Unfortunately losing the "of Mars" from the title still couldn't hide the fact that the red planet's visuals are very dull and lacking in stimulating locations. Mix into the fold the fact that the film is filled with terminology that is difficult to follow and a shaky performance from Taylor Kitsch, and John Carter finds itself looking big but actually lacking in terms of quality.
It is a shame as the film has a great opening act as Carter finds himself hunted in the Wild West, but the humorous direction from Andrew Stanton is soon lost in a very serious, dark and gloomy middle section.
