Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines

Directed by Jonathan Mostow, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines follows Nick Stahl’s John Connor and Claire Danes’ Kate Brewster as they attempt to outrun a vicious terminator (Kristanna Loken) with the help of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s cybernetic protector. Filmmaker Mostow, working from John Brancato and Michael Ferris’ screenplay, delivers a solid sequel to James Cameron’s (undeniably superior) predecessors, as Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines benefits from a propulsive, interesting narrative that’s augmented with electrifying set-pieces and fantastic performances – with, in terms of the latter, Schwarzenegger’s predictably engaging turn certainly matched by both Stahl and Danes. (Stahl, in particular, brings a grizzled, haunted quality to his iconic figure that proves impossible to resist.) It’s clear, as well, that Mostow does a solid job of authentically, naturally expanding upon the universe established by The Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgment Day, and although the movie’s climax feels just a little too long (ie it’s just so much action, ultimately), Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines concludes on an appropriately grim note that does, in the end, cement its place as a stirring entry within a seriously hit-and-miss science-fiction franchise.

*** out of ****