John Carter is not as bad as some people say - in fact, I enjoyed it. I love a good sci-fi romp, particularly where they carry swords and bolt actions rather than lazers. The blend of sci-fi and western is also a hit as I am a lifelong western fan. The opening scene of insect-like flying machines battling it out over the red planet were worth the entrance fee alone. It's not just the fantastic design, scenery and special effects, but the joys of watching a load of British actors camping it up in face paint like they have turned up for a Greek themed fancy dress party.
Carter has the same appeal as the 1980 remake of Flash Gordon, which remains a classic of camp sci-fi. You didn't take it seriously, but it is seriously good fun. Carter lacks the tongue in cheek humour of Flash Gordon. But Dominic West and James Purefoy are pretty good stand-ins for Brian Blessed and Timothy Dalton. Carter is all braun, as was Flash Gordon. The plot barely makes sense - who are the bloody Therns, and why does everyone have such silly names? Well, that's actually all Edgar Rice Burrough's fault. The film at least keeps faith with the spirit of the 1930s Saturday morning serials, and turn of the century pulp fantasy - and that is why it works for me.
Carter has the same appeal as the 1980 remake of Flash Gordon, which remains a classic of camp sci-fi. You didn't take it seriously, but it is seriously good fun. Carter lacks the tongue in cheek humour of Flash Gordon. But Dominic West and James Purefoy are pretty good stand-ins for Brian Blessed and Timothy Dalton. Carter is all braun, as was Flash Gordon. The plot barely makes sense - who are the bloody Therns, and why does everyone have such silly names? Well, that's actually all Edgar Rice Burrough's fault. The film at least keeps faith with the spirit of the 1930s Saturday morning serials, and turn of the century pulp fantasy - and that is why it works for me.
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