 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Terminator
- Review Date: August 8, 2005
- R
- Genre: Science Fiction
- 1984
Common Sense Media says
Terrific sci-fi action, but too violent for some.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that kids will want to see this film due to its reputation as a "classic" action film and the fact that it stars Arnold Schwarzenegger. But this isn't the sweet, exasperated Arnold of Kindergarten Cop or the comedic action hero of True Lies -- or even the huggable father stand-in of Terminator 2 and 3. This is a relentless, shark-eyed killer Arnold. His systematic destruction of the inhabitants of Los Angeles is unsettling even for adults. Expect virtually nonstop tension and violence, as well as swearing (including "f--k"), some partial nudity, drinking, and smoking.
What's the story?
The story of THE TERMINATOR begins with the arrival of a pumped-up, naked Arnold Schwarzenegger. He is "The Terminator," a cyborg sent from the post-apocalyptic future where machines have taken over the world via nuclear Armageddon. His mission is to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), the woman who will eventually become the mother of the leader of the future resistance. Soldier Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn) is sent back as well; in this case to prevent the Terminator from carrying out his mission. Reese must protect Sarah long enough for her to give birth to her son, John, who will lead the fight against the machines.
Is it any good?
Terminator is more serious than the second two movies in the series. Schwarzenegger's character bears none of the playful ambiguity of the sequels; he simply kills. True, he does utter the infamous phrase, "I'll be back," a promise that the character utterly fulfills, but the effect is less ironic than horrifying.
Co-written and directed by James Cameron, THE TERMINATOR is an excellent vehicle for his facility with sci-fi action and spectacle, as well of his integration of themes like humans versus machines, the destructiveness of war, capitalism, and the questioning traditional gender roles in his films.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the conventions of action movies and director James Cameron's statements regarding corporate culture, unchecked technological development, and nuclear war.
What do you think of Sarah Connor's transformation from sweet, defenseless damsel-in-distress to strong and independent action hero?
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Kid, 11 years old
August 15, 2011
AGE
no kids under 9
i love the movie but may be inappropriate for some kids and it is rated R and that is for a reasen
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AGE
AMAZING!!!
I'm 14 and I absolutely love the first Terminator. I've probably seen it fifteen times. It keeps you hooked and it has action, suspense, a little romance, and it's actually more thought-provoking than it has the reputation of being.
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AGE
"Come with me, if you want to live"
I loved this move. Great story, characters, etc. Some sceanes between Kyle Reese and Sarah Connor, and about 15 f-words. Kyle is a good role model, going out of his way to save Sarah. The T-800 is one of the greatest villians of all time. But if you don't like violence, don't see it. NO ONE UNDER 13 should see it though.
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AGE
it was awesome even though the guy died.
the cyborg was very hard to kill
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AGE
This is the Real, Truthful Review
Great Movie but definitely a high R movie..........there is one seen where breasts are fully vissible. Violence is gory, and language is pervasive. Recommended rating
R: For Bloody Sequences of Action Violence, a scene of sexuality/nudity, and pervasive language, and a scene of drug content
not very noticeable but the Terminator takes weed
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AGE
Parents must judge whether or not their child's behavior will be effected by this movie, it is really a judgment call because the movie is very good but probably suited more for young adults.
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AGE
Awesome.
Great movie, but there are some things to be worried about (extremely graphic explosions, the terminator is shown ripping his false eye out and cutting open his false arm to reveal his robotic parts, nudity, and the strong language).
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AGE
schwartzenegger have big guns
violent movie with lots of guns and shooting. uses of f**k throughout. a scene of two characters having sex, though the scene is filmed in shadow, so you dont see the ACTUAL scene
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AGE
mature kids who can take the action
i love this movie. the only thing that should be a concern is the violence and one scean where there is partial nudity
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AGE
Pretty okay, lots of teenagers and adults will enjoy it!!!
This movie shows buttocks, breasts, and it shows the penis while in the shadow once, lots of graphic violence which is fine. Also, plenty of coarse language. Teenagers will enjoy watching it forever and ever!!
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| Studio: | Orion |
| Director: | James Cameron |
| Cast: | Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn |
| Genre: | Science Fiction |
| Run time: | 108 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | October 26, 1984 |
| DVD release date: | February 21, 2001 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
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