Pitchforks: 4 of 5
Starring: Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Willem DaFoe
Rated: PG-13
Four-armed alien warriors, a world without gravity and flying ships come to life in “John Carter.”
The science fantasy adaptation of the series “A Princess Of Mars,” written by the late Edgar Rice Burroughs (also the creator of “Tarzan”) takes on the diverse and lively community of Martian creatures and Jeddak people who inhabit Mars.
The story initially starts on Earth circa 1868 with John Carter, a decorated officer of the Virginia Calvary who has gone rogue on a madman’s hunt for gold.
After encountering an unexpected gun show with the Apache Indians, he secures a hiding spot in a forbidden cave. Inside, a man appears out of thin air, startled at Carter's presence. The attacker charges at Carter, but is quickly disarmed. With the swift graze over the center of the foreign metal object, Carter is transported to Barsoom.
The 1800s Western scene in the beginning combined with the Mars setting later on is fairly reminiscent of “Cowboys & Aliens” and “Avatar,” but nevertheless is creative, refreshing and steers clear of the Disney stigma of catering to children. Although initially appearing to merely reach mediocrity, the film upholds adventure and intrigue.
The success of “John Carter” is also helped by the exceptional performances of Taylor Kitsch as John Carter and warrior princess Dejah Thoris played by Lynn Collins. A personal favorite, Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad,” “Malcolm in the Middle”) portrays the adamant General Powell, who is ordered to capture Carter and use him in the fight against the Apaches.
The film differs from the book in certain areas, which is unfortunate though common in scenarios.
The book describes Powell and Carter as mining partners gone rich after having struck gold in the Southwest. In contrast, the movie renders Carter as Powell’s captive because he refuses to take part in the fight against the Apache Indians. The results parallel each other in both forms of media as Carter ventures onward in his quest for wealth.
Sola (Samantha Morton), a Barsoom-native, carries a subtle yet intriguing role. Deemed an outcast among her alien peers, Sola’s continued failures result in her repeated public chastising. The identity of any possible comrades remains unknown yet there is a close spectacle of her hardships, especially of her association with the tribal leader, Tars Tarkas (Willem DaFoe).
Burroughs chronicles a more detailed summary of Sola’s past in literature, but the movie does a fair job of providing evident foreshadowing for the viewers. It is a small yet profound piece of sentiment that could have been amplified more within the film in addition to what was already depicted.
An aspect that warrants the audience’s praise is the modern-day wit blended into the script. Several scenes contain bits of repeated humor that follow the harsh action scenes and lighten the mood.
With that, Disney’s playful remake proves entertaining for children and adults alike.
Reach the reporter at cstarboa@asu.edu
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