A Hero in the making

Rating: 8/10 (2 July 2003)

T3: Rise of the Machines is the 3rd installment of the Terminator series. Though many critics may claim that the absence of director James Cameron may have influenced the style and feel of the movie, I beg to differ, and must add that Jonathon Mostow has done a great job at elevating the depth of the Terminator series fanthom more. Of all the features that this movie displays, its main appeal comes from its level of realism, which adds to its worth in our everyday lives and its influence on various choices and applications that mankind drives to make.
The cast is mint, fresh off the shelf (with the exception of Arnold, and on a lighter note, a comic relief Earl Boen, aka. Dr. I'm not Crazy but I am going Crazy). Nick Stahl does an excellent job at fitting the role of John Connor, as he is an highly undescisive character that is not obviously determined to save the world, nor denies his existence, but rather, lives to see himself evolve into the leader of the resistence. Clares Daine does a pretty good job at playing newly introduced and old time childhood friend Brewster, but nothing worth noting. Arnold? Heck, this guy is unstoppable, since he is essentially, body, mind and soul, the living version of Terminator itself. Unfortunately, Loken, falls a bit short in giving the audience that thriller look. Certainly, she is sexy, sleek and even a bit quirky, but I don't think it was really her fault for her lack of thrillism (invented word), but the castings' fault. All in all, she does give it her best.
The first half hour of T3 is sort of an introduction of what John Connor has become since the last installment. John Connor, trying to protect mankind, hides himself from society and becomes a ghost to the world. Not quite, as KAZAAM, TX appears in her little magic ball, etc. etc.. etc... From here on, there is nothing but pure heart-pounding action, and perhaps the greatest scene was the massive 6 car/truck chase b/w TX, T Model 101, Connor and Brewster. The effects in this movie puts Matrix and its successors to shame. It just goes to show that to make something look real, it ought to be real. Anyhow, that's my 2 cents. I give this installment 4/5 stars (relative to 4/5 stars for T2 and 4.5/5 stars for T1).