Terminator Salvation (M)

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It helps to have seen the previous Terminator movies to understand what's going on in this heavy-metal sequel, which – unlike the first two Terminator films and even the third instalment – is mainly a futuristic war movie showcasing impressive special effects.

As an action spectacle with breathers for narrative explanation, it's missing one mean killer machine among its array of mechanical attackers helping military computer network Skynet take over the world. But then there's no focal point on the human side either.

Instead, the central character is a mysterious cyborg (Sam Worthington), with the resurrected flesh, heart and organs of a condemned serial killer to go with his robotic skeleton and computer brain. His purpose is unclear but he comes in contact with John Connor (Christian Bale), the leader of the resistance against the machines.

T4 should satisfy muscle and hardware action junkies but leave other Terminator fans both numbed by the movie's efforts to pound viewers into submission and its lack of light relief, black humour and heart.

• Reviewed by David Manning. DVDs for review supplied by United Video, Nelson.