There are sequels that typically continue with a similar storyline, and then there are films that are sequels, but don't necessarily follow in a strict order, hence "Terminator: Dark Fate". This story actually picks where "Terminator 2" or "T2" leaves off at. This, like the last Terminator films, are pre-apocalyptic, as opposed to most of these type of films that are post apocalyptic.
More than two decades have passed since Sarah Connor prevented Judgment Day, changed the future, and re-wrote the fate of the human race. Dani Ramos (Natalia Reyes) is living a simple life in Mexico City with her brother Diego (Diego Boneta) and father when a highly advanced and deadly new Terminator--a Rev-9 (Gabriel Luna)--travels back through time to hunt and kill her. Dani's survival depends on her joining forces with two warriors: Grace (Mackenzie Davis), an enhanced super-soldier from the future, and a battle-hardened Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton). As the Rev-9 ruthlessly destroys everything and everyone in its path on the hunt for Dani, the three are lead to a T-800 Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) from Sarah's past that may be their last best hope.
Others to round out the cast are Ferran Fernandez as Flacco, Tristan Ulloa as Felipe Gandall, Tom Hopper as William Hadrell, Alicia Borrechero as Alicia and Tommy Alvarez as Lucas/Floor Guard.
This was intensely and grittily directed by Tim Miller ("Dead Pool" '16) plus shorts. Although this filmmaker has only one feature film to his credit, he is obviously a natural to helm such a huge production. Sure, there are many people to assist him being the undertaking it is, however it is ultimately the director's responsibility to make sure the project is finished on time and is the film that he or she is hoping it will be. Larger productions seem to be what Miller is a specialist at considering he brilliantly directed "Dead Pool". And so with this he was able to, not only keep this large production intact and concise, but was able to persuade his actors to emit the emotions that were needed to convey realism to his audience. He will undoubtedly receive more work. It was effectively written by David S. Goyer, Justin Rhodes and Billy Ray, based on a story by James Cameron, Charles H. Eglee, Josh Friedman, Goyer and Rhodes, which is based on characters created by James Cameron and Gale Anne Hurd. Between all these writers, there is a powerhouse of experience covering many genres. So, with this, there are seasoned writers to culminate many different ideas. Certainly this is based on others' storyline, but it takes talented screenwriters to take an idea and produce a storyline that actually works. This is concise and thrilling in its storyline, and other than a couple of places of jumpiness and places where, even though it is sci-fi and still has a sort of plausibility to it, the situation simply couldn't have happened. But then how would the story continue? There were some similarities between this and "T2", but that's the feel I'm sure was purposed. And what can I say about the visual effects? They were seamlessly designed predominantly by ILM (Industrial, Light & Magic). The scenes that show the lethal Terminator liquefying is absolutely incredible.
Certainly if you're a Terminator fan, you'll be in that heaven, but even if not, this is the quintessential popcorn flick replete with incredible stunts, explosions, all dealing with a time paradox. If you'd like, this is presented in a nifty IMAX or 4DX format. I should've seen this in one of these formats, because I believe it would've rocked!
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: R 128mins.
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