‘Terminator Salvation’ Reviews | Will it Be a Big Box Office Hit?

Will big-budget ‘Terminator Salvation’ bomb?

The “Terminator Salvation” reviews are in, and if the opinions of critics at Rotten Tomatoes are any indication, this installment in the “Terminator” series might not fare as well as the first three.

In “Terminator Salvation,” Christian Bale ditches the bat suit and takes on the persona of a different kind of hero. Bale’s superstardom might be enough for “Terminator Salvation” to make back the $200 million (yes TWO HUNDRED MILLION) that was spent to make the movie. However, looking at some of the scathing words critics are writing in “Terminator Salvation” reviews, the producers might be left needing a quick cash loan.

A moneymaking franchise

It’s hard to believe that the first movie in this series, “The Terminator,” came out 25  years ago, but it’s true. “The Terminator” hit movie screens in 1984, and audiences were wowed, even though filmmakers only spent a measly $6 million making it.

“The Terminator” pulled in almost $40 million at box offices in the U.S. and made $78 million worldwide. Granted, that’s not super stellar earnings, but it is a $72 million  profit. Not too shabby for the ’80s.

Times change

Fans of “The Terminator” had a long wait before “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” came out in 1991, and it appears the story of John Connor and the half-man, half-machine played by Arnold Schwarzenegger gained a bigger following in the meantime.

The makers of “T2″ must have anticipated that it would draw a bigger crowd, because they spent more than $100 million to make it — a huge departure from the 1984 budget. “T2″ made $520 million worldwide. That’s almost seven times as much as “The Terminator.”

Third time not the charm

Twelve years later, “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines” came out. Though the makers spent twice as much to on “T3″ as they did on “T2,” the box office earnings did not surpass its $200 million budget.

“T3″ made $150 million in movie ticket sales. That’s not bad box office performance, but after the money “T2″ pulled in, it seems a little lackluster.

“Terminator Salvation” reviews

Finally, we find ourselves in 2009 facing tomorrow’s release of “Terminator Salvation.” Schwarzenegger, what with needing to govern the country’s third largest state, is not on the cast list. Bale plays John Connor, all grown up and leading  a group of humans in a fight against the machines.

Unfortunately, according to one Rotten Tomatoes “Terminator Salvation” review, this might not be Bale’s best performance.

“Oft-considered one of the greatest actors of his generation, Bale’s performance is shockingly lifeless. Also, his choice to use his gruff Batman voice is a very odd one and I could never get past the distraction. Bale’s connection with the project gave me the greatest hopes for Salvation, but it seems he’s finally decided to sell out and cash in on his fame rather than maintain the level of strong material that has always been the trademark of his career,” writes Jeff Otto.

Another reviewer calls Bale “anti-charismatic.” Ouch. Reel Film Reviews says:

The Terminator series grinds to a distinct and palpable halt with this inert, flat-out worthless entry, in which director McG proves beyond the shadow of a doubt that he should never, ever step outside the candy-colored world of the Charlie’s Angels franchise.

Despite these harsh criticisms, it is rumored that “Terminator 5″ is already in the works. For more “Terminator Salvation” reviews, check out Rotten Tomatoes.