Dove Review

The 3D effects in this film are some of the best I have seen. The perspectives are stunning. Visually speaking, this film powerfully trumps many others designed for the eyes.

Yet, I found the story to be a bit daunting for people who, like me, enter the theater not quite knowing what to expect. John Carter from Virginia is alive during the Civil War period and soon he is transported to Mars where he finds alien races fighting against each other, and a king who wants his daughter to marry his enemy to make peace. It is a bit overwhelming for a time. The aliens are not like any the viewer has ever seen and, on top of this, at least one of them can change forms at will. A few scenes are predictable such as when John Carter wants an alien to fly on a speeder and the alien replies she doesn’t fly and you know that in the next scene she will be on the speeder with John and, sure enough, she is.

Despite its themes of chivalry, heroic love, sacrifice, and following one’s heart, strong language prevents us from awarding our Dove Seal to the movie. In addition, although the violence rating is falls within our guidelines of acceptability, it borders near the edge for us and would be a bit much for some families. It’s a bit of over-kill with the violence, if you will pardon the pun.

Dove Rating Details

0

Faith

None

0

Integrity

Many instances of violence, although much of it in the fantasy realm, with sword fights and fist fights and some blood on mouths and blood is seen in a few other scenes; a man's hand is stabbed; a man is hit with a rifle; man is shoved into bars; spears are thrust at characters; explosions; a white creature is stabbed with a spear and there is blue blood seen overflowing a bit; a character is hit in the head; a character is cut and a small amount of blood is seen on his neck.

1

Sex

A couple kisses each other; an innuendo in which a woman puts a sword near a man's genitalia (he is clothed) and says things can get dangerous.

4

Language

GD-1; Go to H-1; H-6; "Da*n you"-1; D-1; "You mad fool"-1

2

Violence

Many instances of violence, although much of it in the fantasy realm, with sword fights and fist fights and some blood on mouths and blood is seen in a few other scenes; a man's hand is stabbed; a man is hit with a rifle; man is shoved into bars; spears are thrust at characters; explosions; a white creature is stabbed with a spear and there is blue blood seen overflowing a bit; a character is hit in the head; a character is cut and a small amount of blood is seen on his neck.

1

Drugs

Drinking in a few scenes.

1

Nudity

A shirtless man; cleavage.

1

Other

A man is seen urinating although it is not a graphic scene; a goddess on Mars is mentioned and she is considered a deity; a father is willing to allow his daughter to marry a man she doesn't love in order to bring peace and avoid war.