'Ender's Game' Review- Orson Scott Card's Masterpiece Heads To Cinemas

This film was released in 2013.

I have previously reviewed Orson Scott Card’s award winning novel Ender’s Game in preparation for the now released epic film directed by Gavin Hood. I have to say, I was not disappointed. While the out of touch film critics have given it mixed reviews (despite the move being number 1 at the box office), I give it a positive review.

Ender Wiggins (Asa Butterfield) is a rare kid. He’s a one of many child geniuses that the International Fleet has recruited in preparation for the return of the Formacs invasion fleet. During his training, Ender is treated differently than the other kids. While at school, he fights off bullies while his older brother tortures him emotionally at home.

He is recruited into Battle School by Colonel Graff (Harrison Ford), who works tirelessly to isolate him so that he can be tested to see if he is worthy to lead the Earth fleet into battle, he misses his sister Valentine (Abigail Breslin), his one true friend. Before long, he is recruited into Command School, but all is not what it seems.

The film features an all-star cast including: Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford, Viola Davis, Ben Kingsley, and they are all perfectly tailored for their roles. As a fan of the book, I was a little disappointed that some of the subplots of the novel were left out. One minor problem with the film is the pacing. It speeds up and then slows down with the Battle School segment taking most of the film.

That being said, I was genuinely entertained by this science fiction film. The special effects, especially from the Battle Room, were well-designed and detailed in a stunning way.

Bottom line, I appreciated the director keeping the themes of duty, courage, family, and deception. While Ender’s Game does not have the same impact that the book has, it does a good job of adapting what it could.

FAVORITE QUOTE: In the moment when I truly understand my enemy, understand him well enough to defeat him, then in that very moment I also love him.

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Violence, language, all including children

Check out the trailer below:

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, or anime you would like me to review.