Terminator Salvation (2009)

 

Just because 3 movies, a TV series, and a theme park ride have paved the path before you, doesn't mean you get to skimp on character development and story. Salvation dives right in, as if the audience has been waiting anxiously for the next installment.

Lots of robots and explosions with little to make the audience care who lives or dies. This is what your get when MCG is directing. His style may suit the Charlie's Angels crowd, but it's not suited for anything with depth.

Rating: D

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016)

A ho-hum sequel to a slightly better first offering. No big surprises here. Mostly unrealistic by-the-numbers plot. Not bad, but not good either.

Rating: C

The Animal (2001)

This went downhill very quick. Started dozing off midway.

Rating: D-

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)

Whew, what a fun ride! Amazing special f/x with plenty of cool fight and chase scenes. Good times.

Rating: C+

American Ultra (2015)

I love movies like this. Average flunker turns super agent. It’s a shame the TV show Chuck couldn’t have been more like this—less cheese, more ass kicking. There’s nothing deep about American Ultra, but it was fun to watch.

Rating: C+

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

This ape reboot continues to entertain and dazzle with high end CGI effects. The plot wasn’t all that dynamic, but execution was pretty solid.

Rating: C+