As long as you don't expect the awesomeness of Terminator 2, then you'll enjoy Rise of the Machines just fine. It doesn't elaborate much more on the bleak future but it has a nice ending that makes the trilogy (at the time) come full circle, and provides closure. The new terminator this time around is the T-X, a shapeshifting robot, however, she has a metal skeleton with liquid metal surrounding it. The T-X is not as groundbreaking or mindbending as previous terminators but does it's job just fine. The T-850 (Model 101) returns to protect John Connor as well as another person, and it is nice to see this outdated model still stacking up well. Terminator 3 is mostly set pieces with minimal plot, the film begins with a great chase scene, with a lot of destruction, and it ends on a good final confrontation battle. The film itself relies more heavily on computer effects this time around, and at times it feels that the gunfights are just there for show. However, in the end, the movie is enjoyable and worthwhile to watch.
