“She’ll be back.” —The Terminator
Today’s quick review: Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines. Even with Judgment Day averted, John Connor (Nick Stahl) has lived in fear of a future where Skynet wipes out humanity. His fears are confirmed when the T-X (Kristanna Loken), an advanced model of Terminator, travels back in time to eliminate his childhood friend Kate Brewster (Claire Danes). Now John and Kate must rely on a reprogrammed Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) sent to save them.
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines is a sci-fi action movie set years after the events of Terminator 2. The movie features a new villain with access to an array of futuristic weaponry, as well as bigger stunts and a plot that revisits Skynet’s dystopian future. Rise of the Machines has the makings of a decent action, albeit one that relies more on flash than substance. However, its ideas and execution don’t live up to the first two films’.
Rise of the Machines is a clear step down from the previous movies in terms of story and characters. John Connor has none of the skill and tenacity his future self was reputed to have. Kate Brewster is a lukewarm addition to the franchise and has little chemistry with John. The plot repeats the same beats as the first two films without innovating on the formula. Moreover, the themes and details of the story clash with what has been established.
Even so, Rise of the Machines makes for a fun action movie when taken in isolation. The premise of two nigh-indestructible robots from the future fighting each other with whatever weapons and heavy machinery they can get their hands on is still a strong one. The stunts are bigger than in previous films, with a greater focus on firepower and explosions, and while the plot isn’t masterful, it holds holds together well enough for an action flick.
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines makes for a fine popcorn watch for anyone who enjoys the early 2000s style of action movies. A time-tested premise and a healthy special effects budget are enough to give it simple appeal. But Rise of the Machines misses a lot of what made the prior movies special, and fans who are invested in the series may be disappointed by the dip in quality. For a more sedate attempt to prevent nuclear war, try WarGames.
6.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for solid action held back by lukewarm characters and a mediocre story.