Terminator returns for more carnage

Rating: 6/10 (8 September 2003)

This film surprised me by not being terrible -- I guess that's not saying much, but neither is this movie; it's just trying to blow a lot of stuff up and be a fun summer movie. As far as that goes, it's a success. Considering how many of the basic ideas here were plumbed by the first film, there's also a surprising amount to think about here. Fundamental problems exist, however: for one thing, there is so much carnage and destruction in the first 40 minutes of the movie that nothing which follows after can top it. Loken is not particularly memorable in the way the 2 previous Terminators were, but Stahl and Daines are fine as the new Connors/lover combo. Arnold is his usual self, spiced here with a bit more humor than usual.
Worth seeing, but only on an off night.