I went in expecting a nostalgic sci-fi romp, but nothing could have prepared me for the sheer visual ferocity of this sequel. If you thought Barsoom had revealed all its secrets back in 2012, think again.
The Long-Awaited Return to the Red Planet
Picking up after years of agonizing separation on Earth, the story thrusts our Confederate-veteran-turned-Martian-savior straight back into the arid, blood-soaked sands of Barsoom. But this isn’t a simple, triumphant homecoming. The vibrant red sky feels heavier, civilization teeters on the brink of complete annihilation, and an eerie silence hangs over the cities that once roared with life.
Reunited with Dejah Thoris—played with an electric blend of regal authority and raw grit by Lynn Collins—Carter quickly realizes that their past victories were merely a prelude to a much grander manipulation. Forces lurking in the uncharted reaches of Mars are pulling the strings, threatening to rip away the only home Carter ever chose for himself.
Mild spoilers ahead — nothing past the midpoint.
Stepping into the Domain of False Deities
The first hour wastes zero time setting up the brutal stakes. As Carter and Dejah trace inexplicable atmospheric anomalies across the southern wastes, they stumble upon colossal ruins carved straight out of subterranean chasms. And then… everything changes.
A catastrophic ambush shatters their fleet, scattering their closest allies and forcing Carter into deep cavernous sanctums whispered about only in ancient Martian folklore. It turns out the Therns weren’t the apex of cosmic control; they were merely the heralds. Entering the fray is an enigmatic zealot portrayed with bone-chilling intensity by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, alongside the return of Mark Strong’s terrifyingly measured presence.
But that’s where things get interesting. Carter discovers that the so-called ‘Gods of Mars’ are harvesting the red planet’s dying spirit under the guise of an eternal paradise. How can a mortal swordsman with earth-bound physiology wage war against beings who treat the fundamental laws of reality as mere playthings?
Cinematic Heights and Visceral Warfare
- Visual Grandeur: The aerial battles across jagged Martian canyons are nothing short of breathtaking, delivering dizzying verticality and tactical weight.
- Emotional Chemistry: Taylor Kitsch and Lynn Collins regain their electric rhythm effortlessly, grounding the grand spectacle in genuine vulnerability.
- Atmospheric Dread: The transition from high-flying desert swashbuckling to sinister subterranean terror keeps the tension simmering.
Where the Red Planet Stumbles
- Relentless Pacing: The narrative barrels forward at breakneck speed, leaving very little room to breathe between colossal battle set pieces.
- Complex Lore Dumps: Audiences unfamiliar with the deeper Burroughs mythos might find the sudden flood of regional Martian terminology slightly overwhelming in the second act.
Standout Sequences You Can’t Look Away From
Here’s what most people missed during the blistering opening act: the quiet, wordless exchange between Carter and Dejah before the skies erupt into fire. It sets an emotional foundation that pays off exponentially when an arena trial carved out of obsidian stone pushes Carter to his absolute physical threshold. The choreography is brutal, visceral, and genuinely heart-stopping.
The Verdict: An Epic That Dares to Dream Big
This film is a thunderous reminder of why we fell in love with sprawling, unapologetic pulp sci-fi in the first place. It hits with jaw-dropping scale, rich emotion, and stakes that leave your knuckles white. When the screen fades to black, you will be scrambling to pick your jaw up off the floor.
What Viewers Are Saying
- Marcus Vance: “The scale of the underground temple sequence literally gave me chills. Absolutely stunning follow-up!”
- Elena Thorne: “Taylor Kitsch and Lynn Collins still have the best chemistry in modern sci-fi. Pure emotional adrenaline.”
- Devon Miller: “Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays an incredible villain here. Creepy, calculated, and totally unpredictable.”
- Sarah Jenkins: “I was skeptical about a sequel after all these years, but this completely blew my expectations out of the water.”
- Liam O’Connor: “Those skiff dogfights inside the storm canyons are worth the price of admission alone. Pure cinema!”
- Chloe Ramirez: “That midpoint revelation had the entire theater dead silent. I need the third film immediately!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to watch the first film before seeing this sequel?
While the sequel establishes its central conflict quickly, watching the original film provides vital emotional context for Carter and Dejah’s relationship and the politics of Barsoom.
How does the action compare to the original film?
The action is significantly grittier and more vertically dynamic, combining hand-to-hand arena combat with massive aerial tactical warfare.
Are the original cast members back in their roles?
Yes, Taylor Kitsch and Lynn Collins return as John Carter and Dejah Thoris, supported by Mark Strong and newcomer Joseph Gordon-Levitt in pivotal roles.
