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I decided to do a brief written review as well (for those lacking speakers on their computer).  The bottom line is some people are going really like this movie and others might not.  Part of it will depend on where you're coming from.  How much do you cherish the Terminator franchise? 

I was hooked when I saw the first film.  When T2 came out in theaters, it was a big deal.  T3 was a little bit of a let down but I still enjoyed it.  Terminator 2 3-D was cheesey fun.  I wanted to really like this movie.  I think in order to do so, you have to be willing to accept that certain changes may happen.  This isn't a typical Terminator movie as it's no longer in the present.  We also don't have Arnold walking around as the lead Terminator.  Because of those two factors, you have to view this sort of the next chapter in the franchise.

It is a refreshing change to finally be out of the present.  We've heard so much and have only had tiny glimpses into the future world.  This helps move the franchise and keeps it from getting stale.  I question the casting of Christian Bale as John Connor.  Only because this is the third John (fourth if you include Thomas Dekker from "The Sarah Connor Chronicles").  Bale is a good actor and does a decent job but it's still a little weird.  The plus to this is you can almost say he's not the lead in the movie.

The story itself was far from perfect.  There were moments that felt slightly ridiculous but did serve to move the plot along.  If it wasn't for these minor glitches, the story wouldn't have succeeded.  This is where you have to ask what do you want out of this movie.  If you're looking for an entertaining movie, it accomplishes that.  On the other hand, if you're a Terminator purist, you're going to have some gripes.

If you allow yourself, you will enjoy the movie.  The visuals and effects are great.  We're finally seeing the war against humanity.  The theater I saw it in cheered at the end.  The movie will have successful weekend.  I was entertained.  My gut reaction was to give this movie a 4 out of 5.  I liked it.  It wasn't perfect.  There were some parts that bothered me.  But it was nice going back to the Terminator world and seeing what happens next.