The movie Terminator Genisys, now on Blu-ray/DVD, surprises with top quality special effects, continuous action scenes and a welcome return of Arnold Schwarzenegger. The storyline may be a little complicated if you are trying to piece together the previous four outings, but take a deep breath and just go with it to enjoy the shape shifting time traveling bots that deliver chaos wherever they appear. If you are an action junkie and want an adrenaline rush, get the newest edition on home video of John Connor’s attempt to take down the spy in the sky that led to annihilation of billions of people on the planet.
In Terminator Genisys, the fifth of the series of four, we follow John Connor (now played by Jason Clarke) who in the future has been fighting off an army of machines that under the guidance of Skynet rule our broken world. In order to end the ongoing fight between the remaining humans and the new world order someone must be sent back from the future to 1984. There they must contact Sarah Connor (now played by Emilia Clarke) who has the key to shutting down Skynet before it can take over the world and thus change the war torn future.
The action starts immediately with cities being blown to bits as Skynet launches ICBM missiles. The special effects and computer generated mayhem is jaw dropping making it look very real. Much like the recent San Andres film, California’s Los Angeles and San Francisco get devastated from the blasts. The roller coaster ride continues as the film flashes forward to John Connor’s Army that is trying to shut down Skynet’s continuous battle, then returns to 1984 where Sarah Connor, newly arrived Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney) and Sara’s protector “Pops” (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a Cyborg Terminator, are battling a T-1000 robot. In between the two dimensions of time we are treated to exciting chases, narrow escapes, a plethora of gun battles and massive destruction.
So there you have it. Terminator Genisys delivers as promised from their trailers and if you like a LOT of explosive action then this film certainly fits the bill. As for acting ability, Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones) is certainly nice to look at, but shy of being called an action attraction. Jai Courtenay really doesn’t fit the character of Kyle Reece sorry to say, but he does an adequate job of keeping the film on track. As for Arnold, what can I say? He’s Arnold and if you missed it in the first Terminator film, he uses his iconic phrase once more; “I’ll be back.” Tough as nails, the guy still moves around the screen with his stern Cyborg stare, pumped up biceps, deltoids and upper abdominal muscles.
BONUS FEATURES: Nearly an hour on the Blu-ray Disc
“Family Dynamics” – Casting Terminator Genisys and how the actors filled some of the most iconic roles in cinematic history
“Infiltration and Termination” – Go behind-the-scenes to San Francisco and New Orleans in a first-hand look at filming locations
“Upgrades: VFX of Terminator Genisys” – Delve into the revolutionary visual effects behind the movie’s incredible action sequences
Terminator Genysis has been rated PG – 13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and gun play throughout, partial nudity and brief strong language. Not suggested for pre-teens the film has copious amounts of peril displayed on the screen.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A very good sequel to the series that’s packed with action. (B+)
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Emilia Clarke, Jai Courtney, J.K. Simmons, Jason Clarke, Matthew Smith, and Byung-hun Lee.
Directed by: Alan Taylor
Genre: Action, Sci-fi, Adventure, Sequel
MPAA Rating: PG – 13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and gunplay throughout, partial nudity and brief strong language
Running Time: 2 hrs. 5 min.
Original Theatrical Release Date: July 1, 2015
Video Release Date: November 10, 2015
Language: English (changeable to French, Spanish, or Portuguese)
Reviewed Format: Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack
Audio: Blu-ray- Dolby Atmos, DVD- Dolby Digital 5.1
Video: Blu-ray- 1080p HD, DVD- Widescreen Enhanced for 16×9 TV’s
Subtitles: English SDH, English, French, Spanish, Portuguese
Number of Discs: Blu-ray/DVD combo pack 2 Discs, plus Ultraviolet
Distributed by: Paramount Pictures
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
