3 billion human lives ended on August 29th, 1997. The survivors of the nuclear fire called the war Judgement Day. They lived only to face a new nightmare: the war against the machines. The computer, which controlled the machines, Skynet, sent two Terminators back through time. Their mission: to destroy the leader of the human resistance, John Connor, my son. The first Terminator was sent to strike at me in the year 1984. It failed. The second was set to strike at John himself when he was still a child. As before, the resistance was able to send a lone warrior, a protector for John. It was just a question of which one of them would reach him first... - Sarah Connor's opening remarks

For those unfamiliar with the story so far, I shall re aliterate, if the opening quote from the film was not enough (you can also read my review of the original "Terminator" if you still crave for knowledge). Back in 1984 a cyborg, known as the Terminator went back in time from the 21st Century to the eighties to assassinate a woman named Sarah Connor. The reason for this was that she is the soon to be mother of the child that rises up and becomes the leader of the human race when a future war breaks out between humans and machines. But, to help Sarah, a soldier is sent back through time to protect her from the Terminator. She of course survives the ordeal otherwise there wouldn't be a sequel...

It is late night/early morning and a bronzed, naked man appears from a bubble of energy from the future; 2029. It is a Terminator (Arnold Scwarzenegger - "True Lies", "Predator"). After he acquires clothes weapons and a mode of transport, he goes in search for his target John Connor. On the other side of town another man (Robert Patrick - "D-Tox", "Cop Land") appears naked in a bubble of energy. He murders a policeman checking out the flashing lights, steals his clothes and squad car, he is also looking for John Connor. From here it is a race against time as both men are trying to locate the boy, John Connor, one with orders to protect, the other with orders to kill.

John Connor: You're not here to kill me - I figured out that for myself. So what's the deal?
The Terminator: My mission is to protect you.
John Connor: Yeah? Who sent you?
The Terminator: You did. 35 years from now you reprogrammed me to be your protector here - in this time.
John Connor: This is deep...

Performances are good all-round. Austrian Oak Arnold Schwarzenegger returns as the physically immense, bulletproof Terminator. His character however is different from that of his previous Terminator character in the previous film since he is a different unit (all Terminators look like Schwarzenegger). His character in this chapter is more learning than relentless killing although there is plenty of destruction caused. Being reportedly paid $15 million, half of it in the form of a private jet, Arnie had far more to say in this film, about 700. That means he got paid in the region of $21,429 per word, more than some people earn in a year! It is arguable that his more talkative Terminator in this film suffers compared to the emotionless, stone cold persona of the original. Although he talks more and is forced to promise not to kill people, he does destroy more buildings, vehicles and people's shins. Taking a Minigun (a gun that is in fact not so mini) to the entire police force waiting outside was never even dreamed of until James Cameron did of course. Schwarzengger does however give a good performance, which for Mr Universe is easier said than done. Because he has more to say, he can deepen the character of the Terminator and by the end of the film, comes to value human life rather than destroy it like ordered to before his reprogramming.

Linda Hamilton is buffed up as independent, head-strong Sarah Connor, up until this point, there haven't been many female heroic characters in cinema; Ripley in "Alien" perhaps but that’s about it. Her single mindedness towards the latter half of the film bears an ironic resemblance to the Terminator and his natural task that is killing. She is very much different from the bubbly, mullet sporting, waitress we were introduced to in the first film. Her dedication in this film is incredible and duely noted, the physical shape she got into shows her commitment without doubt. She is thouroghly convincing and has so much energy that gives the film a great boost.

Joe Morton ("Speed", "Paycheck") also puts in a fine performance as Skynet creator, Miles Dyson, he provides more information about the technology that it entails and the links between this film and the previous (other than it being a sequel of course). Earl Boen reprises his role as Psychiatrist, Dr. Peter Silberman. His character has progressed from being a criminal psychologist in the first film to being the head of the mental institute in which Sarah Connor was situated. His role in this film is far meatier and gives a good performance.

Cameron wrote and directed the film as with the original; that came about via a nightmare he had once involving a metal skeleton walking through flames. From something that was a random nightmare, Cameron has created one of the most successful and most cherished franchises in cinema history. His script is simple but true to life. His direction is paced, enthralling and exciting. Although it was a great gamble made by Cameron. The original "Terminator" was dark and had a horror edge. The second focuses more on the action sequences, which are in abundance and are superb. Cameron also took a chance have his bad guy mainly be a special effect. "Terminator 2" doesn't have the B-Movie charm that its predecessor had, but your too busy picking your jaw up off the floor to care. Cameron's writing collaboration with William Wisher (has cameo appearances in both films) tells the story straight without deviating too much. The potentially complicated time travel concept in the story is never really that complicated. Cameron's simple but brilliant approach to the technically complex film shines. Cameron's direction remains immaculate throughout, the sometimes under ratted director pushes his team and hence pushes the envelope to create some of the best effects and most iconic imagery in modern film. Schwazenegger riding a Harley wearing leather, sunglasses, holding a shotgun and having a mean face for example. Arguably Cameron has done more for cinema than Steven Spielberg.

CAUTION
strong language
strong, sci.fi violence
some brief nudity
some scenes of horror