I saw Terminator Salvation today, though I initially sought to see Star Trek a second time. As much I love S/U and Russian jailbait, I'm glad I didn't.

I haven't read reviews for Terminator, but I've heard that critics didn't care too much for it, which is their loss. I may be biased, as when it comes to sci-fi, post-apocalyptic scenarios with humanity nearing extinction is my favorite genre. Adding in cyborgs/androids/synthetic life and the impact of its creation upon humanity, and I'm there. I've seen the first two Terminator films and their numerous rip-offs (Italians did it the best), so there was no doubt in my mind that I'd garner some enjoyment out of Terminator Salvation.

I didn't expect to like it so much, I really didn't. I didn't think that a director who goes by the name of McG would make a film that held such reverence for its predecessors; there are references and characters even repeat iconic lines from the first two films, but it doesn't come off schlocky or stilted. It even has the best use of Guns n' Roses I've ever heard and seen on film (as you may recall, they did the song You Could Be Mine for Terminator 2).

Christian Bale is stone-faced and haunted as an adult John Connor and though he comes off as disturbed, there is something warmer underneath the rough exterior, though it's not able to surface very often. His performance in particular helps to enhance the bleak, scorched-earth setting the human survivors are living in; there's no time for ease or comfort.

Anton Yelchin as a teenage Kyle Reese was just lovely. As opposed to his adult off-spring, Reese was gentler and optimistic, though like John, he was whip-smart with a strong survivor instinct. He's an extremely vital character and I found it oddly touching to see a panicked Connor fighting so hard to protect him. More than that, you actually cared that Reese survived.

Moon Bloodgood as Blair Williams didn't have too large of a part, but she was essential for the character development of Marcus. Williams is competent, independent, highly compassionate, and can easily defend herself. I quite enjoyed how she did what she thought was right, much to the chagrin of John Connor.

Sam Worthington as Marcus Wright is heart-breaking. I don't want to give anything away, but he's the core of the film. His interaction and attachment to Reese and Williams was moving.

The film was further enhanced by its dark mood and atmosphere; I love the settings and find the wasteland the characters wander through very striking. The score by Danny Elfman was the musical equivalent to metallic grinding noises (which was a good thing) and I absolutely covet the wardrobe worn by Yelchin and Bloodgood.

And I cannot believe how moved I was by the end! The more I think about it, the more it gets to me. I'm going to see it again tomorrow after work with a good friend of mine and I'm going be as spazzy then as I am now.

Also, terminators are scarier than zombies.
Now enjoy some picspam.
( He saved my life. I saw a man, not a machine. )