The best of this year's summer blockbusters.

Rating: Null/10 (6 July 2003)

**** out of ****
I feared the worst for Terminator 3. It's premise is almost identical to T2's (Schwarzenegger Terminator heads back in time to save John Connor), the ads looked terrible, and on paper, this looked like the pitch perfect example of a popular series ruined by money-hungry studio executives. While I have no doubt the producers of this film acted out of greed, I can safely say my fears were unfounded. Terminator 3 is easily the summer's best pure blockbuster.
It's been several years since John Connor (played by Nick Stahl) helped bring down Skynet. But he's still frightened by the possibilities of the future, so he spends his days wandering around, his identity deleted. Two more terminators are sent back in time, the Terminatrix (Kristanna Loken), a new design sent to assassinate Connor and his future lieutenants. As before, a Terminator who resembles Arnold Schwarzenegger is sent as Connor's lone protector. Added into the crisis is Kate Brewster (Clair Danes), whose presence will play a vital role into the fate of the planet's future.
The possible signs of sequilitis are present here, but despite essential similarities to T2 director Jonathan Mostow crafts the movie with a look and feel that separates it from its predecessors, but does so without betraying its roots. That's a pretty fantastic accomplishment.
But before I make T3 sound like nothing more than a high-gloss rip-off, the movie does deliver an engaging story filled with genuine surprises and complications. It works as a continuation of its predecessor's legacy, and surprisingly, this addition never feels the slightest bit gratuitous.

The action sequences are the movie's highlight, especially an astounding car chase that actually puts the one in The Matrix Reloaded to shame. Expect shootouts and plenty of explosions, but delivered with flair and energy. The last half-hour is virtually non-stop action, and Mostow maintains a high pitch of intensity. Most impressive of all is the one-on-one showdown between the Terminators, probably the most exhilarating action setpiece I've seen all year.
What surprised me the most was the attention paid to the characters. Nick Stahl's portrayal of John Connor is entirely likeable and convincing, blowing all memories of Edward Furlong's annoying performance to dust. Clair Danes, who I've never been a big fan of, is also quite good as the requisite-but-not-quite love interest (I loved the twist involving her character and the Terminator).
Schwarzenegger puts forth his most memorable portrayal of a Terminator, playing his role with a great sense of circumstantial humor. T3 is packed with big laughs (the best being the sunglassses bit), thanks mostly to Schwarzenegger's sense of comic timing. This is his comeback piece, and it's good to see the big lug back and better than ever. As his villainous counterpart, Kristanna Loken is imposing as the Terminatrix, and bound to drive male teens crazy with her great figure (her nude scene frustratingly shows very little).
Terminator 3's countdown to worldwide armageddon adds a sense of desperation its predecessors were missing. The suspenseful build-up concludes satisfyingly in an ending that actually surprised and delighted me. Sure, the set up leaves another sequel a possibility, but I actually can't wait for a Terminator 4.