vinyarb

Something we don’t see but feel the effects of each day, is the magic of gravity.

Imagine then, on a planet where the force of gravity is much lower than that of Earth’s. We, humans shall rule. If only there was a way to get on Mar, that is. John Carter opens by telling us that Mars is not a dead planet, but a dying planet in the midst of war waged between the cities of Helium and Zodanga (human-like martians with henna markings).

The titular John Carter, a former army officer, while fleeing from pursuers, stumble upon a hidden cave, and accidentally kills a stranger. The stranger turns out to be a Thern from Mars, and Carter, holding on to the stranger’s medallion, gets transported to Mars.

Thus begins his strange little adventure, where he’s suddenly quite possibly the strongest being on the planet because of the lighter gravitational pull. He is able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, float like a butterfly and sting like a bee. He’s then swept into the middle of the war, and has to take a stand.

The war has to end. One way or the other.

The deciding factor?

I'm an alien Martian princess... no, really.

This chick. Now you know why the martians are human-like.

Note to all potentially warring nations/planets: If you’re in the middle of a war and may need some other worldly help, be sure to have a hot princess on standby.

Obviously made for a potential franchise in mind, John Carter does a good job of introducing us to the red planet. The effects are pretty solid, characters and likable and the story allows for a sequel to further explore the world.

On Earth, dogs are man's best friend. On Mars, this is it.

I loved how the framing device worked to wrap up the story very nicely.

Rating: 7/10