REVIEW: ENDER'S GAME

The science-fiction genre in films is my favourite to review. As a kid, my love for movies is very much influenced by science-fiction films such as the Star Wars and Back to the Future film series. I also liked to read science-fiction books as a kid, and one of them is Ender's Game. I vaguely remember the contents of what I read but I do remember how the central character of the story had strong moral values which taught a thing or two to me about life.

Ender's Game is a series of books written by Orson Scott Card. It has now been adapted to film by producers Alex Kurtzman ad Roberto Orci. Ender's Game is written and directed by Gavin Hood (X-Men Origins: Wolverine). The film stars Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford, Hailee Steinfeld, Viola Davis, Abigail Breslin, and Ben Kingsley.

Will this novel adaptation satisfy someone like me who has read the book? Do read on...

Harrison Ford as Colonel Graff facing off Asa Butterfiled as Ender

SYNOPSIS:
During the late 21st century, there was an attempted invasion of Earth from an alien race called the Formics. Earth forces managed to defeat the invaders and resulted in taking precautionary measures by establishing the International Fleet in case the aliens return. Fast forward a few years, a young cadet named Andrew 'Ender' Wiggin (Asa Butterfield) is singled out as the chosen who could possibly lead a battle against the Formics. Ender's superiors put him through various rigorous training and battle situations in order to mold him into becoming a commander.

Ender (Butterfield) and Colonel Gruff (Ford) before a training simulation

SCRIPT:
In my opinion (and as I have mentioned in previous blog postings), science fiction film writing can contain a lot of scientific jargon which I feel might disinterest the audience. For this film, it is a bit of both. At some parts, there were some technical jargons that we need to follow but it was not overdone and kept to a minimal. Other dialogues were easy to understand. Good characterization of the main leads Butterfield and Ford. Very-well told stories of positive moral values within the script.

Asa Butterfield in the lead role as Andrew 'Ender' Wiggin

ACTING:
Strong performance from Asa Butterfield (that boy from Martin Scorsese's Hugo) as the lead character Ender. Pretty good performance from Harrison Ford too, especially during scenes when it was intense. The supporting cast fared well. This film reunites Asa Butterfield and his Hugo co-star Ben Kingsley.

Director Gavin Hood on the set with Asa Butterfield

FILMING:
Nice work by director Gavin Hood. Though the book as I remembered it had more violence and action, this was toned down a little bit to aim to younger viewers. He utilized the visual effects well as a good support to the story. The visual effects was pretty well done, I mean of course it is, the main visual effects company is the renowned Digital Domain. There's a decent amount of action but only towards the end.

Part of the simulation training room in the film

PACING:
The movie gets straight into the motif the very first 10 minutes. It was good and garnered interest. It got a little draggy in the middle. However, it did make it up with a decent climactic ending.

TONE (MOOD):
A young teenage boy who is believed to be a 'chosen one' learns how to become a military leader while discovering himself in the process.

Hailee Steinfeld as Petra Arkanian during a scene in the film

DOWSIDE:
Might not be the cup of tea for non science-fiction fans. Quite a lot of talk in the middle.

UPSIDE:
Pretty good underlying themes of leadership, courage, and teamwork. These themes are strongly evident in the film.

Part of Ender's colleagues in the film.

OVERALL:
Enjoyable and a good popcorn film. Should be fun for adults and kids alike.

RATING:
7.5 out of 10