Popcorn Movie...nothing more, nothing less

Rating: 3/10 (5 July 2003)

It seems like the problem with a lot of reviews is that many are forgetting this series is called: "The Terminator", and that is what is continuing to happen in Terminator 3.
"John Connor" is looking to be terminated by the machines who rule existence in the future -- come heck or high water. That is THEIR plan which is the whole point of these films. Send a machine, or machines, to kill John Connor or to possibly SAVE John Connor. Once you get that in your brain, nothing else matters. What we are seeing is what occurs in and around John's life as this happens and why these machines NEED for it to happen. Remember that, and you may -- or may not -- enjoy, Terminator 3.
With that in mind, who cares if Arnold is there or not. He's a lovely "familiar" addition, but by no means the make or break all of the central idea. This franchise CAN go on without him. Arnold's character (if you want to call it that) is a TYPE of machine model that will either save or destroy John Connor. Depends on who's programming what at which time...
This terminator MODEL has the same face. Arnold's. Do not be surprised if the next Terminator movie (God Forbid, hut hey, money is money) has several Arnolds in it and ya don't know which is "good" or "bad". There are other advanced models sent as we now are aware such as...the "Robert Patrick" model and this Barbie doll from a Rodeo drive window. (As a resident of Beverly Hills I take offense, she should have been at least 53 years old, and should have came out of a plastic surgeon's chair as she was getting rhinoplasty/breast augmentation or a tummy tuck. Now that would have been a fun film!)
There will be many more sent, etc...but don't forget the point --- that the Arnold model terminator is a "dependable", "stronger" model even if its older than the others send to do the job of terminating John Connor at various ages and stages in the game.
Heck yes, I miss James Cameron's work, but I would have been disappointed if he went into this mire of Hollywood Franchise Business at this stage in his career. Same with Linda Hamilton. Onwards and upwards, I always say.
Mr. Mostow has HIS chance now and he's done exactly what was needed of him. Studio execs are applauding. To produce an adolescent testosterone driven Holiday release popcorn movie heavy on explosions, action and pyrotechnics and thin on plot, story and series continuity.
MAJOR Terminator fans will be scratching their heads at a lot of this installment, younger viewers will be thrilled and give the film praises because it's all the old Hollywood rape your pockets for the summer shuffle and jive of "smoke and mirrors action". On the other hand, the ending (like everyone else I wont give away) but for me, well worth the price I paid to get in this weekend to see it (and that was on a matinÃ©e.)
Terminator 3 - Rise of the Machines (Which by the way, is the best title since "South Park - Bigger, Longer and Uncut") is nothing more than some popcorn selling "entertainment" to kill a long drawn out holiday weekend and another, installment in "the Life of John Connor, human savior."