Talk to the hand, cuz the screenwriter's not listening

Rating: Null/10 (16 July 2003)

I entered the movie theater prepared for the worst. How could I not be? I had seen both previous Terminator movies, and if the steep drop-off between the smart and decidedly unnerving original and the dull overblown action sequence of a sequel was any indication of how the new film promised to be, then I expected nothing short of what I actually saw- nearly 2 hours of absolutely gratuitous mayhem. Script, acting, plot holes, logic- all of these took a backseat (or were stowed away in the trunk) to what was more or less one very long action scene after another. That isn't to say the action scenes aren't worth watching. In fact, they're so good that about a half hour into the movie I forgot that normally necessary film elements like meaningful dialogue or characterization were entirely lacking, and managed to thoroughly enjoy the whole experience. Any one expecting, or at the very least hoping for (as at least one viewer was) the darkness or profundity of the original, please look elsewhere. But if you want to see special effects that aren't glossed with the polished sheen of a video game (Matrix 2), and like sitting on the edge of your seat for two hours, then buy tickets for this movie. Unlike Ang Lee, who attempted (unsuccessfully, I think) to create a blockbuster/art piece, the director of Terminator 3 made a blockbuster that doesn't try to be anything more than a jaw-dropping, heart-palpatating, wholly mind numbing chase/kill/hide/kill-some-more type film. Bottom line: Expect nothing from this film, and you'll have a wonderful time.