 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
John Carter
- Review Date: March 9, 2012
- PG-13
- Genre: Fantasy
- 2012
Common Sense Media says
Mars-based action epic has strong fantasy violence.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that John Carter is a swashbuckling inter-planetary adventure based on Edgar Rice Burroughs' first book in the John Carter series, A Princess of Mars. There's an underlying romance to most of the story, but it's the movie's violence that might alarm parents of younger tweens. It's prevalent throughout the film and gets gory in a couple of scenes -- like when John (played by Taylor Kitsch) bursts through the body of a giant Martian monster he's just killed or decapitates a tyrannous warlord. Despite John Carter's war-like violence, none of the "good guys" die (although they're shot at, injured, and even tortured). Plus, there are a couple of strong female characters, and an overriding message that there's a particular honor to being selfless, even if it puts your own life in danger.
What's the story?
Based on Edgar Rice Burroughs' book series, JOHN CARTER follows the titular hero (Taylor Kitsch), a Civil War veteran who lost his wife and child to the war; all he wants to do is find gold in the Arizona territory. After a run-in with Army officers and a band of Apaches, John Carter finds a gold-filled cave, where he kills a mysterious figure whose magical amulet transports him all the way to Mars. Once on Mars, John is quickly discovered by the nomadic Tharks -- a group of giant green Martians who call him "Virginia." John Carter quickly becomes enmeshed in a battle to help a Martian princess (Lynn Collins) whom he rescued on her mission to save her homeland of Helium against invaders guided by a nefarious shape-shifting cabal of time travelers called Therns.
Is it any good?
Let's start with the obvious: Kitsch definitely looks like an action star, but he's also a reluctant, laid-back protagonist, not exactly brimming with the charisma and gravitas of other epic heroes (most of whom, from Aragorn to Maximus, are obviously alluded to in Carter). But Carter's broody personality and longing gazes are a good fit for Kitsch, who memorably starred in TV's beloved Friday Night Lights. The chemistry between Kitsch and Collins -- whose princess Dejah Thoris is fiercely intelligent and brave, as well as beautiful -- will keep teen girls entertained while also proving that not all damsels in distress are useless when it comes to defending themselves.
John Carter's slightly involved story isn't a tightly woven point-A to point-B journey; it's more like The Odyssey, with Carter having to overcome seemingly never-ending obstacles before he and Dejah Thoris proclaim their love and save Barsoom from evil machinations. Character actors James Purefoy and Mark Strong (Hollywood's go-to villain, having apparently inherited the mantle from fellow Brit Ian McShane) stand out in their performances, and many of the best lines are from the giant Tharks, voiced by Samantha Morton and Willem Dafoe. With its impressive 3D and interesting period-meets-interplanetary story line, this is a fun, if not Lord of the Rings-brilliant, saga.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the hero's journey -- how does John Carter grow to accept that his destiny is on Mars? What makes him eventually feel at home in Barsoom? What other swashbuckling heroes is he like?
Some say that John Carter relies too heavily on elements from other movie franchises. What portions of the story remind you of other sci-fi tales? What parts make it unique? And is it fair to make those claims when the stories that inspired John Carter predate the movies?
Does the movie make you interested in checking out the books it's based on? Do you think the ending sets up the movie for a sequel?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
great family movie
Let me begin by saying I was reluctant to let any of our kids see this movie, but my husband won that argument. Their ages are 11, 10, 8, and 4 (yes, 4) and they all went to see it tonight. It was almost non-stop violence and action but for the most part it never seemed gruesome or unnecessary. I glanced over at our 4 year old about a hundred times during the movie to make sure he wasn't traumatized and not once did I see him get upset. There's a scene in Monster's Inc. that he is terrified of, by the way. All in all, I thought it was appropriate for any kids who don't get scared too easily and who have an interest in "fantasy/sci fi plots." There were a few offensive words throughout, but unless you see a G movie, curse words of some sort are unavoidable. All in all it was a better movie than I anticipated, less scary than I had imagined, and less sexual content and language than the official review led on. Our family of six all give it 5 stars!
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AGE
John Carter Deserves Acclaim
I was not looking forward to seeing this movie as I was not familiar with the story and previews did not entice me. However, I loved the movie. I do believe the PG-13 rating is appropriate. Some language and scant clothing might not be appropriate for some families with younger teens. However, most kids have heard worse and seen worse in day to day life. Violence might overwhelm some kids but the bloodiest battle results in a covering of blue blood that resembles tempera paint. This is a movie that families can discuss. The lead female plays a strong and intelligent character who plays a princess and a professor who is on the brink of a discovery that could save her community from evil enemies. Loyalty and commitment to family and community are also positive themes. I am now intrigued to read the book.
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Kid, 11 years old
March 12, 2012
AGE
just for me
Its the best movie! But some parents should know that its a little scary for kids under 11 and has some blood horror scenes.
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AGE
jhgy
Boring Mars Movie is Chunky and Boring but Adventures and Weird
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AGE
John Carter: Star Trek Meets Indiana Jones
We saw this movie as a family: my husand, 9 year old son, and me. We all gave it a thumbs up. Although there is violence, I was never overwhelmed by it. It was never too gruesome and not one of those movies where the violence seems the lead, where it takes over as the major theme. Even PG movies these days have the language, so a little of that doesn't bother me. Our son knows those words are only said by adults. It is a highly entertaining movie, and the two hours and twenty minutes went by far too quickly. Unless your young child is very sensitive, I think it's a great family movie. We can't wait to see John Carter Mars, part 2. The Youngs
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Kid, 10 years old
March 10, 2012
AGE
Guns and awesome
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AGE
Great Movie and get away from all the TV junk
Our 12 yr old son loved it. He loves sci fi, Star Wars/Harry Potter/Indian Jones. At times he said he was even bored! However, he was on the edge of his seat a couple of times. It was long but we became totally ensconced. Have fun and go see this!
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Kid, 10 years old
March 20, 2012
AGE
vilont!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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AGE
BIG disappointment!!!
This must be the worst Disney picture ever!! I just couldn't believe this was a Disney production! I could not wait for the movie to be over. It is too long, unbelievably boring, has very poor acting and was, for me, a BIG disappointment. Please, don't waste your time on this one!!
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AGE
argentina league
I enjoyed every little bit part of it and I will be waiting for the new updates argentina league. I am very much pleased with the contents you have mentioned.
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, book characters, space and aliens |
| Studio: | Walt Disney Pictures |
| Director: | Andrew Stanton |
| Cast: | Lynn Collins, Taylor Kitsch, Willem Dafoe |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Run time: | 132 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | March 9, 2012 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | intense sequences of violence and action |
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