There will be primarily two opinions about this Science-fiction film: a) that it's a soulless effects vehicle that is ripping off the big success films of the genre and b) that it's a fun escapist adventure with plenty to see that entertains you well while it lasts. They're both right.

Considering the age of the source material it is safe to assume the book influenced a lot of the beloved Sci-Fi films this adaptation seems to imitate. Then again, several scenes are very similar to things we've seen in recent years. The arena fight scenes from the trailer already reminded a lot of the Geonosis scenes from Star Wars Episode 2 and the full sequence in the film still does. The plot of a stranger being thrown in the midst of a conflict and helping the good side to win is not particularly original either.

So what's on the plus side, then? There are moments of brilliance, like the sequence of Carter single-handedly battling a charging army while remembering his family's fate. The production design is original, fun and looks great. And who would have thought James Purefoy would be responsible for some of the film's biggest laughs? Some special effects look better than others, but the majority is fine, even if far from en par with Avatar. The action scenes are spread wide throughout the film but not particularly long or as many as the trailer suggested, especially the showdown falls a bit short. There are quite a few conversations that could have used some trimming to make it a film of 15 minutes less running time. Thankfully, the last ten minutes are great and make up for the short end battle.

So, where does that leave us? With a film that will have a hard time bringing in the money it cost, because word of mouth will not (only) be positive. The film is too chatty and complicated for the younger kids and too silly for real grown-ups. Everyone in between who loves escapist swashbuckling space adventures could have a good time with this, it's a matter of personal taste and perspective.

7 out of 10 super fast toad dogs.