I'll cut right to the chase since I think most of you guys already know what it's all about.
The first thing after seeing the film that I felt really glad about is that the two main leads, Kitsch & Collins, FINALLY get their chance to shine in a film that I'm sure will prove to be a great vehicle for them both. Taylor's mature strong voice really hits you when he starts with the narration. He delivers a consistent performance, portraying the (amusing) confusion of Carter on landing in the strange place along with his strength & pathos that truly make you root for the character.
It was awesome to see Lynn Collins actually getting something she could really sink her teeth into- Dejah is a strong, intelligent, ballsy woman who knows what she wants & how to get it. Added bonus- she's a killer sword-fighter! Collins manages to pull off the character of a princess torn in two- what she wants from her life & what her people need from her in order to safeguard their existence on Barsoom. AND Lynn accomplishes this WHILE looking drop dead gorgeous!
What can I say about Andrew Stanton? He's a Pixar director (Finding Nemo, WALL-E). Both films won the Oscar for Best Animated Film. Nuff' said. You won't be able to tell that this is his first time directing a live action movie. The Helium palace scenes made me feel that Stanton could have been a good bet to helm Thor 2! Apparently the character of John Carter in the books was pretty one-dimensional, but Stanton succeeds in making you feel for the character & you hope that he meets with a happy ending. Add to the direction the wonderful editing- especially with that amazing action scene that beautifully intertwines flashback scenes from Carter's tragic past in it.
The story is well-written, wasting no time on unnecessary thrills. The movie speaks for itself & doesn't feel the need of simply bombarding the audience with one action scene after the other. This is not to say there isn't enough action- there's plenty of awesome action to go around! All the characters are well chalked out with clear motives & every element serves its own purpose. I like that the film doesn't always take itself too seriously & interjects the heavier scenes with a bit of wit & humor.
Now when you have a Pixar director at the helm you'll obviously expect top-notch VFX- AND it definitely delivers on that front as well. The locales of Barsoom & the visually stunning aircrafts are breathtaking to watch. And of course, who can forget about the aliens! ALL of them- the Tharks, the monstrous white apes & the adorable Woola, have been so painstakingly created that it actually aids your belief in the mythos of Barsoom, however outlandish it may be.
All in all the movie more than just manages to transport you to a whole new world- It's a tale that touches on several human themes despite featuring a whole host of aliens. I'd give the film a very well-deserved 8/10. If you're already a fan of the source material I suggest
you give the movie a go. And even if you weren't one (like me), this movie is sure to still leave you thoroughly entertained.
To read about what I had to say about the costume design & download loads of HQ wallpapers, posters & still head onto the link at the end of this article...
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