In a summer where film companies are dishing out loads of pointless sequels to mediocre movies, it's a big surprise when one of these sequels actually comes out as something other than a complete copy of it'

Rating: 7/10 (7 July 2003)

In a summer where film companies are dishing out loads of pointless sequels to mediocre movies, it's a big surprise when one of these sequels actually comes out as something other than a complete copy of it's predecessor. Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines succeeds where so many sequels fail: in originality. With the movie's star cast, fantastic action sequences and impressive story, it's not hard to guess that T3 will go down in film history as one of the most engaging action/sci-fi movies ever created.
T3 focuses on John Connor (Nick Stahl), leader of the human resistance against the machines in a futuristic war-torn planet Earth. John, having stopped judgment day 12 years ago with the help of T-101 (Arnold Schwarzeneggar), has broken off all contact with the world and has become a drifter, knowing deep down that judgment day is still near. A new terminator, the T-X (Kristanna Loken) is sent into the present to kill John Connor and his future lieutenants. The story also involves Katherine Brewster (Claire Danes), a veterinarian's assistant who plays a key role in John Connor's life and the future of the resistance. Another T-101 is sent into the present to ensure the protection of John Connor and Katherine Brewster, and to lead them to safety before the coming of judgment day.
The story to T3 is very strong, considering the fact that Terminator creator James Cameron is missing this time around. His replacement for this entry is Jonathan Mostow (U-571), who does a superb job in recreating James Cameron's vision of the future and of the machines who rule it. The story does a good job in answering questions such as why judgment day is still going to happen, and the roles that each character plays in the future. The story will make the viewer believe that there was a need to make this sequel, because there was still a story to tell.
The actors in this movie stay true to their roles. Arnold is back, and although it's safe to say that this will probably be his last Terminator flick, he does a great job in reprising his role as the protector of John Connor. Edward Furlong, who played John in T2: Judgment Day, is missing this time around, but his replacement Nick Stahl keeps things going as the young man who still questions his role in life. Kristanna Loken is good as the Terminatrix. She brings the attitude and personality that Robert Patrick portrayed in T2. Claire Danes does a good job in her role, seeing that this is her first big role in an action movie.
In conclusion, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines is a top-notch action movie that does just about everything right. T3 brings the classic movies together into one unforgettable sequel that will be sure to please fans of the original movies.