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Jul 23, 2018smatte rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Other than having a plot line that is derivative of a few early episodes of The Outer Limits television series, The Terminator is a perfect scifi/action film. The pacing is flawless and each section of the film delivers without giving the viewer any time to second guess or get bored. The violence is extreme, but becomes almost hypnotic after awhile, and is offset occasionally with a few unexpectedly tender moments between the two protagonists. Arnold Schwarzenegger is the stone-cold titular antagonist, and he plays the part accordingly. This is the movie that made him the go-to action star of the 1980s and 90s. And the Outer Limits ripoffs? Director James Cameron got his comeuppance via a lawsuit from iconic writer Harlan Ellison, who took offense at The Terminator's opening sequence being nearly identical to that of an Outer Limits episode that Ellison penned, entitled "Soldier." The suit required Cameron to display the tag "acknowledgement to the works of Harlan Ellison" just before the end credits roll. Cameron allegedly hated this inclusion, but this connection to one of my favorite writers in one of my favorite childhood movies makes me enjoy it even more.