John Carter of Mars - A Review

Last night I saw John Carter (of Mars) , a movie I had been waiting years to see. As a big Burroughs fan, I was curious to see his Planetary Romance novel translated to the Big Screen and hoped that it wouldn't be too Hollywood-ized - i.e. completely destroy the magic of that first novel.

I'm happy to report that it was an amazing film, filled with all the wonder and marvels that so captivated me as a young boy. The special affects were amazing - especially the rendition of the Tharks! These 8 feet tall, four armed Martians were a joy to see; their appearance in the film was seamless with the "live actors" and were thrilling to see.

Now - I must mention that Burroughs purists may well find issues with the movie version of his Mars stories - but frankly I find those type of people as ones who must complain about something to retain their membership in the "Elitist Snob's Club", so forgive me if I give them a short shrift herein. This is by no means a 300 or a Watchmen where the movie followed the original to such a degree that it was if the comic book had come to life. If that's what you're expecting or wanting - save your money and go do something else. For the rest of us, it's quite the thrill ride that even now, hours after having watched it, brings a smile to my face.

I don't believe that the writers and producers intended for this movie to be a slavish retelling of the Princess of Mars (or for you purists out there still reading this - Under the Moons of Mars). Instead what we have here is a faithful interpretation, loving produced by those who "got it!", keeping many (and I mean lots and lots) of scenes, elements and characters from the original stories to enthrall and delight fans like me.

Yes, they took certain liberties in explaining certain confusing things, such as (and I assume since its been 100 years since publication we're past the need for Spoiler Alerts) the fact that John Carter's transit to Mars was never really explained in the novel, rather it was glossed over as some sort of spiritual Indian cave that sent him to the Red Planet.

But so much of the original is there, including the fact that Burroughs wrote himself into the stories as a relative of John Carter. Including small details like that into the film makes it very hard to find much fault with it.

Was it perfect? No, I can't say that. The actor playing the titular role seemed off to me. Perhaps I have had my version of John Carter so engrained in my imagination for over 40 years that when I finally saw him in the flesh, I couldn't help but be slightly disappointed. However, this is no fault of the actor, Taylor Kitsch, who did a good job in the role. In fact, all the actors did a phenomenal job - though special mention should be given to the actress playing Dejah Thoris, Lynn Collins, who truly made her "incomparable" and James Purefoy (who some may remember as Mark Antony in the HBO series ROME) was great fun to watch!

I was entertained. I was enthralled. I was once again that boy of 9 who first cracked open that ugly Ballentine edition of A Princess of Mars and was whisked away on flights of fantasy and high adventure on a dying planet known as Barsoom.

Here's hoping the cries of the critics who feel one must be critical to critique are drowned out by the voices of our inner child and that Disney allows us, once again, to visit Mars!