MOVIE REVIEW: ENDER’S GAME

Rating: PG 13

Genre: Action/Adventure/Sci Fi

Trinistargirl rating:♥♥♥♥ ♥ (3/5)

Cast: Harrison Ford, Ben Kingsley, Asa Butterfield, Hailee Steinfield, Viola Davis, Abigail Breslin

Ender’s Game is a Science Fiction movie based on the novel written by Orson Scott Card in the 80′s. First things first, I have a severe bias with regards to Harrison Ford, blame it on Star Wars or Indiana Jones or both for all I care. That being said I have to say that I enjoyed this movie and it’s rather unique spin on inter galactic warfare. It seemed vaguely reminiscent of the Hunger Games and the Nickelodeon game show Legends of the Hidden Temple (which of course came later). The plot revolves around the selection of young adults with military training via war based video games. These select few are prospects to avenge the Earth following an extra terrestrial attack which resulted in the loss o f millions. The main focus being on children’s ability to apply military tactics and strategy in a series of games.

Harrison Ford’s role is to select the contender he deems the most suitable for the upcoming defensive military attack against the invaders at their home world. Viola Davis is the in house shrink, Ben Kingsley the mentor both of whom must help mold Ender to become the ultimate military strategist and prevent all future attacks against the Earth. The movie forces the viewer to question the morality of the impending war and the fine line between preventing extinction and protecting childhood innocence.

Overall I’d recommend the movie if you enjoyed the Hunger Games, or if you simply enjoy science fiction. If you have read the book please be advised (per my husband’s view) the movie pales in comparison to the book. Shocker right? I think we need to identify and accept the fact that movies based on novels are simply a representation of the essence of a novel. I should mention that this book is one in the complete series by the author..Sequel perhaps? The movie was fairly successful at the box office but no word yet on the possibility of a move based on the second novel.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, did you enjoy this movie?