Greg1138

Well - it seems as though this film is destined for disaster...one figure I've read today states that Disney could lose $200,000,000 over this movie. Shame really - it's not actually as bad as some critics would have you think.

There are problems. It's too damn long, for starters. The subplot involving Edgar Rice Burroughs was entirely unnecessary, and seemed to be there just as a (lengthy) nod to the origins of the tale. I would happily have seen that 15 minutes go, in favour of a more satisfying ending to the inevitable final battle. The script is serviceable most of the time, but downright hysterical in others. The (far too long) exposition sequences I think would test the staying power of any backside, yet the action sequences are cut to the current "ADHD" standard rate of such segments....blink and you miss something (anyone planning on seeing this soon, a warning: try not to blink during the climactic battle). This results in a feeling that I am either watching two seperate movies inter-cut, or there are clearly two directors. Neither of which, of course, is the case.

There are good parts too: The acting is fine...nothing particularly memorable (Except Lynn Collins, naturally!!) but it's OK. The visual effects vary from excellent to downright astonishing (but...I mean...the blue stuff....what? What was the whole point? This is one exposition scene the film needed!). The plot, though convoluted in places (see above) - yeah, I get it. It's fine.  The 3D is pretty-well done - I have to say, I was pretty surprised to find out that this was post-converted - although nothing really jumps out at you, which is a shame since, actually, you're not going to miss much in that respect just by waiting for the shiny disc.

I was just left a little non-plussed by the whole experience.  I’ve tried to put my finger on exactly why, but I can’t.  I’ve also read a lot of other reviews to see if they could figure out my problem with this film – unusually, they haven’t either.

Ultimately, I’m glad I saw it in the big screen – I have a feeling an awful lot is going to be lost on DVD/BR etc.  That said, I’m not exactly going to rush out and buy it.  Used copies will soon appear, and one of them will end up on my shelf – in the same section as “Krull” and “Beastmaster” – noble failures that aren’t really failures – they just didn’t get warmed to despite the good aspects.  Both of these films have fervent cult followings, and I think this is where John Carter will ultimately find it’s biggest boost.

EDIT - you know what - I maybey should have mentioned the score....just maybe...but I'm going to suggest that NOT mentioning it is the best praise I can honestly give it.

Congrats to Azerbaijan, but you gotta love the fact that the winners were introduced with "Olympic Fanfare and Theme"....poor old JW - what would he think??

Filming of Jack The Giant Killer seems well under way, and doing some location filming not a million miles away from yours truly.....

....and before anyone says, yes I know it might be second unit etc etc, but hey - it's cool anyway

This movie seems to have been in the works for yonks - didn't realise filming had started.....good stuff!!

Full story, as is often the case - courtesy of Auntie Beeb.


Looks like a good do....hope the tickets are not extortionate!  Might have to take my daughter there as her birthday present.....erm.....ahem!

Hi all - downloaded Internet Explorer 9 out of interest, and just to pre-warn any regular IE users - JWFan displays fine but some of the buttons are iffy/don't work properly....you need to put IE into Compatibility Mode (single click on the thing that looks like a ripped bit of paper by the refresh button) - it only needs doing once, and from then on the page works perfectly, but thought I would mention it.

Greg