John CarterQuick, name some of the best, most fantastic, most adventurous sci-fi films to date! Chances are that you might name Star Wars, Avatar, Stargate, Flash Gordon, Buck Rodgers, or any number of other popular or cult hits. If you did, then chances are also good that they share a common root in sci-fi literature; a hundred-year-old series of books by Edgar Rice Burroughs, featuring a hero named John Carter.
After all these years (that is, years of production hell and filming rights being flip-flopped all over the place), Carter finally hits the big screen. With today’s production values and technology, the results are certainly thrilling. The film moves pretty fast, with maybe just a few parts of drag. It’s loaded up with gracious amounts of intense action, fight scenes, and battles. The special effects are gorgeous. There are parts that come off as “pulpy,” in a manner that could befit a story in the Heavy Metal magazine. But above all, everything works together to form a decent piece of escapism. By the end of the film, I felt I was effectively immersed in the world of Barsoom (Mars, that is) and its inhabitants.
Most negative reviewers would target the story of this film as being predictable, uninspired, or convoluted. I don't know how close this movie is to its original book; there are indeed some parts that are predictable, and the story overall is quite formulaic; but I have no idea as to whether or not it’s supposed to be this way. The most critical viewers expecting ground-breaking storytelling may be disappointed.
Right from the start, the movie establishes itself as something fantastic (and specifically admonishes the notion that this would be hard sci-fi; those expecting total scientific accuracy will be disappointed). Understanding the fantastic nature of this story, there was never anything about it that hampered my enjoyment; I was able to follow the story and understand the world it took place in. Characters are not huge standouts, but I enjoyed watching them. It does its best to attribute some key themes regarding war and finding a cause to fight for.
The film is pretty well-made, with quality photography. A few shots appeared to be sloppily-edited, but most of the film is put together well. Acting is not terribly outstanding, but it’s not terribly bad either; I grew to enjoy Taylor Kitsch’s machismo as John Carter, and Lynn Collins’ attitude as the princess. Writing is really no better or worse than most other films. This production has phenomenal sets, props, costumes, and special effects; I really loved the look and style of the film. Music is appropriately adventurous.
Given the mixed reviews this film is receiving, I'd only recommend it as a rental. However, I do regard it as a film well worth seeing for all sci-fi fans.
4/5 (Entertainment: 4.5/5, Story: 4/5, Film: 4/5)
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