Jhon Alex
1. Introduction
John Carter is a science fiction action-adventure movie released in 2012. It’s based on the classic novel A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs, who is also known for creating Tarzan. The movie mixes themes of space exploration, war, love, and heroism. Even though it didn’t do well at the box office when it first came out, it has gained a cult following over the years. Many fans now appreciate its unique world and epic storytelling.
2. Basic Movie Info
- Movie Title: John Carter
- Release Date: March 9, 2012
- Language: English
- Country: United States
- Genre: Science Fiction, Action, Adventure, Fantasy
3. Director and Producers
- Director: Andrew Stanton
- Producers:
- Jim Morris
- Colin Wilson
- Lindsey Collins
- Production Company: Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar
Andrew Stanton is also known for directing hit animated films like Finding Nemo and WALL-E.
4. Cast List
- Taylor Kitsch as John Carter
- Lynn Collins as Dejah Thoris
- Willem Dafoe as Tars Tarkas
- Thomas Haden Church as Tal Hajus
- Dominic West as Sab Than
- Bryan Cranston as Powell
- Samantha Morton as Sola
- Mark Strong as Matai Shang
- Polly Walker as Sarkoja
- Daryl Sabara as Edgar Rice Burroughs
- James Purefoy as Kantos Kan
- David Schwimmer as Young Thark Warrior
- Ciarán Hinds as Tardos Mors
- Holly Weston as Carter’s Wife
- Jon Favreau as Thark Bookie
- Don Stark as Dix the Storekeeper
- Peggy Clements as Council Member #3
- Art Malik as Zodangan General
- Steven Cree as Humble Guard
- Oliver Boot as Bodyguard
- Amanda Clayton as Sarah Carter
- Pippa Nixon as Lightmaster
- Nicholas Woodeson as Dalton
- Philip Philmar as Thern #1
- Jill Baker (uncredited role)
- Sean Carrigan as Cavalryman
- Emma Clifford as Lightman, Helm #2
- Darwin Shaw as Zodangan Officer
- Rupert Frazer as Thompson
- Philip Arditti as Spotter #2
- Josh Daugherty as Rowdy #1
- Eileen Page as Elderly Woman
- Myriam Acharki as Priestess
- Gary Milner as Zodangan Guard #1
- James Embree as Thern #2
- Christopher Goodman as Stockade Guard
- Simon Evans as Zodangan Guard #2
- Dusty Sorg as Twitchy Corporal
- Arkie Reece as Stayman #1, Helm #1
- Cate Fowler as Matron of Chamber
- Phil Cheadle as Thern in Cave
- Joseph Billingiere as Apache #1
- Daniel O’Meara as Vas Kor
- Jhil McEntyre as Council Member #5
- Akima as Apache Leader
- Garry Tubbs as Orkney Dig Worker
- Jared Cyr as Rowdy #2
- Rebecca Sarker as Stayman #2, Navigator
- Jonathan Hyde (uncredited role)
- Davood Ghadami as Stayman #3
The movie has a mix of live-action and CGI characters, with many performances done using motion capture.
5. Story Summary (No Spoilers)
John Carter follows the journey of a former Confederate soldier who mysteriously wakes up on Mars (called Barsoom by its inhabitants). Due to the planet’s lower gravity, Carter gains superhuman strength and agility. He soon gets involved in a war between different Martian tribes and kingdoms.
While trying to find a way back home, Carter becomes a hero to the people of Mars. He also falls in love with a Martian princess and must decide between returning to Earth or helping save his new world.
The story is about bravery, redemption, and destiny.
6. Setting and Time Period
The story starts in the late 1800s on Earth but quickly shifts to the fictional planet of Mars (Barsoom). Mars is shown as a desert world with advanced yet decaying civilizations. The world features strange creatures, airships, warriors, and ancient cities.
This setting is completely fictional and fantastical, offering a unique look at how Mars might look in a fantasy sci-fi world.
7. Visuals and Cinematography
The movie features grand visuals with sweeping desert landscapes, flying machines, and unique alien designs. The use of CGI and motion capture was extensive, especially for the Tharks (tall green alien creatures).
- Cinematographer: Daniel Mindel
- The film blends live-action with visual effects to create the alien world.
- The costumes are rich in detail, reflecting different Martian cultures.
- The battle scenes are large and well-choreographed, giving the film an epic feel.
8. Music and Soundtrack
- Composer: Michael Giacchino
(Also known for Up, The Incredibles, and Lost)
The soundtrack adds emotion and grandeur to the film. It includes heroic themes, soft romantic melodies, and powerful action sequences. Giacchino’s score helps enhance the feeling of adventure and otherworldliness.
9. Performance & Box Office
- Budget: Estimated around $250 million
- Worldwide Box Office: Around $284 million
Although the movie made a lot of money, it was considered a box office disappointment because of its high production and marketing costs.
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 52% critic score, 60% audience score
Critics had mixed reviews. Many praised the visuals and imagination but felt the story was hard to follow or not fresh enough. However, audiences liked the action and the world-building.
10. Awards and Recognition
While John Carter did not receive major awards, it did get some recognition:
- Nominated for Saturn Awards (Best Science Fiction Film)
- Visual Effects Society Awards (for CGI work)
- Over time, the movie has earned praise from fans and sci-fi enthusiasts who think it was misunderstood or unfairly judged during its release.
11. Interesting Facts or Trivia
- The story was based on a novel over 100 years old, originally published in 1912.
- This was Andrew Stanton’s first live-action film after working in animation.
- The title was originally John Carter of Mars, but Disney dropped “of Mars” to appeal to a wider audience.
- Willem Dafoe wore stilts during filming to play the tall alien Thark leader.
- It was one of the most expensive films ever made at the time of release.
- The movie’s box office failure led to canceled plans for sequels.
12. Conclusion
John Carter is a visually stunning and action-packed sci-fi film that combines romance, adventure, and imagination. Though it faced challenges at the box office, it has become a hidden gem for many fans of the genre. With strong performances, beautiful visuals, and a classic hero’s journey, it’s a movie worth watching—especially if you enjoy epic science fiction and fantasy tales.
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