Enjoyable for the wrong reasons

Rating: 8/10 (1 August 2003)

(Spoilers ahead)
Anyone expecting this film to build on the T1 and T2 legacy (I was) will be disappointed. However, the film as its own entity is one of the best action films released in a long time.
Looking back, it seems inevitable that T3 should go this route. In T1 we had genuine fear and desperation as the "unstoppable" terminator stalked its prey. In this respect T2 sold out the original for the sake of a good action film packed full of special effects. Admittedly T2 had a good plot including addressing the destiny/fate dilemma and the hope/despair of mankind's future. So where then will T3 go? Risk going back to the gritty original and alienate all the T2 fans? I think not.
T3 moves forward into the action genre. Big fights, fancy weapons, glittering effects - none of these disappoint. The plot gets too caught up in the "it's your destiny" loop and doesn't really explore any of the time dilemmas. The ending is inevitable but leads us nicely on to T4.
So, given the drawbacks mentioned above, did I like the film? The answer is a resounding "yes". Once I realised that this film should be treated as a *Terminator Action Franchise* I sat back and lapped it up. On leaving the cinema and felt contented that I had been well entertained for 2 hours.
I must take a paragraph to talk about the humour in this film. This IS a funny film. While not normally a fan of dumb humour, I did laugh out loud at several points. The dead-pan deliver given by Arnie is excellent and well-timed and fitted well with the feel of the movie.
In summary, you must watch this film if you like action movies with interesting storylines. It's entertainment without being an over-the-top action flick a la John Woo. Throughly enjoyable and recommended. 8/10.