Before Watching: Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)

Rating: 6/10 (14 September 2019)

"Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" (2003) is the third movie in the Terminator franchise. If you want to get as much out of it as possible, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before watching:
Absolutely first of all: sorry to say, but this movie is far away from the quality of the first and second Terminator. If you hold them dear, think twice whether you really want to see this movie. If you still do, keep reading.
Terminator 3 aims for the same level of action extravaganza that Terminator 2 had, and while it doesn't reach quite the same height, some scenes are fairly thrilling and can certainly satisfy cravings for guns and explosions. However, that is about the only positive aspect of Terminator 3, as the rest of the movie doesn't come close to the same cinematography, special effects, characters or emotions as the previous installments. It is all over the place.
The most disappointing downside is the lack of charisma. John Connor in Terminator 2 has now become a homeless, college drop-out burglar who is roaming shops for some easy booze and painkillers. The new Terminator is a very sexualized femme fatale whose liquid metal body can fire laser rockets. The other protagonist, Kate, is mainly there to ask questions and push the narrative forward, and our beloved Schwarzenegger does his best in trying to live up to his former glory. Terminator 3 is very much like any other action movie from the early 00's, and suffers from uncharismatic characters with very small arcs and very little dynamic.
Nevertheless, the action is acceptable. But Terminator consists of so much more.
My personal grade: a displeased 6/10. If you found this helpful, check my profile for more reviews.