does not stand up to its predecessors.......

Rating: 6/10 (28 November 2003)

Terminator 3 is different to its predecessors in both look and story and while it does not stand up to the first two, I think Jonathan Mostow has done a commendable job. Considering he had to follow up such highly regarded sci-fi films, the outcome is more than acceptable and does not ruin the Terminator name.

Much like his previous film Breakdown, Mostow is more concerned with keeping a breakneck pace and the level of tension high at all times. This often comes at the expense of character development and logic, but it hardly matters, as this movie is great fun from start to finish.
(Possible Spoilers)
Nick Stahl gives a reasonable performance as John Connor, who has now isolated himself from people and lives in fear. We learn that Judgement Day never occurred and was only postponed due to the events in Terminator 2. Now this time a female terminator, the TX (Kristanna Loken), has been sent back in time to stop John Connor from leading the revolution against the machines and another terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) has been sent to protect him. T3 principally follows the same plotline as T2 with an increased emphasis on action. The introduction of Clare Danes, as Kate Brewster, adds a strong female presence to the film and it just so happens that the writers found an inventive way to implement her into the story.
The action scenes in T3 are the highlight. What is great to see in this time of overblown CG effects is a film that is heavy on real stunts and practical special effects. The crane chase is certainly up there as one the great movie chases even surpassing the CG reliant freeway chase in The Matrix Reloaded.
T3 delivers some memorable action scenes, special effects and adequate story. Just as long as you don't expect something that will top its god-like predecessors, you will have an enjoyable ride.
7 out of 10