I just got back from seeing "John Carter" and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Several great chase/fight scenes, an excellent framing device, spot-on acting, and excellent editorial choices in the script made for a fun, engaging, quite thrilling adventure. I think Mr. Burroughs would be proud if he could see it.
Also, seeing the Avengers trailer in IMAX 3D was so awesome it made me weep.
I’m hesitant about seeing John Carter. I’m a fan of the old novels, so I like the idea of it coming to the theaters, but I also saw the first trailer. It looked like a mash-up of Star Wars scenes, starting with what appeared to be a shot-for-shot remake of the colosseum scene from Episode II, to having ships that looked exactly like the Wookie ones from Episode 3. It just looked too much like it was stealing special effects, instead of coming up with original designs (or even designs more based on the books). I’m glad to hear you liked it though, Jeff, since your reviews of other movies were spot on. I guess I’ll have to go see it now…
I hear you, Gero. I am also a HUGE fan of the books and was skeptical after the trailers. But it was a good, solid, entertaining film. They do change up a lot of stuff from the books, but I understood why they did so in each case and thought it all worked despite the differences.
Good to hear it was decent. I’m going to see it next Friday; figured I’d let a week go by so the rush is over, and then go see a matinee show where it should be less crowded.
Glad to hear somebody give this film a positive recommendation. I love the original novels too, and reacted to the news that a big screen version was in the works with mingled excitement and dread. (Don’t you hate it when the studio suits mess up one of your favorite stories?) The first indications were that this thing was gonna be a big budget turkey, so I’m a bit relieved to hear something to the contrary. I was on the fence about whether to see it or not. Now I just might. Thanks, Jeff!
So… it’s not just one book, but more a compilation of the series?
Thanks for the review, Jeff. Like Gero, I’d have to say your opinions on movies seems to follow mine, and I’ve been excited about seeing this movie (probably go tomorrow or Monday). However, unlike a significant portion of the community, I have yet to read any of the John Carter – Barsoom stories, although I have taken measures to rectify this, having ordered, (and received yesterday) a John Carter collection. Pretty amped about reading the series too.
Maybe I’m just too much of a purist, but… really? Dejah Thoris and company all wearing clothes, instead of strategically placed jewelery? Gladitorial combat? Last I checked, it was supposed to be “John Carter, Warlord of Mars”, not “Spartacus”…
Oh, well…
With movie adaptations like this I try to feel if the movie is in the spirit of the book rather than being a direct transcription. It’s a different medium after all; if I want to experience the book I’ll just read the book. As long as they keep the heart of the story intact I’m happy.
Susie Q I think it is pretty much just Princess of Mars and not the entire series.
Always glad to read one of Jeff’s movie reviews. Now, I’m unfamiliar with John Carter of Mars as it relates to the series of books, but I knew how influential John Carter has been in the genre. I could see where Siegal and Shuster got a few of their ideas for Superman, as well as the material George Lucas, Frank Herbert, and Gene Roddenberry “borrowed” for their respected properties. And it was a great movie, by the way. I hope today’s generations recognizes it as the timeless and classic story it is, and help with ticket sales so this great character will get a sequel.
Did anyone else see that piece of sh*t ‘Princess of Mars’ movie Asylum studios did a year or two ago? With Traci Lords as Dejah Thoris?
She apologized for that and would like people to stop mentioning it. 😉
But, yes. It was gloriously awful.
My question is if somehow thatliquid he drank made him understand all the other words in the martian language into English why did it not work on the names of the planets too. Only anoying part of the movie for me.