“John Carter” is a 2012 science fiction action film directed by Andrew Stanton, based on Edgar Rice Burroughs’ classic novel “A Princess of Mars,” the first book in the Barsoom series. The film stars Taylor Kitsch in the titular role, along with Lynn Collins, Willem Dafoe, Samantha Morton, Mark Strong, Ciarán Hinds, and Dominic West.

The story follows John Carter (Taylor Kitsch), a disillusioned Civil War veteran from Virginia who is mysteriously transported to Mars, referred to by its inhabitants as Barsoom. On Mars, he discovers that he has extraordinary strength and agility due to the planet’s lower gravity.
Carter soon becomes embroiled in the planet’s own civil war between the various Martian races. He meets Tars Tarkas (Willem Dafoe), the leader of the Tharks, a nomadic tribe of green-skinned, four-armed warriors. Carter also encounters Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins), the princess of Helium, who is seeking to save her city from the forces of the malevolent Sab Than (Dominic West), ruler of Zodanga.

As Carter navigates the political and social complexities of Barsoom, he discovers his inner hero and joins Dejah Thoris in her quest to unite the people of Mars against their common enemies. The film explores themes of redemption, heroism, and the clash of cultures.
“John Carter” is noted for its ambitious visual effects and its attempt to bring Burroughs’ imaginative world to life. The film’s depiction of the Martian landscapes and creatures, as well as its action sequences, showcases the advancements in CGI technology.

Despite its grand scale and rich source material, “John Carter” faced mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office, which was attributed to various factors, including marketing challenges and high production costs. However, it has since gained a cult following among fans who appreciate its adventurous spirit and visual spectacle.
Overall, “John Carter” offers a blend of science fiction, fantasy, and adventure, aiming to capture the essence of Burroughs’ pioneering work. It remains a noteworthy entry in the genre for its effort to adapt one of the foundational stories of science fiction and fantasy literature.