The problem with sequels is that they're forced to juggle the task of being a stand-alone story while simultaneously building off the success of their predecessors. Capturing the same feeling of another film and trying to expand upon it without alienating audiences is a feat that few filmmakers have ever accomplished - and coming across a sequel that actually eclipses its inspiration is even rarer.
The first Terminator movie was, in many ways, an '80s slasher flick. Released during the height of the genre's popularity, the film focuses on a young woman fleeing from a seemingly unstoppable force. In all honesty, it's a bit generic: the sci-fi setting gives the film a slightly different feel, but the film never truly sheds its genre baggage.
When Terminator 2: Judgment Day was released nearly 10 years later, many moviegoers were expecting more of the same - but that's not what they got. Instead, the film turned everything on its head: it wasn't simply a good Terminator movie, or a horror film, it was a better film in every possible way. Even now, 25 years after its debut, Terminator 2 is still considered to be one of the best sequels ever made.
So, why exactly does a film about a killer robot hold up better than most other movies?
It's impossible to watch Terminator 2 without noticing how amazing it looks. Again, the first Terminator wasn't a bad movie, but it's definitely a product of its time: it almost works as a library of slasher film tropes. Terminator 2, on the other hand, simply looks fantastic.
Everything about the movie's presentation is phenomenal: the cinematography, the editing and the color palette are all fantastic. On top of all that, the film's special effects and lighting are truly something to behold - not every movie can claim that its effects still hold up after more than two decades.
The pacing also deserves mention. Many action films devolve into hour-long shoot-outs with zero context or weight - however, Terminator 2 wisely pulls back on the action when the story dictates a more measured pace. Not only does this give the audience a chance to catch their breath, but it makes the action feel that much more impactful when it finally does kick off.
However, that's not really why the film is still so good, even to this day. Yes, the action and visuals and effects are fantastic - but none of that matters without a good story.
So are there any parts of Terminator 2 that don't work?
Yes - though their impact on the film is minimal. John Connor can be an obnoxious little twerp, a few effects don't hold up anymore and the movie is very, very '90s - but again, these aren't issues that drag the movie down. It's easy to forgive a few minor annoyances when the rest of the film is so strong.
With the Fourth of July coming up, there's no better film to watch than Terminator 2. Not only does it satisfy everyone's innate desire to watch stuff explode in honor of our country's history, but there's actually a great film buried underneath all of the explosions. It's been 25 years since the film came out, and yet, watching it now is still just as fun as it was back in 1991.
And, if you're still reading this and you haven't seen Terminator 2: Judgment Day yet ... well, what are you waiting for?
