Fast Fact:
One of Cameron's original script ideas was to have Arnold play both the good and bad terminators, but it was thought that would be too gimmicky and similar to the alter ego concept in Total Recall the year before.
    


Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Written & Directed by James Cameron
U.S. Release Date: July 3, 1991
Tagline: "It's nothing personal"
Gillinator Rating: 10/10

The Plot
Taking place in 1994, 10 years after the events of the first Terminator, T2 centers on young John Connor (Eddie Furlong). His mother Sarah (Linda Hamilton) had brought him up preparing him for his role as leader of the resistance in the future war against the machines, but she was locked up in a mental hospital, leaving John in foster parent care and disillusioning him from his psycho mother. Then he finds out she was right, since two more Terminators have been sent back-- one to kill him, one to protect him. The new T-1000 model (Robert Patrick) has the ability to morph into any human form or metallic object, making it a formiddable opponent. John must team up with the Terminator, rescue his mother, and try to change the fate of the world.

Gillinator Review
Certainly a must-see and must-own movie for anyone who likes action, sci-fi, and utter coolness. It is no secret that this has always been my favorite Arnold movie (maybe you guessed from my name?) and I would argue that it is one of the few movies in general that is absolutely flawless. It is beautifully shot, with hues of steely blue and fire yellow that Cameron loves so much. The story is very well crafted with each scene linking seamlessly to the next, giving a sense of pace that makes the 2 hr. 20 min. running time seem like nothing. The characters are real and have believable arcs. Sarah has mentally become like a Terminator, and must also be reminded of the value of human life when she goes to kill Dyson. And of course, there's Arnold. In one of his finest performances as an actor, he believably plays a cold emotionless machine that learns from John how life is precious, which is why humans cry when it ends. Then he nobly terminates himself, in fact erasing the existence of all terminators, so that John and Sarah will be safe. But even though Arnold doesn't kill a single person this time, the action is among the intense and mind-blowing ever seen on screen, due in part to the innovative computer graphics used for the T-1000. T2 was a benchmark in many ways for the future of film, and does not seem dated even today. Plus, there's no better DVD to show off your home theater system with than T2: The Ultimate Edition, which uses Dolby Digital EX and DTS ES surround.

DVD Extras
The Ultimate Edition DVD is just that... every single aspect of T2's production from script to marketing is covered in a mix of text, images, and interview clips. If you every wanted to know how to make a big budget action movie, here's your reference. There are also the trailers and 3 making of features, including a new one on the making of T2:3D! The commentary track is mostly excerpts from all the interview footage, so it's a little redundant. The only other complaint is that the cool Guns N Roses video of "You Could Be Mine" is not included because of some legal snafu. The "extended special edition" you get to by punching 82997 on your remote adds two extra scenes to the special edition, one where the T-1000 is searching through John's room, and the alternate future warm and fuzzy ending, which was best left on the cutting room floor, but good for a laugh. Also humorous is the descriptive video track that's only on the original DVD release. It's truly a whole new way to experience T2.

Favorite Scene
Arnold's entrance at the Biker Bar. Nothing says "I'm back" better than tossing some guys through windows and taking their clothes and motorcycle to the tune of George Thoroghgood's "Bad to the Bone".

Arnie Quotes
"Stay here, I'll be back"
"Hasta la vista, baby"
"Trust me"
"I need a vacation"
"I know now why you cry, but it's something I can never do"