PaulRom Reviews: JOHN CARTER

Andrew Stanton's live action debut (which adapts the classic sci-fi novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs) will arrive on Blu-Ray/DVD next Tuesday, and has left critics and audiences divided since its theatrical release in March. Hit the jump for my spoiler-free review of the sci-fi epic.

Review Opinion

By PaulRom - Jun 02, 2012 11:06 AM EST

Filed Under: John Carter of Mars

John Carter (2012)

Rating:

Starring:
Taylor Kitsch
Lynn Collins
Willem Dafoe
Thomas Haden Church
Mark Strong
Dominic West

Running Time:
2 hr. 12 min.

Plot Synopsis:

From Academy Award®--winning filmmaker Andrew Stanton comes "John Carter"—a sweeping action-adventure set on the mysterious and exotic planet of Barsoom (Mars). "John Carter" is based on a classic novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs, whose highly imaginative adventures served as inspiration for many filmmakers, both past and present. The film tells the story of war-weary, former military captain John Carter (Taylor Kitsch), who is inexplicably transported to Mars where he becomes reluctantly embroiled in a conflict of epic proportions amongst the inhabitants of the planet, including Tars Tarkas (Willem Dafoe) and the captivating Princess Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins). In a world on the brink of collapse, Carter rediscovers his humanity when he realizes that the survival of Barsoom and its people rests in his hands.

Various film adaptations of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ sci-fi novel A Princess Of Mars (the first in a series of novels featuring the character John Carter) have been in the works since the novel’s publication in 1917. From an animated film in the 1930s to Paramount’s unproduced vision of the story, none of these projects have moved forward…until now. Disney released Andrew Stanton’s adaptation of Princess Of Mars (simply titled John Carter) earlier this year to mixed reception, and the movie more or less bombed at the box office (it’s been said that Disney will lose about $200M from the film). But does it deserve the non-success?

One of the most common complaints for John Carter is its time length/pacing. At 132 minutes, the film tends to be very slow at times (particularly in the first act). The running time allows plenty of time for character development, probably too much time in fact. Most of the action doesn’t kick in until 30-40 minutes into the movie. While I’m all for allowing as much time for character development as necessary, some more editing could’ve helped make the story feel smoother and would’ve kept things more interesting.

The visuals are mostly excellent. While not as incredible as say, Star Trek ’09 or the Transformers films, John Carter is visually captivating. The Martians, Woola and Barsoom all look very convincing. The White Apes in particular look fantastic, and the battle scene between the two Apes and Carter is probably the best scene in the movie. The other action scenes are great, particularly when Carter takes on an army Matai Shang’s minions. The lovable Woola is another highlight; he reminds me a good deal of Star Wars’ Chewbacca.

The acting is mostly solid. Taylor Kitsch does what he can with the title character, who I can’t say is extremely likable. While there’s definitely better actors for the role (and Kitsch isn’t exactly ready for leading man material yet), the former Gambit does a decent enough job with what he’s given. Lynn Collins is pretty good as Dejah Thoris (the "Princess Of Mars"), rarely resorting to the “Damsel In Distress” cliché. Willem Dafoe is good in his mo-cap performance as Thark Jedak (aka King) Tars Tarkas, while Thomas Haden Church does well with Tal Hajus. Mark Strong is very good as Matai Shang, the film’s primary villain. Ciaran Hinds is okay as Tardos Mors, but everyone else (from Dominic West to Samantha Morton) do fine jobs with their respective characters.

The rest of the flaws in John Carter are mostly nitpicks. An example would be its “unoriginality” and depicting various elements seen time and again in sci-fi films. It’s understandable, since the source material has influenced everything from Star Wars and Avatar to Flash Gordon and Superman. Still, I can’t help but have a been-there-done-that feeling when I’d see a speeder bike chase very similar to Return Of The Jedi, or when I see one particular scene between Thoris and Carter which is eerily similar to Avatar. Again, I don’t mind this as much since the original story has influenced so many movies/characters, but I would’ve preferred if Stanton made these scenes feel less like something we’ve seen before.

This isn’t really a flaw within the film itself, but I would like to discuss the unsatisfying marketing. The $250 million budget could’ve been easily trimmed (although it’s a very CGI heavy production), and the apparently high costs for marketing weren’t necessary. Disney’s marketing made the movie look like any other science fiction film to the general audience, when it was something much more. Adding a tagline such as “From The Creator Of Tarzan”, “Based On The Century Old Story”, or even “From The Director Of Finding Nemo” would’ve raised much more interest from the general audience. Keeping the original title John Carter Of Mars would've been a solid marketing move as well. The lack of proper marketing is probably the main reason that so little people saw it in theaters (that and the mixed reviews, of course).

Regarding the rest of the production, it’s quite well done. Michael Giacchino’s score is great; while it’s not something that I’d listen to apart from the film, it works excellently with the movie’s scenes. Also, Andrew Stanton’s camera work is very good. It’s not near as impressive as Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol’s production (the movie was the directorial debut of Brad Bird, another Pixar veteran), but he does a solid job. Stanton’s love for the source material is evident, despite the film not being as close to A Princess Of Mars as it could have.

In the end, John Carter doesn’t deserve the backlash it receives. As a fan of the original novel, I had a good time watching the long-anticipated film adaptation. It’s not great, let alone perfect, but it’s a decently solid project with very high ambitions. The ending sets things up nicely for a sequel, so fingers crossed we’ll see Carter’s adventures continued (though it’s very unlikely, with its box office intake barely covering its massive production budget, let alone the additional marketing costs). If you’re a fan of sci-fi epics and/or an avid Edgar Rice Burroughs reader, I would definitely recommend this film.

Click here to pre-order your copy of John Carter, which hits stores next Tuesday.

Follow @PaulRomCBM

X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE Star Taylor Kitsch Reflects On JOHN CARTER And The Love It Still Gets From Fans

Recommended For You:

Andrew Stanton's JOHN CARTER Had Planned Sequels, Here Are The Logos And Titles

DISCLAIMER: ComicBookMovie.com is protected under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) and... [MORE]

ComicBookMovie.com, and/or the user who contributed this post, may earn commissions or revenue through clicks or purchases made through any third-party links contained within the content above.

Do you have what it takes to write for us?

Want to contribute?

15 Comments

Xandera - 6/2/2012, 11:38 AM

I agree, it was good... could have been better...
I still found it entertaining..

95 - 6/2/2012, 11:46 AM

This review, I can say, I completely agree with. Sums up my thoughts exactly.

FightAs0ne - 6/2/2012, 12:25 PM

I found this movie very entertaining. I'm glad I didnt listen to all the hate this movie is getting. I hope Taylor gets better movies cause he deserves it

superotherside - 6/2/2012, 12:36 PM

Great review PaulRom! ;) I completely agree. Also need to read that book... sigh too many books to read... lol.

GreyChaos13Zero - 6/2/2012, 12:55 PM

nice review, still gotta watch this tho:(

Tainted87 - 6/2/2012, 3:02 PM

I loved this movie. I didn't regard it as anything but what I was put in front of me. Great effects, funny dialogue, and cool characters.

HughJasol - 6/2/2012, 5:02 PM

I loved this! Lynn Collins is fine as hell in this too.

Kyos - 6/2/2012, 5:04 PM

Definitely liked it a lot. Not a perfect movie, not a perfect adaptation, not a great cinematic experience. But sure as hell a good, fun action/adventure movie. Something very few movies which were supposed to be just that actually managed to be imho.

Screw Transformers and the like, give me a JC sequel! :D

misterwizz - 6/2/2012, 5:46 PM

It was awesome.

pro346 - 6/2/2012, 6:52 PM

Great movie! just proves how important marketing is!

AnungUnRama - 6/3/2012, 2:22 AM

Really enjoyed the movie. Very entertaining. But I have to admit that I almost passed it because after the great hype before the trailers finally missed to get me excited. But then some friends wanted to go to the cinema and since there was no movie out back then that seemed more interesting and that I hadn't seen before I suggested JC. Haven't regret it ever since.

Philvis - 6/3/2012, 3:59 AM

Loved this movie. Favorite of the year thus far.

GUNSMITH - 6/3/2012, 2:30 PM

I WOULD WATCH A SEQUEL.

Related Headlines

John Carter of Mars

X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE Star Taylor Kitsch Reflects On JOHN CARTER And The Love It Still Gets From Fans

JoshWilding

Sep 17, 2022 02:09 PM

Other

EXCLUSIVE: LITTLE BOY's Jakob Salvati On CBMs, Comics And More!

NateBest

Apr 23, 2015 08:04 PM

John Carter of Mars

Andrew Stanton's JOHN CARTER Had Planned Sequels, Here Are The Logos And Titles

r3negade

Jun 07, 2014 08:06 AM

Related Headlines

John Carter of Mars

X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE Star Taylor Kitsch Reflects On JOHN CARTER And The Love It Still Gets From Fans

JoshWilding

Sep 17, 2022 02:09 PM

Other

EXCLUSIVE: LITTLE BOY's Jakob Salvati On CBMs, Comics And More!

NateBest

Apr 23, 2015 08:04 PM

John Carter of Mars

Andrew Stanton's JOHN CARTER Had Planned Sequels, Here Are The Logos And Titles

r3negade

Jun 07, 2014 08:06 AM

John Carter of Mars

Mark Strong On Why He Thinks JOHN CARTER Failed; Says He Really Enjoyed The Movie

WaylonJones

Jan 21, 2013 06:01 AM

John Carter of Mars

JOHN CARTER VFX Breakdown

nailbiter111

Sep 05, 2012 10:09 PM

John Carter of Mars

Doctor Who

DOCTOR WHO Star Ncuti Gatwa Responds To Racist/Homophobic Backlash: "Turn Off The TV. Go And Touch Grass"

JoshWilding

5 hours ago

Disney

The Rock Gives A BTS Look At MOANA 2's Voice Recording Session; Says Maui Changed His Life

MarkJulian

5 hours ago

Latest Headlines

Spider-Man

SPIDER-MAN 4: Jacob Batalon "Hopes" To Return As Ned Leeds But Hasn't Received The Call

MarkCassidy

4 hours ago

Doctor Who

DOCTOR WHO Star Ncuti Gatwa Responds To Racist/Homophobic Backlash: "Turn Off The TV. Go And Touch Grass"

JoshWilding

5 hours ago

Disney

The Rock Gives A BTS Look At MOANA 2's Voice Recording Session; Says Maui Changed His Life

MarkJulian

5 hours ago

Tron

Flynn Will Return For TRON: ARES As Jeff Bridges Confirms His Involvement In Franchise Continuation

MarkJulian

5 hours ago

Star Wars

STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE Comic Book Appears To Reveal A Different Future For Anakin Skywalker

JoshWilding

6 hours ago

Horror

IN A VIOLENT NATURE: Jason Johnny Unleashes Brutal Carnage In Terrifying New Teaser

MarkCassidy

6 hours ago

Hot Headlines

174 comments

X-MEN Rumored To Introduce Characters We Haven't Seen In Live-Action Before While Focusing On Female Heroes

MarkCassidy

1 day ago EST

120 comments

The New Falcon Suit Revealed Via CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD Promo Image

MarkJulian

13 hours ago EST

109 comments

DOCTOR WHO Star Ncuti Gatwa Responds To Racist/Homophobic Backlash: "Turn Off The TV. Go And Touch Grass"

JoshWilding

5 hours ago EST

82 comments

AVENGERS Star Chris Evans Rumored To Have Signed On For MCU Return - Here's When You'll See Him!

JoshWilding

1 day ago EST

71 comments

More Sci-Fi & Fantasy ►

SCOOBY-DOO Live-Action TV Series In The Works At Netflix From COWBOY BEPOP Writers

More Cartoons & Animated ►

PALWORLD: More Pals Set To Arrive This Summer In Newly Teased Update

More Anime & Manga ►

IN A VIOLENT NATURE Teaser Highlights Stellar Reviews Along With Terrifying New Footage

More Horror ►

MONKEY MAN Exclusive Interview With Mask Designer Eddie Yang; Dev Patel Film Now Available On Digital HD

More Action Movies & TV ►

AEW Star Kenny Omega Shares His Honest Thoughts On WWE Superstar Roman Reigns

More Pro Wrestling ►

DUNE: PART TWO Sandwalks Its Way To An Impressive Global Box Office Milestone

More Sci-Fi & Fantasy ►

More Cartoons & Animated ►

More Anime & Manga ►

More Horror ►

More Action Movies & TV ►

More Pro Wrestling ►

PaulRom Reviews: JOHN CARTER

Andrew Stanton's live action debut (which adapts the classic sci-fi novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs) will arrive on Blu-Ray/DVD next Tuesday, and has left critics and audiences divided since its theatrical release in March. Hit the jump for my spoiler-free review of the sci-fi epic.

X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE Star Taylor Kitsch Reflects On JOHN CARTER And The Love It Still Gets From Fans

Andrew Stanton's JOHN CARTER Had Planned Sequels, Here Are The Logos And Titles

X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE Star Taylor Kitsch Reflects On JOHN CARTER And The Love It Still Gets From Fans

EXCLUSIVE: LITTLE BOY's Jakob Salvati On CBMs, Comics And More!

Andrew Stanton's JOHN CARTER Had Planned Sequels, Here Are The Logos And Titles

X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE Star Taylor Kitsch Reflects On JOHN CARTER And The Love It Still Gets From Fans

EXCLUSIVE: LITTLE BOY's Jakob Salvati On CBMs, Comics And More!

Andrew Stanton's JOHN CARTER Had Planned Sequels, Here Are The Logos And Titles

Mark Strong On Why He Thinks JOHN CARTER Failed; Says He Really Enjoyed The Movie

JOHN CARTER VFX Breakdown

Jon Favreau Would Have "Told A Smaller Story" In His Take On JOHN CARTER

Popular Headlines

AVENGERS Star Chris Evans Rumored To Have Signed On For MCU Return - Here's When You'll See Him!

AVENGERS 5 Rumor Claims To Reveal FIVE Characters Who Will Be Key To The Movie

Rarely Seen Photos Of Spider-Man's Original MCU Costume Resurface...And They're Splitting Opinions

James Gunn Explains Why He Took DC Studios Job While Responding To Henry Cavill/SUPERMAN Conspiracy Theory

The New Falcon Suit Revealed Via CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD Promo Image

SPIDER-MAN 4: Jacob Batalon "Hopes" To Return As Ned Leeds But Hasn't Received The Call

DOCTOR WHO Star Ncuti Gatwa Responds To Racist/Homophobic Backlash: "Turn Off The TV. Go And Touch Grass"

The Rock Gives A BTS Look At MOANA 2's Voice Recording Session; Says Maui Changed His Life

SPIDER-MAN 4: Jacob Batalon "Hopes" To Return As Ned Leeds But Hasn't Received The Call

DOCTOR WHO Star Ncuti Gatwa Responds To Racist/Homophobic Backlash: "Turn Off The TV. Go And Touch Grass"

The Rock Gives A BTS Look At MOANA 2's Voice Recording Session; Says Maui Changed His Life

Flynn Will Return For TRON: ARES As Jeff Bridges Confirms His Involvement In Franchise Continuation

STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE Comic Book Appears To Reveal A Different Future For Anakin Skywalker

IN A VIOLENT NATURE: Jason Johnny Unleashes Brutal Carnage In Terrifying New Teaser

Hot Headlines

X-MEN Rumored To Introduce Characters We Haven't Seen In Live-Action Before While Focusing On Female Heroes

The New Falcon Suit Revealed Via CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD Promo Image

DOCTOR WHO Star Ncuti Gatwa Responds To Racist/Homophobic Backlash: "Turn Off The TV. Go And Touch Grass"

AVENGERS Star Chris Evans Rumored To Have Signed On For MCU Return - Here's When You'll See Him!

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE Trailer Fan Edit Gives Logan His Mask - But Does It Look Better Or Worse?

Sci-Fi & Fantasy

DUNE: PART TWO Sandwalks Its Way To An Impressive Global Box Office Milestone

Jeff Bridges Confirms Return For TRON: ARES As Cameron Monaghan Praises The Film's VFX

DOCTOR WHO Star Ncuti Gatwa Tells Viewers Who Have A Problem With His Casting To "Go And Touch Grass"

STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE Comic Reveals A Possible Alternate Future For Anakin Skywalker

THE ACOLYTE: New International TV Spot Reveals Return Of An Alien Species We Haven't Seen Since The Prequels

HERCULES: Disney's Live-Action Remake Gets An Update From Executive Producers The Russo Brothers

Cartoons & Animated Features

SCOOBY-DOO Live-Action TV Series In The Works At Netflix From COWBOY BEPOP Writers

MOANA 2: The Rock Shares Behind-The-Scenes Video Of Maui Voice Recording Session

X-MEN '97 Epic Final Trailer Teases The Conflict To Come In Three-Part "Tolerance Is Extinction" Finale

VELMA Season 2 Is Now Streaming: Here's What The Critics Are Saying

MUFASA: Disney Releases First Trailer & Poster For THE LION KING Prequel

MUFASA: THE LION KING First Trailer Roars Online Tomorrow; New Still Released

Gaming

PALWORLD: More Pals Set To Arrive This Summer In Newly Teased Update

STARFIELD: SHATTERED SPACE Expansion Coming This Fall; Bethesda Teases Another New Update Soon

FALLOUT Is Prime Video's Most-Watched Debut After THE RINGS OF POWER

STAR WARS OUTLAWS Reveals All-New Details About The Ashiga Clan

ASSASSIN'S CREED CODENAME HEXE Rumored For 2026 Release

SPIDER-MAN 2 Concept Art Reveals A Closer Look At The Game's Monstrous Take On Venom

Anime & Manga

GUITY GEAR -STRIVE- Reveals Slayer As Final Season 3 DLC Fighter

HATSUNE MIKU Is Coming To MAGIC: THE GATHERING SECRET LAIR

Star And Stripe Character Visual Revealed Ahead Of MY HERO ACADEMIA Season 7 Premiere

New ONE PIECE Prequel Novel For Roronoa Zoro Announced

MY HERO ACADEMIA: YOU'RE NEXT Sound Director Shares Promising Update On Upcoming Film

Next FORTNITE X MY HERO ACADEMIA Collab Could Add The League Of Villains

Horror

IN A VIOLENT NATURE Teaser Highlights Stellar Reviews Along With Terrifying New Footage

DEAD BOY DETECTIVES Features A Cameo From ANOTHER Member Of THE SANDMAN's Family - SPOILERS

First Look At Michael B. Jordan On The Set Of Ryan Coogler's Untitled Jim Crow-Era VAMPIRE Movie

THEM: THE SCARE Exclusive Interview With Star Deborah Ayorinde On The Bone-Chilling New Season

THEM: THE SCARE Exclusive Interview With Singer/Actor Luke James On His Terrifying New Character

THE LITTLE MERMAID Attacks In First Trailer For New R-Rated Live-Action Adaptation

Action Movies & TV

MONKEY MAN Exclusive Interview With Mask Designer Eddie Yang; Dev Patel Film Now Available On Digital HD

Tom Cruise's MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 8 Adds SEVERANCE Actor Tramell Tillman

A24's CIVIL WAR Was The #1 Movie In America For The Second Week In A Row

JAMES BOND: Henry Cavill Isn't Closing The Door On Playing 007; "Maybe I'm Too Old Now. Maybe I'm Not..."

Alex Garland's CIVIL WAR Is The #1 Movie In North America- Opens To $25.7M

THE ACCOUNTANT 2 Adds Four More Actors Including JURASSIC WORLD Star Daniella Pineda

Pro Wrestling & MMA News

AEW Star Kenny Omega Shares His Honest Thoughts On WWE Superstar Roman Reigns

Gunther Says He Wasn't Interested In Signing With WWE Before He Saw What Triple H Was Doing In NXT

This Year's AEW ALL IN PPV Will Likely See Far Fewer Fans Attend The Wembley Stadium Show