TERMINATOR: DARK FATE

Known for helming the edgy superhero flick Deadpool, director Tim Miller has wielded the megaphone for Terminator: The Dark Fate, the sixth installment of the iconic 'Terminator' series. The film features a mix of the old and new characters in the cat and mouse game.

After the death of John Connor from the hands of Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger), humanity has found its future saviour in the form of Daniella Ramos (Natalia Reyes). But what happens when an advanced Terminator (Gabriel Luna) travels to the past to eliminate her. In order to counter the onslaught and save Dani, a genetically engineered soldier Grace (Mackenzie Davis) from the future teams up with Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton).

The film revolves around their quest to save Dani for the future. The film starts with a throwback to the earlier Terminator films, where Sarah Connor foresees the end of humankind from the hands of these killing machines. The film plays on lines of the earlier Terminator films (a ruthless robot relentlessly chases the damsel), which lacks tension.

The film reaches a high point with the heroic entry of Sarah Connor, but the momentum is not sustained, as the narratives are impeded by an overlong flashback of Grace. Even the action sequences are only high on destruction and low on imagination. Still, the film manages to position its villain as a real, indestructible threat.

The film gets racy after we witness the introduction of our former Terminator, who now goes by the name of Carl and is aged, burdened by the responsibilities of family. In short, its Sarah who gets to utter the robot's iconic line. Post that, the narrative leads to a long, predictable yet engrossing set-piece that hits the right emotional chords.

Though the plot has nothing new to offer, it is the minimal fan service that works. Tim Miller has played it safe by sticking to the mythology of the Terminator universe whilst presenting strong female characters. Overall, Terminator: Dark Fate is a mildly engrossing, passable action fare.