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John Carter

2012 • 132 minutes
4.3
1.58K reviews
52%
Tomatometer
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About this movie

From Academy Award® - winning filmmaker Andrew Stanton (Best Animated Film, WALL-E, 2008) comes John Carter - a sweeping action-adventure set on the mysterious and exotic planet of Barsoom (Mars). Based on Edgar Rice Burroughs' classic novel, John Carter is a war-weary, former military captain who's inexplicably transported to Mars and reluctantly becomes embroiled in an epic conflict. It's a world on the brink of collapse, and Carter rediscovers his humanity when he realizes the survival of Barsoom and its people rests in his hands. Stunning special effects, great characters and villains - John Carter is a heroic and inspirational adventure that will thrill you beyond imagination.

Ratings and reviews

4.3
1.58K reviews
Kyle Vansteelandt
December 15, 2021
Published in 1912, "A Princess of Mars" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a science-fiction space-opera travelogue novel that could've been an inspiration to Gary Kurtz and George Lucas ever since "Star Wars: A new Hope" came out in 1977. Why didn't this film based on the novel came out first? Because as a film director, Andrew Stanton is the best choice for this movie, but he was a kid in the seventies. It is amazing that Stanton becomes flexible enough to go for live-action to take a break from all of these Pixar animated films. I have seen "Star Wars," and I have seen "Avatar," so I had to turn my brain off for this experience. Watching Stanton's film adaptation is like nothing I have ever seen before, and it feels like more of an experience than just watching the movie. Not only that "John Carter" stays true to the style of it's source material, it is also an old-fashioned throwback that celebrates the reasons why we adore timeless entertaining classics. Stanton's direction is absolutely intelligent; the well-structured execution that Stanton delivers kept on coming and coming throughout it's epic running time (two hours and twelve minutes). The way he coaches the performances by the cast is so manipulative; as a result, the performances from the cast are persuasive. He has skillfully structured such a variety of suspenseful moments that come in all shapes and sizes, and most of them made me wonder what is going to happen. When Stanton provides a large amount of vitality to the execution of the comedy and action in this film, the results are razor-sharp and forceful, thanks to the slick screenplay, the dynamic timing, and the well-utilized tone. There are also some richly clever twists and turns for shocking results. There is also an emotionally subtle fight scene as well. There are a few tender emotional elements that are sincerely engaging. Ninety-eight percent of the dialogue is smartly-written. The huge and potent music score by Michael Giacchino enhances the entire movie by deftly staging every single element. My eyes absorbed the striking production design and the incredible locations. The visual effects and special effects are nothing short of impressive; from the incredible Tharks, to a cute dog-like beast named "Woola" who is a loyal speedster, to the monstrous white apes in a spectacularly rousing action sequence. The compelling old-fashioned themes involve war, good-vs-evil, and the quest for peace. The characters are the strong suit of this film; offering smart lines of dialogue, considerable backgrounds, and some effective tricks up their sleeves. Taylor Kitsch is fantastic as the title character; he is a slick and vigorous army captain who has got a big goal: Put an end to war so he will save Mars (Barssom), and go back home to his planet (Earth). Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins) is the perfect damsel in distress; the intelligence and energy that Princess Deja has competes with those found within John. The chemistry between the two is so intriguing; They both respect each other and depend on each other strongly, they also have such ways with words and surprises. The cast who voices the Tharks did a great job too. Sab Than (Dominic Lewis), a vicious Jeddak who forces himself to marry Dejah. Mark Strong uses his mysterious performance to play the invincible shapeshifter named Matai Shang. He talks to John in one thought-provoking scene about what happens on Barsoom. When the movie ended, there is no denying that I was awestruck. For age appropriate content, this movie has absolutely nothing but copious intense action, and on top of that, most of this movie is relatively tame; this movie from Disney is suitable for kids twelve and up. In conclusion: a brainless blockbuster this is most certainly not, what I have gotten instead is a brilliant old-fashioned gem, and this is Andrew Stanton at his best.
Philip Williams
February 9, 2016
This was cool little story imo, I really enjoyed it and while people try compare this with the greats that Disney has offered and so say it's ridiculous and basically just hate on it for not being a masterpiece, sometimes you gotta watch a film without expecting it to outshine the rest, see it like you don't have avatar to compare it to, and maybe just maybe, you'll be able to enjoy it without being a joy kill over critical judgemental movie watcher.
200 people found this review helpful
Roland 75Hz
August 8, 2015
Dommage que Disney ait complètement foiré la promo du film à sa sortie en salle. Tiré du Cycle de Mars d'Edgar Rice Burroughs, série de livres qui a inspiré une petite bricole à un certain Georges Lucas... Si, si ! Star Wars.
65 people found this review helpful