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Squirrelhenge
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- Review count2
- Helpfulness votes0
- First reviewMarch 25, 2011
- Last reviewMarch 10, 2012
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating3
Squirrelhenge's Reviews
Overall rating
3
/
5
Worth going to see
PostedMarch 10, 2012
Squirrelhenge
from North Little Rock, AR
I'm a long-time science fiction fan and have learned over the years to go into most sci-fi movies with low expectations. So it was a nice turn of events to have "John Carter" turn out to be such an enjoyable film. It's no "Serenity," that's for sure, but it was a damn sight better than the abominable "Cowboys and Aliens."
Visually gripping, the film also moves along at a good clip for most of its run time. I hardly noticed that it took two-and-a-third hours to get to the end. The story isn't anything special -- boy meets princess, boy saves princess from evil warlord, boy marries princess -- but it's told with relish and imagination. I haven't read the Carter books, but a friend who has said that while the film departed from "Princess of Mars" in many ways, it still captured much of the spirit of Edgar Rice Burroughs' books.
Highlights: The Tharks -- four-armed, tusked native warriors of Barsoom -- were phenomenal. They weren't just stupid aborigines or cannon-fodder, but had some thought put into their culture, actions, and attitudes. The flying machines were gorgeously rendered. The fights were exciting and, for the most part, followable (though there were some rapid-fire edits that left you wondering what you'd just seen).
Best part of the movie for me? Lynn Collins as Dejah Thoris, the aforementioned princess. Not just a pretty face, she threw some passion into her role and was rather convincing as the desperate heroine who will go to any length to save her people. Plus, she was no fainting violet -- she kicked as much butt as the titular hero and could claim her share of responsibility for saving the day. I got a particular kick in one scene where she's dressed in a slinky and thoroughly impractical outfit (Standard Fantasy Women's Wear, as I like to think of it), but when Carter compliments her appearance she basically rolls her eyes and says "it's a bit too revealing for my tastes." Nice jab at the stereotype, I thought.
Downsides: Generic storyline (granted the books were written back in the 1910s, but the script could've been doctored a little more). One-dimensional bad guy, who is being manipulated by fairly standard Mysterious Magic Men. The 3D, while not a detriment, didn't really seem to add a lot to the experience (or justify the ticket premium). And the opening/closing scenes with John Carter's nephew, Edgar Rice Burroughs, seemed a bit too contrived.
Sadly, the low point of the movie was the acting of Taylor Kitsch, who portrayed John Carter. He was fine when it came to action scenes and feats of phenomenal strength and agility, but every time he opened his mouth to deliver his lines they came out in a dull monotone that was just short of wooden. I swear, it seemed like he was channeling the books' hero less than he was a moody teenager.
Still, that wasn't enough to overcome my enjoyment of the total package. It's a movie I might go see again in the theater, and would certainly consider buying when it's out on DVD. It was a fun, escapist romp and a good way to spend a chilly evening with friends.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
3
/
5
A good one-night stand
PostedMarch 25, 2011
Squirrelhenge
from North Little Rock, AR
I went into this movie with very clear expectations. They also happened to be fairly low, so I didn't come away disappointed.
I wanted really imaginative storytelling, incredible special effects, and butt-kicking action. Check, check, and check -- plus the overabundance of cute girls helped, too. My friend wasn't enamored of the rather dark twist at the end. I, on the other hand, found it refreshing as opposed to your typical and predictable action flick template.
That said, it wasn't a masterpiece. If you're just looking for a fun romp where you get to engage your willing suspension of disbelief, this is your movie. If you're a fan of the graphic novel, I don't know what you'll think of director Zack Snyder's adaptation. I hadn't read it (or even heard of it) so I had no preset notions going in; on the other hand, I have read "The Watchmen" and thought Snyder's film was a very poor substitute.
Will I see it in the theater again? Probably not. Will I buy it when it becomes available? Jury's still out. However, I'll be getting the soundtrack today -- that was totally fantastic. To me, that works out to an average film.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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