For the fans

Rating: Null/10 (6 July 2003)

I didn't expect much of this. A third chapter in any franchise never had much success. However this one does not suck. To some extent its even better than T2. I didn't like the goody goody side of the second installment, brought on mostly by the winy Edward Furlong as John Connor and special FX aside, it was an Arnie vehicule and not much of anything else.
Here however, the machines, despite the subtitle, are actually put a bit to the sides in favor of the evolution of John Connor's psychologically messed up mind, from bum to General. Kate Brewster(Claire Danes) is a very welcome addition providing a few nice twists in the story. Her character is also well defined, despite too few appearances(I like Ms Danes, a very underrated actress).
The violence is also more present with some gore and lots of guns, not to mention the blood scanning process of the T-X... The "R" rating in the US is well deserved(PG-13 in Canada)
Story wise, the fans of this franchise should be very pleased with the outcomes, the twists and the turns and trying to figure out what is this T-X's weakness??? For those neophites looking simply for some special FX ladden action sequences or those that do not care to much for this "Cameronworld" will surely find just another Hollywood-action-popcorn-selling sequel. If that's your thing, fine. But it's much more than that for the rest of us.
So, here's the lowdown : A very well made sci-fi action film with good performances and no sleep inducing moments. Arnie is finally back! Just sit down and enjoy it while it lasts.