As good as T2, but great in it's own right

Rating: 9/10 (1 July 2003)

Jonathan Mostow has done what some call impossible: he has matched the direction of James Cameron in Cameron's own series. Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines is an amazing visual spectacle as well as a story driven film. Mostow stages some amazing combat sequences, and Arnold is on top of his game in the role that made him famous. The script is well written, with classic Schwarzenegger one lines, and the repetition of the line "She'll be back" actually works. The movie is peppered with humor and smart dialogue. The story actually makes sense in the timeline, although taking some liberties. Instead of a vote of 10 the reason this film gets a 9 by me is that the action sometimes seems to take center stage, although it drives the story along. One scene comes to mind when the T-850 drives a truck through a wall, suddenly fuel barrels explode. The Terminatrix is an imposing villain, definitely a great screen character. Kristanna Loken's icy blue eyes truly make the T-X a menacing villain that you grow to hate. Nick Stahl plays John Connor as he should be; a boy who knows what he's destined to do but questions why he was chosen, and resents it every minute of his life. Overall the action and script are great, the direction is excellent, and Arnold breaks the slump of bad movies. Definitely a worthy sequel to a great franchise, unlike the disappointing Matrix Reloaded. No T4!!!(You'll understand when you see the movie, especially the ending)