Watch Terminator 2: Judgement Day

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (Digitally Remastered) is a 1993 science-fiction action film Directed by James Cameron. It is the sequel to the acclaimed 1984 film, The Terminator, and stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, Robert Patrick, and Joe Morton. The plot follows a trio of heroes, Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), John Connor (Edward Furlong), and the T-800 (Arnold Schwarzenegger), as they attempt to prevent the rise of the machines and the eventual extinction of humanity.

The story is set in 1995, ten years after the events of the first film. Skynet, the artificial intelligence program that became self-aware, has sent a new Terminator, the T-1000 (Robert Patrick), back in time to kill John Connor, the future leader of the human resistance. In response, the human resistance sends a reprogrammed T-800 Terminator, who was originally sent back in time to kill Sarah Connor, to protect John.

The film opens with a scene in which Sarah Connor, while in a mental institution, recounts her experiences with the Terminator and Skynet to her therapist. She has become a hardened, paranoid version of herself, transformed by her experiences and her knowledge of the future apocalyptic world her son must lead the human resistance against. Meanwhile, the T-1000 arrives in Los Angeles, its liquid metal body allowing it to shape-shift and hide in plain sight. It begins its hunt for John, starting with his foster parents.

John, who is now living with his foster parents in LA, initially struggles to accept the T-800's presence as his protector, but ultimately comes to understand its importance. Together, they rescue Sarah from the asylum and team up to try and stop the T-1000 from completing its mission. Along the way, they encounter Miles Bennett Dyson (Joe Morton), the man responsible for the development of Skynet. In order to prevent the rise of the machines, Sarah decides to kill him, despite the fact that it might lead to catastrophic consequences.

The film's action sequences are legendary, with Cameron pushing the boundaries of what was possible at the time. From the chase sequence through a storm drain to the showdown at the Cyberdyne Systems building, the movie is packed with thrilling set-pieces that still hold up today.

The performances of the cast are fantastic, with Linda Hamilton bringing a new intensity to the role of Sarah Connor. Her rapid-fire delivery of lines and physical transformation illustrate the trauma and determination that comes from a person who has experienced trauma, and she is the highlight of the cast. Arnold Schwarzenegger is also terrific in the role of the T-800, bringing a newfound humor to the character while still maintaining the stoic, robotic sensibility that made him so memorable in the first movie.

Edward Furlong is impressive in his film debut as John Connor, bringing a necessary sense of vulnerability to the character. Robert Patrick is also fantastic as the T-1000, making it easy to hate him with his cold, emotionless performance that perfectly mirrors a machine. Joe Morton is also great as the conflicted Dyson.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (Digitally Remastered) is one of the greatest sequels of all time. Its larger budget, paired with Cameron's inventive direction, resulted in a thrilling action movie that also had plenty of heart. Along with its predecessor, it remains a science-fiction classic and a shining example of how to make a compelling, entertaining franchise. The remastered digital format only makes it that much better. It is a must-see for any genre movie fan, and it still holds up today as one of the most defining films of the genre.