Ender's Game (2013)

Written by guest blogger contributor Bryan R.

Ender's Game: An epic, thought-provoking tale about a young boy ostracized by his peers who attempts to overcome the odds with cunning and tenacity, is converted into a fast-paced, eye-opening spectacle about a teen-age boy ostracized by his peers who attempts to overcome the odds with cunning and tenacity. (yes I meant to repeat myself)

This one is hard. I've read the book by Orson Scott Card, so this review will be somewhat bias. So much of the book is describing what is inside Ender's head, while most of the movie is depicting what is inside Ender's heart.

The book is a quick read, but not because of it's length; you just can't put it down. Despite the films accuracy, there is so much in the book that was cut out from the film for speed's sake that if you watch this after reading the book it will feel rushed. That being said, if you read the book after watching the movie, it might have a lingering visual of Ender that conflicts with the novel.

Things that were good: Cinematography, directing, screen play (as good/accurate as it could be in 2 hrs), costume, set design.

So many things were done right with the visuals; AMAZING! From the combat suits to the life-like, computer-animated aliens; there really is a feeling of present meets future while not distracting you from the story.  The training room scenes leave you wanting to see more, while the swarm of alien ships during battle scenes displays the immensity of their situation while depicting a bug-like behavior.

If I were to nit-pick about anything visually, it would be the lack of dimensions during the final battle. Despite the constant reminders throughout the story that space has no definite up or down, the director still chose to display it two dimensionally: left to right. Also, the space ships were designed with the traditional form, in my opinion, an artistic design slip.

Harrison Ford who plays Colonel Graff, does a good job of portraying the stress of the decisions a military leader has to make. He does look a little out of the age bracket for a Colonel though.

It's unfortunate, but the worst thing about this movie was the casting of Ender Wiggin, played by Asa Butterfield. First of all, one of the most fascinating aspects about the original story was how mentally advanced the children were. The book starts off with Ender showing his genius at age 6. The film, however, portrays Ender somewhere between 12-14, which is awkwardly noticeable when Butterfield stands next to Ford. Putting his age aside, Butterfield's acting lacks a passion to counter his fury. The times when he is enraged are well played, but when it came to suffering and compassion, he lacks energy. It also seems like some of his words get lost in his mouth. Other than that he was excellent.

Ender's Game Trailer