Ender's Game (2013)

Director: Gavin Hood
Starring: Harrison Ford, Asa Butterfield, Hailee Steinfeld

Synopsis:
Young Ender Wiggin is selected to attend Battle School, an elite training facility for the future military leaders in the ongoing war with the alien Formics.

Impressions:
I was a latecomer on the scene to Orson Scott Card's work, but I got a selection of his books for my birthday several years back. (I think you can see the boxed sets in one of the Mascot Monday vids.) I really liked the book, so I was looking forward to the prospect of a film adaptation. Casting Harrison Ford as Colonel Graff was just icing on the cake. I was there opening night and I was pleased with what I got. This movie is in many ways a pragmatic adaptation of the book and I can appreciate that. Some aspects of the book simply couldn't be put on screen and most of the omitted bits were just as well to be out. Asa Butterfield does well in the role of Ender and I also particularly liked Hailee Steinfeld as Petra. Aramis Knight as Bean was pretty good too. It goes without saying that seasoned actors like Harrison Ford and Ben Kingsley have strong performances as well. The special effects are quite good as well, so there's spectacle as well to add some spice. If you're a fan of the book, I don't think you'll be disappointed and even if you're not familiar with the source material, this film is well worth watching.

Rating:
Watch It