Talk to the Hand!!!!!

Rating: Null/10 (4 August 2003)

I would like to start off by saying I love the first two Terminator movies (the second just edges it for me). I also agree that James Cameron is one of the finest action directors around so obviously people are going to judge 'Rise of the Machines' on Cameron's previous efforts.
I went to the movie with an open mind having seen both Breakdown and U-571 by Jonathan Mostow. I enjoyed both films immensely and rate Mostow very highly as an action director.
I have to say that he has done a terrific job in resurrecting the Terminator franchise. Forget all the negative ' it's just not the same without Jim Cameron' comments. Arnold Schwarzenegger MADE the Terminator films what they are today. Nobody else could utter the immortal 'I'll be back' line as convincingly as Arnie! When he first appears in R.O.T.M, you almost want to cheer with delight.
The one-liners are back and are very funny. It's almost a p*ss take of the previous films but not enough to make you groan. (Wait til you see how he acquires his leathers!!!!!) The TX character is OK but not a patch on Robert Patrick's frightening T-1000. I just didn't find a (red) leather clad female that scary although her and Arnie have some great battles.
I didn't miss Linda Hamilton (Sarah Connor) or Edward Furlong at all. Nick Stahl is very good as the older John Connor and Clare Danes isn't too bad either.
**** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING****
All I can say is go see Rise of the Machines - you wont be disappointed. I would rate this film 8/10. You will not predict the ending (it's right up there with the classic 'Planet of the Apes' finale)