First Reactions to TERMINATOR: DARK FATE Say the Franchise is Back

Terminator 2 might still be the best sequel ever made, but none of the other Terminator movies have ever lived up to the standard of the first two films. Some were okay (Rise of the Machines), but some definitely were not (Genisys). That mixed bag is why many fans are cautiously optimistic for the next installment in the series, Terminator: Dark FateOpens in a new tab. Not only is it a direct sequel to Judgement Day, it marks the return of Linda HamiltonOpens in a new tab. So will it finally deliver the follow-up audiences have been waiting on, or is it fated to be another disappointment? Based on the first reactions to the film it’s a return to form, and a big reason why is because the original Sarah Connor is backOpens in a new tab, and she’s joined by some fantastic newcomers.

Honestly, without Linda Hamilton, not sure it works. But now watching her and Arnold together on screen again, it’s kind of crazy they ever tried to make these movies without literally the main character.

— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) October 21, 2019Opens in a new tab

The comments from those who got to see an early screening were uniformly high on the film’s action sequences, the importance of having Hamilton back, and the introduction of Mackenzie Davis to the franchise.

#TerminatorDarkFateOpens in a new tab is a blast. Came for the return of Linda Hamilton (amazing) & reprisal of Schwarzenegger (badass) but was surprised and happy to come out caring most about Natalia Reyes’ Dani & Mackenzie Davis’ Grace. It gave me a lot of hope for where Terminator will go next pic.twitter.com/vfWPFwMnzSOpens in a new tab

— Terri Schwartz (@Terri_Schwartz) October 21, 2019Opens in a new tab

#TerminatorDarkFateOpens in a new tab delivers. This is the Terminator film that fans have been yearning for since T2. Arnold is back (he’s great) but it is Linda Hamilton & Mackenzie Davis who steal the show. As for the action sequences, they are impressive & some of the best I’ve seen all year. pic.twitter.com/xAzPzneob2Opens in a new tab

— Scott Menzel (@TheOtherScottM) October 21, 2019Opens in a new tab

#TerminatorDarkFateOpens in a new tab is the best of the TERMINATOR sequels after T2. Easily among the year’s most entertaining action films, it’s thrilling, intense & non-stop, but also a sweet story about making things right. Arnold is great & Linda rules, but Mackenzie Davis THROWS DOWN pic.twitter.com/8TQ4GpkkdrOpens in a new tab

— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) October 21, 2019Opens in a new tab

Is #TerminatorDarkFateOpens in a new tab the best since T2? Yup. Linda Hamilton’s return makes a BIG difference, Mackenzie Davis kicks all the ass, & Natalia Reyes is an excellent anchor. Gabriel Luna’s Rev-9 is a winner too. Physicality, VFX, fights – all spot on! Glad they gave this another go. pic.twitter.com/4Q1FNN49HwOpens in a new tab

— Perri Nemiratu (@PNemiroff) October 21, 2019Opens in a new tab

#TerminatorDarkFateOpens in a new tab is easily the best Terminator movie since T2. Has some fantastic action and loved how the film features 3 female protagonists that all kick-ass. So awesome seeing Linda Hamilton back as Sarah Connor. pic.twitter.com/15Yb6cC18WOpens in a new tab

— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) October 21, 2019Opens in a new tab

So #TerminatorDarkFateOpens in a new tab is T1+T2 with a modern message. It quietly says a lot about the Latinx experience & who the future depends on. I have *small* issues w/ it but its action packed & a great reboot of the franchise. Linda Hamilton, Mackenzie Davis & Natalia Reyes are QUEENS!

— Yolanda Machado (@SassyMamainLA) October 21, 2019Opens in a new tab

#TerminatorDarkFateOpens in a new tab is better than you think it’s going to be. Its trying hard to be the Force Awakens of Terminator movies, and mostly succeeds. But it’s lacking Cameron’s innovation, evolution and directing. Arnold is fantastic, the best of his post T2 Terminator appearances.

— Peter Sciretta (@slashfilm) October 21, 2019Opens in a new tab

Mackenzie fucking Davis. She was awesome in #TerminatorDarkFateOpens in a new tab
Loved her performance. Reminded me a lot of Michael Biehn’s intensity and desperation from the first film. Cannot wait to see what she does next. pic.twitter.com/VbP2tWrrBrOpens in a new tab

— Guillermo of the Dead (@GuillermoDelAln) October 21, 2019Opens in a new tab

Excited to report Terminator: Dark Fate is the best sequel in the franchise since T2. It’s a “return to basics” movie — reminiscent of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in that way — but the new heroes are fantastic, it’s great to see the legends kicking ass, and the action is great. pic.twitter.com/aAHSXhFyA4Opens in a new tab

— Evil Eric Eisenberg (@eeisenberg) October 21, 2019Opens in a new tab

Terminator: Dark Fate is basically Terminator: The Force Awakens. A satisfying, exciting reboot that’s essentially the best parts of T1 & T2 in a blender. Davis, Reyes & Hamilton are excellent, the action wows & while it’s familiar, it’s easily the best T3 yet. Terminator is back pic.twitter.com/W1emrXIq5COpens in a new tab

— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) October 21, 2019Opens in a new tab

Sounds like Terminator: Dark Fate might finally be the movie that saves the fate of the franchise from a terrible future.

Featured Image: Paramount Pictures