Terminator Salvation
Rent & Buy
All grown up in post-apocalyptic 2018, John Connor must lead the resistance of humans against the increasingly dominating militaristic robots. But when Marcus Wright appears, his existence confuses the mission as Connor tries to determine whether Wright has come from the future or the past -- and whether he's friend or foe.
What critics thought
Critics were sharply divided over whether Terminator Salvation earns its place in the franchise, with most finding the storytelling thin and the human drama absent, though a minority saw genuine post-apocalyptic energy and a worthwhile new direction. Christian Bale's casting drew particular fire — several critics felt his star power distorted the story's shape — while Sam Worthington emerged as a surprise bright spot. Even fans of the film tended to hedge, praising the action spectacle while conceding it offered little beneath the surface.
“After scrutinizing the film, I offer you my summary of the story: Guy dies, finds himself resurrected, meets others, fights. That lasts for almost two hours.”
Roger Ebert·Chicago Sun-Times
“Bale's desire to star as John Connor was probably the most fatal blow to the film; it completely distorted the shape of the story as it existed.”
Devin Faraci·CHUD
“If you're looking for action then this is one damn good film! If it's character depth you're after then move along please.”
Craig Sharp·FilmShaft
“The Terminator story recharges with a post-apocalyptic jolt of energy. Frantic and full of welcome ties to the past, it also ploughs new ground with purpose.”
Total Film
“[Bale's] strengths do not serve him, or the movie, as well here”
Betsy Sharkey·Los Angeles Times
Genres
Action, Science Fiction, Thriller
Cast & Crew
McGDirector
Christian BaleJohn Connor
Sam WorthingtonMarcus Wright
Moon BloodgoodBlair Williams
Helena Bonham CarterSerena
Anton YelchinKyle Reese
CommonBarnes
Zach McGowanSoldier on Osprey
Bryce Dallas HowardKate Connor
Jane AlexanderVirginia
Michael IronsideGeneral Ashdown
Ivan G'VeraGeneral Losenko
Dorian NkonoDavid
Danny ElfmanComposer
John BrancatoWriter
Shane HurlbutCinematographyTerminator Salvation
All grown up in post-apocalyptic 2018, John Connor must lead the resistance of humans against the increasingly dominating militaristic robots. But when Marcus Wright appears, his existence confuses the mission as Connor tries to determine whether Wright has come from the future or the past -- and whether he's friend or foe.
What critics thought
Critics were sharply divided over whether Terminator Salvation earns its place in the franchise, with most finding the storytelling thin and the human drama absent, though a minority saw genuine post-apocalyptic energy and a worthwhile new direction. Christian Bale's casting drew particular fire — several critics felt his star power distorted the story's shape — while Sam Worthington emerged as a surprise bright spot. Even fans of the film tended to hedge, praising the action spectacle while conceding it offered little beneath the surface.
“After scrutinizing the film, I offer you my summary of the story: Guy dies, finds himself resurrected, meets others, fights. That lasts for almost two hours.”
Roger Ebert·Chicago Sun-Times
“Bale's desire to star as John Connor was probably the most fatal blow to the film; it completely distorted the shape of the story as it existed.”
Devin Faraci·CHUD
“If you're looking for action then this is one damn good film! If it's character depth you're after then move along please.”
Craig Sharp·FilmShaft
“The Terminator story recharges with a post-apocalyptic jolt of energy. Frantic and full of welcome ties to the past, it also ploughs new ground with purpose.”
Total Film
“[Bale's] strengths do not serve him, or the movie, as well here”
Betsy Sharkey·Los Angeles Times
Genres
Action, Science Fiction, Thriller
Cast & Crew
McGDirectorChristian BaleJohn ConnorSam WorthingtonMarcus WrightMoon BloodgoodBlair WilliamsHelena Bonham CarterSerenaAnton YelchinKyle ReeseCommonBarnesZach McGowanSoldier on OspreyBryce Dallas HowardKate ConnorJane AlexanderVirginiaMichael IronsideGeneral AshdownIvan G'VeraGeneral LosenkoDorian NkonoDavidDanny ElfmanComposerJohn BrancatoWriterShane HurlbutCinematographyRent & Buy