A good, solid, film; however, the lack of Cameron diminishes it's overall effect.

Rating: 7/10 (2 July 2003)

The original "Terminator" was an amazing film for 1984, the action was unprecedented, the visuals phenomenal, and the human drama a welcome surprise. In 1991 James Cameron shocked audiences by making T2 better than the original in almost every area; creating one of the greatest films of all time. T3: Rise Of The Machines is a really good film; however, the lack of Cameron's directing is felt throughout the entire film, greatly diminishing its overall effect. For instance, the acting sequences in this one are more confusing than the one's in T2; gone are the days of the T-1000(in a Semi) chasing the young John Conner(on a dirt-bike) while Arnold(on a Harley) pursues both of them. Cameron has a way of making audiences completely understand an action sequence, Jonathan Mostow still has a lot to learn.
As T3 begins we don't get any of the classic Terminator music that was present in the last 2 films, instead we get eary music which is very quickly followed by the film's title, "Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machines;" which of course is then followed by Arnold's full name, reminding all of us that while James Cameron and Linda Hamilton may be missing, we all came to see Arnold kick some ass. The film has a hard time, at first, making us feel pity or any other form of compassion for, the older and more mature, John Conner. Thankfully by the time John explains to us how his mother, Sarah Conner, died of cancer we've actually grown to like John. Soon after the introduction of John, we meet the new terminator: a Terminatrix, played farely well by newcomer Kristinna Lokken. The TX is an improvement over the T-1000, she can form weapons with her liqued metal skin and she can also infiltrate and control other machines; however, despite all of her advancements she doesn't quite make us shuddder in fear like the original T-101 or T-1000. After all of the new characters have been introduced the movie descends into one action scene after another, while all are good, we still feel like we're covering old ground. Thankfully, just when you think the new Terminator is a little soft, she graphically impales a detective with her arm and then procedes to drive the car from the back seat: With Her "ARM" still sticking through his chest! Yes, it was a very disturbing scene. Despite all of the new action sequences, I really enjoyed listening the John Conner's little lectures about the future, fate, machines and his own destiny. They didn't feel "canned" in the least, I was very impressed.
By the end of T3, I realised two very important things: (1) I actually care about what happens to John Conner and (2) The storyline of T2 has become "almost" completely obsolete; I may be the only one who feels this way, but the 3rd film in a trilogy is supposed to build upon the plot in the "middle" movie, not refute it. So there you have it, T3 is a new kind of Terminator movie; it doesn't improve upon the second film, but it presents a new face that's different enough to make the film very entertaining.