Monday Sequel Spotlight

Welcome to a new weekly feature here at Movies With Abe. In this series, I’ll be taking a look at some famous (and infamous) sequels to see how they compare to the original. I'll do my best to alternate between the greats and the best forgotten. Leave your thoughts or a suggestion for a spotlight in the comments!

Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Directed by James Cameron
Released July 3, 1991



This is one of the few sequels that most can agree on is better than the original. The 1984 film “The Terminator” was a fun thriller with an intense villain, and the second film turned it all around by making Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator the good guy, reprogrammed and sent back from the future to save John Connor, the salvation of mankind. In his place, Robert Patrick took on the role of the T-1000, a super-awesome liquid metal Terminator, whose abilities far surpassed those of the original model. The film is most remembered for its groundbreaking visual effects, displayed most excellently with the visualization of the T-1000 and his transformation from liquid medal to solid human form. Linda Hamilton delivers a fierce lead performance, and Sarah Connor becomes a truly memorable character. This 137-minute film never drags for a moment, combining exciting action, fun humor, and a great update of the score for the first film. “Terminator 2” won four Oscars and, not adjusted for inflation, still holds the distinction of being the 10th highest-grossing R-rated movie ever. For action and sci-fi fans, this is a must-see. It was so good that the two follow-up films, released in 2003 and 2010, couldn't possibly hold a candle to it.