There are some things to salvage in "Terminator Salvation" - CinemaDave

**Terminator Salvation** is a direct sequel to **Terminator 3 Rise of the Machines,** which featured the end of the world as we know it. The last **Terminator** film was also the last real appearance of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Sadly **Terminator Salvation** lacks the trademark **Schwarzenegger** humor and **Terminator Salvation** suffers from being overly serious science fiction.

Director McG is a good visual director and he directs three action set pieces with panache. Technically **Termination Salvation** is very good, but human empathy is lacking, symbolized by Christian Bale's one note performance as John Conner. The standout performance comes from Sam Worthington as Marcus Wright, a new character in the **Terminator** mythos. Fresh from his role as Chekov from **Star Trek,** Anton Yelchin portrays Kyle Reese, the father of John Conner, who happens to be younger than his son. Confused? It would be wise to view the previous three **Terminator** movies to understand this **Salvation.**

There is a lesson to be learned from Big Screen Entertainment during hard times, optimism is an easier sell for people who want cinematic escapism.