Common Sense Media Review
Thrilling sci-fi action sequel has violence, language.
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Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 41 parent reviews
Based on 193 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY, the Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is sent back in time from the future again. But this time he switches sides to become the protector of the human race's future hope, John Connor (Edward Furlong). Meanwhile, Connor's mother, Sarah (Linda Hamilton), who tries to spread the word about an upcoming apocalypse, is deemed insane and confined to an institution. Can the three work together to save John from his latest foe, the T-1000 (Robert Patrick), and find a way to stop Skynet's futuristic technology before it gets out of hand?
Is It Any Good?
This is the film that really showed what CGI effects could add to a movie, and, as such, can be considered a huge influence on subsequent big-budget action effects movies. Terminator 2: Judgment Day's greatest technical achievement is the shape-shifting T-1000 character, who pursues John Connor and makes it necessary for the original Terminator to act as John's protector. The film continually ratchets up the tension as the T-1000 comes closer and closer to destroying young John, making this film a thoroughly exciting thrill ride.
Though he plays the character with the same steely stoicism as in the original, Schwarzenegger obviously relishes the chance to be the "good guy" in this one, and the script offers him plenty of silly one-liners to provide the otherwise dark film with some levity. And Hamilton turns in a powerful performance as a desperate mother locked away because everyone thinks she's insane.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the development of potential killing machines like the ones shown in Terminator 2: Judgment Day. What do you think would happen in real life if machines like Terminators existed? Where do you think the responsibility lies? Is there a way to balance this kind of technological advancement with ethics?
What does this movie say about fate, destiny, and the future? Do you agree or disagree? What do you think stops the characters from giving up hope? Why is hope important to hold on to?
Why do you think violence is such a prominent feature in blockbuster action movies? Would anything have been lost from the story with half as much violence? Why, or why not?
The movie features a strong female lead. Why is it important to show women as lead characters, particularly in action films, which have traditionally been male-led? How does Sarah compare to female characters in other action movies you've seen? Why is it important to challenge on-screen stereotypes?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 3, 1991
- On DVD or streaming : October 22, 1997
- Cast : Arnold Schwarzenegger , Edward Furlong , Linda Hamilton
- Director : James Cameron
- Inclusion Information : Female actors
- Studio : Columbia Tristar
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Adventures , Robots
- Run time : 147 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong sci-fi action and violence, and for language
- Last updated : April 12, 2025
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