Another Franchise Ruined

Rating: Null/10 (2 July 2003)

This is in no way a summary of the movie, merely a review. Like all fans of the first two films, I really wanted to like this movie. I thought the trailers sucked, but it seemed to be getting a positive reaction, so I watched it with an open mind. Unfortunately my fears wear confirmed about 15 minutes into the movie, this one just plain sucks. Basically, if you're looking for your run-of-the-mill disposable Hollywood action crap, go see it, you'll enjoy it; everyone else, keep reading as to why this movie failed.
I will start with the pros of the film (there are only 4). 1. NICK STAHL, easily the best part of the movie, a great John Connor. 2. THE END, shockingly it wasn't a happy one, but it seems forced and is too little too late. 3. THE STORY, actually it wasn't that bad, but the execution was awful. 4. SPECIAL EFFECTS, as always with Stan Winston, he delivers top notch make-up and FX.
On with the bad. I know you weren't supposed to view this as a James Cameron film, but here's what I have to say to the people who think he's replaceable (this might be a stupid analogy, but I think it works). When a band gets a new lead singer, everybody tries to make themselves believe it's the same band and just as good as the original, but it's not, most of the time it's subpar. That's the problem with this movie, it's not Jon Mostow's fault, but he is not James Cameron. James Cameron has a gift in delivering kick ass movies that center around story, not special FX, few can pull it off as is evidenced here. Essentially, you don't HAVE to have Arnie to make a Terminator picture, but you HAVE to Cameron. As I said the story wasn't that bad, but in the hands of Mostow it sucked. Cameron could've done wonders with it. You feel Mostow is just looking for another reason to blow s*** up rather than focusing on developing characters you care about. You don't even care about Arnie in this movie cuzz he doesn't f***ing DO ANYTHING. You really get the sense that the studio wanted a short combination of the first two films, nothing more, and that's exactly what you get. No memorable scenes, a rehashed basic plot, a villain who is laughable, and lots of lame ass explosions. I know it comes down to the almighty dollar and that's why this film was made, but for the love of God, I really feel that once the studio learned Cameron wanted nothing to do with it they should've stopped. There's my two cents. Just pray there's not a 4th.