Better than Expected

Rating: Null/10 (4 July 2003)

Having, at last, seen the much hyped third installment, I must say that I was pleasantly surprised. With such movies, I always watch as many previews as I can, read lots of reviews to get a feel for what other people think, and I try not to get my hopes up too high. That said, there are three questions that must be asked. Is it better than its predecessors? Of course not! Is it as good as it's predecessors? Yes...almost...particularly if you squint and cock your head to the left. Is it a worthy addition to the dynasty? Absolutely! I've read arguments that though TX is cool, she's a pale shadow of the grandeur that was T1000. This is true. But while T1000 was revolutionary, the TX seems the follow the natural progression. She was certainly acceptable. She satisfactorily functioned with the absolute singularity of both the T101 and the T1000. My main...in fact, my only complaint is that the heavy action commenced with very little preamble and, in my opinion, without enough explanation which really didn't work to the film's advantage as it did in T2 with the surprise of Arnold being the good guy. I was placated, however, by the quality and originality of the action. The action in this film was complex and well done and didn't drag on like the overwrought, rather pretentious scenes of the Matrix...but that's a whole other can of worms. The acting is fine. Arnold, who I think is always fun, is at last back in the role he was meant to play. And 12 years later he still looks fabulous. I would have liked to see Edward Furlong back, but junkies are notoriously difficult to employ. Nick Stahl was more than satisfactory. He captured the childlike vulnerability of John Connor that Furlong's youth gave him. Claire Danes is wonderful as always. She's so real and genuine that it makes her very easy to care about. And even if the movie hadn't been as good as it was, the ending would have made it worthwhile. The rest of the story wasn't quite as internally cohesive as the other two, but it was reasonably close...but the end...I can't over stress how wonderful the ending is. If you're not a total movie snob and as long as you don't think that the idea of the Terminator series is to make some huge social or cosmic point...if you'd like to see a movie with fantastic action sequences and effects, good humor, fine acting, and *gasp* a completely acceptable story with a stellar ending, go see T3. You won't be disappointed...Oh and P.S.-I fear that there may be yet another sequel. And if there is...I don't think I'll be going to see it. This movie ends too well (remember the end of Alien 3 followed by Resurrection? *shudder*)