Far exceeded my expectations

Rating: 8/10 (29 August 2008)

Generally a second sequel like this would easily be a bomb. Truly, many of the elements of the film do not look positive, right down to Schwartzeneggar playing a different Terminator than the character in the first two films. However, I truly enjoyed watching "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines." This film does not try to fill up the entire story with useless action scenes. Instead, the action sequences are well done and fun to watch. Usually a sequel like this would lack good character development and would not focus on the people in the story enough. I felt there was significant development of the characters here, especially since this film takes place at least ten years after the events in the previous film. This film may seem a little more depressing than the previous two, but it is a lot of fun nonetheless. Schwartzeneggar plays his role just as good as he did many years ago, and I feel this is his swan song to Hollywood. This film has been needlessly criticized, when in reality, there is no reason to expect any more from it. This is a worthwhile and satisfying movie, and I hope that part 4 will pull it off just as well.
*** out of ****