A
Rare Third Act That Doesn't Disappoint...
You
really can't ask for more out of an action
flick. T3 delivers on every possible level...
it's funny, it's tremendously exciting, it's
fast-paced and it's improbably thoughtful &
intelligent.
I will grant that the action occasionally
ventures beyond the realm of remote possibility,
but it is a testament to director Jonathon
Mostow and the entire cast that we are able to
buy most of the lunacy that happens on screen.
The chase sequences and fight scenes are some of
the most spectacular you've ever seen. They are
exhilarating and breathtaking from credits to
credits.
There is more humor in this movie than you might
expect. Arnold plays with some of the scenes
from the previous two installments and will have
the audience rolling with laughter. I really had
no idea that T3 was going to be this funny. He
also has plenty of one-liners, most of which
work. And he revives his most famous line twice
throughout the running time. One time he says,
'She'll be back', in reference to Kristanna
Loken's TX character, and later in the film he
jabs, 'I'm Back!' just in time for the rousing
finale.
Speaking of Kristanna Loken... she delivers one
of the best breakout performances in recent
years as the indestructible TX. This is without
doubt the emergence of a new Hollywood star. She
reminds me a great deal of Charlize Theron. Her
icy-cool and viciously efficient persona in this
movie makes for one of the most memorable
characters in action history. I'd let her
terminate the hell out of me! I believe, that
with a few good choices, the gorgeous 23 year
old will be a huge star over the next two
decades.
The special effects sequences are state of the
art. TX's arsenal combines all the best of the
earlier Terminators and adds a few new skills of
her own. She even has the ability to control
other machines... including other Terminators!!!
Nick Stahl replaces Ed Furlong as John Connor,
the man with the key to human survival. And
Claire Danes joins the cast as Kate Brewster,
the future wife of John Connor and the second in
command of the resistance. They are both
protected by Arnold's T-101 as they evade the
persistent TX.
I really liked the way the film tied in all that
happened in the first two installments and made
a logical and natural transition to an exciting
storyline here. T3 also leaves open a very real
possibility for a 4th film which will assuredly
hit theatres in a few years. It may be Arnold's
last chance to headline a blockbuster action
film like this... after all, he is in his
mid-fifties.
The rousing conclusion is exciting and
spectacular. But what most of you will enjoy is
that it goes in an unexpectedly intelligent and
thoughtful direction. A sense of realization
came over me at the same time as the characters
experience it. It really left me wanting for
more... and that is the best feeling to have
after a thrill ride like this. Kudos to all
involved in not disappointing what has become a
fabulous action legacy. The Terminator films are
action legends and this one lives up to the
hype.
©
Written by TC Candler
Richard
Propes' Comment
I admit
it. I don't care for this series at all.
Kristanna Loken's break-out performance has
resulted in her wonderful career move into Uwe
Boll films. Ah-Nold has become a Governor and,
apparently Hell has frozen over. The script is
modestly entertaining, however, Schwarzenegger
only occasionally manages to pull off humorous
lines. He had considerable more luck acting like
a political candidate. Heck, apparently
Californians bought that
performance...temporarily at least.
Jacob
Hall's Comment
n/a
