4. Predators
The Internet has been ablaze with rumors about Arnold’s return to this beloved franchise. Rumors got so out of hand that Harry Knowles from Ain’t It Cool News had to get in contact with Robert Rodriguez to see if there was any truth to the speculation. Of course, there wasn’t, but Rodriguez was quick to point out that he would love Arnold on board. While the chances of Arnold being involved in this project are understandably low, we can still dream.
Some may disagree, but I think the series must return to its roots in order to be successful. ‘Predator’ was a parade of obnoxious, over the top machismo at its manly prime. Which is what the other Predator movies lacked: a good time. Bringing back Arnold in some capacity (hint: grizzled veteran) will help shed the mediocre horror elements of the previous installments and get back to the alien hunting fun of the original. Just, for the love of God, let us be spared from another ‘AVP’ sequel.
3. James Cameron
James Cameron is the king of the big budget action film and will soon be revolutionizing the industry with his hugely anticipated film ‘Avatar’. His classics include ‘Terminator’, ‘T2’, ‘Aliens’, ‘Titanic’, ‘True Lies’ and the vastly underrated ‘Abyss’. The man knows how to put together an action movie and he loves working with Arnold. Their team ups have always ended with amazing action entertainment and I think another one would benefit everybody.
Besides crafting a great film Cameron also knows how to bring out the best in Arnold. Arnold definitely has his limitations as an actor, but Cameron knows how to play to his strengths and he gets the best out of him. With Jimmy’s help, Arnold brought humanity and life to a machine that is programmed to hunt down and kill people. No small feat for any actor. Arnold’s performance in ‘True Lies’ as a top-secret super agent with marital problems was also well done. I also can’t help but think there was something a little off in his performance during ‘Terminator 3’. Granted he was a different machine than the one in ‘T2’, but something tells me the absence of Cameron’s direction affected his performance in some way.
2. The Political Thriller
The political thriller, for the most part, has been replaced by ‘24’. Sure, there is the occasional ‘Michael Clayton’, but the genre has become stale and gone the way of the western. Political thrills have lead to exhaustingly mediocre films like ‘Syriana’, ‘The Interpreter’, and ‘Body of Lies’. But maybe, just like the western, there could be some life left for a few more great films.
The man has been governor of California for the past six years, which is about the best pedigree anyone could ask for. Now that Arnold is a huge political icon across the world, the political thriller would be a great place to start the “reboot” of his career. Imagine how surreal it would be to see him play the governor of California in an ‘Air Force One’ type thriller.
1. Redemption
As much as I love Arnold, he failed me completely in his late career. After ‘Eraser’ audiences were subjected to a myriad of lackluster films that include, but are not limited to, ‘Junior’, ‘End of Days’, and ‘Jingle All The Way’. I am going to exclude ‘Batman and Robin’ from critical scrutiny because, in a way, his performance saved the movie in terms of pure camp value. But for the most part, his contribution to film consisted of mind numbing children’s movies and forgettable action flicks.
There was once a time when a new Arnold movie was an event, now he has become more of a punch line in the film world. It’s time for Arnold to redeem himself! He has been away from the big screen long enough for audiences to forgive him for past cinematic misgivings. It’s ok Arnold, you are forgiven for ‘Collateral Damage’. Now is the time for Arnold to take back the action film and end his career on a high note. The action genre has a lot to gain by Arnold’s return and as long as he plays it smart, I think some of his best work could still be ahead of him.
-Bruce
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Tags: Arnold Schwarzenegger
