Steveo
"Bad Casting Dragged It Down"
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The third movie in the "Terminator" franchise released in 2003.
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The Terminator idea is something of great intrigue to me and although it may seem extremely farfetched and even a bit bizarre that I would believe such a thing, I do actually think a machine uprising is a possibility. We as a race strive to create more advanced machines every day; machines that are capable of independent thought and maintenance are just around the corner. There is no denying that if we continue to create more and more intelligent machines and rely more on the interweaving network systems we currently have in place, there will come a point, in my eyes, not too far in the future that machines will realise humans are obsolete and realise that no longer need us around. I know it's weird, but it's the way I think. I also think Scientology isn't as bizarre as the media would have us believe. Let's make one thing clear, I'm not a Scientologist or a recluse nerd, I just think in weird ways.
+3
The original Terminator movie kicked off a truly brilliant series that lead to the triumphant sequel, subtitled Judgment Day. Nobody thought it could ever be topped and in many ways, with T3, they were right. It received quite critical reviews upon its original release and even had some people hating the very idea of making it a trilogy. Considering the age of Schwarzenegger, it was originally rumoured that he may not be able to be cast in this movie, and because of that rumour, the films production was condemned immediately. Luckily Arnie was able to participate in the movie, and actually got himself into shape and looking the way he did 10 years ago.
T3 is set roughly 10 years after the events of Judgment Day and now another enemy of the future is sent back to assassinate the leader of the future resistance against the machines, John Connor. Not only is it John now in the firing line, but it's also the other members of the resistance, including Johns future wife, Katherine Brewster. The new enemy is the most advanced Terminator yet. Known as the T-X or Terminatrix, this female Terminator, played by Kristanna Loken is the most brutal machine to date. She can create any weapon from her arms and just appears more heartless than any machine could possibly be. John is once again protected by a new T-101 (Arnie) and is told that the Judgment Day he thought he stopped was merely postponed and is actually inevitable. Now with the help of the new T-101, Katherine & John must keep away from the T-X and try to find her father who is heading Skynet to try and find a new way of trying the prevent the Rise of the Machines.
There is quite a bit that can be said negatively about this film, but there's also a bit of good to talk about as well. One of the biggest criticisms I have is the casting of Nick Stahl as John Connor. I don't mind Nick Stahl as an actor, but as the rebellious John Connor, he's simply not the right man for the job. I personally think Edward Furlong would have done a much better job had he reprised the role. I also felt that the absence of the Sarah Connor character was another big downfall for the third film as she's certainly a benchmark character for these movies, much like Arnold. Clare Danes as Katherine Brewster was just bland, I never found myself believing in the character and felt the film could survive without that character. I felt that she was simply a device to explain the plot of the Terminator history (or future, whichever way you see it) for the new viewers who may not have seen the original films. Kristanna Loken was triumphant as the T-X and for a female Terminator, I now can't think of anyone better for the role.
A few things within the film didn't make sense to me, but I can't talk about them because it will ruin it for those who haven't seen it. One thing that bugged me about it, however, was the whole idea that Judgment Day was inevitable. If that is so, then what was the purpose of blowing up Cyberdyne Systems in T2 to prevent Judgment Day when it's actually just a way of postponing it? The CGI within, is really well done and the chase scene in which the T-X is driving a giant crane which destroys almost an entire town, is possibly the best action sequence in many years of film. The effects involving the Terminators is also very well done, apart from the hand to hand fight scene which had great potential, but just ended up looking like a big budget slapstick comedy sketch.
The comedy moments are also a big downfall and dragged the mood of the film down to a ridiculous level. Thankfully, the doomsday mood was brought back through the immense action scenes and it managed to keep me entertained for the entire runtime. Flaws aside, it's a good addition to the series and although many loyal fans of the first two films may trash it, I enjoyed it and believe that those who have yet to see it should at least give it a chance.
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More Terminator 3: Rise of the Mach... reviews
Ten years ago together with his mother Sarah Connor and a robot from the future called a Terminator, John Connor (Nick Stahl) prevented Judgment Day, which was an event that was to begin the war between man and machine, thus, plunging the world into an apocalypse where mankind would be facing extinction. The artificial intelligence behind the war Skynet, attempted twice to see the rise of the machines. It makes a third attempt to bring forth Judgment Day by sending another killing machine into … more
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review by lordnaseby.
February 03, 2011
Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious movie of forgotten lore, While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my dorm room door. `'Tis some visitor,' I muttered, `tapping at my dorm room door - Only this, and nothing more.' Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the … more
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review by Lopez15.
November 28, 2009
While "The Terminator" and "Terminator 2:Judgment Day" set up a line of success and action greatness that has yet to be surpassed "Terminator 3: Rise of the machines" tries hard to continue the greatness but falls short on many levels, but is not a failure for the series but it is nowhere near the excellence and expert craftsmanship of the first two movies. But is none the less a well executed and strong finish to the end of humanity and … more
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Compliments (27)
A truer phrase couldn't have been spoken by anyone else but Arnold Schwarsenegger in this movie when he's describing his character, comparing himself to the more advanced TX model in the movie. It's more fitting in other ways. Yes he is an antique compared to the newer model but Terminator 3 is the weakest of the Terminator movies that were out by this point and Arnold's brand of action movie hero, the big meaty dude with a gun who blows everything away has … more
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Compliments (24)
About the reviewer
Steven Stewart (Steveo)
Currently studying Law at University, my main interests revolve around Politics. I read quite a lot and love learning about History. Not just the history of a specific time, place and person, but I'm … more
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About this movie
Linda Hamilton declined to reprise her role as Sarah Conner.
The film's $170 million budget was the highest approved budget to date.
The third film of the Terminator series.
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The film's $170 million budget was the highest approved budget to date.
The third film of the Terminator series.
Cast:
Arnold Schwarzenegger,
M.C. Gainey,
Claire Danes,
Alana Curry,
Nick Stahl,
Matt Gerald,
Larry McCormick,
Christopher Lawford,
David Andrews,
Billy Lucas,
Michael Papajohn,
William O'Leary,
Brian Sites,
Kristanna Loken,
Chris Hardwick,
Earl Boen,
Carolyn Hennesy,
Kim Robillard,
Chopper Bernet,
Mark Famiglietti,
Moira Harris,
Jon Foster,
Rebecca Tilney,
Timothy Dowling,
Helen Eigenberg,
Jerry Katell,
George E. Sack Jr.,
Kiki Gorton,
Jimmy Snyder,
Robert Alonzo,
Susan Merson,
Elizabeth Morehead,
Jay Acavone,
Mark Hicks,
Rick Zieff,
Walter von Huene
Director:
Jonathan Mostow
Genre:
Action,
Fantasy,
Sci-Fi,
Thriller
Release Date:
July 2, 2003
MPAA Rating:
R
Screen Writer:
Michael Ferris,
Tedi Sarafian
Runtime:
109 minutes
Studio:
C-2 Pictures,
Warner Bros. Pictures
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