A Triumph

Rating: 10/10 (3 July 2003)

Well, after being treated to a sneak preview Tuesday night, I must say that this film is not what I originally expected. The odds were against it: No Cameron, no Hamilton, no Eddie Furlong, but lo and behold, T3 is something of a masterpiece. Not a perfect masterpiece, mind you. But one truly worthy of note.
It has been a long time since a Terminator film graced theaters, and many people thought that was due to script rewrites and such, when actually the original Carolco Pictures company went bankrupt sometime after the second film. Legal battles ensued for years, and finally a phoenix rose from the ashes. But enough of this prologue, is it good?
From the unique presentation of the beginning (interwoven clips of the future and present-day footage) to the stirring action sequences (which unfortunately, harbor my only gripe), I was truly amazed with Jonathan Mostow's work. I noticed that one review cited a plot hole: the machines couldn't have reinstituted SkyNet because Arnold and the T-1000 were killed in the first one. Well, one possibility is the arm. Though it is not mentioned in the third installment, we all remember Arnold losing an arm in the second film, which was not destroyed. Totally plausible. There are other criticisms, but that was the most outspoken. My only problems are the action sequences. Yes they're great, and yes, the CG characters used in the scenes look more realistic than the Matrix Reloaded's Neo...but, sometimes there are too many cuts, and you lose track of where the action is. Not enough wide establishing shots, too many closeups. Of course a film is more cost-effective that way.
All in all, great acting, a great script, and amazing special effects make this film enjoyable, but what makes it remarkable is its subtle touch of heart. Go see it, bring your family, and remember Arnold's last words in this movie, "We will meet again." Sequel?