
Reviews — The Terminator
Audience write-ups from TMDB
Dr Nostromo
It's a film about a time when computers are in charge but ultimately fail against people fighting back, and they dispatch a Terminator to eliminate the mother of the resistance’s leader before he’s born; simultaneously, someone is sent from that era to protect her. This thriller from James Cameron, who was just starting out, remains thrilling now as it was upon its release. Arnold Schwarzenegger's first performance i…
Narate
There’s really nothing left to add; everyone's already covered what needs to be said. This is a fantastic science fiction thriller that works so well because of both an engaging narrative and Cameron’s impressive visual style, even considering how early in his career it was. Arnold Schwarzenegger is genuinely frightening, Linda Hamilton and Michael Biehn have great chemistry together, and the music creates a truly un…
CinemaSerf
The film opens with Arnold Schwarzenegger appearing in 1984 Los Angeles wearing nothing and having a specific objective. Initially, he needs to find some clothes before setting out to eliminate everyone named "Sarah Connor" listed in the phone directory. Shortly after, Kyle (Michael Biehn) shows up intending to stop this scheme, kicking off a chase. Simultaneously, Sarah (Linda Hamilton) is completely unaware of bein…
The Movie Mob
James Cameron’s initial effort instantly demonstrates his exceptional skill in crafting science fiction action movies and developing immersive settings, establishing The Terminator as a benchmark for sci-fi thrillers. The Terminator series has moments of brilliance and less impressive entries, but its lasting influence on popular culture is undeniable. While some might consider Terminator 2 to be the high point of…
GenerationofSwine
The initial entry in the series is remarkable, and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s performance as a robot was certainly convincing. He managed to be intimidating and unsettling, and his unusual accent suited the character well. The storyline itself was so far-fetched that it captivated audiences; from the very beginning, viewers accepted its premise because they sensed an exciting experience ahead. The visuals were ex…
Kamurai
It’s enjoyable enough that I could see myself watching it again, and I feel comfortable suggesting it to others. I honestly couldn’t tell you what just unfolded; after seeing the version released in 2020, it doesn't appear significantly improved, and there isn't much available explaining what's going on. The practical effects are reasonably well done, and there's a good amount of action involving a machine purs…
Gimly
It might seem unusual to say this, but for me, the initial _Terminator_ film stands out as the best in the series. That's not meant to diminish _Judgment Day_, which is undeniably great. However, I really appreciate the original movie's gritty, dark science fiction horror feel—though it does highlight how much the subsequent films fell short. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of the Terminator is a stroke of geniu…
Jodie
It feels almost unnecessary to review a film with such a long history, but because it’s one of my personal favorites, I decided to do so anyway. I believe The Terminator functions as a lovely and sorrowful romance unfolding against the settings of both the future and the past. A soldier is dispatched from the future to the 1980s on a mission to protect John Connor's mother, the leader of the resistance, from a tec…
John Chard
It’s difficult to put into words, but the feeling is inescapable: no one leaves, nothing passes through – it’s simply him and me. Honestly, writing about The Terminator now feels almost unnecessary; I suspect anyone with even a passing interest has already seen it. It's true that the special effects look dated by today's standards, though that doesn’t detract from how impressive they were back in 1984. What remain…


