Terminator's salvation is not its lead star

The Terminator movies have always been about humanity - or at least, the battle to preserve it. In the latest installation of the franchise, however, Christian Bale seems nearly as robotic as the monstrosities he is fighting.

Bale stars as John Connor, the future leader of a rebellion force that fights Skynet, a computer network bent on the destruction of the human race. Connor's survival was a key element in the three previous Terminator films but in Terminator Salvation, Bale's Connor takes unnecessary risks, all the while delivering his lines in a deadpan, lifeless manner. His brooding attitude just doesn't fit with the John Connor we know from the previous movies.

Despite this letdown, Salvation has a lot of high points. Anton Yelchin's turn as Kyle Reese is impressive, especially for such a young actor. His performance recalls the energy and determination of the Kyle Reese seen in the first Terminator movie, yet brings a new perspective to the role.