Description: With a reported budget of $172 million, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines starts in high gear and never slows down. The apocalyptic "Judgment Day" of T2 was never prevented, only postponed: John Connor (Nick Stahl, replacing T2's Edward Furlong), now 22 and disconnected from society, is being pursued yet again, this time by the advanced T-X, a sleek "Terminatrix" (coldly expressionless Kristanna Loken) programmed to stop Connor from becoming the savior of humankind. Originally programmed as an assassin, a disadvantaged T-101 cyborg (Arnold Schwarzenegger, bidding fond farewell to his signature role) arrives from the future to join Connor and his old acquaintance Kate (Claire Danes) in thwarting the T-X's relentless pursuit. The plot presents a logical fulfillment of T2 prophesy, disposing of Connor's mother (Linda Hamilton is sorely missed) while computer-driven machines assume control, launching a nuclear nightmare that Connor must survive. With Breakdown and U-571 serving as worthy rehearsals for this cautionary epic of mass destruction, director Jonathan Mostow wisely avoids any stylistic connection to James Cameron's Terminator classics; instead he's crafted a fun, exciting popcorn thriller, humorous and yet still effectively nihilistic, and comparable to Jurassic Park III in returning the Terminator franchise to its potent B-movie roots. --Jeff Shannon
Cast List:
Arnold Schwarzenegger as Terminator
Nick Stahl as John Connor
Claire Danes as Kate Brewster
Kristanna Loken as T-X
David Andrews as Robert Brewster
Mark Famiglietti as Scott Petersen
Earl Boen as Dr. Peter Silberman
Moira Harris as Betsy
Chopper Bernet as Chief Engineer
Christopher Lawford as Brewster's Aide (as Chris Lawford)
Carolyn Hennesy as Rich Woman
Jay Acovone as Cop - Westside Street
M.C. Gainey as Roadhouse Bouncer
Susan Merson as Roadhouse Clubgoer #1
Elizabeth Morehead as Roadhouse Clubgoer #1
Jimmy Snyder as Male Stripper
Billy D. Lucas as Angry Man (as Billy Lucas)
Brian Sites as Bill Anderson
Alana Curry as Bill's Girlfriend
Larry McCormick as KTLA Anchorman
Robert Alonzo as Jose Barrera
Michael Papajohn as Paramedic #1
Timothy Dowling as Paramedic Stevens (as Tim Dowling)
Jon Foster as Gas Station Cashier
Mark Hicks as Detective Martinez
Kim Robillard as Detective Edwards
Matt Gerald as SWAT Team Leader
William O'Leary as Mr. Smith
Rick Zieff as Mr. Jones
Rebecca Tilney as Laura the CRS Tech
Chris Hardwick as 2nd Engineer
Helen Eigenberg as 3rd Engineer
Kiki Gorton as Roadhouse Clubgoer #3
Walter von Huene as CRS Victim
Jerry Katell as CRS Executive
George A. Sack Jr. as Semi Truck Driver