Barnes & Noble

The Terminator trilogy comes to an immensely satisfying finish with this apocalyptic, action-crammed adventure, which finds a clueless mankind moving inexorably toward its subjugation by machines. Humanity's last best hope, John Connor (Nick Stahl), lives quietly "off the grid," eschewing anything that might leave computerized clues to his whereabouts. After being targeted for assassination years ago (or years hence, actually) by a time-traveling "Terminator," he leaves little to chance. But unbeknownst to John, a smarter, more fearsome terminator, the TX (Kristanna Loken), has been dispatched to the early 21st century to prevent him from leading the Resistance. Timing is everything, because the SkyNet computer network is about to go on line. To protect him, allies in the future send a new bodyguard, the upgraded T-850 (Arnold Schwarzenegger), back in time to find the young man before TX does. The result of all this, as you might imagine, is action aplenty. Director Jonathan Mostow, who demonstrated a flair for efficient cinematic thrills in U-571, knows what Terminator fans want and he delivers it in spades. The series' fans also have come to expect top-of-the-line special effects, and in that respect the production team has outdone itself. The "evil" terminator played by Robert Patrick in T2 remains one of sci-fi's most memorable villains, but the gorgeous Loken makes an equally strong impression, even if her potent right hand invites unfortunate comparisons to Inspector Gadget. Claire Danes, making a welcome return to the screen, brings striking credibility to her role as the feisty young woman unsuspectingly caught up in John Connor’s date with destiny. And then, of course, there's Arnold...need we say more? The governor of California is in fine fettle as the relentless T-850, a walking demolition team programmed to save his youthful charge, even if it means blowing up half the state -- which is just about what it takes. We'd hardly call T3 cerebral, but it takes its fanciful premise seriously and arrives at its conclusion with nary a groan. The breathtaking rush of eye-popping action set pieces, together with the satisfying approach to continuing the Terminator story line, makes this a fitting finale to one of moviedom's most amazing trilogies. That is, if it remains a trilogy. Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

The second sequel to the 1984 sci-fi action classic, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines is the first film without the involvement of director James Cameron. Instead, Jonathan Mostow, the man behind Breakdown and U-571, has stepped in to fill the shoes left vacant by Cameron. In addition, the role of John Connor from the second film has been recast, with In the Bedroom's Nick Stahl taking over for Edward Furlong. Set ten years after the events of 1991's Terminator 2: Judgement Day, the film finds Connor living on the streets as a common laborer. Sarah Connor, his mother, has since died, and their efforts in the second film have not stopped the creation of SkyNet artificial intelligence network. As he will still become the leader of the human resistance, Connor is once again targeted by a Terminator sent from the future by SkyNet. This new Terminator, T-X (Kristanna Loken), is a female and is more powerful than any of her predecessors. To protect Connor, the human resistance sends a new T-101 (Arnold Schwarzenegger) back from the future. Also starring Claire Danes, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines had its world premiere when it showed out of competition at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival. Matthew Tobey

Washington Post

A solidly professional attempt and a pretty good summer movie in the bargain. Stephen Hunter

Chicago Reader

A sizable quotient of the movie's target audience just wants to see stuff destroyed, and in that regard Rise of the Machines won't disappoint. J. R. Jones

Product Details

• UPC: 883929018567
• Source: WARNER HOME VIDEO
• Region Code: 1
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Time: 1:50:00
• Sales Rank: 13,013

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