There is something about these balmy evenings one of the few benefits of the August heat that makes the idea of seeing a movie outside unexpectedly appealing.

So pack a picnic, bring the beverage of your choice and head to Cinespia's Saturday night screening of"The Terminator"under the stars at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

The slick, James Cameron 1984 original starts at 8:30 p.m., but it's a kick to come early and wander the grounds looking for headstones of the likes of Cecil B. DeMille, Douglas Fairbanks and John Huston.

Then settle in to watch Arnold Schwarzenegger's cyborg, impossibly cool in those shades. He had the brains, he had the killing brawn, he was just waiting for a sequel for single mother Sarah Connor to jump-start his Tin Man heart.

Of course, Linda Hamilton's Sarah didn't need much saving by that point. And somehow, she even made the tough biker chick look jeans, boots and a tight white T-shirt chic.

Often, big action flicks barely hold up for the duration of their summer run. But thanks to Cameron's filmmaking acumen, spectacular effects, full-tilt action and a solid story, "The Terminator," like its star, seems to be indestructible.

betsy.sharkey@latimes.com

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Critic's Pick: 'The Terminator'