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John Carter

PG-13 Released Mar 9, 2012 2h 12m Sci-Fi Action Adventure List
52% Tomatometer 240 Reviews 60% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
When Civil War veteran John Carter (Taylor Kitsch) mysteriously awakes on the surface of Mars -- also called Barsoom -- he little expects the adventure that awaits him. Carter reluctantly becomes embroiled in an epic conflict among the red planet's inhabitants, including Tars Tarkas (Willem Dafoe) and Princess Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins). As Barsoom is poised on the brink of collapse, war-weary Carter rediscovers his humanity when he realizes that everyone's fate is in his hands.
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John Carter

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Critics Consensus

While John Carter looks terrific and delivers its share of pulpy thrills, it also suffers from uneven pacing and occasionally incomprehensible plotting and characterization.

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Critics Reviews

View All (240) Critics Reviews
J. Hoberman ARTINFO.com For the most part, the first "live action" feature by Andrew Stanton, is graphically splendiferous and enjoyably nonsensical. Feb 25, 2019 Full Review Matt Singer ScreenCrush Isn't the disaster some industry observers predicted, but it's not the high-gloss masterpiece some of us hoped for either. Rated: 5/10 Apr 5, 2012 Full Review David Denby New Yorker A mess. Mar 26, 2012 Full Review Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand John rides a rhino into battle, fights great white apes in the arena, and leaps great distances like Superman in the early, original comic books. Sep 22, 2024 Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review It’s watchable and, at times, an enjoyable film, just not wowing or immediately satisfying in the way so many of Burroughs’ readers had hoped it would be. Rated: 2.5/4 Feb 22, 2023 Full Review David Bax Battleship Pretension John Carter is a good summer movie in March but, with the exception of that one fleeting segment, it's not a great movie at any time of year. Mar 16, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Marlom G John Carter is one of those unexpected stories that touches you deep in your heart and makes you repeat the experience without tiring. It's a wild ride through all that is good and extraordinary that defines science fiction and is visually stunning. The special effects are top notch, making the alien world and epic battles truly immersive. Taylor Kitsch nails the role of John Carter, bringing charm and depth, while Lynn Collins shines with her loveliness as Dejah Thoris. The action is fast-paced and exciting, the central themes of heroism and belonging shine. Overall, it's a fun sci-fi adventure worth watching! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/12/24 Full Review Popcorn Project M John Carter stays true to Edgar Rice Burroughs' original vision but involves new concepts about technology and combat that were unheard of in 1912, blending the spirit of classic adventure and 2000s sci-fi fantasy. The action sequences are exhilarating and the visual effects bring Barsoom's landscapes and creatures to life in stunning detail. While the story lives up to its pulp roots, its marketing failed to convey the epic nature of the film, leading to box office problems. Today, I dare say it has become a cult classic and is considered a pure, unbiased adventure, appreciated for its fidelity to the source material and timeless storytelling. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/12/24 Full Review Derek L Whilst the concept of John Carter does seem interesting along with its use of intriguing visuals, it is a shame that the plot, pacing and lack of characterisation is what lets the film down. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 10/06/24 Full Review Jelisije J A new scfy adventure that deals with a soldier from the Ameican civil war accidentally travels to mars and must part take in another war and claim his destiny. To me this film would be better served as a tv series to really flesh out the characters but overall Im happy with the end result. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 10/02/24 Full Review Reed G Everyone who says that the plot is recycled and overdone has not understood where this story came from. I look back on this movie fondly and anyone who expected this movie to be groundbreaking and industry defining is full of it. Why can't movies just be fun anymore? There always has to be some sky high expectations for movies that dont quite fit the "for children" category and it feels like nowadays when a movie is for children it has to be packed with lazy memes and jokes that punch holes through the viewing experience and plot. I apologize for the mini rant, but I just hate corporate greed. Like how is Disney worried about losing money they have more that they know that to do with it. It is a real damn shame it wasn't as popular to receive sequels. -R Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/15/24 Full Review mark c fantasy sci fi underrated disney movie Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/05/24 Full Review Read all reviews
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Movie Info

Synopsis When Civil War veteran John Carter (Taylor Kitsch) mysteriously awakes on the surface of Mars -- also called Barsoom -- he little expects the adventure that awaits him. Carter reluctantly becomes embroiled in an epic conflict among the red planet's inhabitants, including Tars Tarkas (Willem Dafoe) and Princess Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins). As Barsoom is poised on the brink of collapse, war-weary Carter rediscovers his humanity when he realizes that everyone's fate is in his hands.
Director
Andrew Stanton
Producer
Jim Morris, Colin Wilson, Lindsey Collins
Screenwriter
Andrew Stanton, Mark Andrews, Michael Chabon
Distributor
Walt Disney
Production Co
Walt Disney Studios
Rating
PG-13 (Intense Sequences of Violence|Intense Sequences of Action)
Genre
Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 9, 2012, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 1, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA)
$73.1M
Runtime
2h 12m
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