'Terminator Genisys' review: Schwarzenegger is entertaining but bogged down by a silly script

Director: Alan Taylor
Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Clarke, Emilia Clarke, Jai Courtney, JK Simmons, Matt Smith
Rating: **

What it's about: John Connor sends Kyle Reese to the past, back to 1984, to save his mother Sarah Connor. But something has changed. And it's not entirely something we're comfortable with. You know the story if you've watched this franchise closely and it mirrors the events of Terminator 2: Judgment Day quite closely, but this alternate timeline then goes into the future. And that's where the silliness begins...

What's hot: 'Mother of dragons' Emilia and 'Die Hard Jr' Courtney try to make sense of the craziness around them. But the film's core strength lies with Arnold Schwarzenegger, who despite his age is as entertaining (what a grin!) as ever. And the one-liners we all grew up, with (and some fresh ones), are all there. Death-defying stunts and high-octane action sequences? They're in short supply.

What's not: Taylor is no James Cameron. Let's face it, he's competent, but is bogged down by a really silly script. Oh, that twist in the tale? It comes a little earlier than you would expect. An actor of the caliber of JK Simmons in this film is such a shame. And that, dear reader, is followed by another twist you really can't wrap your head around. That, plus Sarah calling the first Terminator, played by Arnie, 'Pops'! 

What to do: You'll be yawning before the end. That one definitely is a head-scratcher. This is one sequel we could really have done without.