Arnold Schwarzenegger has still got it.
After 12 years, Schwarzenegger dominates his role once again as the Terminator and is undoubtedly successful.
Without James Cameron on board to direct and Edward Furlong and Linda Hamilton to save the day, "T3" shines as a suitable legacy to their work.
The T-101 (Schwarzenegger) has been sent back to the present once again to prevent the death of future resistance leader John Connor (Nick Stahl) from Skynet's faster, stronger and smarter terminator, the T-X (Kristanna Loken).
The T-101's mission also is to protect innocent veterinarian Kate Brewster (Claire Danes), whose life also is intertwined - though less importantly than Connor's - in the path the future takes after Judgment Day.
Together, John and Kate realize Judgment Day is coming sooner than they expected - within three hours. With Schwarzenegger as civilization's only hope, John, Kate and Arnold battle the T-X to stop Judgment Day from coming.
The third time around, the mind-blowing action and jaw-dropping stunts take top priority, with hardly a five minute break between the next course of action.
From the T-X's destructive truck driving on the streets of Beverly Hills to the Terminator's unforgettable shoot-out escape in the graveyard, the action is by far the most exciting of the trilogy.
If there is one setback to the third installment of "The Terminator," it's the story line. In the 1991 "Terminator 2: Judgment Day," we had a bond between the Terminator and John, and the rekindling of the mother and son relationship - which keeps "T2" a shade better than "T3."
In the latest one, we are introduced to a connection between John and Kate. According to the Terminator, their relationship is to deepen over time but the film never entirely gives off the impression this will ever happen.
Besides, if anything supplements the film's spotty plot, it's Schwarzenegger's classic one-liners. Whether it be the familiar robotic-liner "I need your clothes" or the new "talk to the hand," Ah-nuld's classic tag lines never get old.
Kristanna Loken is phenomenal as the sophisticated T-X. While it might be humorous to see this blonde beauty beat up the almighty Schwarzenegger without a strand of hair falling out of place, the fact she doesn't appear to be a threat is what makes her so appealing to watch.
Like the Terminator, she's got style going for her too, snatching a red leather ensemble and black heels.
Loken's fast-paced moves and persistent dodging of bullets make her a thrill to watch.
But by now, you've probably determined this movie is a hit despite all the changes. Take the Terminator's advice - "get out" and see this movie.
Acting: ****
Cinematography: ****
Directing: ****
Musical Score: ****1/2
Script: ****
