator: Genisys not only manages deliver a fresh and well-written plot, but brings with it many laughs and excellent action and a certain heart that brings out the best in it. The actors all work at their absolute best and it really shows as they all interact in believable ways that will have you invested until the end. Alan Taylor has shown a true reverence and respect of the original Terminator themes and combined them with his obvious understanding of what modern audiences desire to create the best film he can. While it may not be as excellent or ground-breaking a film as T2, Terminator: Genisys is easily an excellent film of the series and consistently defines itself as a worthy successor of James Cameron's original ideas whilst taking it the story in a bold new direction.

Thanks for reading.