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Created Jun 11, 2009 07:15AM PST • Edited Jun 11, 2009 07:15AM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Very Good 3.5

   Whilst not ticking every box, “Salvation” does a fantastic job of re-orienting the Terminator universe, and gives some amazing glimpses into what a new trilogy might hold.

4. Acting

   Good 3.0

   Christian Bale is rather second-tier here – Sam Worthington and Anton Yelchin are by far the better and more interesting actors, whilst Moon Bloodgood, and cameos from Michael Ironside, Helena Bonham Carter and the Governator (well, of sorts) himself produce a well-rounded castlist.

5. Male Stars Very Good 3.5

   Bale brings a bit of Batman growl and his trademark moodiness to the fore as John Connor – but it was Connor’s confusion and humanity that made him an interesting character, so dumping Bruce Wayne in smacks of pandering to this idiot’s massive ego. Thankfully, he’s not given half as much time as Worthington, who is great – an action hero with charisma, the frame to actually look convincing as an action star and the right amount of acting skill. He’s definitely one to watch, and the star of two upcoming movies in “Avatar” and “Clash of the Titans” that are sure to be well-suited to this Aussie thesp.

6. Female Stars Good 3.0

   Moon Bloodgood would perhaps be considered a co-star, but in this context she deserves perhaps a bigger mention. Her resistance pilot is both an embodiment of female strength and of humanity – when no-one else seems able to see past the major revelation in the plot, she does, and is redeemed by it. Hopefully this actress will gain attention for her performance here, rather than just her looks.

7. Female Costars Good 3.0

   Bryce Dallas Howard is somewhat forgotten in the film as Kate Connor; the actress is left to stand around to give sympathy to Connor or something every so often, and it’s quite obviously a waste. Jadagrace (yes, another stupid name) plays Star, quite frankly the most useless child character ever – a dumb (as in not able to talk) child who seems to be able to sense when Terminators are near, and who didn’t really need to be in the film.

   Thankfully, the slight inclusion of Helena Bonham Carter as the mysterious Selena more than makes up for the neglect mentioned above. Bringing class to the small scenes in which she features, the actress’s stern, cold expressions make her the perfect conduit for SkyNet throughout.

8. Male Costars Very Good 3.5

   Anton Yelchin, as the young Kyle Reese, is perfectly cast – the actor looks slightly like Michael Biehn, and manages to get across many of the same mannerisms in his performance. Having starred in “Star Trek” this summer also, Yelchin further stamps his authority with his vulnerable, brash representation of a franchise favourite. Michael Ironside pops up as the gruff head of the resistance, and this classic B-movie actor just has to stand onscreen with his glower to win my appreciation. Common plays Connor’s right-hand man, and you get the sense that the rapper-turned-actor could have had a larger role – his performances in “Smokin’ Aces” and “Wanted” suggest that he’s worth more to a film than just a muscle-bound fighter.

   The Governator himself makes an interesting digital appearance here – I thought it warranted mention here, as it’s in this little nuance that the conclusion to the film steps up a gear and links perfectly back to the older films. It’s a remarkable piece of effects work, and reminds the viewer of Arnie’s importance to the series.

10. Film

    Very Good 3.5

    Director McG does an astounding job in taking the reins of the franchise and redirecting it – this film looks, sounds and feels like a Terminator movie – an upgraded model, if you’ll pardon the obvious metaphor.

11. Direction Great 4.0

    McG (full name Joseph McGinty) came from the “Charlie’s Angels” films with a lot of baggage – but in making this film, he redeems himself, showing once again his adept handling of both action and effects with good performances. Inheriting the franchise from Jonathon Mostow (whose T3 was interesting if flawed), McG decided to ditch the time-travel plot and actually show the battles between man and machine – knowing full well that this decision would be vindicated by fans. Masterfully presenting dramatic and action-filled scenes in equal amounts, McG shows he is one of the directors in Hollywood to pay attention to.

12. Play Good 3.0

    This felt rather forced at times – particularly when the infamous lines from previous films are seemingly added onto scenes just for the recognition. However, the existential crisis that faces Marcus – and his grasping of it – is written particularly well, with this one man’s struggle to understand what he is offering many of the more dramatic conversations and interchanges throughout.

13. Music Barely OK 2.0

    Danny Elfman makes a stab at imitating and incorporating Brad Fiedel’s well-known score into the film, but whilst the audience waits for the familiar beats, his adequate score drones quietly in the background. It’s nothing special at all, and just highlights how good Fiedel’s score was.

14. Visuals Great 4.0

    The emphasis this time around on a better balance of CG and practical effects for the robots pays dividends – the robots are believable rather than laughable, adding a chillingly realistic feel to some of the scenes. Some of the effects are too obvious, but the destroyed cityscapes and bleached landscapes more than compensate – it’s startling how stark the film looks at times, and the attention to detail is often amazing to behold.

15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 2.2

    Whilst aimed at younger audiences, there’s enough violence to push the boundaries.

17. Sex Innocent 1.0

18. Violence Brutal 3.2

19. Rudeness Salty 2.4

21. Reality

    Surreal 3.0

    All you really need think here is the word “Terminator”; with it comes a sense of possibility but a large slab of fantasy.

22. Circumstantial Surreal 3.0

23. Biological Surreal 3.0

24. Physical Surreal 3.0