Terminator Genisys (7/1/2015)

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and gunplay throughout, partial nudity and brief strong language

Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Clarke, Emilia Clarke and Jai Courtney

Directed by Alan Taylor

Arnold is back, young, middle aged, and old (we seem him as all three)… and so is the franchise.

No, critics aren’t raving about this film. They’re calling it “new, but not improved.” Entertainment Weekly posts, “Terminator Genisys isn’t good, but Arnold Schwarzenegger is great in it.”

And that’s where I will admit my bias. I loved the first two “Terminator” films. Loved! They were both groundbreaking films, and even though the sequels to follow couldn’t follow suit, they each were still entertaining.

Terminator Genisys is probably the best we’ve seen since T2. It’s pure fun, it’s nostalgic, with fun references and reshot snippets of the first film… and Entertainment Weekly isn’t lying… Arnold is great!

I asked my 17-year-old if she wanted to see the movie with me. She said, “No, I don’t want to see an old man (Arnold) who should be retired by now.”

I don’t agree with her, but it’s a popular perception.

That’s where Genisys really came through. They addressed the perception head on, milking the “old” references. They explained it, they joked about it… Sarah even had a nickname for her “old” terminator: “Pops.”

Arnold stole the show. He was funny, believable, and even heartwarming a few times. He made the film.

But I think the reason I like the film the most was its evocative connection to the original films. Not only did we get to see several sequences reshot, with new additions and explanations, but the film also included some subtle references and quotes that will resonate with true Terminator fans (“come with me if you want to live…”, “it can’t be reasoned with…”).

Even if you don’t like the film, understand its history. In 1984 James Cameron created a film so new and original, it not only wowed audiences… it started his career (which now boasts the two top grossing films of all time). The film was The Terminator. Arnold Schwarzenegger (who was only known for the “Conan” films at the time) played a flesh covered robot from the future sent to kill a waitress who would give birth to the savior of the new world. This film gave birth to a sequel that truly surpassed the first (and how often does that happen).

This franchise has history.

Will it win any Oscars? Nope.

Will it break any box office records? Nope.

Will it entertain families on the 4th of July weekend? Definitely.

And I’ll be buying a copy on Blu-Ray when it comes out.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Let me compare it to Transformers. Genisys has the same amount of robots wrestling and shooting each other, but without the Transformers’ crude sexual humor, eye-candy and immitatable attitudes.

Yes, there is some quick “side-nudity” when two individuals go through time, but nothing provocative or sensual. Frankly, TV nudity is more explicit.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. Fate is a common theme throughout the Terminator films. In the first film John makes Reese memorize a message to his mother, a message we heard again in this movie. Part of that message was: “There is no fate but what we make.” Is that true? Thoughts?


2. What impact do we have on our own destiny?


3. How do our choices affect our own future?


4. Movies constantly like to talk about the end of the world. How do you think the world will end? Are you ready?


5. How can we become ready?


6. In the beginning of the film, John sent Reese back to save humanity from destruction—not a new plot by any means. In reality, God sent Someone to save us.
   
   But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8, NLT)
   
   
7. Why did God send Christ?


8. What is a sinner? Who’s a sinner? (Romans 3:23)


9. Why would he send his Son to save us when we are sinners?


10. How can you respond to this gesture of love? (Romans 10:9)


11. Would you like to respond to His love right now, by putting your trust in Jesus Christ?