MovieChat Forums > The Terminator (1984) Discussion > The first and last good Terminator movie

The first and last good Terminator movie


The Terminator is such a fantastic movie, and in every way superior to Terminator 2.

In fact, it is probably James Cameron's last great movie.

It is original, dark and gritty. It has a great atmosphere, memorable characters, superb soundtrack (that 80's techno music/sound design is epic) and it is very well directed. A classic.


After that.... Rehashes after rehashes. Including T2, which is a complete rehash of The Terminator (with some good special effects, granted.) Just like Aliens was a complete rehash of ALIEN, with more things happening.

More isn't always better, Jim.

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I give T2 more credit than that. It added the concept of fate verse choice and the machine being able to learn sacrifice instead of just destroy all threats. There was also the transformation of Sarah. After T2 though they all turn to junk.

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In fact, it is probably James Cameron's last great movie.


Well if you want to be pedantic, it's actually his 'first & only' great movie. It's almost like you're trying to say Cameron is like M. Night Shamylan--and he sure as heck is NOT.










Why can't you wretched prey creatures understand that the Universe doesn't owe you anything!?

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Who the FUCK wants to be like M. Night Shamsham? Is THAT your idea of a paragon? Then McDonald’s is your idea of a restaurant.

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Agreed, opening poster.

Alien and The Terminator are 2 of my all time favourite movies.

Aliens and T2 are ok movies if you're in the mood for schlock. But they lack any substance. Or soul.

I'm just on my way up to Clavius.

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Alien and The Terminator are 2 of my all time favourite movies.


I agree that the first ones are way better than the the second entries!

Aliens and T2 are ok movies if you're in the mood for schlock. But they lack any substance. Or soul.


Aliens is very, very good.
T2 does is imo way worse than Aliens.

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I think T2 and Aliens are great movies

I'll agree that I like T1 more

I'll take Aliens over Alien myself

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Just like Aliens was a complete rehash of ALIEN, with more things happening.


We watched two different films, dude. The only thing "rehashed" in Aliens was the premise. It showed us a lot that we didn't see in the first film.

Watch the news for 15 minutes. Where are the Anunnaki when we need them?

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Yes, but like T2, Aliens just retreads over the same plot of the first film. I mean, we even saw a hive in the director's cut of the original. The only difference between that and Aliens was that there are more of them, and a bigger, badder one laying all the eggs. But in a way we also see less, as there is no mention of the space jockey or where the ship came from.

~ I'm a 21st century man and I don't wanna be here.

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Sadly, all Terminator sequels follow the second Terminator movie rather than the first, emphasizing explosions and comedy before story and consistency, and typically using the explosions to hide the huge plot holes. I would like to see a sequel to the first Terminator.

I disagree with the Aliens movie - it is very different from its predecessor, but actually manages to be a good movie in its own right. Like a good sequel should be.

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I agree on all accounts. I love Aliens, as well as T2. But the original films definitely had a quality that was never replicated. They were just creepier and more raw in ways the sequels could not outdo. The only thing they could do was go bigger and louder. Alien is simply a masterpiece, and The Terminator is a true classic.

I'm also of the opinion that the original Star Wars (yeah, none of that "New Hope" sh*t) is the best of the saga, and Raiders of the Lost Ark was the best Indy flick. Pretty much the only sequel I think I prefer is The Godfather Part II.

~ I'm a 21st century man and I don't wanna be here.

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T2, which is a complete rehash of The Terminator

what did you expect for a sequel? a completely new and original movie would have confused the crap out of anyone who'd seen the first one. 😣

"He's dusted, busted and disgusted, but he's ok"

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