John Carter is a 2012 American science fiction action-adventure film directed by Andrew Stanton

The story begins in 1881, with a young Edgar Rice Burroughs attending the funeral of his uncle, John Carter (played by Taylor Kitsch). Burroughs receives Carter’s personal journal, which reveals an extraordinary tale that defies belief.

From Earth to Mars

John Carter, a former Confederate soldier tormented by his past, accidentally discovers a mysterious cave containing a powerful medallion. Upon touching the medallion, Carter is inexplicably transported to Mars, known to its inhabitants as Barsoom. The lower gravity of Mars grants him superhuman strength and agility.

 

A New World

Carter soon encounters the Tharks, a nomadic tribe of green-skinned, four-armed Martians led by Tars Tarkas (Willem Dafoe). Initially taken prisoner, Carter earns the respect of the Tharks through his extraordinary abilities and courage.

 

The Princess of Mars

Amidst the political turmoil and warring factions on Mars, Carter meets Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins), the beautiful and intelligent princess of Helium. Dejah seeks Carter’s help to save her city from the villainous Sab Than (Dominic West), who wields a powerful weapon capable of destroying entire cities.

A Battle for Barsoom

Carter reluctantly becomes embroiled in the conflict, drawn by his growing feelings for Dejah and his innate sense of justice. Together with Tars Tarkas and his loyal Thark followers, Carter leads a daring assault to stop Sab Than and unite the divided peoples of Mars.

Discovering His Destiny

As Carter battles formidable foes and navigates the complexities of Martian politics, he uncovers a deeper conspiracy involving the Therns, mysterious beings who manipulate events on Barsoom for their gain. Carter’s journey becomes not only a fight for survival but a quest to unravel the secrets of the planet and his own purpose within it.

 

Returning Home

In the film’s climax, Carter defeats Sab Than and liberates Helium, earning the love and admiration of Dejah Thoris and the people of Barsoom. However, his triumph is short-lived, as the Therns trap him and send him back to Earth.

The Legacy

Back on Earth, Carter spends years searching for a way to return to Mars. His journal, left in the care of Edgar Rice Burroughs, serves as a record of his adventures and a testament to the incredible world he left behind.

John Carter is a visually stunning and action-packed film that brings the classic tale to life with modern special effects and a compelling narrative. It explores themes of redemption, heroism, and the enduring power of love and courage across worlds.