John Carter (2012) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
John Carter is a war-weary, former military captain who's inexplicably transported to the mysterious and exotic planet of Barsoom (Mars) and reluctantly becomes embroiled in an epic conflict. It's a world on the brink of collapse, and Carter rediscovers his humanity when he realizes the survival of Barsoom and its people rests in his hands.
Rated PG-13 • 2012 • 2h 12m
John Carter is a PG-13 science-fiction epic featuring intense fantasy combat, stylized alien creatures, and sustained action sequences. The story follows a Civil War captain transported to Mars who becomes a central figure in a planetary war, necessitating frequent displays of combat prowess. Parents should be aware of recurring war-related violence, including decapitations and arm-severing, as well as several scenes of intense… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is John Carter appropriate for kids?
John Carter is a PG-13 science-fiction epic featuring intense fantasy combat, stylized alien creatures, and sustained action sequences. The story follows a Civil War captain transported to Mars who becomes a central figure in a planetary war, necessitating frequent displays of… Read more — free account
Content severity in John Carter
What happens in John Carter, moment by moment
- 0:12 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
- 0:25 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:40 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
Sex and nudity in John Carter
Mild. There is one brief romantic kiss and a character has fleeting rear-end nudity in a non-sexual context. A female character wears a costume that shows skin on her legs and stomach.
Violence and gore in John Carter
Moderate to Strong. The film features frequent, high-stakes fantasy combat including sword fighting, heavy weaponry, and alien creature attacks. Notable instances include a character being decapitated, an arm being severed with visible blue fluid, and creatures being torn apart. These scenes are intense and sometimes gruesome for a PG-13 rating.
Language in John Carter
Mild. The dialogue includes infrequent use of words like 'hell', 'damn', 'goddamn', and 'stupid'.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in John Carter
None. There is a single, incidental scene involving a character consuming a drink.
Mature themes in John Carter
Moderate. The film deals with the death of family members, the consequences of war, and the loss of a wife and child, which are central emotional drivers for the lead character.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is John Carter appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests John Carter is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. John Carter is a PG-13 science-fiction epic featuring intense fantasy combat, stylized alien creatures, and sustained action sequences. The story follows a Civil War captain transported to Mars who becomes a central…
What age rating does John Carter have?
John Carter is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is John Carter about?
John Carter is a PG-13 science-fiction epic featuring intense fantasy combat, stylized alien creatures, and sustained action sequences. The story follows a Civil War captain transported to Mars who becomes a central figure in a planetary war, necessitating frequent displays of combat prowess. Parents should be aware…
Is there sex or nudity in John Carter?
Mild. There is one brief romantic kiss and a character has fleeting rear-end nudity in a non-sexual context. A female character wears a costume that shows skin on her legs and stomach.
How violent is John Carter?
Moderate to Strong. The film features frequent, high-stakes fantasy combat including sword fighting, heavy weaponry, and alien creature attacks. Notable instances include a character being decapitated, an arm being severed with visible blue fluid, and…
Is the language in John Carter appropriate for kids?
Mild. The dialogue includes infrequent use of words like 'hell', 'damn', 'goddamn', and 'stupid'.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in John Carter?
None. There is a single, incidental scene involving a character consuming a drink.
What mature themes appear in John Carter?
Moderate. The film deals with the death of family members, the consequences of war, and the loss of a wife and child, which are central emotional drivers for the lead character.
How long is John Carter?
John Carter runs 132 minutes, directed by Andrew Stanton, released in 2012.
Where can I read the full John Carter parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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