Five Reasons To See 'John Carter'

It took a century, but "John Carter" is finally, actually, for real heading to theaters. The result is an inconsistent, structurally over-packed and complicated, but ultimately worthy trip to theaters. Of all the reasons to go see "John Carter" this weekend, here are the five that stick out to us. Taylor Kitsch Taylor Kitsch said it himself that this is a make-or-break year for him. With two major releases, "John Carter" and "Battleship," resting largely on his shoulders, his future as a leading man could live or die with these movies. But based solely on his acting ability here, his record stands at one for one. While a lot of Carter shares a common ground with Kitsch's "Friday Night Lights" character Tim Riggins, the persona works and will ultimately be the one that defines his career. And that's fine by us. He handles even the most awkward Barsoom dialogue deftly and never fully shakes off the incredulous charm of Riggins. Some might call it one-note, but we call it personality. Lynn Collins One of the most frequent compliments coming out of critic screenings was for the female lead, Lynn Collins, who stars as the princess of Mars Dejah Thoris. Collins brings a lot of personality and strength to the type of role that typically lacks both. Dejah can handle herself on the battlefield and holds a few graduate degrees, but when it comes down to it, she reverts to damsel in distress mode. Collins, however, never falters and proves herself compulsively watchable in a role that will hopefully lead to bigger things for the actress. The Back Story People have been trying to make a "John Carter" movie since the 1930s. Now that someone's finally made the thing, the least you can do is see it. But in all seriousness, the original Edgar Rice Burroughs stories inspired an untold number of similar science fiction and fantasy works, movies, books and films that you most likely know and love. Generations of fans have fallen in love with the Barsoom stories, and while the "John Carter" film may not bring anything terribly new to the table visually, it's fascinating to see the origin story of an entire genre. Action When "Carter" works, it works well, and one of the biggest strengths of the film is the action sequences and set pieces. For a first-time live-action director, Andrew Stanton has quickly made a case for himself as a serious filmmaker, capable of a lot more than Pixar movies. The film looks beautiful, and there's no mistaking "John Carter" as anything but a movie directed by a skilled filmmaker. The action thrills but never overstays its welcome, packed into tight sequences that never feel gratuitous. Simple things like a clear sense of timing set the actual production of the film above most other big releases. Geek Factor In a time when most big budget films are "safe bets" made because of a "built-in audience," you simply have to respect a film that combines a fantasy premise and a complex plot (arguably, to a fault) and never once apologizes for just how geeky it is. Structurally, "John Carter" has serious flaws that significantly lessen the overall effectiveness of the film, but its earnestness and ambition are more than enough to entertain you, even for the bloated two hour and twenty minute running time. Talk Nerdy breaks down "John Carter" at the box office! Are you going to see "John Carter" this weekend? Let us know in the comments below and on Twitter!

Items to Watch on Super Tuesday

John Barrowman Captain Jack has came back! John Barrowman, best-recognized for playing the immortal Jack Harkness on Torchwood, has showed up a respected role in ABC's Gilded Lilys pilot from Shonda Rhimes, TVGuide.com knows exclusively. Pilot season: Have the scoop! The project is certainly an upstairs-downstairs think about the opening in the first true luxury hotel built-in NY City circa 1895. Barrowman may have Julius Ashford Lily, the golden boy in the exclusive Lily family opening the resort. He's mama's favorite boy, who's very charming, lucky and loose. As formerly introduced, John F. O'Byrne, Blythe Danner, Madeline Zima, Matt Lauria,Matt Extended, Brigid Brannagh, Maury Sterlingand Sarah Bolger may even star. The pilot was put together by KJ Steinberg (Gossip Girl, The Nine) with Rhimes and Betsy Ales (Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice) executive-creating.

Ratings Pit Of Debt: Who You Think You are & Grimm Rise, Gifted Guy Bows Out

NBC’s Who You Think You are? (1.5/5 in grownups 18-49, 7.6 000 0000 audiences) elevated an impressive 50% in grownups 18-49 from the other day to write its best demo result in 24 several weeks and greatest audience ever, that is good news for ABC. That’s because the ratings for shows like WDYTYA are carefully connected using the celebrity featured in each and every episode. Last evening, it absolutely was Reba McEntire who shown her ongoing drawing energy much like ABC is planning a comedy pilot along with her for next fall. NBC’s ratings gains moved to 9 PM where Grimm (1.7/5) was up 13% from the other day, once again showing it will well when its run is interrupted, something it is rarely become up to now. Grimm appeared to become aided since it is time slot rival Fringe, which targets similar audience, is on hiatus. At 10 PM, Dateline (1.3/4) was flat. CBS’ Undercover Boss (2./7, 9.6 000 0000) was up a tenth from the other day and used to be more the most effective program in the evening in 18-49. The summer season and most likely the series finale from the Gifted Guy (1.4/4, 9.7 million) also was up a tenth, while Blue Bloods (1.7/5, 11.4 million), once again most likely probably the most seen program in the evening, was flat. ABC’s Shark Tank (1.7/6) wound up a tenth against Undercover Boss and WDYTYA, no matter the fourth reality series inside the hour, Fox’s Kitchen Bad dreams or nightmares, airing a repeat. But all of ABC’s newsmagazines, Primetime: How Would You Act (1.7/5) and 20/20 (1.6/5) were up double amounts, helping ABC (1.7/5, 5.9 million) to tie CBS (1.7/5, 10.2 million) for No.1 among grownups 18-49 for your evening. Fox broadcast all-reruns.