John Carter Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Confederate soldier accidentally teleports to Mars, becomes super strong, and has to save a princess from marrying the space bad guy, all while fighting four-armed green aliens and trying to figure out how to get back to Earth to find more gold.

🍿 John Carter: Detailed Plot Synopsis

From Earth to Barsoom

In 1868, John Carter, a former Confederate Army captain haunted by the loss of his family, is prospecting for gold in Arizona. He clashes with the U.S. Army and finds himself pursued. Seeking refuge in a mysterious cave, Carter discovers an alien being and a strange medallion. Upon touching the medallion, he’s inexplicably transported to Barsoom, also known as Mars.

Captured by Tharks

On Mars, Carter discovers that the planet’s lower gravity grants him superhuman strength and leaping abilities. He is soon captured by the Tharks, a nomadic tribe of green Martians, and their leader Tars Tarkas. Initially a prisoner, Carter’s prowess in combat earns him respect among the Tharks, and he begins to adapt to their culture and environment.

The Princess of Helium

Carter becomes embroiled in the conflict between Helium and Zodanga, two warring city-states of red Martians. He encounters Dejah Thoris, the Princess of Helium, a brilliant scientist desperately seeking a way to end the war. Their paths intertwine as Carter’s unique abilities make him a valuable ally in the fight against the ruthless Sab Than, leader of Zodanga.

Unlikely Alliance

Carter, Dejah, and Sola (a Thark who befriends Carter) embark on a perilous journey to discover the secrets of the Ninth Ray, a powerful energy source, and to find a way to restore balance to Barsoom. Their alliance challenges the existing power structures and puts them on a collision course with the Therns, a mysterious and manipulative race pulling the strings from the shadows.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• John Carter (Taylor Kitsch): A Civil War veteran transported to Mars, gaining superhuman abilities and becoming embroiled in a Martian conflict.
• Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins): The Princess of Helium, a scientist who seeks to save her people and falls in love with John Carter.
• Tars Tarkas (Willem Dafoe): A Thark leader who befriends John Carter and becomes a key ally in the fight for Barsoom.
• Matai Shang (Mark Strong): The leader of the Therns, manipulating events on Barsoom to maintain his power.
• Sab Than (Dominic West): The Jeddak of Zodanga, driven by ambition and manipulated by Matai Shang to conquer Barsoom.
• Sola (Samantha Morton): The daughter of Tars Tarkas, who aides John Carter and Dejah Thoris on their quest.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• John Carter: “I’ve walked away from every war I’ve ever fought in. Every goddamn one.” – This line establishes Carter’s reluctance to fight and his disillusionment with war, early in the film.
• Tars Tarkas: “Dotar Sojat… is your name now.” – Tars Tarkas renames John Carter among the Tharks, marking his acceptance into their tribe.
• Dejah Thoris: “I believe in the science of hope.” – Dejah expresses her faith in the power of science and her determination to find solutions.
• John Carter: “Barsoom needs you.” – Carter urging Tars Tarkas to reclaim his position among the Tharks and fight for what is right

💰Box Office

• Budget: $250,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $73,078,100
• Worldwide Gross: $284,139,100

💥 John Carter Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing this movie in theaters and being blown away by the visuals. John Carter, despite its flaws, is just a fun, exciting adventure! I was really impressed by Taylor Kitsch and Lynn Collins. The scene in the arena fighting those white apes was fantastic! It’s a shame it didn’t do better, because I would have loved to see sequels explore even more of Barsoom. The whole thing just felt like a good, old-fashioned adventure, and I loved it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of science fiction and fantasy adventure”
  • “Viewers interested in classic pulp stories”
  • “Those who enjoy visually rich and action-packed movies”
  • “People familiar with the Edgar Rice Burroughs novels”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Fantasy violence and action sequences”
  • “Some scenes of warfare and combat”
  • “Brief depiction of grief and loss”
  • “Sci-Fi depictions of alien creatures and conflicts”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “John Carter boasts stunning visuals and some exciting action sequences, but the convoluted plot and underdeveloped characters leave it feeling hollow. While Kitsch is charismatic, he’s not given enough to work with to truly anchor the film.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Andrew Stanton delivers a visually arresting and thrilling space opera. Lynn Collins shines as Dejah Thoris. John Carter brings Burroughs’ classic story to life with impressive scope and action, even if some of the narrative complexities are glossed over.
• RogerEbert.com: “The movie delivers on spectacle, but lacks the heart and soul to make it truly memorable. Kitsch is earnest but bland. Ultimately, John Carter feels like a missed opportunity to launch a truly groundbreaking franchise.

Audience Reactions

The special effects and world-building were incredible, making Mars feel like a real, vibrant place.: Most people agreed that the movie was visually stunning and a fun adventure, especially those unfamiliar with the books.

I thought the casting was perfect, especially Taylor Kitsch as John Carter and Lynn Collins as Dejah Thoris, as they had great chemistry.: Many praised the cast for bringing the characters to life, even with some of the clunky dialogue.

Overall Consensus: John Carter is a visually impressive adventure film with some exciting action, but it suffers from a convoluted plot and underdeveloped characters. It’s a fun popcorn flick that may appeal to fans of classic space operas and old movie goers; however, it won’t stick around after the movie is over.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the novel “A Princess of Mars” by Edgar Rice Burroughs, published in 1912, and is considered an inspiration for many science fiction works, including “Star Wars” and “Avatar.””
• “The film had a troubled production history, with multiple directors and studios attached over the years before Andrew Stanton finally took the helm.”
• “While filming in Utah, the crew accidentally discovered a 60-foot-long sauropod dinosaur skeleton.”

🖥️ How to Watch John Carter?

John Carter is available for streaming on platforms like Disney+ and can be rented or purchased on Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and other digital retailers. Check your local listings for television airings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed John Carter, you might like these similar films:

• Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977): Shares similar themes of a reluctant hero, a princess in need, and a battle against a technologically superior empire, all set in a fantastical universe and inspired by the same source material.
• Dune (1984): Features warring factions on a desert planet with unique cultures and powerful characters, exploring themes of destiny and political intrigue.
• Stargate (1994): Involves a portal to another world with ancient civilizations and advanced technology, where the protagonist must help the locals fight against oppression.
• Avatar (2009): Features a human protagonist who becomes involved in the affairs of an alien race and their fight to protect their home, with stunning visuals and environmental themes.

🛒 John Carter Related Products

• John Carter of Mars: A Princess of Mars (Classic Literature): The original novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs that inspired the movie! Dive deeper into the world of Barsoom and experience John Carter’s adventure as it was first written.
• John Carter (Blu-ray + DVD Combo): Own the movie in high definition and relive the adventure anytime! This combo pack includes both Blu-ray and DVD versions, ensuring compatibility with any player.
• Disney Infinity: John Carter Figure: Add John Carter to your Disney Infinity collection and unlock new adventures in the game! Use his unique abilities to explore the Toy Box and battle enemies.
• John Carter: World of Barsoom: Wear your John Carter pride with this stylish shirt. Features a bold design inspired by the film’s iconic imagery and characters, perfect for any fan of the movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

John Carter features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Thark Side of Barsoom” – performed by Michael Giacchino
• “Great White Ape” – performed by Michael Giacchino
• “Get Carter” – performed by Michael Giacchino

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Everything Wrong With John Carter In 15 Minutes Or Less

Want to laugh at the expense of John Carter? Check out this video that humorously dissects its flaws in a quick and entertaining way!

John Carter: Behind the Scenes 2 [HD] | ScreenSlam

Curious about how John Carter was made? This behind-the-scenes video takes you on a journey through the film’s production, showing you everything from the sets to the special effects.

John Carter Of Mars Origins – A Pulp Sci-fi Hero And His Enigmatic Universe Unraveled

Dive into the origins of John Carter and its impact on science fiction. This video traces the character’s journey from Edgar Rice Burroughs’ novels to the big screen, highlighting its enduring legacy.

John Carter — How Disney Lost 200 Million Dollars | Anatomy Of A Failure

Wondering why John Carter flopped at the box office? This video analyzes the factors that led to its financial failure, giving you a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of Hollywood decision-making.

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