Skip to content

What we have here is a rousing boy's adventure story…

“What we have here is a rousing boy's adventure story, adapted from stories that Edgar Rice Burroughs cranked out for early pulp magazines. They lacked the visceral appeal of his Tarzan stories, which inspired an estimated 89 movies; amazingly, this is the first John Carter movie, but it is…” quote by Roger Ebert
Download Open image
“What we have here is a rousing boy's adventure story, adapted from stories that Edgar Rice Burroughs cranked out for early pulp magazines. They lacked the visceral appeal of his Tarzan stories, which inspired an estimated 89 movies; amazingly, this is the first John Carter movie, but it is intended to foster a franchise and will probably succeed.”

Roger Ebert

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The film adapts early pulp adventure, lacking Tarzan's visceral appeal, aiming to launch a franchise.

In simple terms: A new adventure film tries to start a series but feels less exciting than its inspiration.

Key Takeaway

Consider the challenges of reviving classic pulp stories.

Themes

film criticism adaptation franchise building

Mood

analytical critical

Type

critical analytical

When to use this quote

  • movie marketing
  • genre expectations
  • audience reception

Key Concepts

media studies literary adaptation

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can a franchise succeed without strong source material?
  • What makes a pulp story compelling today?
A Different Perspective

Success depends on balancing nostalgia with fresh storytelling.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Roger Ebert

Explore all 427 Roger Ebert quotes

More Adapted quotes

Browse all 300 Adapted quotes