Rating: PG-13, for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and gunplay throughout, partial nudity and brief strong language.
Well, it’s a Terminator movie. They’ve been around for a while. So if you’ve seen any of the four previous films in the franchise — or you’re familiar with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s action oeuvre in general — then you should have a pretty good idea of what’s in store for you. Massive amounts of gunfire, crushing fistfights, dangerous chases, post-apocalyptic terror, explosions and some brief (and chastely photographed) nudity during the time-travel segments. Oh, and of course, the constant threat of the world ending. This time, Schwarzenegger returns to the role that made him a superstar in 1984’s original Terminator. But because of some time-travel glitches, he’s the good guy from the get-go. In the year 2029, rebellion leader John Connor (Jason Clarke) sends his right-hand man, Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney), back in time to protect his mother, Sarah Connor (Emilia Clarke). But Schwarzenegger’s Terminator already is there, functioning as a father figure she affectionately calls Pops. Besides the wall-to-wall violence, the general tone of Alan Taylor’s film is quite dark, and the overlapping time-travel streams can get confusing. Plus, at two hours, it’ll be a long sit for young viewers. This is probably OK for kids around age 12 and older — but I’d show them the first two Terminator movies instead, if I were you.
