Parodies with Alien Series.

Rating: 6/10 (7 August 2003)

The Terminator series somehow parodies the Alien series. The first two films were amazing pieces of story telling, at different levels. The first one being dark, and edgy. The second to be more mainstream and action orientated. This accounts to both series and the fact that James Cameron is linked as director between these series, is strange also.
The difference now is that Alien has made up to 4 sequels, and more coming (so I've heard). Terminator stopped at number 2, till now. Both series had two great starters, and Terminator supposedly stopped at 2, it still had potential to carry on. Hollywood being Hollywood, they decided to do another one. As James Cameron directed both, it would be logical to let him carry the helm for the third time, but he declined.
If he declined so would many actors to follow, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, (Though I think they didn't pick him, due to drug offences). Though Arnold Swarzeneggar had to accept for the movie to go ahead, as he was the major star in the last two. Much like Sigourney Weaver in the Alien Series. He had to accept as he hasn't had a hit for a long, long time.
Like the alien movies, the standards set were very high, so the next sequel will be hard to impress. For me the third Alien movie, was different and wasn't bad, but compared to the last two it was poor. This is what I feel about Terminator 3: The Rise of the Machines as well.
The problem with sequels, is that the audience knows the characters now, therefore people make their own judgement on how that character would react. Which may differ to the director.
The story: There is now a new model terminator, a T-X (Kristanna Loken)a more advance terminator than T-1000. Who has been sent back in time out to kill John Connor (Nick Stahl), who is now a lot older from the last outing. T-800 (Arny of course) is also sent back to protect him. Basically the same plot from T2, but there is a difference, T-X is a female and a lot more advanced.
My opinion of Skynet is that it would be illogical for them to make a terminator that is female, pretty and I thought they would explain the reason, but do not. For me Kristanna Loken plays a good killer, but it just seemed that Hollywood realised that the market in movies, are stronger women. Which has already been experienced in T2. It just doesn't work for me, though I'm not trying to be sexist.
I feel John Connor seemed a little weak for someone, who will lead the last human rebellion to victory. Even Claire Danes character was stronger than him.
The overall story destroys the message that was given in T2. Well it is still entertaining, certainly a lot more funnier than the last one. Can't believe it recieved a 12A rating in the UK, so I must insist you don't bring in children to watch this, as there is a certain scene that is quite disturbing.
C-