8 STARS! JOHN CARTER Movie Review: Don't Listen To The Naysayers! **MINOR SPOILERS**

**MINOR SPOILERS**

JOHN CARTER will sweep you off Earth and into a whirlwind of an epic classic.
Do you love great stories? And I mean stories that have influenced our culture in countless ways? Then you'll love JOHN CARTER.

First of all, let's address the naysayers that are out there. The usual suspects I'll admit. I am pointing the finger (yet again) squarely are Roger Ebert. It seems Mr. Ebert has a problem with this movie. I have already defending 3D from his tirades time and time again and now I actually have to defend the story! Of a classic no less. Sure he didn't hate the movie but he's is giving lame reasons to give it his 2.5 stars. Quite lame in fact. I would almost expect him to defend classic stories, even if they are adapted - but clearly one should expect the unexpected with him.

Here is part of what he has said about JOHN CARTER:
When superior technology is at hand, it seems absurd for heroes to limit themselves to swords. When airships the size of a city block can float above a battle, why handicap yourself with cavalry charges involving lumbering alien rhinos? When it is possible to teleport yourself from Earth to Mars, why are you considered extraordinary because you can jump really high?

Such questions are never asked in the world of “John Carter,” and as a result, the movie is more Western than science fiction. Even if we completely suspend our disbelief and accept the entire story at face value, isn’t it underwhelming to spend so much time looking at hand-to-hand combat when there are so many neat toys and gadgets to play with?

It's nice that Ebert can transpose the exact technology development of humans on Earth to that of other creatures on other planets. Any other development path would be outrageous, right?

It begs the question of whether or not he has read any of Burrough's work at any time because his work isn't what traditionalists call Science Fiction, but more fantasy. Regardless, it isn't required to read novels before seeing adaptations, but it certainly would help in this case - Ebert effectively doesn't know how to categorize the movie! It is FANTASY Mr. Ebert. That's why they fight as they do. Not all the creatures have the same level of technology either by intellect or by choice: Some rely on flight, others REFUSE to fly (as stated directly in the movie) and insist on "cavalry".

Interestingly enough he didn't lambast the 3D in this movie! I am kind of taken aback, but in the end I realize he probably just went to see it in 2D and missed the further immersion into the movie. Perhaps that's a big reason why he doesn't find himself suspending disbelief as much - 3D is great for bringing you into the film. I feel sorry for him.

Anyway, back to my review...

The 3D is a conversion, but it is well done. Along the same lines as CAPTAIN AMERICA or THOR. In other words, pretty darn good and approaching what lay people would deem to be close to what 3D cameras could shoot. To me though, it was easily distinguishable as a conversion - but the fact that it was done correctly, this knowledge didn't bother me at all. We had great, expansive scenes where the 3D sucks you into the environment and yet we had nice close ups of characters (including the 99% photo real bipedal creatures) that relaxed the 3D so we had time to rest our eyes without even knowing we are doing so. Just about PERFECTLY executed. Some issues to improve upon, but not much for general audiences, trust me.

I had some issues with the Giant White Apes and Carter's faithful "dog". While they are appealing to younger audiences, they didn't resonate with me. I was hoping for a much darker threat for Carter visually. Still, with all it's Disney'ish' appeal to the younger set I was not taken aback by it. I adapted rather quickly to the faithful companion idea and it did add to the story. This is NOT a case of Jar Jar Binks everyone. There is nothing irritating about his movie. The creatures could have been a bit more edgier though.

The ONLY thing that bothered me slightly more was hand to hand combat. John Carter proved that he could kill with one blow, yet little to no respect was given to him by the native creatures in manhandling him. Worse still, Carter did not continue to exert is will when is health is on the line, when clearly he could have. Now I give some leeway here to his kind-hearted nature and he did show remorse after killing so easily, but still - one must protect one's self.

On to the good things...
I love the sweeping story AND the story outside the story - how it all unfolds and how it concludes impressively. Epic INDEED. Sequels should be in the mix here as the ending alludes to it very well and if the international box office responds, as it has in Russia.

Taylor Kitsch can carry a movie. I find it's his voice of all things that resonates. He certainly does have presence, but when he speaks he commands attention. In narrative movies, Kitsch can carry the day. He has plenty on his plate so I expect to see him continue to improve on what is already remarkable skills. His character truly blossomed when the audience was included in on the fact that something terrible happened back on Earth for him personally.

The princess played by Lynn Collins was EXTREMELY well cast. She carries the movie in many scenes. She is in fact, a scene stealer. Her body movements are extremely effective on screen which is rare these days I find. Reminds me of the golden years of film when actresses could captivate with subtle movements. You can see the Shakespeare training revealing itself with almost every step she took. She needed this bravado to carry off the royal nature of her character and she accomplished it with ease.

I was suitably impressed with the visual effects and the four handed creatures. Really, they were very well thought out. One shot in particular where he crosses one set of arms and places the other two on his hips was amazing! I live for shots like that in movies!!

The conclusion was satisfying and delivered on the movie's promises. I was thoroughly entertained and that is what it is all about! Don't listen to those that choose to denounce well, just about anything in the devil's advocate's name - take the time to go see this, on the biggest screen you can and ENJOY.

I am giving JOHN CARTER 8 Stars out of 10. I saw it in Empire Theatre's IMAX 3D. Thanks Empire!

Disney's JOHN CARTER Officially Released!

It's here! Are you checking out Disney's JOHN CARTER this weekend? Let me know what you think! The comments section will be completely spoilerish so feel free to rant or rave about the sci-fi epic.

The midnight showings took in an estimated $500,000 which was below expectations, but the real numbers are this weekend. Apparently JOHN CARTER is going over VERY well in Russia where it now holds the largest opening record at $6.5m. The Taylor Kitsch starrer is opening in 3,749 locations in North America, 290 of which will be presenting the movie in IMAX. Here's hoping that the numbers are high and that the movie EARNS it. From the looks of things - it has earned it. Review forthcoming.

I could not make a midnight screening unfortunately, but will be definitely checking it out tonight - in IMAX 3D! You are... MarketSaw... From Earth? :-)

MUST WATCH: Ten Minute Scene From JOHN CARTER!! **SPOILERS**

Obviously big time spoilers in this thing as well, it's from the movie! Ten minutes of it. I was hesitant as always with these things - I hate to ruin a movie, but I watched it for you guys to tell you whether or not you should take the time to see it and not ruin your experience.

YES. Watch it. You will get spoilers but they are pre-Barsoom so all you really get here is some great character development. MORE AFTER THE CLIP!



So what do you think? Pretty cool intro to Carter's character if you ask me. Bring it on!!

MUST WATCH: New Clip And Featurette For JOHN CARTER! **Spoilers**

I HAVE to add the spoilers tag to this post as I believe they are giving away a lot of visual sequences here that are in the movie. It's my preference to make sure you guys know that. Some studios can go overboard in their marketing to try and get the "on the fence" crowd to come and see their movies. For me though, that may ruin the films for those that say "you had me with the title".

So fair warning then: Spoilers may exist for you in these clips!

Here's the storyline once more:
From Academy Award winning filmmaker Andrew Stanton comes JOHN CARTER–a sweeping action-adventure set on the mysterious and exotic planet of Barsoom (Mars). JOHN CARTER is based on a classic novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs, whose highly imaginative adventures served as inspiration for many filmmakers, both past and present. The film tells the story of war-weary, former military captain John Carter (Taylor Kitsch), who is inexplicably transported to Mars where he becomes reluctantly embroiled in a conflict of epic proportions amongst the inhabitants of the planet, including Tars Tarkas (Willem Dafoe) and the captivating Princess Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins). In a world on the brink of collapse, Carter rediscovers his humanity when he realizes that the survival of Barsoom and its people rests in his hands.





It's looking ridiculously good don't you think? :-)

MUST WATCH: Behind The Scenes With JOHN CARTER! 3 Clips!!

You should all know by now that I love behind the scenes footage! That's where the magic happens for movies if you ask me. The pre-production planning, the on set action, the post production visual effects is so compelling to watch.

Word is getting out that JOHN CARTER is an event movie and I am really anticipating this experience a great deal. I just watched these three behind-the-scenes (BTS) clips and now I am three-fold amped about it!

I am reminded of the pre-production of AVATAR during the B-roll first reel. The painstaking detail and creativity needed is very evident - very cool to see this coming together after all those years.

So check out these clips - they will definitely boost your anticipation! JOHN CARTER opens March 9 @ midnight (if you make this screening you'll get a free Mondo poster). Thanks for the heads up Yves!

MUST SEE: New Mondo IMAX Poster For Disney's JOHN CARTER

Now THIS is a poster folks. The fine folks at Mondo have released this epic new poster for JOHN CARTER in IMAX.

Apparently this poster comes free with admission to the midnight IMAX screenings of JOHN CARTER! I cannot confirm or deny it - so good luck with it. I'm going to try to get one...

Here's the movie's storyline:
From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Andrew Stanton comes JOHN CARTER –a sweeping action-adventure set on the mysterious and exotic planet of Barsoom (Mars). JOHN CARTER is based on a classic novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs, whose highly imaginative adventures served as inspiration for many filmmakers, both past and present. The film tells the story of war-weary, former military captain John Carter (Taylor Kitsch), who is inexplicably transported to Mars where he becomes reluctantly embroiled in a conflict of epic proportions amongst the inhabitants of the planet, including Tars Tarkas (Willem Dafoe) and the captivating Princess Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins). In a world on the brink of collapse, Carter rediscovers his humanity when he realizes that the survival of Barsoom and its people rests in his hands.

JOHN CARTER opens March 9.

via Collider

Here's The Full JOHN CARTER Trailer...

You saw the teaser trailer yesterday, now here is the full meal deal as promised! Note that this version is longer and that's not a bad thing in this case. Well done Disney. I believe I can get into this...

MUST WATCH: New JOHN CARTER Trailer!

Ok. Things have improved dramatically. I was worried for a little while with the marketing not being up to speed, but this trailer heats things up considerably!

First of all, the trailer is darker. Thank you Disney. The effects DO NOT look cheesy. I see less STAR WARS in this a more AVATAR and to me that's a good thing in this case.

The abbreviated trailer which premiered on Good Morning America will actually be presented in it's full length tonight on JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE as well as on the 'net (so tweets Andrew Stanton).




JOHN CARTER jumps into theaters March 9.

Via: /Film

MUST SEE: New Image From Disney's JOHN CARTER! PLUS Cool Spoilerish Info...

Check out this cool photo from Disney's JOHN CARTER! There's some interesting information below - some spoilers too; be careful!

Here's the storyline:
From Academy Award(R)-winning filmmaker Andrew Stanton comes “John Carter”–a sweeping action-adventure set on the mysterious and exotic planet of Barsoom (Mars). “John Carter” is based on a classic novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs, whose highly imaginative adventures served as inspiration for many filmmakers, both past and present. The film tells the story of war-weary, former military captain John Carter (Taylor Kitsch), who is inexplicably transported to Mars where he becomes reluctantly embroiled in a conflict of epic proportions amongst the inhabitants of the planet, including Tars Tarkas (Willem Dafoe) and the captivating Princess Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins). In a world on the brink of collapse, Carter rediscovers his humanity when he realizes that the survival of Barsoom and its people rests in his hands.

From Entertainment Weekly (yeah they sure do get studio exclusives lately!): There’s the many-legged amphibi-dog named Woola that becomes Carter’s loyal companion. And then there are one of the most intriguing and fearsome creatures in the series: the great White Apes.

Slight Spoiler below this line!! Highlight the white area below to read. You have been warned!!

...(John Carter) needs an army to solve his big problem in the third act, and the only army he knows was his previous captors. When he goes back, the game has changed, and he gets incarcerated. This is what he has to get out of. He has to get out of jail and not get killed by these apes in order to get his bigger problem solved.

Andrew Stanton talks about those White Apes: "No, they’re sort of an oversized gorilla in the books, and they’re kind of ubiquitous. They’re littered everywhere through at least the first several novels. They were always cool, just from a visceral standpoint, [but] they don’t really have a narrative function in the first book. So what we did is we made the White Apes a formidable creature that you kind of hear about throughout the movie, but you never really witness. There’s a subtle sense of anticipation for what these things might be like. Then Michael Kutsche — who did a lot of the designs on [the Johnny Depp movie] Alice in Wonderland – came up with this design on his own, for just their scale. He made them nocturnal, almost like moles — they stopped using their eyes, and just had a heightened sense of smell. We just love that. We needed a scene where Carter was going have to get out of his execution sentence in order to move the story forward, and we thought what better than having to go up against this formidable creature?"

Here's some of cast:
Taylor Kitsch, Willem Dafoe, Lynn Collins, Thomas Hayden Church, Samantha Morton, Mark Strong, James Purefoy, Polly Walker, Bryan Cranston, Ciaran Hinds, Dominic West and Daryl Sabara.

Mild spoiler below this line! Highlight the white area to read. You have been warned!!

It is a pretty cool premise - John Carter is a human on Mars so the gravity is less than Earth's. The Tharks know about his ability to leap great distances (his sole 'super power') and thus chain him to a rock (pictured).

Watch for JOHN CARTER in theaters March 9.

MUST WATCH: New JOHN CARTER Trailer!

Yes! I was so perplexed about how they were going to tackle JOHN CARTER because of all the original content challenges but now after seeing this many of my concerns have be erased.

I simply love the feel of this trailer. I don't know if they will be using any of that music in the movie but it fits too. Nice job.

Here's the movie's storyline:
From Academy Award(R)-winning filmmaker Andrew Stanton comes “John Carter”–a sweeping action-adventure set on the mysterious and exotic planet of Barsoom (Mars). “John Carter” is based on a classic novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs, whose highly imaginative adventures served as inspiration for many filmmakers, both past and present. The film tells the story of war-weary, former military captain John Carter (Taylor Kitsch), who is inexplicably transported to Mars where he becomes reluctantly embroiled in a conflict of epic proportions amongst the inhabitants of the planet, including Tars Tarkas (Willem Dafoe) and the captivating Princess Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins). In a world on the brink of collapse, Carter rediscovers his humanity when he realizes that the survival of Barsoom and its people rests in his hands.

And Taylor Kitsch looks at home with this vehicle. I want to see him in more action but that's coming I am sure!

I do get a slight AVATAR feeling from some scenes - don't you? Hard to not be influenced by that movie with this subject matter to begin with. I am sure Stanton will bring it home.

Disney Confirms JOHN CARTER OF MARS And FRANKENWEENIE Will Be 3D

Tim Burton's FRANKENWEENIE is being pushed back (not surprising looking at Burton's workload) from 2011 to a March 9, 2012 release.

The movie is based on the comedic horror short that Burton made in 1984 while a film school student. The story centers on a man who brings his dog back to life after it is killed by a car.

THR reports that FRANKENWEENIE will no longer be a live action film but will use stop-motion (similar to CORALINE) and will be in black and white.

JOHN CARTER OF MARS has a release date now: June 8, 2012.

From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Andrew Stanton (FINDING NEMO, WALL-E), JOHN CARTER OF MARS brings this captivating hero to the big screen in a stunning adventure epic set on the wounded planet of Mars, a world inhabited by warrior tribes and exotic desert beings. Based on the first of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ “Barsoom Series,” the film chronicles the journey of Civil-War veteran John Carter, who finds himself battling a new and mysterious war amidst a host of strange Martian inhabitants, including Tars Tarkas and Dejah Thoris.

Both movies will be in Disney Digital 3D.

Great to finally have confirmation on JOHN CARTER being 3D. I was fairly certain FRANKENWEENIE would be. JOHN CARTER should be a huge, tentpole release for Disney and I expect TRON-like marketing for it in the coming year. Something to be excited about!

Pixar's "John Carter Of Mars" To Be In 3D?

Someone is not eating the right catfood...

We know that ALL of Disney's and Pixar's future tentpole animations will be made in 3D, so when AWN asked the very pointed question of whether JOHN CARTER OF MARS would be in fact 3D, Pixar General Manager Jim Morris quiped: "I hope not!"

Huh?

For those curious cats out there, JOHN CARTER OF MARS is an Edgar Rice Burroughs classic book that centers on a Civil War veteran who gets taken to Mars and the adventures ensue.

He goes on to say when asked about whether it is strictly animation or a blend with Live Action: "JOHN CARTER is in its very early stages and there is much to figure out about that so we'd be premature."

"We are looking at a variety of different approaches and techniques for that ... We're kind of a bit early in the development of that."

"I'm sure I speak for all of the science fiction geeks, fans and aficionados when I say it's finally time to see that movie. And I, for one, am delighted that Andrew Stanton is the guy that's making the movie, because he's a story-driven guy."

Hmmm. Story is great and all that, but me thinks that Mr. Morris is going to get squirted with the ol' Pixar water gun soon. Real soon. 3D is it dude.