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.
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.
"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...
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
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 ?
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.
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.
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 🎥 🎞
@@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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 !!
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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."
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.
Siskel was so off so many times it's unbelievable: Casino, Scarface, The Terminator... all thumbs down? WTF! Big props to Ebert though who got it right in all of them.
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.
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!
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.
I'm sorry but Siskel slept through this one. He misses that Kyle Reese is basically Ultra-Rambo. But his badassedness is in the background while Arnold's badassedness is in the foreground. No, Reese is more than Rambo, he's Achilles. In the whole future human race, he is the one. But he's third billing! When I watch Terminator, the T800 taking retroactive revenge on LAPD for Rodney King in the future is what I react to on the surface. But beneath the surface is Reese as the Protector Archetype. Selfless, as selfless as a watchdog, he's never had a moment to his own needs in his entire life. He gets one moment, one smile when his dog ears hear the Terminator and wham! -- he snaps back in Ultra-Rambo Protector Mode. I think that's why people loved this story. Of course we liked Arnold doing the Terminator Thing, but Michael Biehn is the reason people were telling friends "you gotta see this movie!"
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.
"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).
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.
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.
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)
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 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 sets it up multiple times saying how it is a time travel movie, and yet Siskel is still convinced that he saw a version of The Terminator where he comes from another planet lol...
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?
Wait... I thought Roger said in his review of Terminator Salvation that he didn't see the first Terminator. www.rogerebert.com/reviews/terminator-salvation-2009 WTF?
Yeah. He reviewed hundreds of movies every year. Don't expect him to remember all of them. On a show where they reviewed Star Trek VI they mention Star Trek III as a bad movie, even though they gave it thumbs up on release. 🤷♂️
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.
This movie is extremely well made. A total classic.
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.
"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
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
"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!
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.
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 ?
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.
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.
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
How could anyone with more than a brain stem not give "The Terminator" thumbs up?
Unbelievable.
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.
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 🎥 🎞
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
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.
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.
"The other planet where these guys come from" 😂😂😂
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.
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.
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 !!
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.
😂😂😂😂!!!!
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. 😄
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.
"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
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
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.
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
Recommended to me in 2021, used to watch their show I missed them so much.
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.
"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.
How can you not like "The Terminator"? It is the perfect action film.
Seems like Gene did not actually see the film and based his review on a clip reel or something.
I think Siskel didn't know what planet he was on.
Two thumbs up his ass for most of his reviews.
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.
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.
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.
Siskel what the????!! This movie rocked the film world. Completely original and just down right bomby. What he meant to say was "thumbs up".
Siskel was way off on this one, the Terminator is one of the best sci-fi action films ever made.
This is a movie that I never get tired of watching.
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.
This movie is a classic without a doubt. Use to watch this show in the 90's.
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.
Thank you so much for recommending a
number one movie
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
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...
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.
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.
Ebert seemed to also feel saying (both) characters were from future would be giving away too much.
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.
“Thumbs down on the planet where you come from gene?”, you better watch it again.
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!
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.
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
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
Siskel was so off so many times it's unbelievable: Casino, Scarface, The Terminator... all thumbs down? WTF! Big props to Ebert though who got it right in all of them.
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 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Did Gene say The Terminator came from another planet. Did he even watch the movie?!
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
Miss these guys! First time I saw Terminator, I thought it was revolutionary.
"The planet where they came from?" Siskel had no idea what he was talking about...
I knew Roger was headed straight for that vending machine.
@MassiveTree - Are you a know-it-all - much in daily life, too?!?
"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
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.
Oooooo! Comfort and Joy!!!! I can't wait to see that!!!
"I thought The Terminator was a non-stop rollercoaster of chills, thrills, spills and kills!"
this movie is a masterpiece. nuff' said
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!
Gene is the only one who picked up on the subtle clues that the Terminator is from another planet. Now it all makes sense.
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.
I'm sorry but Siskel slept through this one. He misses that Kyle Reese is basically Ultra-Rambo. But his badassedness is in the background while Arnold's badassedness is in the foreground. No, Reese is more than Rambo, he's Achilles. In the whole future human race, he is the one. But he's third billing! When I watch Terminator, the T800 taking retroactive revenge on LAPD for Rodney King in the future is what I react to on the surface. But beneath the surface is Reese as the Protector Archetype. Selfless, as selfless as a watchdog, he's never had a moment to his own needs in his entire life. He gets one moment, one smile when his dog ears hear the Terminator and wham! -- he snaps back in Ultra-Rambo Protector Mode. I think that's why people loved this story. Of course we liked Arnold doing the Terminator Thing, but Michael Biehn is the reason people were telling friends "you gotta see this movie!"
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.
I remember the days when "Two Thumbs Up" meant a lot to movies!
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
'As an action movie this was not well made.' - Gene Siskel 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Iam 45 so it when I was still pretty young. It was mind blowing. Love this movie.
The best movie of the 80s period!😎👍
From another planet?! Ha ha! Siskel was a dope!
This is better than the sequel in my view. Agree? Disagree?
Love these reviews locked in a time capsule. One of the most influential movies of all time and Siskel didn’t get it.
Man I am so old, I can actually remember this on PBS!
Arnold tells you he'll be back, believe him.
Yo he just said it on the fly
Needless to say, Roger Ebert has been proven right.
"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.
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.
Little did they know the impact the Terminator FRANCHISE would have on the entire industry.
Most people agree should have stopped after 2, became pretty embarrassing later.
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.
Lol when you’re so wrong it’s actually funny.
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)
cant wait to see this, looks good.
hey!!! ebert actually gave away the plot!!!!!
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.
Ebert was right on the money. Siskel failed.
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
I had a sleep over party and we watched The Terminator and it was fantastic viewing experience
Ebert sets it up multiple times saying how it is a time travel movie, and yet Siskel is still convinced that he saw a version of The Terminator where he comes from another planet lol...
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?
Siskel & Ebert won't be back.
Wait... I thought Roger said in his review of Terminator Salvation that he didn't see the first Terminator.
www.rogerebert.com/reviews/terminator-salvation-2009
WTF?
coopercastille Wow - Good Catch !!!! Ebert probably forgetting stuff because of his health in 2009.
+bopp9 LOL
Yeah. He reviewed hundreds of movies every year. Don't expect him to remember all of them. On a show where they reviewed Star Trek VI they mention Star Trek III as a bad movie, even though they gave it thumbs up on release. 🤷♂️
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.
Would love to have seen this at the cinema. Fingers crossed they do some anniversary screenings for its 40th anniversary in 2024.
Do you live near any art-house or independent movie theaters? Places like that do a lot of throwback or classic film series.