Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines

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2:20

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines

R

2003

1h 50m

Sci-Fi

Action

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

70%

Tomatometer

202 Reviews

46%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

Now 25, Connor (Nick Stahl) lives with no record of his existence -- no way he can be traced by Skynet. Out of the shadows of the future steps the T-X (Kristanna Loken), Skynet's most sophisticated cyborg killing machine yet. Now Connor's only hope for survival is the Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger), his mysterious former assassin. Together, they must triumph over the technologically superior T-X and forestall the looming threat of Judgment Day.

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Critics Consensus

Although Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines never reaches the heights of the second movie, it is a welcome addition to the Terminator franchise.

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Wendy Ide

The Times (UK)

07/22/2022

A steely [Kristanna Loken]... makes the T-800 (Arnold Schwarzenegger) look positively creaky.

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David Ansen

Newsweek

03/13/2018

Perhaps wisely, Mostow doesn't try to outdo James Cameron. His sequel has a B-movie spirit--swift, punchy, tongue often in cheek. ...at its screeching, wall-breaking best, "T3" achieves heavy-metal slapstick.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

12/28/2010

4/5

Basically one long, exciting chase scene.

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

09/19/2023

2.5/4

Mostow directs without concern for his own ideas, and instead considers What Would Cameron Do? In turn, we wonder the same thing. The result isn’t poor direction, just clearly not that of a singular voice.

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David Walsh

World Socialist Web Site

02/16/2021

What is one to make of such a cheap and unserious, but misanthropic and morbid conclusion? A Terminator 4 is foreseen, and there is most likely no way to forestall that future.

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

11/09/2020

7/10

It's undeniably fun to see Schwarzenegger return for another high-octane installment in the hugely successful franchise.

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Matthew B

@RT47158276 Jul 5

The first half of the movie felt like a copy and paste version of the first two terminator movies, and the second half feels rushed and had a really unsatisfying plot twist that ultimately makes the movie feel pointless

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IBMd N

@Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Jul 4

T3 is… well… it’s got some great action, and a great ending technically solving the only plot hole created by the first 2, but that does not make it worth watching… maybe, if you’re a die-hard arnie fan but it’s just not that great a movie, let alone in comparison to the first 2.

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Chris S

@Janomi Jul 4

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines doesn't reach the heights of James Cameron's films, but it's still an entertaining action sequel. Arnold Schwarzenegger slips comfortably back into the role of the T-800, and Kristanna Loken makes for a physically imposing T-X with a unique blend of infiltration and overwhelming firepower. The massive crane chase remains one of the franchise's most memorable practical action sequences. The biggest problem is that the screenplay follows the Terminator 2 formula too closely, making much of the story feel familiar. Adult John Connor also isn't as compelling as his younger counterpart. Still, the action is exciting, the pacing is brisk, and the bold, surprisingly bleak ending gives the film an emotional impact that lingers long after the credits roll.

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Tony L

@Tony_MovieBuff Jul 2

Doesn’t hold a candle to Judgment Day, but nice try to reboot the franchise.

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Jason R

@J-Rush1411 Jun 25

While it does have some good moments and Kristanna Loken is badass, it feels like a misfire in the Terminator Franchise

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Josphat I

@RT20563539 May 20

This is one of the best Terminator movies. Yes, I have watched all of them. 3 will always be goated for me. The intensity keeps you over the edge and yearning to see more. The silent fight between the terminators was just epic. I will watch this over and over again.

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Jonathan Mostow

Director

Arnold Schwarzenegger

The Terminator (T-800)

Nick Stahl

John Connor

Claire Danes

Kate Brewster

David Andrews

Robert Brewster

Kristanna Loken

T-X

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Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Now 25, Connor (Nick Stahl) lives with no record of his existence -- no way he can be traced by Skynet. Out of the shadows of the future steps the T-X (Kristanna Loken), Skynet's most sophisticated cyborg killing machine yet. Now Connor's only hope for survival is the Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger), his mysterious former assassin. Together, they must triumph over the technologically superior T-X and forestall the looming threat of Judgment Day.

Director: Jonathan Mostow
Producer: Mario Kassar, Andrew G. Vajna, Joel B. Michaels, Hal Lieberman, Colin Wilson
Screenwriter: John D. Brancato, Michael Ferris, Tedi Sarafian, Michael Ferris
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: IMF, InterMedia Film Equities Ltd., C-2 Pictures
Rating: R (Language|Brief Nudity|Strong Sci-Fi Action|Strong Sci-Fi Violence)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 2, 2003, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $150.4M
Runtime: 1h 50m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)