John Carter

When you settle yourself down to watch John Carter, don't make yourself too comfortable as you're about to be catapulted into another world which may leave you catching your breath as you come to grips with the unfolding story of John Carter. In the opening scenes, we find ourselves not on Earth but where the story will take place, Mars, or known in the movie as Barsoom, where the Red Martian war between the cities of Helium and Zodanga rages.

From here we're thrown back to the 19^th century to Earth where we find our star, former military Captain John Carter (Taylor Kitsch), who has become disillusioned with everything in life with no other purpose but to seek out the rumoured gold hidden in the mountains. His search though brings him something other than riches as he finds himself transported to Barsoom and it's not long before John finds himself the center of attention to the planet's inhabitants and captures the hope of Princess Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins) as Helium's savior as well as her own.

John Carter, which is based on Edgar Rice Burrough's Barsoom book series, is comparable to Star Wars in the sense of its creative uniqueness but it fails to match the same high standards on screen. You feel you are playing catch up from the start as names are being thrown around while the action is intense which makes it hard to get your bearings for awhile. Taylor Kitsch plays John Carter well but there are occasions where you feel he comes across a little wooden when delivering his lines. His co-star, Lynn Collins, never strikes as a princess in peril and it feels like there is a lack of chemistry between the two stars and there is little opportunity for the audience to become emotionally connected with the characters.

Word is coming out that Walt Disney's big production is looking at a $200 million loss but despite it being on the verge as being labelled a very expensive flop, John Carter is what it is. It is visually spectacular and  has a highly imaginative story which is absorbing in its own right and has enjoyable moments and plenty of action scenes. The problem is that it won't leave a lasting impression and in several months it will be one of the forgotten movies of the year which it is already becoming and that is without The Dark Knight Rises and The Avengers yet hitting the big screens.