Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines

So, Arnie’s running for Governor of California, evidently hoping to work good deeds and be remembered as something more than a leatherclad, firearm wielding, ass-kicking, part-metal killing machine. Good luck to him, because to most of us he will always be The Terminator.

Terminator 3 sees everyone’s favourite T-101 once more being sent back in time to protect the future leader of the human resistance, John Connor (Stahl), now a drug-using renegade living outside the system. Not only must they avoid the attentions of the new T-X, a female cyborg with serious anti-social behavioural problems, but Judgement Day is now also upon them, and Skynet (the evil computer system that tries to exterminate the human race) is about to be switched on…

T3 is the first of the franchise not to be helmed by the great James Cameron, and the film is noticeably different from its predecessors.  The mood is much lighter, with in-jokes for the fans (check out Arnie’s first set of shades!) and big action scenes for the adrenaline junkies (the crane, coooool). The effects and explosions are everything you’d expect from a franchise that has always pushed technology to its limits. There are even some more touching moments, particularly the T-101’s inner battle when the T-X reprograms him to kill Connor.  Arnie may have a few more wrinkles, but you soon stop caring as soon as you see his response to “Talk to the hand”!

You’re not going to come and see this to appreciate the art, the high dialogue or the moral message.  You’re seeing it for big guns, non-stop action and possibly the last chance to see Schwarzzeneger in the role that made him.  And the 9·30 screening? Oh, you’ll be back…