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The Terminator Review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 5.0
    84

    out of 100

    Metascore®
    Universal acclaim
    based on a weighted average of all
    critic review scores.

  • 100

    out of 100

    Variety

    A blazing, cinematic comic book, full of virtuoso moviemaking, terrific momentum, solid performances and a compelling story.

    Read Full Review

  • 90

    out of 100

    Time Richard Corliss

    Plenty of tech-noir savvy to keep infidels and action fans satisfied.[26 Nov 1984, p. 105]

  • 91

    out of 100

    Entertainment Weekly

    Kineticism and suspense, combined with strongly conceived characters....Made Cameron a talent to watch. [13 Jan 1995, p. 67]

  • See all The Terminator reviews at Metacritic.com

For Families provided by Common Sense Media

Iffy for 14+

Terrific sci-fi action, but too violent for some.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that kids will want to see this film due to its reputation as a "classic" action film and the fact that it stars Arnold Schwarzenegger. But this isn't the sweet, exasperated Arnold of Kindergarten Cop or the comedic action hero of True Lies -- or even the huggable father stand-in of Terminator 2 and 3. This is a relentless, shark-eyed killer Arnold. His systematic destruction of the inhabitants of Los Angeles is unsettling even for adults. Expect virtually nonstop tension and violence, as well as swearing (including "f--k"), some partial nudity, drinking, and smoking.

  • Families can talk about the conventions of action movies and director James Cameron's statements regarding corporate culture, unchecked technological development, and nuclear war.
  • What do you think of Sarah Connor's transformation from sweet, defenseless damsel-in-distress to strong and independent action hero?

The good stuff
  • message true0

    Messages: Though the heroes' goal is ultimately a noble one -- save the future from decimation by robots and other machines -- the movie's bleak, dark tone and frequent bloody violence makes it hard to think of this as a positive movie.

  • rolemodels true0

    Role models: The heroes are ultimately pacifists, although they, as well as the villain, use killing as a means to solve problems. Sarah Connor is one of cinema's most powerful female action heroes.

What to watch for
  • violence false4

    Violence: Graphic and gory violence, with lots of fights, explosions, and car accidents. There's a very high body count.

  • sex false4

    Sex: Some partial nudity (buttocks, breasts) -- some of which is sexual and some of which isn't. Implied sex and passionate kissing.

  • language false4

    Language: Several uses of "f--k"; other words include "s--t," "a--hole," "damn," "bitch," "goddamn," and more.

  • consumerism false0

    Consumerism: Not an issue

  • drugsalcoholtobacco false2

    Drinking, drugs and smoking: Adult characters drink in a bar; some smoking.

Fan Reviews provided by

5

Stay classy Mr. Al Bebock by Dark Light
Love it or hate it, this movie was awesome for it's time. I still feel terror creeping up on me during certain sequences. If you haven't seen this movie, take advantage of the first opportunity to do so. It's quite a ride.

5


5

by sdeery316

5

by sinhippie

4

For Children or Not by nadeemstooges
Age 16-26 This movie should be rated R. Coarse language, violence, content and nudity. Plus suspense. Seventh and eight graders can watch but with strict parental guidance. Suitable for adults and popular for adults. Fifth graders and under SHOULD NOT WATCH THIS MOVIE PERIOD.!!!!!!!!!! They minds will be poisoned.

5

The Terminator Movie Review by Asianfreak
91 out of 100 The most excellent sci-fi action thriller ever!

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