2.The Terminator(1984)
The Terminator and its subsequent sequels and TV spin-off deal with the whys? of time travel in quite a simple way: cyborgs (and the odd human) are sent back from the future to either do evil deeds or as protectors. That is where the simplicity ends though, because their presence in the past has all manner of implications on the future that from what we have seen is seemingly still destined to occur. Take this little nugget for instance: if Skynet had never sent the original T-800 Model 101 Terminator back to kill Sarah Connor and thus her unborn son John, then the resistance wouldve never sent back Kyle Reese to stop the Terminator, he would have in turn, have never encountered Sarah Connor, had sex with her and got her pregnant with the child that would grow up to become leader of the resistance. Therefore by trying to stop John Connor from ever being born, Skynet is actually responsible for causing his birth and the very thing it was trying to prevent from happening in the first place. My head hurts after that, but dont let the pre-destination themes fool you,
The Terminator is an incredible film that has been somewhat over-shadowed by its more flashy sequel. In terms of action,
T2 is light years ahead but story-wise this is the original and still the best (at least until Friday if youre lucky enough to be getting Salvation then).
Arnie has never emulated the success of this iconic role,
Michael Biehn is at a career best and
Linda Hamilton plants the seeds for one of the most brutal female characters ever to emerge on the big screen. Lets not forget
James Cameron either, a director that revolutionised sci-fi and action throughout the 80s and 90s. Cameron not only directed but also wrote
The Terminator, and in the process began one of the most successful and most recognisable franchises in history.