Terminator 2 dropped like a high-explosive bomb in the fiery summer movie season, igniting a chain reaction. From the very next day, long lines started forming outside major theaters across the United States—a rare sight. Tickets in most cinemas were almost entirely sold out, and many people who couldn't get tickets for the next couple of days had no choice but to book further in advance.
The last time something like this happened was back in 1990 when The Sixth Sense was released. The momentum of Terminator 2 was even greater than back then. In supermarkets, restaurants, on the streets, and in parks—everywhere people were talking about this movie, talking about the future savior, and discussing the showdown between the T-800 and T-1000.
As the movie rolled out across North America, a flood of reviews began to appear. With such a fiery film and such a crazy buzz, how could film critics pass up the opportunity to get a piece of the action?
"In the realm of big-screen action films, no one can compare with James Cameron anymore. He doesn't just dazzle our senses with thrilling action scenes—behind each explosive moment is a vision where grandeur and beauty coexist. With his extraordinary directing talent, he brings these unbelievable concepts to life and presents them vividly to the audience. Terminator 2 exemplifies this perfectly. The T-800, with muscles like an 18-wheeler truck, shows genuine and moving emotion. Though outwardly a cold, hard machine, it has the heart of a human being."
—Hal Hinson, The Washington Post
Famous critic Roger Ebert gave the film three and a half stars (out of a maximum of four) in his Chicago Tribune column. He praised both Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ryan Jenkins, saying that Schwarzenegger had finally found the role and acting style that suited him best, and that Ryan Jenkins vividly portrayed a rebellious but still innocent and kind-hearted young boy.
Despite the widespread acclaim—and this was clearly a big commercial production, so overanalyzing its deeper meaning was meaningless—there were still those who opposed it just for the sake of being contrary, or rather, those who wanted to appear edgy and attract attention.
For example, a columnist from Time magazine described the film as nothing but a mountain of fantasy that left the audience disappointed. He claimed there was nothing thought-provoking about the movie, and both James Cameron and Ryan Jenkins had delivered a terrible work.
Some critics, clearly trying to ride Terminator 2's wave to self-promote, criticized it by saying that aside from the thunderous action scenes and dazzling special effects, the rest of the film had no reason to exist.
However, the film sparked widespread discussion within the industry. One of the four great directors, George Lucas, wrote in the Los Angeles Times:
"When the T-1000 steps out of the roaring flames, it is not just a machine killer reborn in fire, not just a movie character. This is a revolution—a revolution in filmmaking technology. Although the film doesn't rely heavily on visual effects, what Terminator 2 shows us is worth exploring and contemplating. From now on, scenes that once only lived in our imagination can be fully realized on the big screen through post-production effects."
As Ryan's third movie persona, John Connor was inevitably compared to Cole and Kevin. Just like Roger Ebert's review, about 90% of the feedback was positive. Many critics believed that even setting aside the lovable and comedic Kevin, Ryan's performances as Cole and John Connor alone were enough to secure him a place in Hollywood history.
Some media outlets even bestowed upon him the title of "the greatest child star in Hollywood history."
"What? The greatest child star in history? Thank you for the praise, but I don't think I deserve that honor. Whether it's Shirley Temple or Jodie Foster, haven't they done better than me?"
In an interview, Ryan firmly denied the claim. He wasn't foolish—it's fine for others to say such things, but if he accepted it too casually, he'd be labeled as arrogant, boastful, and disrespectful to his predecessors.
Of course, no one could deny Ryan's outstanding acting skills.
"After the chaotic performance in Home Alone, Ryan Jenkins once again displayed the acting chops he showed in The Sixth Sense. His performance in Terminator 2 made Linda Hamilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger pale in comparison. If it weren't for the T-800's self-termination, this film would've been a solo showcase of his acting. In our opinion, commercial films can't give Ryan enough space to fully unleash his talents. His next move should be toward art films—that's where his future as a performer lies."
That's a quote from The Hollywood Reporter, suggesting that after proving himself in commercial films, Ryan should pursue greater artistic aspirations.
"Art films? Ha…" When Kinsley asked him about it, Ryan just gave a faint laugh.
This summer, Ryan was destined to spend his time flying all over the country. A $5 million paycheck and 1% of the North American box office share wasn't just for filming—he also had to fully participate in the movie's promotion.
The crew split into two teams. Over the following month, they traveled across major North American cities. Unfortunately, Ryan became a third wheel in his group, as he was paired with James Cameron and Linda Hamilton.
Because frequent commercial flights would be inconvenient, the studio simply leased two business jets. But watching that couple being all lovey-dovey right across from him, once the seatbelt light turned off, Ryan couldn't help but protest.
"Damn it! Linda, Jim, this is a plane. There's barely any space. You should at least consider other people's feelings, right? Okay, maybe the others don't care since they're adults, but don't forget—sitting across from you is a minor!" Ryan complained.
"Are you a minor, Ryan? I've never thought of you as a kid, so your protest is invalid." Linda remained snuggled up with Cameron.
Ryan rolled his eyes helplessly. Before he could say more, Cameron spoke up again.
"Hey Ryan, tell us—do you have a girlfriend? Don't worry, I won't tell anyone."
"I'm only eleven years old!" Ryan exclaimed.
"Eleven is already a big boy. I had my first girlfriend when I was ten," Cameron said.
"Wow, that's big news," Ryan grinned. "I bet the tabloids would pay good money for that!"
This kind of promotional tour wasn't anything special—it mostly involved interviews, TV appearances, or press conferences where they exposed each other's secrets to attract public attention.
Among teenagers, Ryan had built up massive popularity. Wherever he went, swarms of young fans gathered, which further boosted Terminator 2's box office. After all, his current influence far exceeded what Edward Furlong ever achieved in the previous life.
"Ryan~ Ryan~!"
Outside a hotel in Boston, hundreds of teenagers were packed together, screaming louder and louder, blocking the car that had just arrived from the airport.
Ryan had no choice but to lower the window and wave repeatedly at the crowd. That only resulted in even more frenzied screams.
"Ryan~ Autograph~ Ryan~ Autograph!"
No one knew who started it, but soon the fans' chants became completely synchronized.
Normally, this would be something the crew would be happy to see. But when Mario Kassar and James Cameron noticed what the fans were holding up, their expressions darkened.
Only a few were holding up Terminator 2 posters. Most were waving around Ryan's novels, singles, posters from his earlier films, and so on. It was clear that Ryan alone was stealing the entire crew's spotlight.
With the help of the hotel security, the car finally made it to the entrance. Ryan followed George out of the vehicle, and the scorching wave of heat and screams instantly washed over him, making his scalp tingle.
He had always known he was popular among American teenagers, but he never imagined his fans would be this passionate and wild. There was no way he could stay out there for long. After hastily signing a few autographs, he quickly ducked into the hotel lobby. If he got surrounded, who knew when he'd be able to escape.
Damn it! Ryan cursed in his heart. In less than thirty seconds, his clothes and hair looked like a bird's nest, and several buttons on his shirt had mysteriously vanished. Was he assaulted by a girl?
"Ryan, if your fans don't go see Terminator 2, we'll leave you in Boston!" Mario Kassar joked as they got into the elevator.
To be honest, offering Ryan that movie deal had been a painful decision at first. But after Home Alone's release, the Oscars, and a series of other events, he gradually realized just how influential this boy was becoming. He couldn't help but admire Cameron's insistence on casting him.
After all, the core consumer demographic of the film market is always teenagers. With Ryan's ever-growing appeal among that group, he could definitely drive a significant portion of ticket sales. If he stirred up some headlines, even better. Should he maybe try to push him into a rivalry with Tom Cruise?
Then again, that was just a thought. Given Ryan's intelligence and maturity, he'd see through the ploy instantly. It just wouldn't be worth it.
Aside from attending a major theater chain event, the crew also participated in a joint interview with local media—part of the promotional blitz for Terminator 2 in the Greater Boston area.
Originally, Ryan had wanted to visit the famous city of Cambridge. But after witnessing the overwhelming chaos of his fans during the event, he quickly gave up on that idea.