Terminator: Salvation Review

Overall Rating

I saw the new terminator: salvation film on Monday, now I realize that the last film I reviewed also stared Christian Bale. But it's just coincidence, these were the last two press shows I've been to see - I'm not some kind of super fan.
Anyway on to the film, which I want to get out of the way as quickly as possible so I can deal with the real issue here I have to say it was very impressive. Not the kind of movie that's going to sweep the board at the Oscars (though the visual effects and soundtrack must be in with a shot) - but non-stop well shot fun, It feels like a real 'blockbuster'. If you have seen the other terminator movies you already know the basic story here (and If you haven't seen them, you have my genuine pity). So, on top of the opportunity to finally get a proper look at the future war, which is nice for anyone who's interested in the 'terminator universe' it's also got explosions, giant robots, explosions, normal sized robots more explosions but the icing on the cake is Arnie.
I'd already heard that the gubernator's 'likeness' was going to be in the film, but I had no Idea they could pull off this kind of thing It was like he'd just popped out of the same mould as the T-800 from the first terminator movie back in 1984! This ability to digitally insert actors into films is nothing new; back in 1994 'the Crow' had scenes with Brandon Lee's face digitally composited into some scenes after he carked it while filming. But this is different, not some blurry, half-hidden-in-shadow stuff. It's really him, even though you know it actually isn't. It's worth the price of entry for this spectacle alone.
But the thing that has me really exited is the possibilities this presents for the future, you could pick a dream team of dead film stars, Charlie Chaplin versus Bruce Lee! Then again, Schwarzenegger probably has a far more limited range of facial expressions than your average Hollywood type, so maybe he just lends himself to it more easily.
Summing up, great film thumbs up from me - and I defy anyone not to be impressed with this latest bit of cinematic trickery.