“In the near future, a hostile alien race (called the Formics) have attacked Earth. If not for the legendary heroics of International Fleet Commander Mazer Rackham (Ben Kingsley), all would have been lost. In preparation for the next attack, the highly esteemed Colonel Hyrum Graff (Harrison Ford) and the International Military are training only the best young children to find the future Mazer. Ender Wiggin (Asa Butterfield), a shy, but strategically brilliant boy is pulled out of his school to join the elite. Arriving at Battle School, Ender quickly and easily masters increasingly difficult war games, distinguishing himself and winning respect amongst his peers. Ender is soon ordained by Graff as the military’s next great hope, resulting in his promotion to Command School. Once there, he’s trained by Mazer Rackham, himself, to lead his fellow soldiers into an epic battle that will determine the future of Earth and save the human race. Based on the best-selling, award winning novel, ENDER’S GAME is an epic adventure which stars Asa Butterfield, Hailee Steinfeld, Ben Kingsley, Viola Davis, with Abigail Breslin and Harrison Ford.” — (C) Summit
I love the book Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card and I have been excited to finally see it done on screen. Although I feel that the book is better and have many deep themes that cannot be portrayed on screen, as a fan, I think that the filmmakers did a great job bringing the story to the big screen.
The special effects in this movie were great. The book is a pretty violent story with many fights and battles. It was fun to see these different events play out on the big screen. From the training exercises in the battle room to the final alien battle at the end, it was really cool to see it on the screen.
The actors were great in this movie. All the younger actors did great with the complex story material. I think that Asa Butterfield was fantastic as Ender. He brought the complexity needed for Ender to the screen. You could see him portraying the inner battle that Ender has between violence and compassion. I really enjoyed Harrison Ford as Colonel Graff. He did a great job as he always does.
The movie follows the book well. Some things were cut but overall it is a great telling. People who are not familiar with the story material will be able to know what is going on and will not be lost in the story.
Ender’s Game does earn its PG-13 rating. It is pretty violent and it is hard to see children being responsible for that violence. I think that this movie would be appropriate for teenagers and adults but I would leave the younger kids home. It will be hard for them to understand the story and why kids are the ones fighting and not the adults.
I really enjoyed Ender’s Game and will recommend to others.
Ender’s Game gets bragging rights!!
