From the trailer, you might not believe that John Carter has the makings of a classic. Yet, through a memorable blend of CGI and down-to-earth storytelling, the film anticipates many of the expectations an audience member may have, while surpassing them with the truest sense of efficacy. On the surface, it may involve buying a new dictionary to sort out all the names mentioned, but that shouldn’t be an obstacle. Dig beneath the surface and there’s real entertainment value to be found here. Among the many pleasures this film has to offer is a dog-like creature which resembles something between a giant bulldog and Jabba the Hut. This computer generated gem steals the show. Apart from its appearance, most viewers are likely to get a chuckle from watching the thing scurry along the landscape like a whippet on speed.

Following the preliminary set-piece on Earth -- which has secondary importance to the main action -- John Carter (Taylor Kitsch) ends up on Mars. Initially distrusted by an alien race, he soon masters the difference in gravity and amazes all by leaping high into the Martian sky. He then forges an alliance with Princess Dejah Thoris (the delectable Lynn Collins). In the process, he becomes the mortal enemy of Sab Than (Dominic West), a warrior who promises a truce between the two cities if Dejah will accept his hand in marriage.

On the strength of John Carter, director Andrew Stanton -- best known for animation subjects like Finding Nemo -- proves he should do more live action material. He takes the time to introduce humour, such as when the Tharks -- a tall race of Martians -- mistake John’s real name for his chosen home, Virginia. Stanton’s control over the visual effects, editing and music puts him in line with contemporaries George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. For sheer storytelling ability, he may be the new kid on the block.

Although the acting borders on naivety, both Kitsch and his leading lady Collins conduct themselves in perfect order. Their chemistry, like the sun which revolves around the Earth, radiates warmth as well as variation. Collins neither pretends to be a damsel-in-distress nor does she work too hard in gaining our attention. She’s feisty without being overbearingly so. Likewise, Kitsch makes an appealing leading man, an action hero of substance. He’s the real deal, flying in the face of convention, an area known to most audiences through show-offs like Iron Man and even Thor.

Composer Michael Giacchino illustrates that rare sense of genius, too. Plus, it’s nice to see a project like John Carter challenging someone with his hidden talents. Giacchino’s compositions stand out in comparison to James Horner’s Avatar and many others like it.

(Released by Walt Disney Pictures and rated "PG-13" for intense sequences of violence and action.)