Ender's Game (2013)

[thewrongvine]

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The International Military seek out a leader who can save the human race from an alien attack. Ender Wiggin, a brilliant young mind, is recruited and trained to lead his fellow soldiers into a battle that will determine the future of Earth.​

Director: Gavin Hood​

Writers: Gavin Hood (screenplay), Orson Scott Card (based on the book Ender's Game by)​

Stars: Harrison Ford, Asa Butterfield, Hailee Steinfeld​

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Saw this at an advance screening the other night. Mah thoughts:​

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Review of Ender's Game ​

[7/10] Solid and Spectacular​

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Seeing Ender's Game on the big screen was definitely a great experience, a film worth paying for for the sake of the theater setting. I have not read the books myself, but friends who have told me of the differences throughout. Overall, the film provides a smooth and engaging ride for viewers of all ages.

The story is fast-paced - apparently skipping/condensing parts of the book which is no surprise - and will keep you interested the whole time. There is a nice blend of scenes with great and intense action and emotional drama. This comes from of course the solid writing and the performances from the cast, all of whom did excellently. It was a treat to see Harrison Ford in space again and the children held their own even with the adults (though Moises Arias as Bonzo was a bit amusing). I'm not sure how I feel about Ben Kingsley as Mazer Rackham either.

It's also not a surprise though that the special effects in this film are fantastic, which is a given with a space and war film. At times, the action may get a bit cluttered with the battle scenes, but if you can keep up, it's quite exciting.

Towards the end of the film, it becomes obvious the film's set-up for sequels, and I personally would welcome a franchise. The film stands solidly throughout which is how I would best describe it - it's not the best that it can be, and listening to those who have read the books, it seems to sometimes fall short from the themes and heart of the originals. Regardless, Ender's Game is a good start, and I recommend seeing this for a 2 hours of enjoyment.

 

[ertaboy356b]

Nice review.. I'm looking forward into it though I won't be able to watch it on IMAX since I'll be back on my hometown by the time this movie arrive here (There's no IMAX from where I came from).

 

[KaerfNomekop]

I read a few reviews that said the ending was a bit rushed... did you get a similar feeling?

 

[thewrongvine]

I read a few reviews that said the ending was a bit rushed... did you get a similar feeling?

I could see that. At 2 hours, it's on the average/long side of big films. To fit the length of the book, it goes like: the beginning will start you off quickly and waste no time, then you have a large middle chunk, then the ending comes as quickly as the beginning. It's rushed but in the way that they are trying to fit a lot in in a short amount of time. Also the ending is a bit different than in the books so there's also more than just in the book.

So overall, you've got a no-time-wasted intro that sets the scene, all the middle parts and action that take up most of the time, then a lot of things going on in the end very quickly that keep you pumped and almost feeling like it's not over - however, they do that I believe so they can start a sequel and franchise.

 

[FireCat]

Hmm.. Where's the Aliens?

 

[Accname]

I just found one.