They're back

Rating: Null/10 (6 September 2003)

Rating: *** (out of *****)
Yes, they're back. The franchise that produced two excellent instalments in the late 20th century has returned. I had high hopes for Terminator 3 before I entered the cinema, mainly because of good reviews, a good trailer and enjoyment of the first two films in the series (which many hold anyway).
The build-up is momentous as we begin in the present day with John Connor (now played by In the Bedroom's Nick Stahl) narrating about the current state of affairs. His account reveals that despite the ending of Terminator 2, in which all of us believed that Sarah Connor had prevented judgement day (she hasn't, as we soon discover), he fears for the future and lives with no one knowing who he is or where he comes from. These fears are realised when Skynet sends the T-X (Kristanna Loken), a seemingly unstoppable terminator in female guise, back in time to eliminate him and all his future lieutenants, which include vet Kate Brewster (an underused Claire Danes). Fortunately, John has protection as well, in the form of the now obsolete T-101 (Arnold Schwarzenegger).
When a story like this begins unfolding, beginning with a rather fine chase scene, you feel that you're in for something special. And indeed, the elements for a very good film are all in place. For example, the actors, even Arnold, are at their best. Yes, the big man is exceptionally good as the now obsolete T-101. Every one of his lines is either funny or convincing. Kristanna Loken, despite having very few lines, gets her job done effectively, intentionally imitating Robert Patrick at times (I say `intentionally' for the T-X can be seen as an enhanced T-1000 with an endoskeleton and a few more interesting enhancements).

The plot's generally thin, but when it does get theoretical, it's generally convincing. Director Jonathan Mostow may not be James Cameron, but he definitely knows how to update the Terminator for the new millennium. Some of T3's action scenes are real stand outs in this year's crowd of summer films, and there are some major new plot developments. But it's here where the film begins to fall a bit flat.
These new plot developments are touched on but left unexplored. There are several plot holes and the time shifts are inconsistent. And while there's no doubt that a lot of care was put into the opening chase, the final scenes seemed to be resolved far too easily. The first two Terminator films had open endings that could be conclusions as well as leave room for possible sequels. This one appears to be almost entirely dependent on a T4 (and box office returns seem to have ensured that, but...), especially as the film ends a little too abruptly. If T3 had a little more substance then I could definitely have recommended it to everyone.
Still, T3 still offers a good time at the movies in its own right, even if it isn't the perfect summer blockbuster (if you're looking for that, try Pirates of the Caribbean).