ENDER’S GAME  3.0***

 

 

 

       "Ender's Game"   is a military science fiction film based on Orson Scott Card's 1985 very popular  novel of the same name which I have not read and thus had no preconceived notions about the story. It stars  Asa Butterfield as Ender and  Harrison Ford,  Hailee Steinfeld, Abigail Breslin and Ben Kingsley.

The story takes place years after a nearly successful alien invasion of the Earth. The aliens (ant like creatures) were eventually defeated by the courage and skill of a single fighter pilot-in the right place at the right time, kind of like Randy Quaid in 'Independence Day'. After the near catastrophe, Earth decided that it would be best if they started preparing to defend against a return invasion…. after all, you know how ants always come back. Harrison Ford is the Commander in charge of recruiting and training. He  was decided that the best strategy for fighting another battle  would be to use young cadets (12 to18) , since they have the ability to think fast and  have fast reflexes.  Ender (Butterfield) is the top contender and is sent through the arduous  training with the other teens.. The training sessions resemble video gaming and there is more to the storyline than you would expect, including a discussion of the dilemmas and morality of war.

The director has done a fine job of breathing life into this multilayered story. It moves quickly and all its actors give fine performances  This isn't just a visual effects driven movie although there are lots of explosions, cool technology and brilliant visuals. I saw the film in IMAX format and that enhances the effects but not much would be lost by seeing it in a regular theater .The movie's climactic battle scene is breathtaking - not only for its ferocity but as the foundation for a surprise ending that  changes the context of the film up to that point.

Harrison Ford is good as a the Commander who is determined to save humanity at any cost. His philosophy is cold, direct and dangerous. By contrast, Ender is  innocent (but not naïve), brilliant, and more in tune with the sanctity of life whether human or alien. And so there is a huge contrast between the two characters which becomes even greater after the final battle. .

It's rated "PG-13" for the action and violence and has a running time of 1 hour & 54 minutes

Clark

NOTE: The US Army and the Marine Corps have 'Ender's Game' on their recommended reading list for officers because of the lessons in training methodology, leadership and ethics

 

NOTE: I may not have seen this movie if I had not had an Imax Power Pass. The Power Pass costs $45 for a calendar year and all documentaries are free and all Hollywood movies are only $5. Also all pass holders go to the front of the waiting line. Great deal.