It's hard for me to understand how anyone could think The Terminator is not a well-made action movie. It's pretty much one of the best action/sci-fi movies ever made.
"As an action film, it is not so well-made." ??? Back in 1984 when I saw this film, I was thoroughly impressed with the action. Busting through rooms, windows, steel doors, extensive shooting chases with cars, motorcycles, gasoline trucks, not to mention storming a manned police station, blasting everyone interfering with the terminator's mission to kill a young girl before she gives birth to the future human resistance leader. I was really impressed with the melding of special effects, full sets, models, even stop-motion animation. A terrific movie to watch over and over.
These two saw every action segment back to the beginning of time. They're probably right, it's probably weak as an action picture, but I never thought of it as one- it's half neo-noir, half horror. As cheap as the effects look today, I'm still *dying* when I watch this film to the end. There's reason why the concept has captured our imagination for forty years...
Yeah, it was pretty obvious he didn't watch the movie. He saw parts of it and assumed the rest. That basically means he's reviewing a movie he imagined. Which is kinda funny when you realize he got paid to do it.
existenceisrelative To think that he was one of the highest paid and popular movie critic of his time and that he brushes of a movie without even paying attention to the details of the movie is really sad. I had a lot of respect for these guys but when you go on national television at a time when there are not as many tv options as there are now and give a half-hearted review without knowing important plot details, is really bad.
Siskel was way off on this one. "Another planet... where those guys come from." Did he even watch the movie? It's emphasized multiple times that they come from the future. And then saying it should be a full-scale love story. It's called "The Terminator." There's a reason so many action films in the last several years have scenes that were inspired by this film. Still one of the greatest action movies of all time.
one of the greatest sci-fi action films. Terminator wasn't just an action film, it had a great story. Too bad Siskel had his thumb so far up his ass he couldn't appreciate that
+Jesse Pinkman Hindsight wasn't needed to know the future of this film. It was a blockbuster from the 1st week it was released and only got bigger. It was always going to be one of the best ever.
+rascalMatt17 well they reviewed pretty much every movie for like 20 years or more as far as I can gather so you have to do think did they simply stop enjoying movies at some point and it just became a job ?
I love how Gene Siskel doesn't even know that the film is about time travel and not space travel. Gives you a bit of an indication as to why he didn't recommend it.
He talked referred to the furture as "On the Planets where these guy comes from" (these-meaning the terminator) He also said it wasn't a well made action film. Come on! The Terminator not a good action movie? If you made a list of the best action films/sci-fi action films Terminator will always be around the top 10-20 on that list. Hell at the time this review was made it would probably be in the top 5. It changed the film industry for awhile. The money returns on that movie had studios rethinking a lot of their business practices.
link biff Yeah I guess but the characters talk about very little that doesn't pertain to events in the future. And they have these conversations throughout the entire movie. I dunno, this just reminds me of Siskel's criticism of Aliens. Just lazy
As I kid I thought these guys were always wrong. As an adult I can see that I actually agree with Roger 90% of the time. Gene on the other hand...once in a while he makes a really great point, but most of the time he just misses the point. Either way RIP to the best two movie critics ever to do it. Agree or disagree, they always held my attention.
If Siskel missed the point so many times, then you're implying that he's not that good of a critic, but you just said that he's on the best. So that means you have contradicted yourself.
These guys SUCKED! The whole world knows THEY SUCKED and they are a MAJOR MAJOR reason so many folks HATE CRITICS. The big joke is that they had a prime TV show while they were lousy at their job.
Just watched it again, and frankly this movie is very effective on a bunch of levels. It's basically a well-crafted nightmare with a bunch of great action scenes, a convincing love story, and some well-placed comedy. It can be argued that it is a bit gratuitous, but there is no question that it is entertaining.
That whole beginning intro where Siskel and Ebert get their tickets and concessions and then head up to the balcony is so cool. I wish they had done that for every single show that they did. RIP both Siskel and Ebert. We miss you.
They had multiple shows over the years. First one was called Sneak Previews and it was on PBS. Then At The Movies, which is this show. After that, their show was called Siskel & Ebert & The Movies, shortened to Siskel and Ebert.
From what I’ve seen (at least in these early reviews) is that Ebert reviews these films for what they are, and Siskel reviews them for what he thinks they should be.
@@Zannathin The weirdest one to me was when Ebert didn't like Die Hard because there was a cop in it that was annoying. But Siskel actually really liked it.
Great point 👉, when it comes to The Terminator or the Star Wars reviews. IMO it was generally the other way around with these two. At The Movies was groundbreaking at the time and I always watched them when I could as an aspiring amateur film maker in High School 🎥 🎞
I'm not stupid enough to get fucked buying a 12 oz. Dr. Pepper for $3.50 and a bucket of popped corn for $6.75. $12.00 to watch a movie that will be on T.V. within a week is also proof how gullible Americans are. Not me. I bring my own and I sneak in whenever possible. I usually use the ruse I'm looking for my kid as his mother just went into the hospital. Works every time.
@@austinteutsch Good job taking the joke too seriously, making fun of Americans, and getting mad at everything. Everyone else can have fun and laugh at the joke.
Made for under 7 million, and by far the best one of the series. Just brilliant. All of the actors, top notch. Loved the pace of the movie. Very, Very scary. He doesn’t stop, he’ll keep coming till he rips her heart out. That’s all he does. Loved it.
I so agree. This was the best one of the series. The rest were just complete garbage and really didn’t follow the baseline on the first one like they should’ve. The only thing that they need to fix on this one was the Reese and Sarah Connor relationship. That was a huge flaw.
@@theyellowlightsaber3193 Obviously it was such torture for him. Poor guy felt forced to watch an action movie with no love story, and get paid to do it.
@@russn4933 If youd bothered to take notice of his actual words he didnt say he didnt like the film he said it wouldve been good to see a film that just focused on the post traumatic stress story of kyle
I was TDY at Incirlik Turkey when this came out. Someone had a copy from the states and was playing it in the day room in the barracks. Standing room only and you could hear a pin drop. Everyone there LOVED that movie.
Funny yes, but it also goes to show the good work done by Hamilton, Biehn, and Cameron. Any other actors and most other directors would just do the same thing as a paint-by-numbers excuse to go from one action scene to the next, but not here.
American Citizen bro my dad did the exact same thing with me and my older brother lol. said it would make us tough to absorb it at a young age. my mom didn’t know about it at the time haha.
Definitely one of the earliest "badass" movies that I ever saw. The dark futuristic music playing over a giant, ripped, young Schwarzenegger blasting through everything in his path. It all worked so well.
@chris tax - Our TH-cam Board is delighted "The Terminator" scared the HELL out of you !! Walking around with "HELL" inside, will only make one dangerous !!
How did they not mention the relentless tension created by this unstoppable unknown force. When I first saw this movie the entire time I could feel something lurking around every corner, in every space and could feel the claws of the animal just missing my achilles. Flight instinct pegged the entire time.
Man, it's a good thing Siskel wasn't producing this film. And did he even pay attention when he watched it? That "other planet" is Earth in the future! Kinda the whole point of the story.
"Not particularly well made"?? How about a six million dollar budget. I would suggest that everyone watching the Making of the Terminator. The end scene is explained as a guy standing behind the crushed exo-skeleton and puffing cigarette smoke to give the effect!! Cameron is a genius.
A franchise that never should have become a franchise in the first place. The first movie is such a tight, perfectly told, simple story. The second is more of an afterthought, a beautifully executed action movie that perfectly rounds up the story and finishes the character arks. All that comes after that is a complete waist of time.
When I got my first v.c.r. in 1986 , the first movie I rented was the Terminator.I became an instant James Cameron fan. I could not believe that someone had done in live action something I had only read about in comics and sci-fi and done it without condescencion.
This was the review that made me realize I had to see a movie for myself and not relegate a film to the trash heap just because of a professional critic.
The more I watch these "Siskel and Ebert"reviews, the more I respect Ebert and the less I respect Siskel. Many of Siskel's opinions have been proven wrong---- especially in the "action/sci fi movies" . He obviously hated the genre and showed absolutely no understanding towards any of those movies---- even the ones that are now universally considered as classics today.
Yup look at how he dropped the ball on this one. The Terminator is not just considered a top action film, but a top sci-fi film as well (likely inspired by Philip K. Dick's Second Variety). He also didn't like Aliens, another masterpiece by Cameron.
Eric van Bezooijen Cameron claimed Halloween was the main inspiration for The Terminator. Harlan Ellison settled out of court and got a credit on the film, claiming his story “ Soldier of Tomorrow” and more specifically his adaptation he did for Outer Limits simply titled “Soldier” was ripped off.
As a 16 year old when this came out, me and my friends would go over every detail about in school. Good times. The 80's ere actually a really great time to grow up. No cell phones,more interaction,less drama,less wokeness. 80's and the 90's were the last of the "simpler times."
Holy crap! I remember this specific review! Made 11 year old me want to see the Terminator soooo badly! Loved the Conan movies and was excited to see Arnold in a new role... Had to wait for it to come out on cable, though...
He said he saw it late, so he must've missed that point. Or he said "planet" as a metaphor for the future to degrade the picture as a whole. Using the term "another planet" for something you don't like is pretty hasty.
@@gumarovasquez5825 Or didn't even listen to what Ebert said mere moments before. But it wouldn't be the first time the two didn't listen to each other
I mean, never mind that it literally says "Los Angeles 2029" on the screen. He must've come into the screening a minute late. Very careless if you're a film critic.
Once Siskel said: "The guys from another planet!" I Knew he was lost and had no idea of what he was talking about! Goes to show you how most so called movie critics have no clue at all! It's all a matter of personal opinion! This movie turned out to be a sci-fi classic, despite it's budget!
This review had some spoilers, taking away from the thrilling development of the movie: figuring out who was who and what was going on. I'm glad I saw "The Terminator" without seeing any reviews first. It was a fun shock to watch! I missed it in theaters, but caught it on VHS with my girlfriend shortly afterward, It instantly became one of my favorite movies and made me a huge Arnold Schwarzenegger fan.
Love these guys. What a joy to watch two professionals banter about a topic near and dear to their hearts: motion pictures. You can only hope that you get this type of incredible chemistry when you set out to do a show like this.
I'm surprised neither one mentioned what a great villain Schwarzenegger's Terminator was. Maybe one of the memorable in film history. The feeling watching this machine that would not stop was powerful and gripping.
Cameron said that's why he cast Schwarzenegger -- he could see in Arnold's face the concept that he wanted to drive, that the Terminator absolutely woud not stop -- ever!
The first Terminator film captivated audiences because of its suspense, its scares, its lore, and its love story. James Cameron compensated for his minescule budget with striking neo-noir. As an action film, it's always been average. The shift to action came with T2: Judgement Day.
Always appreciated Eberts reviews because he reviewed films with respect for the type of film it was and what the average movie goer expected from that type of film. Gene struggled with that and the attitude he expresses here is a good example. His critique seems like a dismissal of something not worth his time, like a resentment of another film he had to endure, than a fair critique of this film in particular.
"The planet that this guy comes from" ??? Did he even watch the movie? Where do I sign up for that job? (where I get paid for having opinions about movies I didn't even watch).
Its so funny, after watching these things I remember why I liked Ebert more, I mean siskel was good and all but he rarely liked my favorite movies (and honestly its surprising when he likes a movie lol)
Yes, Siskel was killed by a Terminator. They call him the grim reaper. Siskel was the anti Ebert. He did that for.....get this........RATINGS! Sort of like Faux Snooze having Juan WIlliams on their programs....a counter weight to spur discussion. It is all about....RATINGS!
I've never been a fan of action films, and I waited a long time to see The Terminator. I don't believe I even saw it on its first run. I think I rented it. But anyway, when I *did* finally see it, I was blown away by how good it was. It's an excellent story that actually justifies its action sequences. I don't believe Gene Siskel payed enough attention to it to understand its plot.
I know, Gene really was a critic's critic!! He always seemed to suggest inserting really long drawn out sappy scenes to movies that weren't really necessary in the type of movie that he was usually reviewing. Never really understood it but that's just how he was.
Critics back then still had pretensions about movies somehow elevating the mind of the common man. Old Victorian social critic/Marxist perspective on "art." It's basically gone to the wayside in favor of just hoping shit is well-done and engaging. I can't say it's a tremendous loss, it was always a douchebag POV. New York Times and Time gave "Terminator" a great review when it came out.
Most critics did. Sometimes Siskel was fantastic, he loved Rocky IV and the two Burton Batman's for example. But every now and then, he'd flub one. And The Terminator was a case for sure.
It's not that Siskel wasn't smart, it was just the premises he was sometimes arguing under (your Dad should learn to love "Schindlier's List" and not "Predator") were kinda dumb. Human nature is hugely malleable, but not that malleable. I don't even consider uplifting the soul of the common man anymore, but it was a fairly common perspective back then.
Cliff Slatterly Ebert was usually fantastic because he made good calls like thumbing down both Burton Batmans. Batman Returns is still one of the worst moviegoing experiences I've ever had at the cinemas.
I wonder what Siskel would think of his comments in hindsight now? I liked him but he could be a bit of a movie "snob" at times. And to think he gave a better review to Speed 2. lol.
Ebert: "Violent, but I liked the love story, and it was an interesting and effective action film." Siskel: "Meh. Typical sci-fi schlock and lousy action, but a decent love story buried within it." Me: The tropes weren't original, but their combination was. The acting wasn't great, but the action was. The effects are dated...but the film is a classic. I give it "Gene, sit over there. Roger, well said."
Ive always loved this old show, even became a critic into my 20s. Now what amazes me is how coveted and secreted movies were back then. If you were a kid and or had no money to burn, good luck seeing anything until 2 years later on cable. Now we can see everything for free usually on the net, often before its released!
RonJohn63 Last Action Hero had too many writers should have decided to pick one universe or another not both. True Lies was Arnies best except for the ending.
You're saying that about Gene Siskel just because you disagree on one movie? You'd probably be able to find many that you and he had the same opinion on.
Fyodor Dostoevsky never said I disliked all of siskels opinions. Far from it. Was commenting more on how with today’s internet being full of nothing but “critics” you will find more and more people who might lose out on a great experience because of “probably” wrong opinions like genes on this movie. In fact I’d say some critics have no business reviewing certain genres of films. And I’m speaking purely on those who would stay home based on what a critic might think of something, as with the terminator. A lot if the critically acclaimed stuff today turns out to be time I’ll never get back, like that joker movie.
@@busywl69 I see what you're saying now. I don't really mind if critics have some biases. But I will admit that even though I don't like The Terminator, I guess you're right to say Siskel was wrong to tell people it wasn't well made. It's well made, I just happen not to like the story that much. As for Joker, which I haven't seen and probably won't (I kind of have a bias against superhero movies, whether that's fair or not), I'd say it's not really critics that are hyping it up as much as regular moviegoers. Rotten Tomatoes right now is 68%, but IMDb is currently 8.8 and it's #12 on that site's top 250, not that I really care much about that.
I was in California attending systems training for the CH53 Sea Stallion. The group of us from New River, NC had a few hours and thought “What the hell” and caught it. It was AWESOME.
GOD!!!!!! I have watched about 25 Siskel and Ebert reviews on TH-cam now and on every one of them Siskel talks about how lovey dovey every actor and scene and movie has to be in order to get his approval. this guy was such a wimp, I don't know how he kept that job so long. Looking back now I can't believe I even watched anything he said. That guy was softer then a school girls panties.
He enjoyed Pulp Fiction and gave it a good review, as well as movies like A Clockwork Orange. He could handle the violent, raw, vulgar stuff but he was very picky about accepting it.
I completely agree, now that you see all these reviews one after the other with hindsight both of these guys but especially Siskel were totally fucking wrong about everything! You could use them to pick the best movies by the ones they hated. Who hired these guys seriously?
Surprising to look back and see how poorly Siskel reviewed this. He would have preferred had they focused more on the love story between Sarah and Kyle and less on the action - you know, less on the title character. Wow, was he for real?
Roger you are on point it was a great action movie and it did have a surprising love story . It's very violent and a classic in the action movie world.
It's hard for me to understand how anyone could think The Terminator is not a well-made action movie. It's pretty much one of the best action/sci-fi movies ever made.
Truth!!
Agree
It is well made, those 2 are overrated reviewers!
@@johnmc3862extremely, very sensitive to violence as well which definitely clouds their judgement
They don’t like genre pictures.
They are almost always on the wrong side of history when it comes to them.
This movie is extremely well made. A total classic.
"As an action film, it is not so well-made." ??? Back in 1984 when I saw this film, I was thoroughly impressed with the action. Busting through rooms, windows, steel doors, extensive shooting chases with cars, motorcycles, gasoline trucks, not to mention storming a manned police station, blasting everyone interfering with the terminator's mission to kill a young girl before she gives birth to the future human resistance leader. I was really impressed with the melding of special effects, full sets, models, even stop-motion animation. A terrific movie to watch over and over.
The violent scenes were more horror/suspense than action, so I can see why someone expecting a straight-up action movie might be disappointed.
These two saw every action segment back to the beginning of time. They're probably right, it's probably weak as an action picture, but I never thought of it as one- it's half neo-noir, half horror. As cheap as the effects look today, I'm still *dying* when I watch this film to the end. There's reason why the concept has captured our imagination for forty years...
1) Horror, not action. T2 was action
2) Considering the Corman level budget, it was VERY well made!
I like the grittiness of the first Terminator. The big budget sequel just wasn't as good.
@@vincentmarcellino7183 This!
Gene: doesn’t like The Terminator.
Also Gene: thinks Kyle and the Terminator come from another planet.
Right.
Also Gene: "Cocaine is one hell of a drug"
Gene never seemed to get anything right. He was just their as fodder for Ebert's reviews.
They don't?
These guys hated most SF or Fantasy films, so what? Means zip.
still holds up in 2019 , just watched it
Still better than Dark Fate. By a mile.
@@Sixstringman by 10'000 miles gawd
watched it over the summer. fantastic movie. ive always loved both terminator movies.
@@spyrosbreath95 11 million miles.
Excellent movie
"On the planet where this guy comes from." You mean Earth, Gene...Earth.
Yeah, it was pretty obvious he didn't watch the movie. He saw parts of it and assumed the rest. That basically means he's reviewing a movie he imagined. Which is kinda funny when you realize he got paid to do it.
I just don't think he was paying attention.
existenceisrelative To think that he was one of the highest paid and popular movie critic of his time and that he brushes of a movie without even paying attention to the details of the movie is really sad. I had a lot of respect for these guys but when you go on national television at a time when there are not as many tv options as there are now and give a half-hearted review without knowing important plot details, is really bad.
existenceisrelative Maybe he didn't just pay attention?
Alex Naoum I know it's late but...thank you, yes, I was on the verge of making the same post. So much for dedicated cinemaphiles! :D
Siskel was way off on this one. "Another planet... where those guys come from." Did he even watch the movie? It's emphasized multiple times that they come from the future. And then saying it should be a full-scale love story. It's called "The Terminator." There's a reason so many action films in the last several years have scenes that were inspired by this film. Still one of the greatest action movies of all time.
one of the greatest sci-fi action films. Terminator wasn't just an action film, it had a great story. Too bad Siskel had his thumb so far up his ass he couldn't appreciate that
+jjman9 Not one of the best. The best.
+Jesse Pinkman
Hindsight wasn't needed to know the future of this film. It was a blockbuster from the 1st week it was released and only got bigger. It was always going to be one of the best ever.
+gorrow1990 Another planet. WTF??? Siskel was such a twat.
+rascalMatt17 well they reviewed pretty much every movie for like 20 years or more as far as I can gather so you have to do think did they simply stop enjoying movies at some point and it just became a job ?
I love how Gene Siskel doesn't even know that the film is about time travel and not space travel. Gives you a bit of an indication as to why he didn't recommend it.
He talked referred to the furture as "On the Planets where these guy comes from" (these-meaning the terminator) He also said it wasn't a well made action film. Come on! The Terminator not a good action movie? If you made a list of the best action films/sci-fi action films Terminator will always be around the top 10-20 on that list. Hell at the time this review was made it would probably be in the top 5. It changed the film industry for awhile. The money returns on that movie had studios rethinking a lot of their business practices.
He said he saw it a little late, so he must've missed the key element.
link biff Yeah I guess but the characters talk about very little that doesn't pertain to events in the future. And they have these conversations throughout the entire movie. I dunno, this just reminds me of Siskel's criticism of Aliens. Just lazy
It also gives indication of the time of this movie's release and how the common mindset was not prepared for this concept.
Rudolf Menon Great Point. Didn't even think of that.
Brad Fiedel's score for the film is very distinctive. Even in those short clips you can hear how much it does for the movie.
As I kid I thought these guys were always wrong. As an adult I can see that I actually agree with Roger 90% of the time. Gene on the other hand...once in a while he makes a really great point, but most of the time he just misses the point. Either way RIP to the best two movie critics ever to do it. Agree or disagree, they always held my attention.
I grew up on S&E on PBS, they're like family to me.
MTRIP.
The "best two movie critics ever to do it"...on TV. I agree.
If Siskel missed the point so many times, then you're implying that he's not that good of a critic, but you just said that he's on the best. So that means you have contradicted yourself.
These guys SUCKED! The whole world knows THEY SUCKED and they are a MAJOR MAJOR reason so many folks HATE CRITICS. The big joke is that they had a prime TV show while they were lousy at their job.
I HONESTLY put Ebert up there with Hemingway. Love him.
This is my favorite movie of all time. I don't understand how anybody can not like it.
Dr.Feel Good then get your head out of your ass.
Randy White STFU LOLZ
I hope you've seen some better movies in the three years since you wrote this comment.
It was good. T2 was better. If I want to rewatch a terminator movie, it's always 2.
Terminator 2 is greater in every way. It's like pt 1 but on steroids
Just watched it again, and frankly this movie is very effective on a bunch of levels. It's basically a well-crafted nightmare with a bunch of great action scenes, a convincing love story, and some well-placed comedy. It can be argued that it is a bit gratuitous, but there is no question that it is entertaining.
That whole beginning intro where Siskel and Ebert get their tickets and concessions and then head up to the balcony is so cool. I wish they had done that for every single show that they did. RIP both Siskel and Ebert. We miss you.
The probably weren't allowed to use that sequence or even a similar one when they changed production companies
They had multiple shows over the years. First one was called Sneak Previews and it was on PBS. Then At The Movies, which is this show. After that, their show was called Siskel & Ebert & The Movies, shortened to Siskel and Ebert.
From what I’ve seen (at least in these early reviews) is that Ebert reviews these films for what they are, and Siskel reviews them for what he thinks they should be.
@@Zannathin The weirdest one to me was when Ebert didn't like Die Hard because there was a cop in it that was annoying. But Siskel actually really liked it.
@@Zannathin Most critics don't get comedies, and they are the hardest thing to get right.
They both didn't like Return of the Jedi, either
@@lockandloadlikehell They came around on ROTJ. Later on they defended it.
Great point 👉, when it comes to The Terminator or the Star Wars reviews. IMO it was generally the other way around with these two.
At The Movies was groundbreaking at the time and I always watched them when I could as an aspiring amateur film maker in High School 🎥 🎞
"I didn't like it; I don't know why." isn't that your job, to know why you didn't like the movie? Gene!
Hello me
Gene was such a hipster contrarian. I bet he'll recommend films all day but as soon as anyone tries to do the same their choices suck
Back when clubs let you in wearing dirty bum pants and a trench coat with a shotgun.
He must have reeked of shit. Dude didn’t even wash them shits and put them on commando style!
@@pungisotu It was the style of the time
Back when LA wasn’t a cesspool.
😂
@Obi Wan Kenobi yeh, i just saw it too. 😄
Everyone is missing the point of this review. Siskel sneaks outside food and beverages in.
For shame Siskel. For shame.
LOL
I'm not stupid enough to get fucked buying a 12 oz. Dr. Pepper for $3.50 and a bucket of popped corn for $6.75. $12.00 to watch a movie that will be on T.V. within a week is also proof how gullible Americans are. Not me. I bring my own and I sneak in whenever possible. I usually use the ruse I'm looking for my kid as his mother just went into the hospital. Works every time.
@@austinteutsch The guy was joking. Just about everybody sneaks in their own food. I don't even know anyone who buys that shit at the theater.
@@austinteutsch Good job taking the joke too seriously, making fun of Americans, and getting mad at everything. Everyone else can have fun and laugh at the joke.
@@austinteutsch woah there tough guy
Made for under 7 million, and by far the best one of the series. Just brilliant. All of the actors, top notch. Loved the pace of the movie. Very, Very scary. He doesn’t stop, he’ll keep coming till he rips her heart out. That’s all he does. Loved it.
Shows what Cameron can do, even w/o the enormous budgets. In Terminator II Arnold's salary was almost double the entire budget of the first movie.
I so agree. This was the best one of the series. The rest were just complete garbage and really didn’t follow the baseline on the first one like they should’ve. The only thing that they need to fix on this one was the Reese and Sarah Connor relationship. That was a huge flaw.
sometimes limited budget force people to be creative.
@@vardenlongraf4688are you saying Terminator 2 is complete garbage????
@@nolanrussell6326 He's obviously full of shit, don't bother.
Who goes to watch an action movie and says "needs less action, more love story"?
Well nobody now, since Gene Siskel's dead
You do realise this was a job right? He didnt do this for fun idiot on a wet saturday night.
@@theyellowlightsaber3193 Obviously it was such torture for him. Poor guy felt forced to watch an action movie with no love story, and get paid to do it.
@@russn4933 If youd bothered to take notice of his actual words he didnt say he didnt like the film he said it wouldve been good to see a film that just focused on the post traumatic stress story of kyle
I was TDY at Incirlik Turkey when this came out. Someone had a copy from the states and was playing it in the day room in the barracks. Standing room only and you could hear a pin drop. Everyone there LOVED that movie.
Siskel ended up on the wrong side of history a lot...
On a deleted timeline.
Watch their reviews on the first Saw
Looked for the saw review couldn’t find it
Ebert and Roeper worst movies of 2004 type that in
@@josephcarl4167 Saw wasnt great . Most reviewers hated it. I dont think theres a single saw movie that isnt rated rotten on on RT
Oh, yes, “The Terminator” would have been so much better if it was a romantic comedy. :-/
I see i'm not the only one who found that funny
felicity4711 😆😆
T1 definitely has a romantic subplot, and there's a couple funny parts
Funny yes, but it also goes to show the good work done by Hamilton, Biehn, and Cameron. Any other actors and most other directors would just do the same thing as a paint-by-numbers excuse to go from one action scene to the next, but not here.
😂😂😂😂!!!!
the terminator scared the hell out of me when i first watched it i was 10 years old.
I first watched it at 4 and while I was scared of some moments, I was also fascinated with it.
American Citizen bro my dad did the exact same thing with me and my older brother lol. said it would make us tough to absorb it at a young age. my mom didn’t know about it at the time haha.
100%
Definitely one of the earliest "badass" movies that I ever saw. The dark futuristic music playing over a giant, ripped, young Schwarzenegger blasting through everything in his path. It all worked so well.
@chris tax - Our TH-cam Board is delighted "The Terminator" scared the HELL out of you !! Walking around with "HELL" inside, will only make one dangerous !!
How did they not mention the relentless tension created by this unstoppable unknown force. When I first saw this movie the entire time I could feel something lurking around every corner, in every space and could feel the claws of the animal just missing my achilles. Flight instinct pegged the entire time.
Gene is just weirdly off base here. It's like he didn't even see the whole movie.
Technophobe Technology it’s like he wrote a book report on book he didn’t even read , and just got his opinion from the book cover .
He probably only watched it once, and didn't pay much attention when he did.
I know 30 years later and very few movies even come close
I sure like that other movie that nobody remembers
These guys spend more time writing notes than watching the movie.
How could anyone with more than a brain stem not give "The Terminator" thumbs up?
Unbelievable.
Seems like Gene did not actually see the film and based his review on a clip reel or something.
Man, it's a good thing Siskel wasn't producing this film.
And did he even pay attention when he watched it? That "other planet" is Earth in the future! Kinda the whole point of the story.
Yeah, it's kinda hard to have an opinion on something you didn't really pay attention to.
A timeless classic. I showed it to my son when he turned 10, and he loved it. Saw all the rest. And always goes back to this. He’s now 14.
There is something wrong with you if you don't like this movie because it's one of the best films ever made. It's up there with Robocop and Die Hard.
"Not particularly well made"?? How about a six million dollar budget. I would suggest that everyone watching the Making of the Terminator. The end scene is explained as a guy standing behind the crushed exo-skeleton and puffing cigarette smoke to give the effect!! Cameron is a genius.
Too bad the 'genius' went on to make Avatar. It's one of the most retarded films ever made.
Ted Striker What's your point? I never saw Avatar but he made it 25 years after Terminator. Different era.
*****
The man is an idiot.
Ted Striker Sounds like you have an ax to grind.
Daniel Kelegian He's saying avatar sucked and the terminator was awesome.
Siskel was way off on this one, the Terminator is one of the best sci-fi action films ever made.
How can you not like "The Terminator"? It is the perfect action film.
Recommended to me in 2021, used to watch their show I missed them so much.
Little did they know that was the start of a movie franchise.
Yes Im sure Siskel would be cackling away in his grave to know its been completely driven into the ground with endless shitty sequels.
A franchise that never should have become a franchise in the first place. The first movie is such a tight, perfectly told, simple story. The second is more of an afterthought, a beautifully executed action movie that perfectly rounds up the story and finishes the character arks. All that comes after that is a complete waist of time.
@@christophzeit6282 Salvation was okay, that furthered the story
@@christophzeit6282 exactly, spot on
@@christophzeit6282 Rise of machines was the conclusion.
I'm speechless... Fortunately for these guys I refuse to speak ill of the dead. "Terminator" is one of the greatest films ever made.
Roger got it; Gene did not.
When I got my first v.c.r. in 1986 , the first movie I rented was the Terminator.I became an instant James Cameron fan. I could not believe that someone had done in live action something I had only read about in comics and sci-fi and done it without condescencion.
Siskel what the????!! This movie rocked the film world. Completely original and just down right bomby. What he meant to say was "thumbs up".
This is a movie that I never get tired of watching.
This was the review that made me realize I had to see a movie for myself and not relegate a film to the trash heap just because of a professional critic.
This movie is a classic without a doubt. Use to watch this show in the 90's.
Siskel never likes anything cool.
It's an act for the show. He doesn't actually hate it. In that way, they offer perspective
You should watch him and Ebert defend Star Wars from another brutal critic.
m.th-cam.com/video/Ky9-eIlHzAE/w-d-xo.html
I don’t think Siskel watched anything cool in the 80s. Think he sent a copy boy to jot notes down for him back then.
He liked Mortal Kombat 🤷🏽♂️
Alexander Wright again 80s Siskel would hated it. I don’t know...guess he mellowed as he got older.
The more I watch these "Siskel and Ebert"reviews, the more I respect Ebert and the less I respect Siskel. Many of Siskel's opinions have been proven wrong---- especially in the "action/sci fi movies" . He obviously hated the genre and showed absolutely no understanding towards any of those movies---- even the ones that are now universally considered as classics today.
Yup look at how he dropped the ball on this one. The Terminator is not just considered a top action film, but a top sci-fi film as well (likely inspired by Philip K. Dick's Second Variety). He also didn't like Aliens, another masterpiece by Cameron.
Eric van Bezooijen Cameron claimed Halloween was the main inspiration for The Terminator. Harlan Ellison settled out of court and got a credit on the film, claiming his story “ Soldier of Tomorrow” and more specifically his adaptation he did for Outer Limits simply titled “Soldier” was ripped off.
He did love the Star War films, at least the first three made!
@Jamie Whitfield Yes. Watch him and Roger defend the series from another brutal critic.
m.th-cam.com/video/Ky9-eIlHzAE/w-d-xo.html
@@4redniwediS Roger Ebert gave The Phantom Menace, one of the worst films I have ever seen in a movie theater, 3 1/2 stars.
As a 16 year old when this came out, me and my friends would go over every detail about in school. Good times. The 80's ere actually a really great time to grow up. No cell phones,more interaction,less drama,less wokeness. 80's and the 90's were the last of the "simpler times."
I miss the 90s.
Holy crap! I remember this specific review! Made 11 year old me want to see the Terminator soooo badly! Loved the Conan movies and was excited to see Arnold in a new role... Had to wait for it to come out on cable, though...
at 5:11 "the planet where this guys from" - wtf movie is he talking about?? it was just set in the future. it's like he didn't even watch the movie
He said he saw it late, so he must've missed that point.
Or he said "planet" as a metaphor for the future to degrade the picture as a whole. Using the term "another planet" for something you don't like is pretty hasty.
I love this guy but he probably duct out to get something to eat. He didn’t watch all of it.
@@gumarovasquez5825 Or didn't even listen to what Ebert said mere moments before. But it wouldn't be the first time the two didn't listen to each other
I mean, never mind that it literally says "Los Angeles 2029" on the screen. He must've come into the screening a minute late. Very careless if you're a film critic.
"The other planet where these guys come from" 😂😂😂
How the hell do you give The Terminator a negative review. That’s nuts.
Siskel always was a wet blanket!
The first one was not as impressive as the 2nd.
@@sj4632 first one slightly better imo
@@alterbridgegod No way, you're definitely in the minority.
@@sj4632 there's more than you think
This intro to at the movies always gives me that warm cozy feeling. Ahh to be a kid again in front of the tube in the 80s.
Agreed! My grandmother always used to watch Siskel and Ebert on Saturdays...brings me back to easier times.
keefriff99 yes saturdays!! Early evening Saturdays before the nbc sat lineup featuring golden girls lol
Thank you so much for recommending a
number one movie
Once Siskel said: "The guys from another planet!" I Knew he was lost and had no idea of what he was talking about! Goes to show you how most so called movie critics have no clue at all! It's all a matter of personal opinion! This movie turned out to be a sci-fi classic, despite it's budget!
This review had some spoilers, taking away from the thrilling development of the movie: figuring out who was who and what was going on.
I'm glad I saw "The Terminator" without seeing any reviews first. It was a fun shock to watch!
I missed it in theaters, but caught it on VHS with my girlfriend shortly afterward,
It instantly became one of my favorite movies and made me a huge Arnold Schwarzenegger fan.
"On the planet where this guy comes from."
Maybe had he understood the film a little better he would have liked it more.
Gene seems to make those mistakes from time to time
Love these guys. What a joy to watch two professionals banter about a topic near and dear to their hearts: motion pictures. You can only hope that you get this type of incredible chemistry when you set out to do a show like this.
Miss these guys! First time I saw Terminator, I thought it was revolutionary.
This is better than the sequel in my view. Agree? Disagree?
I'm surprised neither one mentioned what a great villain Schwarzenegger's Terminator was. Maybe one of the memorable in film history. The feeling watching this machine that would not stop was powerful and gripping.
Cameron said that's why he cast Schwarzenegger -- he could see in Arnold's face the concept that he wanted to drive, that the Terminator absolutely woud not stop -- ever!
Ebert was right on the money. Siskel failed.
"I thought The Terminator was a non-stop rollercoaster of chills, thrills, spills and kills!"
Iam 45 so it when I was still pretty young. It was mind blowing. Love this movie.
Damn Siskel was way off on that one 😂 what a Douche. it only ended up becoming the one of the greatest sci-fi action movie ever
Bullshit.
Jose Luiz Exactly!!
The first Terminator film captivated audiences because of its suspense, its scares, its lore, and its love story. James Cameron compensated for his minescule budget with striking neo-noir. As an action film, it's always been average. The shift to action came with T2: Judgement Day.
Douchebag Siskel - clueless really
Always appreciated Eberts reviews because he reviewed films with respect for the type of film it was and what the average movie goer expected from that type of film. Gene struggled with that and the attitude he expresses here is a good example. His critique seems like a dismissal of something not worth his time, like a resentment of another film he had to endure, than a fair critique of this film in particular.
I remember the days when "Two Thumbs Up" meant a lot to movies!
THIS IS TIME TRAVEL!!!!
Thank you for uploading these. Grew up watching this right before SNL. 1982.1984.85.1987. Great years for 80s movies. Classics
Arnold tells you he'll be back, believe him.
Yo he just said it on the fly
Did Gene say The Terminator came from another planet. Did he even watch the movie?!
this movie is a masterpiece. nuff' said
Needless to say, Roger Ebert has been proven right.
Little did they know the impact the Terminator FRANCHISE would have on the entire industry.
I knew Roger was headed straight for that vending machine.
@MassiveTree - Are you a know-it-all - much in daily life, too?!?
"The planet that this guy comes from" ??? Did he even watch the movie? Where do I sign up for that job? (where I get paid for having opinions about movies I didn't even watch).
It's called the Internet.
Its so funny, after watching these things I remember why I liked Ebert more, I mean siskel was good and all but he rarely liked my favorite movies (and honestly its surprising when he likes a movie lol)
I don’t like the terminator
-Gene Siskel
RIP
Why am I watching this in 2019?
Yes, Siskel was killed by a Terminator. They call him the grim reaper.
Siskel was the anti Ebert. He did that for.....get this........RATINGS!
Sort of like Faux Snooze having Juan WIlliams on their programs....a counter weight to spur discussion. It is all about....RATINGS!
I've never been a fan of action films, and I waited a long time to see The Terminator. I don't believe I even saw it on its first run. I think I rented it. But anyway, when I *did* finally see it, I was blown away by how good it was. It's an excellent story that actually justifies its action sequences. I don't believe Gene Siskel payed enough attention to it to understand its plot.
“Thumbs down on the planet where you come from gene?”, you better watch it again.
The love story? Gene it's not steel magnolias bro.
This comment is so painfully stupid lol
I know, Gene really was a critic's critic!! He always seemed to suggest inserting really long drawn out sappy scenes to movies that weren't really necessary in the type of movie that he was usually reviewing. Never really understood it but that's just how he was.
I think he missed it on this one
The best movie of the 80s period!😎👍
Honestly, I want to hear about the film that's about two rival ice-cream companies based in Scotland.
Man I am so old, I can actually remember this on PBS!
Love these reviews locked in a time capsule. One of the most influential movies of all time and Siskel didn’t get it.
Siskel with his wife: I was thinking a little to the left would've been better.
Glad I wasn't drinking when I read this 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Siskel & Ebert won't be back.
Siskel must have gone into the theater, took a seat and fallen right to sleep. He doesn't seem to know anything about the movie.
Yes the best thing to note about The Terminator are the love scenes.
Oooooo! Comfort and Joy!!!! I can't wait to see that!!!
Siskel was way off on this one.
Critics back then still had pretensions about movies somehow elevating the mind of the common man. Old Victorian social critic/Marxist perspective on "art." It's basically gone to the wayside in favor of just hoping shit is well-done and engaging. I can't say it's a tremendous loss, it was always a douchebag POV. New York Times and Time gave "Terminator" a great review when it came out.
Most critics did. Sometimes Siskel was fantastic, he loved Rocky IV and the two Burton Batman's for example. But every now and then, he'd flub one. And The Terminator was a case for sure.
It's not that Siskel wasn't smart, it was just the premises he was sometimes arguing under (your Dad should learn to love "Schindlier's List" and not "Predator") were kinda dumb. Human nature is hugely malleable, but not that malleable. I don't even consider uplifting the soul of the common man anymore, but it was a fairly common perspective back then.
Cliff Slatterly Ebert was usually fantastic because he made good calls like thumbing down both Burton Batmans. Batman Returns is still one of the worst moviegoing experiences I've ever had at the cinemas.
Funny. It's one of the best movie going experiences I've ever had.
I wonder what Siskel would think of his comments in hindsight now? I liked him but he could be a bit of a movie "snob" at times. And to think he gave a better review to Speed 2. lol.
Speed 2 is one of the worst pieces of crap, ever.
LivingInVancouverBC I think Ebert and her fanboys are the worst piece of crap ever
Ebert: "Violent, but I liked the love story, and it was an interesting and effective action film."
Siskel: "Meh. Typical sci-fi schlock and lousy action, but a decent love story buried within it."
Me: The tropes weren't original, but their combination was. The acting wasn't great, but the action was. The effects are dated...but the film is a classic. I give it "Gene, sit over there. Roger, well said."
Ive always loved this old show, even became a critic into my 20s. Now what amazes me is how coveted and secreted movies were back then. If you were a kid and or had no money to burn, good luck seeing anything until 2 years later on cable. Now we can see everything for free usually on the net, often before its released!
I think Siskel didn't know what planet he was on.
Two thumbs up his ass for most of his reviews.
Gene hated Arnold I think! He gave Terminator, True Lies, Predator and Total Recall thumbs down!
He did like T2 ;)
I certainly agree with him on True Lies - but T, Predator, and Total Recall were 3 of his best
@@emmetzet _True Lies_ was a fun movie. As was _Last Action Hero._
RonJohn63 Last Action Hero had too many writers should have decided to pick one universe or another not both. True Lies was Arnies best except for the ending.
It means, to me, that Siskel had good taste.
From another planet?! Ha ha! Siskel was a dope!
Gene lol. Critics haven't got any better in 2019.
I'll agree his opinion is unjust but hes a great critic for the most part
@@kylekondit9709 they were entertaining if nothing else. can't say that about todays "critics".
You're saying that about Gene Siskel just because you disagree on one movie? You'd probably be able to find many that you and he had the same opinion on.
Fyodor Dostoevsky never said I disliked all of siskels opinions. Far from it. Was commenting more on how with today’s internet being full of nothing but “critics” you will find more and more people who might lose out on a great experience because of “probably” wrong opinions like genes on this movie. In fact I’d say some critics have no business reviewing certain genres of films.
And I’m speaking purely on those who would stay home based on what a critic might think of something, as with the terminator. A lot if the critically acclaimed stuff today turns out to be time I’ll never get back, like that joker movie.
@@busywl69 I see what you're saying now. I don't really mind if critics have some biases. But I will admit that even though I don't like The Terminator, I guess you're right to say Siskel was wrong to tell people it wasn't well made. It's well made, I just happen not to like the story that much. As for Joker, which I haven't seen and probably won't (I kind of have a bias against superhero movies, whether that's fair or not), I'd say it's not really critics that are hyping it up as much as regular moviegoers. Rotten Tomatoes right now is 68%, but IMDb is currently 8.8 and it's #12 on that site's top 250, not that I really care much about that.
I was in California attending systems training for the CH53 Sea Stallion. The group of us from New River, NC had a few hours and thought “What the hell” and caught it. It was AWESOME.
'As an action movie this was not well made.' - Gene Siskel 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Gene is the only one who picked up on the subtle clues that the Terminator is from another planet. Now it all makes sense.
GOD!!!!!! I have watched about 25 Siskel and Ebert reviews on TH-cam now and on every one of them Siskel talks about how lovey dovey every actor and scene and movie has to be in order to get his approval. this guy was such a wimp, I don't know how he kept that job so long. Looking back now I can't believe I even watched anything he said. That guy was softer then a school girls panties.
He enjoyed Pulp Fiction and gave it a good review, as well as movies like A Clockwork Orange. He could handle the violent, raw, vulgar stuff but he was very picky about accepting it.
I completely agree, now that you see all these reviews one after the other with hindsight both of these guys but especially Siskel were totally fucking wrong about everything! You could use them to pick the best movies by the ones they hated. Who hired these guys seriously?
Surprising to look back and see how poorly Siskel reviewed this. He would have preferred had they focused more on the love story between Sarah and Kyle and less on the action - you know, less on the title character. Wow, was he for real?
Roger you are on point it was a great action movie and it did have a surprising love story . It's very violent and a classic in the action movie world.
They have their opinions, we have ours. We need shows like this again.