Falls short of the first two in intelligence, but it's excellent summer fare

Rating: 8/10 (5 July 2003)

It doesn't quite reach the levels of the first two installments, and, indeed, it often seems like little more than a quick cashing in on those films, but Terminator 3, for everything it's not, proves to be one of the most entertaining summer blockbusters in recent memory. The action sequences are a lot of fun; they are unbelievable and preposterous, but that doesn't detract from the visceral entertainment they provide. The Terminator and his enemy, the T-X, get the hell banged out of them as they are hit by numerous vehicles, are thrown about, and live through enormous explosions. The T-X does lack the menace of Arnold Schwarzenegger's original Terminator and the liquid terminator of T2, but, heck, I'm all about sexy terminatrices. Kristanna Loken is not a good actress, but she's sexy. She gets to wear red leather through the whole movie, and she can even increase her bust size on command. This film has a great B-movie quality to it in that way. An element of humor has been added to this film. In a way, I like the seriousness of the first two films. Terminator is a study in narrative economy, and it doesn't take time out to joke. Terminator 2 sticks to its convictions, however paranoid, and that was refreshing for a film of its type. Terminator 3 is a little smarmy with its humor, but, for the most part, its jokes succeeded in making me laugh. I love how he gets his leather jacket in this movie is very funny. I could have done without the endless parodying of Schwarzenegger's famous lines from the first two films, especially `I'll be back,' which has a dozen variations here. As for the acting, not much is required, of course. I'm very upset that Ed Furlong isn't back for this one. What better did he have to do? Nick Stahl is a poor replacement, and this is probably my major complaint with the movie. Clair Danes is a weird creature. I've always been biased against her ever since she starred in My So Called Life. She isn't a particularly good actress, but she's been improving, however slowly. What's especially odd is that she's actually getting more and more gawky as she ages. She was beautiful as a teenager, and, while still very attractive, I'd take the younger version. I suppose it's unfair to critique her looks. Her performance is fine. Nothing special, as with the other actors. The script generally writes itself (it's more or less a constant chase, much like the first movie), but it does have an inspired third act. If you enjoy action movies, jump into a matinee, enjoy the air conditioning, the popcorn, and the explosions. 8/10.