Movie sequels are, by nature, a risky business. The very act of
filming one assumes that the previous film created enough lasting
appeal in its audience to warrant a new entry in the franchise. The
sequel usually promises innovation, along with everything we loved
in the predecessor, except on a much grander scale.

Yet in the time that often passes between films, the prequel
often becomes so revered in popular culture that a proper follow-up
seems all but impossible (see the controversy surrounding The
Matrix Reloaded).

When word surfaced that a third entry in the Terminator
franchise was on its way, lacking the guiding hand of series
creator James Cameron, fans feared their hopes at a worthy sequel
were terminated.

Judgment Day has finally arrived for Terminator 3: Rise of
the Machines, and against all odds, this film triumphs
marvelously, providing top-notch summer entertainment in the spirit
of its storied prequels.

Director Jonathan Mostow infuses the franchise with fresh
blood–paying homage to Cameron’s classic films while at the same
time marking T3 with his own cinematic flair. Mostow seems to
consciously avoid imitating Cameron’s foreboding themes in his own
take on the series, and while some may argue that T3 has been
dumbed down, the director should be commended for doing more with
the film than simply ripping off James Cameron for a fat
paycheck.

Mostow certainly showcases his ability to direct action
sequences, and his film abounds with memorable chase and fight
scenes that rival those featured in Reloaded. Unhindered by the
slow-motion wirework that seems to be the norm for today’s action
films, T3’s thrills may surprise audiences with the sheer velocity
with which they fly across the silver screen. Rather than impress
audiences with slick camera tricks and elaborately choreographed
martial arts sequences, Mostow opts to drop jaws with the carnage
and destruction caused by his two Terminators.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is undoubtedly the film’s best special
effect. From the moment he arrives onscreen, Arnold’s performance
is every bit as electric as the thunderstorms that surround him.
Watching him don the now iconic biker-jacket-and-sunglasses
ensemble for a third time is the cinematic equivalent of seeing a
great sports hero come out of retirement for one more victory
run.

After nearly a decade’s worth of sub-par films, T3 allows the
Austrian Oak a chance to flex his muscles in a way not seen since
1994’s True Lies. In his signature “Ah-nuld” style, he
delivers equal parts humor and visceral action, the likes of which
have yet to be repeated by Vin Diesel or other supposed heirs to
his throne.

At 56, Arnold shows he still possesses every bit of the physical
prowess and unique stage presence that made him a star 20 years
ago.

Kristanna Loken looks quite comfortable playing the T-X,
Skynet’s latest version of the Terminator. Loken certainly exudes
the required sex appeal, and the gadgets built into the T-X make
her the most fearsome Terminator yet, but I’m sure I wasn’t the
only who wished for just a brief appearance from Robert Patrick’s
menacing T-1000.

Despite James Cameron’s insistence that the Terminator stories
had all been told, T3 offers a fascinating take on future savior
John Conner’s struggle to fit in with everyday society.

Since Judgment Day seems to have been averted in T2, Connor
lives a painful existence from being unable to fulfill a role he’d
literally been born into. Constantly in fear of another attempt on
his life, he lives “off the grid,” with no bank accounts, cell
phones or permanent residence. Throughout T3, we follow the
progress of a very reluctant savior as he becomes the hero he’s
supposed to be.

With Linda Hamilton gone, someone had to step in and provide the
tough-as-nails female lead she vacated. Claire Danes fills that
role as Kate Brewster, and while her performance falls far short of
Hamilton’s half-crazed portrayal of Sarah Conner, the love story
developed between Kate and John echoes the fateful liaison between
Sarah and Kyle Reese from the first Terminator–a nice tip of the
hat to longtime fans.

While Terminator 3 may not tax your brain to the extent
of its famous predecessors, the amazing action sequences and
special effects provide some of this summer’s best big-screen
thrills. America, take note: Arnold Schwarzenegger is back.