I didn't see that when it came out, heard it was a flop, and disregarded it for years. Then we watched it over winter break a few years ago, and it's basically the same as Phantom Menace - pretty good action, pretty good but dated effects, pretty ok but miscast lead actor, pretty clunky plot. It might have lost a ton of money, but it's like a B- movie at worst.
But that's the thing. The B-movie budget usually lends a hand in doling some B-movie charms. But Carter didn't, it felt so bland. Maybe I should give it another chance?
If you enjoy the Phantom Menace for any reason, you'll probably enjoy John Carter.
I loved that movie, and everyone I know at least liked it, a lot.
It flopped because of The Lorax, and THAT was massively disappointing.
It also had poor advertising and, reportedly, the director overestimated John Carter's name recognition as a character. Yes, he was a character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs (a name people might recognize, but not be able to place) who also created Tarzan (a name people would recognize). But no connection was brought up between Tarzan (popular, well-known) and John Carter (unknown by the time of the movie).