The machines rise anyway

Rating: 8/10 (12 March 2004)

Where to start? I tend to agree with other reviewers (and James Cameron) that there was no really compelling reason to make this film. This one, thematically, mirrors the previous one. And also, like, for instance, the third "Lethal Weapon" movie, this third "Terminator" film becomes partly a self-parody. But to give credit where credit is due, the action sequences were very impressive, and the crane chase will be a classic scene. (However, chases in inappropriate vehicles are sort of a trademark sinking into the self-parody mentioned earlier.) Schwarzenegger has found a character that certainly matches his acting ability. It's sort of too bad that he will be too old to ever make another "Terminator" film, although that probably wouldn't stop the studio if they thought the money was there. Claire Danes was pretty good here, as was Kristianna Loken. There is plenty of room to quibble about the various time travel paradoxes, and some other plot holes. I have to give the filmmakers some credit for the lack of a typical Hollywood feel-good ending. If you liked the other "Terminator films, you have to see this one, although it isn't quite the classic that those others are. Grade: B+