Years of waiting and theories about how good or bad the third "Terminator" film would be plagued my thought process. I had high hopes that the next installment into the excellent series would be just as good as "Terminator 2: Judgment Day;" or at least not a complete waste of time. When the film was first released in theatres July 2nd, I was at the first showing. I could hardly contain my excitement, both in finally seeing Arnold reprise his role as the Terminator and hoping my fingers crossed that this movie wasn't crap. I came out pleased, with a big smile on my face. It's safe to say that indeed "Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machines" indeed was not damned and actually came out being a pleasant surprise. It in no way at all tops the classic first two films ("Terminator 2" especially) but when left on its own, it's would definitely be at least a four and a half star action film. But considering that it had a legacy to live up to, I'll go as far as to say that a third movie in a series this great couldn't have fared much better.
After the events that occurred in "Terminator 2," John Connor (played well by Nick Stahl) has since been living his life in doubt that Judgment Day had truly been prevented. Linda Hamilton's Sarah Connor character, John's mother, passed away in the year 1997, the same year Judgment Day was originally thought to take place. John has been living much like a homeless person, traveling from location to location, not letting himself get close to anyone. His fear of the machines still taking over has taken over his mind and he refuses to let it go. One night in particular those fears are brought to a frightening reality as another Terminator, this time the T-X (Kristanna Loken), is sent back in time to assassinate John Connor. As usual, the resistance was able to send yet another protector for John, the now obsolete T-101 model (Arnold Schwarzenegger). Many twists and turns ensue as the fight for survival is once again ignited. And once again, this time it means life or death.
I won't say that the film has the most original plot in the world anymore as the two predecessors have had nearly the same exact storyline to follow. Of course director Johnathon Mostow does all that he can to make it more interesting. The plot is a rehashed but it also includes a few twists to put an extra spin on it. Most of this works well to take away from the feeling of deja vu but also works in the sense that you feel more nostalgia than laziness being exuded here.
Speaking of director Johnathon Mostow, don't go into "Rise Of The Machines" expecting James Cameron-lite. In the second "Terminator" film especially, Cameron bathed the film in blue lens filters to create a gritty, almost "end-of-the-world" feel. The sensation of doom worked well with the visual flair and also made the film all the much darker. Mostow doesn't utilize blue filters but instead is simply content to just use cameras. No snappy effects or waves of extended coloring segments, just cameramen and loads of film. While the film does have a much more modern look and the colors are much more vibrant (as the film can definitely be seen to have a high budget), this doesn't necessarily take away from the film. If I was disappointed in anything it was the lack of a depressing feel that Cameron created flawlessly. Mostow sets up his shots and seems to enjoy covering a lot of ground; the close-ups are never truly close-ups. He seems to enjoy basking the film in what may seem to be miniscule details at all times. A character will be talking and we will see flickers of lights and shadow-filled shots looming over the dialogue. It works well in the sense that Mostow puts his own print on this film instead of a retread of Cameron's.
I'm fairly certain that some won't like the films vibrant colors and a lack of gloominess. I didn't feel like I was in the middle of the film but rather a spectator. "Terminator 2" pulled you in and, in a sense, you interacted with the film, you felt as if the shots were taking place with you involved. "Terminator 3" feels as if it's a movie, a loud action movie. But you simply can't knock a film for not standing up to its undeniably classic predecessor. For what Mostow gave the film it's extremely good and actually shows the advancement rather than a half-hearted attempt to re-create a previous feel. Mostow does a stand-up job at making the film his own and utilizing his own ideas.
"Rise Of The Machines" strays far from Cameron's work but this is more of a pro than a con. They say that mimicking is the sincerest form of flattery, but I've also heard that it's the most honest form of plagiarism. Mostow gives this film a distinct look that is one of his own and keeps it going. He doesn't skimp in the directorial category but also doesn't break a lot of ground. He's more than adequate behind the camera and his mixture of subtle shots which only lead to more frantic, heart-pounding shots are only a cut below Cameron's.
The acting remains to be quite strong, though nothing in this world is absolutely perfect. Leaving Edward Furlong out of this sequel was a wise decision as he couldn't act his way out of a second grade play. His awful lack of emotion and inability to read through his lines convincingly would have been a detriment to this film in general. Replacing him with the talented Nick Stahl was a wise decision. He conveys much more emotion and, to complement that, does it very vividly. It's almost as if he's a real character and many times the humanity of the film rests on his shoulders. Of course his character has been through quite a lot but his performance is tangible and extremely down to Earth. Stahl is certainly talented and he has enough room within the solid script to crack his knuckles.
A "Terminator" film wouldn't be much of one without the titular characters. Arnold is back once again (no pun intended) as the now obsolete T-101 model and he must do battle with the much more advanced T-X model (Kristanna Lokan). They both do a tremendous job in their respective roles but Arnie, once again, takes the cake. He has the role of the T-101 down to a "T" and is able to lack emotion extremely well. If we weren't already aware that he, in fact, WAS human, Arnold would have many convinced that he had no soul. His stiff movements translate the character well and place him firmly into the role. The same can be said about Loken who also does an excellent job as the T-X. She as well as the look down extremely well but the detractors come in the form of her not necessarily looking deadly. It seems that the directors tried to make her character more of a model than a Terminator and brought down the role bit. That's a moot point, however, as the two do excellent jobs as the machines.
The co-stars are nothing special but in that same regard don't disappoint either. Claire Danes' Katherine Brewster character takes the back seat as she doesn't seem to truly care about her role. She sleepwalks through but still manages to convey a believable amount of emotion. The remaining actors do above average jobs but nothing spectacular. You won't find anything to write an angry letter to the company about but you also won't be cheering at the screen either. The script isn't anything spectacular as well, though it does hold up strongly with the weight of the acting. The cast an adequate to stand-up job portraying the various characters so there isn't too much to truly complain about.
A summer action movie wouldn't be complete without mind-bending special effects as "The Matrix: Reloaded" more than proved. Mostow does an excellent job at highlighting an orange glow over illuminating fires and debris from destruction. He's definitely more than adequate at filming large, destructive action set pieces and computer effects. The stunt work is top notch and some of it is just as jaw-dropping as that found in "Matrix: Reloaded." The action sequences can either range from duels between the two Terminator's or stunt work done on a crane while sections of the road is being ripped apart as cars explode in the background. It's all done extremely well and actually outmatches that of the previous film in the series. The excitement level is kicked up a notch and the film definitely benefits from Mostow's above average directing.
If you don't like action films or loud, slam-bang movies, stay out of "Rise Of The Machines." A large portion of it is dedicated to the duels between the two machines and a high level of destruction and explosions. If you're looking for a wrecking crew of an action film, then by all means take part in this spectacle.
What's not to like about "Rise Of The Machines?" The acting is by all means adequate, the action is loud and adrenaline-filled, the set pieces are spectacular, the directing is certainly above average, and above all else, Arnold turns in a great performance. Everything you can expect from a "Terminator" film can be found in this entry. Although it's not perfect and does suffer from some minor flaws, that hardly means that I shouldn't recommend. While it may not contain the same magic that "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" had, it's still a spectacular action film that fans of the series should definitely see.
[Rated R for strong sci-fi violence and action, language, and brief nudity.]
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Terminator 3: Rise of the Machinesstarts in high gear and never slows down. The ... more
apocalyptic "Judgment Day" ofT2was never prevented, only postponed: John Connor (Nick Stahl, replacingT2's Edward Furlong), now 22 and disconnected from society, is being p...
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Terminator 3: Rise of the Machinesstarts in high gear and never slows down. The ... more
apocalyptic "Judgment Day" ofT2was never prevented, only postponed: JohnConnor (Nick Stahl, replacingT2's Edward Furlong), now 22 and disconnected from society, is being pu...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machinesstarts in high gear and never slows down. The ... more
apocalyptic "Judgment Day" ofT2was never prevented, only postponed: JohnConnor (Nick Stahl, replacingT2's Edward Furlong), now 22 and disconnected from society, is being pu...
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A decade has passed since John Connor (Nick Stahl) helped prevent Judgment Day and save ... more
mankind from mass destruction. Now 22 Connor lives "off the grid" - no home no credit cards no cell phone and no job. No record of his existence. No way he can b...
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