Won't win any Oscars, but entertaining nonetheless

Rating: 9/10 (6 August 2003)

Terminator 3 is solid, uninspiring action fare, made highly watchable by it's sense of humour and refusal to take itself seriously. Quite an impressive feat, considering the film's subject matter (the world effectively destroying itself in a frenzy of nuclear missiles!)
Jonathan Mostow directs without any pretentiousness, and has, at the very least, created one of the most grandiose and exciting car chases in recent memory. The effects are tremendous, and Arnold is on top form returning to his best-loved character. Some of his one-liners fail to hit the spot, but on the most part they succeed in entertaining, and the way he finds his trademark leather jacket is an unexpected treat.
Nick Stahl and Claire Danes are fine in their roles, though I was somewhat underwhelmed overall. Considering the powerhouse performances of the likes of Linda Hamilton in the first two movies, that isn't too surprising.
Popcorn fare of a very high quality, Terminator 3 is a weak film when judged as part of the Terminator canon, but in it's own way a real cinematic treat for a Friday evening.