"Terminator 2: Judgement Day," One Of The Most Badass Movies Of All-Time, Is 32 Years Old Today

Is it weird and random to celebrate the 32nd anniversary of a film? Yes, but it gives me an excuse to talk about T2, and I'm not turning down that opportunity. It is sad what's happened to the "Terminator" franchise. I'm not surprised, of course. On a long enough timeline, all of our favorite franchises get mutilated and destroyed at one time or another. But for a brief minute, the "Terminator" series was the gold standard for modern sci-fi, and "T2" is a huge reason for that. I really enjoy the first "Terminator." It's one of those movies that feels like it has no right to be as good as it is. It was a simple story, but it features inspired direction and a unique, terrifying villain in Arnold Schwarzenegger. It's one of those small movies (well, small by today's standards) that was perfect for a sequel because it gave off the impression that there was a much bigger universe still to be explored. Its imagery and dialogue are memorable as well. I can't knock anymore who calls the first Terminator film a classic, but it doesn't hold a candle to the awesomeness that is "T2."

"Terminator 2: Judgement Day" is one of the few movies I think is perfect. There are movies that I enjoy more, but this, to me, is what an ideal sequel looks like. The budget and stakes are higher. The characters are richer. The action is better. Everything about this is an improvement over the original film. The decision to make Arnold the good guy in this was such a unique hook. I can't think of any other sequel with a twist like that, but it makes complete sense within the story's context. As good as it is, the first film has its dated elements. You're willing to forgive them because the budget was limited. That issue does not persist in "Judgement Day." The word "timeless" is one of the first words that come to mind when I think of this film. This movie came out in 1991, and I swear to you, the effects, even in 2023, look as good as most Hollywood films do today. The effects used on Robert Patrick's T-1000 character are a flawless blend of practical and early CG work.

This movie checks off every box. The action is incredible, the story is tight, and the performances are all rock solid, especially from Linda Hamilton, who is badass (and batshit crazy) in this movie. I'm a bit surprised she didn't garner some awards consideration for this, considering the physical transformation she made. But what drives this movie home and makes it a true classic is the relationship between Arnold's Terminator character and Edward Furlong's Jon Connor. This could have come across as complete cornball, and I'm not going to lie; there are a few cheesy moments in this, but you believe their connection. I'm not going to act like Schwarzenegger was asked to really stretch as an actor in this, but he handles some of the more dramatic scenes quite well. Future installments of this franchise have completely lacked heart. Everything following "T2" has felt like a hollow product, but the dramatic moments in "Judgement Day" really pack an emotional punch.

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The odds are that you've seen this movie. It's well-regarded as one of the best sequels of all-time. But even if you've already seen it, give it a rewatch. We don't get movies like this anymore. Action films nowadays seem to either have cool action and lame characters, or cool characters and lame action. "T2" is one of those rare action flicks that have both. The story and effects are truly timeless. It's one of the all-time greats.