Positive reviews of The Terminator focused on the action and thrilling scenes. Variety praised the film, calling it a
"blazing, cinematic comic book, full of virtuoso moviemaking, terrific momentum, solid performances and a compelling
story...Schwarzenegger is perfectly cast in a machine-like portrayal that requires only a few lines of dialog."
Richard Corliss of Time magazine said that the film has "Plenty of tech-noir savvy to keep infidels and action fans satisfied."
Time placed The Terminator on its "10 Best" list for 1984. The Los Angeles Times called the film "a crackling thriller full
of all sorts of gory treats...loaded with fuel-injected chase scenes, clever special effects and a sly humor."
The Milwaukee Journal gave the film 3 stars, calling it "the most chilling science fiction thriller since Alien."
A review in Orange Coast magazine stated that "the distinguishing virtue of The Terminator is its relentless tension.
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