by: keaton marcus

Will it be good? That’s a real gamble. The teaser and the official trailers both look explosive, violent and faithful to the classic trilogy—but considering the most recent franchise installments, it’s a maybe. We see the returning of both Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton, who reprise their respective roles as the Terminator and Sarah Connor. “Dark Fate” is also helmed by filmmaker Tim Miller who directed 2016’s critical and box office darling “Deadpool”. That’s good news for both the quality and financial criteria, but it may not be enough.

The first “Terminator” flick, release in 1984 scored 85/100 “sweet” on the Lemonradar, we praised the special effects, make-up and the inventive storytelling. Cause of the success it was in the box office, the picture gave birth to a sequel dubbed “Judgement Day” which debuted in 1991 with even more success, grabbing 90/100 “sweet” on the Lemonradar. To conclude the original trilogy, Jonathon Mostow helmed the third installment called “Rise of the Machines” which got less raves in the critical reception, but delivered a mild victory in the box office. After hints of fatigue sniffed in the final film in the trilogy, McG rebooted the series with “Terminator Salvation” which flopped with critics, scoring 40/100 “sour” on the Lemonradar, and disappointed financially, especially cause of its 200 million budget. Even with the fault that was the previous installment, Alan Taylor decided to continue the saga with “Terminator Genisys” which got a similar 35/100 “sour” with us, but did decently in the global box office. It’s a real question whether “Dark Fate” can pull it off with the critics, but there’s a chance.

Will it be a hit? Meh, it depends. The original three pictures were all successes, grossing 207, 979 and 603 million globally respectively, all with inflation. They were all solid successes, especially the second installment. The rebooted franchise, kicked off with “Salvation”, did not have as much kick. The first to the 2009-2015 couplet grossed 371.3 million worldwide (443M with inflation), on a 200 million production cost (239M with inflation), giving the franchise its first major box office disappointment. Additionally, “Genisys” fares a bit better, but still completely failed in North America. The film given earned 440.6 million globally on a cost of 155 million, a mild success, largely cause of its impressive performance in China. It still looks as if audiences are still somewhat intrigued of what the series will do next, so “Dark Fate” could either be the next big flop or the next Big Bang.

Remember, “Terminator: Dark Fate” arrives in theaters everywhere on November 1st this year. Show some spirit!!