Home / Arts and Entertainment / John Carter: A Sci-Fi Dud 100 Years in the Making
John Carter: A Sci-Fi Dud 100 Years in the Making
6 Feb
Summary
- John Carter, a 100-year-old pulp character, finally hits screens.
- Director Andrew Stanton's vision fails to capture wonder and awe.
- The film suffers from a jumbled plot and unappealing visuals.
The highly anticipated film adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs' "John Carter" character, a century in the making, has ultimately failed to impress critics. Director Andrew Stanton, known for "Wall-E," was tasked with bringing the iconic Mars-traveling hero to life, but the resulting "John Carter" is described as a turgid, visually unappealing sci-fi adventure that never takes flight.
The film introduces John Carter twice, first as a treasure hunter and later as a gold prospector, before he finally reaches Mars. On the Red Planet, he encounters various alien species, including the six-limbed Tharks and the striking Red Martians. However, the narrative is plagued by a jumbled plot, a lack of audience identification, and a distant, stodgy tone.
Despite the considerable resources invested, "John Carter" falters in capturing the intuitive sense of wonder. The screenplay incorporates flashbacks reminiscent of other films, and the performances, particularly from lead Taylor Kitsch, lack the necessary charisma. The score and production design also fail to create an imaginative or iconic experience, leaving the ambitious project grounded.
