John Carter 2D/3D/IMAX 3D ***

Andrew Stanton directed this Sci-Fi Adventure. Watch Preview. Cast: Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Samantha Morton, Mark Strong, Ciaran Hinds, Dominic West, James Purefoy, Daryl Sabara, Polly Walker, Bryan Cranston, Thomas Hayden Church, Willem Dafoe. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action. Running time is two hours and twelve minutes.

Tells the story of a war-weary, former military captain (Taylor Kitsch), who is inexplicably transported to Mars where he becomes reluctantly embroiled in a conflict of epic proportions and becomes romantically involved with a Martian princess (Collins).

My initial reaction to the thought of a film based on a turn-of-the-last-century novel was not positive. But, I'm happy to tell you that reaction was undeserved as I found this to be a very entertaining film. Not groundbreaking or epically spectacular, but fun and a very pleasant way to spend a couple of hours. The pace is very good and the two hours passed without need to check my watch. While the majority of the cast weren't familiar to me they were all quite adequate and were aided by some very good cgi effects. I watched the 2D version and noted the film's 3D version was an enhanced 2D so I didn't  mind missing the 3D although I wouldn't mind checking out the IMAX 3D for comparison. While  there's lots of action for the men, none of it is particularly graphic and women will enjoy the romantic aspects of the film. The  pic clearly ends with the prospect of a sequel in mind but attendance at this first one will determine whether there will be another.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. The largest possible screen will enhance your enjoyment. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times. IMAX 3D Times.