+4
When watching Disney’s new epic adventure
John Carter, I can’t help but wanting to compare it to the sci-fi classic likes of
Star Wars and
Avatar. But given that the novels this film is based on served as inspiration for George Lucas and James Cameron, the comparisons are more than valid. Edgar Rice Burroughs had created a vivid intergalactic world with ‘John Carter’ long before Skywalker had his adventures, we’ve just had to wait longer for Carter to be done justice. Under the colorful direction of Andrew Stanton (
Wall-E) 'John Carter' is every bit the epic it clearly intends to be. In 1880’s America Civil war vet Carter ('Friday Night Lights' Taylor Kitsch) unexpectedly finds himself transported to the planet Mars, or Barsoom as it is called here, where he is treated initially as some sort of spectacle, before held prisoner by the inhabitants of the planet, 12 foot tall barbarians ruled by Tars Tarkas (voiced by Willem Dafoe).
As to be expected there’s a war on the horizon and Carter gets trapped in the middle of it when he falls for princess Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins of ('True Blood' ) who’s fighting for the safety of her city which is set to be overruled by Sab Than (played by Dominic West of 'The Wire' ). Yes there are a lot of names thrown about here, and it’s quite an intricate storyline, one that may be a bit too complex for a younger audience this film seems to be marketed towards, but the film never skims over the details.
I skipped the 3D version which is also in theaters though. I am sure I wouldn't be missing much, since 3-D doesn't even work well when applied in most movies anyhow. But it’s a minor criticism for a surprisingly grown-up adventure film that will hopefully find a blossoming audience. All in all there really isn't much more to say except go see
John Carter.
My grade:
Last edited by ElmoLovesYou; 03-15-12 at 03:44 PM.
Reason: Change of image