Ender's Game Movie Review

Category: Popcorn Movie

 

I have been waiting to watch this movie and quite anxious to watch it since it has been opened in the US for quite some time. The thing that amazes me is how technology has evolved especially in the special effects department. Ender's Game did not disappoint in that area. The actor playing the lead is fortunate to be surrounded with amazing, talented actors/actress which included Harrison Ford, Viola Davis, Abigail Breslin to name a few. On the other hand, Asa Butterfield is tailor- made to play Ender in this film. I haven't read the book but the way he played his character in the big screen sealed the deal for me.

 

Watching Ender's Game is like watching Hunger Games but in a bigger scale. The military are recruiting 15 year olds to spearhead their campaign against an alien race. Training them to be assassins at an early age. Not exactly an ideal childhood. What is even more amazing is children during that time are very keen in getting recruited to the prestigious battle school and if you fail, the disappointment is clearly etched and felt by everyone. Meaning the whole family. Now that is disturbing. However, this is an ideal arrangements because as explained in the film, children are gifted "game players" which is an important requirement in battle school. Apparently, those who plays plenty of Xbox and PlayStation now are likely to have better future than those who doesn't during that particular era.

 

A lot of people can actually learn from Ender's character. He uses his mind rather than his fists in defeating his enemies. Learn their flaws and strengths and using it to "destroy" them. And that is coming from a 15 year old boy! I am not sure if that is realistic. It's great to watch Harrison Ford in a science fiction action film again. He commands the screen and has great chemistry with the young actor. I am not sure why the director did not utilize Viola Davis too much though. Why cast her if she only has limited time screen I wonder?

 

What I love about the film is it is not all superficial and there is actually a lot of substance. I enjoyed the "battles" quite a lot and looking forwarding to watching it again. Cannot wait for the Bluray! I highly recommend anyone to watch it. It's pretty great and enjoyable to watch and wishing that they will do a sequel for this one.

 

Rating: 8.5/10