The TERMINATOR film franchise continues on Film Fresh with TERMINATOR SALVATION. The fourth installment in the series stars Christian Bale and Sam Worthington. Unlike the other TERMINATOR films, SALVATION is set in the future and focuses on the machine/human war referenced in the previous three movies.  Director McG (CHARLIE’S ANGELS) takes the helm this time around and does so without the star power of series veteran Arnold Schwarzenegger.

When Warner Bros. announced that McG would be taking over the franchise, the internet community reacted quite negatively. However, McG worked to restore faith in the eyes the die-hard TERMINATOR fans. He paid a visit to series creator James Cameron, cast Christian Bale as John Connor and brought in Jonathan Nolan (THE DARK KNIGHT) to do script re-writes. (more)

A.O. Scott of THE NEW YORK TIMES calls SALVATION “a mastery of the vernacular of chases, fights, explosions and crashes” and that McG “manages speed, impact and the choreography of technomayhem with aplomb and a measure of wit.” (more)

Mary Pols of TIME has a different take on McG’s visual style. She argues that his focus on action prevents him from telling an engaging story with compelling characters. “We're too busy thinking about how cool that stunt was, the one where that body skimmed the river's surface like a skipping stone.” (more)

The film failed to leave a major mark at the box-office, grossing only $125 million in the U.S. despite its $200 million price tag. (more)

Did the fourth TERMINATOR film get you excited about the franchise again, or did you long for the days of James Cameron and even Jonathan Mostow?

Film Fresh also has the 2008 indie film HALF-LIFE. Directed by Jennifer Phang, the film tells the story of two siblings coping with their broken family. Phang utilizes rotoscoping-style animation giving the film a sureal quality. HALF-LIFE made its round at several film festivals, including: Sundance, the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival and the Tokyo International Film Festival. (more)

The documentary AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL looks at America’s increasing low self-esteem and the way a media saturated culture creates images of unattainable beauty. In 2007, the film won the Special Jury Prize for Best Director at the 43 Chicago International Film Festival. Catch the film and catch a special Q & A with the director, Darryl Roberts. (more)

TOXIC SKIES tells the story of a government that sprays a virus upon its population in order to kill the old and sick. Anne Heche stars as Dr. Tess Martin. She attempts to uncover the truth behind this political conspiracy.

In STEVIE, a young couple adopts a little girl and her violent imagainary friend, Stevie. Bryan Goeres directs.

Finally, we have 2 DUDES AND A DREAM. Thomas and Sebastian must leave their hometown to pursue their dreams of becoming an actor and supermodel. Jason Mewes (Jay of Jay and Silent Bob) co-stars.