John Carter of Mars is based on the story 'A princess of Mars' by Edgar Rice Burroughs. He is also the creator of Tarzan.
This movie is definitely meant for the big screen and much consideration is given to the visual effects. The script is not so strong to keep you at the edge. Actors were good but there was not much they can do in this movie. This is not as strong as some of Disney's earlier productions.
The movie have the same storyline of empire clashes, savior coming to rescue princess like many of it's predecessor(s). Revealing any more of the storyline will take the juice out of the movie. The first look at the Mars men/women will remind you of the movie Avatar.
The visual effects and war scenes by Cinesite worth a salute. I just wish their Mars characters were little different. One thing that I could not stop thinking about is the soil and background of Mars shown in the movie. We know it as red planet mainly because of it iron oxide contents. Yet, when the flight scenes were shown from distance, the ground remains normal! Well, none of us have been there to see it actually, so got to leave it at that !
All in all, its a nice movie to be watched with the family. For kids it opens a new frontier of fantasy. For others, it will be entertainment only. A one time watch. Just sit back, relax and keep watching (don't think ;-)).
Enjoy!