John Carter- AMC Empire 25

Mike: Too much has already been derived from the Edgar Rice Burroughs' John Carter books. Star Wars, Dune, Planet of the Apes... It has inspired so much of the science fiction books and films that followed it, so it's no surprise that the long-awaited, long-in-development movie just doesn't really work. Watching it, I couldn't help but feel like I've already seen it. It's somewhat enjoyable and there are some cool things to be seen on the screen, but it feels like there's something missing. Something that we've been conditioned to expect from our big box office sci-fi films. I never read any of the John Carter books, so I have no idea how faithful the adaptation is. And maybe the film is highly satisfying to fans of the books, I don't know. Maybe a bit too much of the film is set up for what's supposed to happen in the follow-ups.

There were some things though that I did really like. I really liked the bookend parts set in the late 1800s. But as a whole, the movie was just a bit too die-hard sci-fi for me. And that's coming from a sci-fi fan.

All that said, the film was somewhat interesting and amusing at times, and it's a shame that we won't see the sequels. I guess I'd have to read the books to find out what happens next. (not going to happen)

Erica: I think Mike was on to something when he said that the movie just doesn't really work. The movie isn't that original, or that good for that matter...I like Sci-Fi movies (and Disney movies), that is not the issue I had with this movie. I was just bored while watching the movie. I wanted more. I would think a movie that that has been in development since the 80's would have been stellar...but I guess that was entirely too much to ask for. I know they dropped the 'From Mars' part of the title, which made no difference. We know he was on Mars, it wouldn't have made the movie any better or any worse. This is being known as one of the biggest movie flops of all time, and I am sure it will stay that way...I say pass on this one unless you are a die-hard fan.