Updated 26/02/2015
Disney’s John Carter would seem to be an earnest attempt to launch an old-fashioned Sci-Fi saga in lieu of the purchase of Star Wars.
Those involved in the making of the film have much to be proud of. Those involved in the marketing and promotion of the film should perhaps consider alternative careers for John Carter was lumbered with an insignificant release date, an uninspiring trailer-campaign and a dull title which foolishly dropped the “from Mars”.
Edgar Rice Burroughs’ space opera lacks the instant familiarity of Star Trek or Wars – even Battlestar Galactica – yet it is, of course, the forerunner and inspiration behind those films, television shows and many more.
As tastes for the coming movie season veer towards alien planets and space travel Carter may yet garner a little retro-cool. Give it a chance on disc or download, you might like it: John just arrived a little too early for the party.
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I’m convinced that for whatever reason, Disney intended “John Carter” to fail. Why else would they approve an astronomical budget for a project most people have never heard of (most big-budget movies have name recognition being sequels, remakes, or adaptations) directed by a guy who has never done a live action film before, change the name to something completely forgettable, and then release it during a time when no movie ever makes a whole lot of money? I think they needed a loss to balance their books for tax purposes.
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You’re probably right. It’s such a shame. Have you seen it? What did you think?
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I haven’t seen it yet. It looks like decent entertainment, but there’s something that doesn’t quite grab me about the trailers or clips I’ve seen. Part of it is the casting, as John Carter himself seems rather bland.
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This really makes sense and explains a lot.
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Let’s hope it does pick up steam on DVD. Though biased, I thought it was a wonderful film and I am very proud to have been part of it. Thanks for going to see it! 🙂
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I think we are already starting to see a bit of a press backlash of postive comments. I suppose if people go to see a film with low expectations they are more likely to be impressed!
I enjoyed it and I loved the overall design, I’m hoping for a sequel 🙂
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[…] Putting the Kitsch in John Carter (lilywight.com) […]
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Reblogged this on Lily Wight and commented:
With Star Wars Episode VII on the way is it time to give Disney’s John Carter another chance?
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If they made a sequel, I would be really surprised. It was ok entertainment. Nothing to write home about to me. I think it was simply not good timing. A movie like this should of come out a long time ago IMO.
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Yeah, it seemed very misplaced and ill-timed although quite well made. I would like to see more Sci-Fi with a vintage setting/framing device. It’s my dream to see War Of The Worlds actually set in the Victorian era.
I doubt Carter will ever get a sequel… Disney has much bigger fish to fry 😉
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My kids (11 and 7) and I really enjoyed John Carter although we didn’t see it at the theater. It seemed to come and go without us noticing.
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It seemed that Disney lost faith in it before it was even released. It sneaked out with a Spring release date and it hasn’t been pushed for home viewing either 😦
I used to love this sort of action/fantasy/adventure film when I was growing up and the effects are some of the best I’ve seen. I hope it gathers the cult following it deserves.
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Great movie and fun to watch. Too bad they didn’t know how to promote it properly. I was hoping it would take off as another scifi opera spawning a few sequels.
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Yeah, me too. I thought it did well as an origin story with better to come – I guess not.
I liked Taylor too, I think a few people might have missed his slightly tongue-in-cheek performance.
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