One problem with gazing too frequently into the past is that we may turn around to find the future has run out on us.--- Michael Cibenko
INTRODUCTION
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To all those Terminator fans out there. Wake up, the next one is here already. Waiting for all the action 10 years since the second one of the installment is definitely worth the wait! I had requested the topic to be added in MS and wanted to write the first review. Here I am. Writing one.
Well, like all the Terminator fans, (I watched the original ones during my teens and naturally became a fan) I wanted to watch this as soon as possible and was able to get a good seat too. My wish was granted.
Well, my excitement didn’t die and I was paid my dues with a great action film. I was more enthralled to see such a great action from Arnie.
THE PLOT
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It’s 10 years since T-2’s release. In T-3 Rise of the machines, John Connors (Sarah) mom is dead and John is an experienced hacker living off in the streets. An advanced and the best Terminator machine, T-X is sent to terminate him. This T-X is the most powerful of all the machines and doesn’t require any weapons. T-X turns herself into a machine as she wishes. She also has laser-cannoned head and she can almost eliminate any cybernetic machine. A newer T-101, Arnie is also sent to save John Connor. This movie is about the battle between these two.
Does the machine rise above the humanity? Will T-101 save John from T-X? Does T-X terminate John? For answers, see the movie!!
TECHNICALITIES
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Cast
Arnold Schwarzenegger .... Terminator
Nick Stahl .... John Connor
Claire Danes .... Kate Brewster
Kristanna Loken .... T-X
David Andrews (I) .... Robert Brewster
Director
Jonathan Mostow
Music
Marco Beltrami
Brad Fiedel
Cinematographer
Don Burgess
Editors
Nicolas De Toth & Ne il Travis
MY ANALYSIS
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This is the first of the Terminators movies that James Cameron didn’t direct. You can almost immediately see that magic touch of T-1 & T-2 is missing in T-3. This is Jonathan Mostow’s movie all along. He has done a terrific job of it. T-X doesn’t make as much of an impression as T-1000 of the second movie. T-X is a fun to watch and Kristiana has done an excellent job as T-X. (John Patrick is my favorite Terminator). You may feel a case of & Godfather syndrome here. Meaning GF-3 could never beat GF-2 or GF-1. Same case here too. You tend to give more respect to the T-1 & T-2 movies after you see this one. Is this due to James not directing or is it the wait, I can’t really tell.
Continuing the analysis, the beauty of T-3 is the action sequences. The live-action chase scene Arnie does with a heavy-duty-truck is simply outrageous than the CGI generated Matrix Reloaded(MR) chase. This chase wins thumbs up compared to MR as it is not heavily dependant of CGI as MR does. T-3 offers non-stop action sequences of intense chases and heavily contested Terminator’s clashes. Mind boggling blasts and pretty fuming blazes. All this happens before you can take a breath. This makes this 170 million plus Action thriller take the cream out of the many action movies released in the recent past. You do not have emotional suspense or sentimental moves. :-) The designs are just wonderful. Many of the metallic head designs and the weapons as well as the art direction is simply excellent.
The cinematography is awesome. So is the music. Did you forget the enchanting tune of T-2 copied so many times in Indian flicks by our generous music directors? J I definitely felt a void as I mentioned earlier due to James Cameron’s direction missing in action. While this movie is bound to enthrall everyone, you surely miss the continuity of T-1 & T-2 here. May be it is just me.
Arnold is back in action and does some excellent job in doing what he does best. His acting is good and he is still in great shape. Nick Stahl and Claire Danes are also good. The real hero of this movie, like all T-X movies is the design and action. Just for the same, you can watch this movie many a times.
Will there be T-4. You bet it will be.
SNIPPETS
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John Connor: The T-X, can you find a way to destroy her?
Terminator: Unlikely, I’m an obsolete design.
John Connor: What is your mission?
Terminator: To ensure the survival of John Connor.
John Connor: Well you are about to fail that mission.
John Connor: Judgment Day - The end of the world. It’s today, 3 hours from now.
BOTTOMLINE
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I would watch this movie again in couple of week again. As a Terminator fan, it becomes my duty or so. Would I suggest this one? You bet I am. If you are not a keen fan of action or violence, you can have a second-thought. I would still try to market this film to you. If you liked Matrix series or Hulk or any action movie, this is a must.
Go see it. Today!.
I hope you liked my review. Do comment, if you have time.
Kalil