Ender's Game

MORE SCI-FI!!!!!!   Always wanting MORE MORE MORE!

Even better when you find GOOD Sci-fi, and Ender's Game delivers on all levels.  It's based on the book by Orson Scott Card and Directed by South African Gavin Hood who has done other quite large studio flicks like X-men:Origins and Rendition. I loved every minute of it, but I have a feeling this one won't be for everyone.

I'm a complete sucker for good kids movies.  And 99.9% of these were created in the 80's and early 90's.  Growing up during this time was obviously a large contributing factor to this opinion however I don't think anyone can argue that the movies made back then just had some sort of charm that we rarely see these days (sorry I know Guy and I crap on about the 80's a lot, but hey :).  With the incredible animation and special effects we enjoy today the studio's are creating for a completely different children's market and I understand our older movies wouldn't "cut it" for today's younger audience.  This is why I am so impressed with 'Ender's Game'.  It uses all the modern tricks but still captures the essence of a good 80's story telling.  There's no unnecessary violence or gore, no swearing - just a great story presented beautifully and paced to perfection.

So what's it about?  If you're old enough you will remember a movie called 'The Last Star Fighter'.  Very similar story elements between the two.  Set in the future where Earth has survived a large scale invasion by a race known as the 'Formics' and is preparing to go on the offensive to prevent future attacks.  Humans have learned that children possess superior decision making skills during battle so are trained to lead and fight at an early age.  The best of these are promoted to the top of the academy to lead the attack on the enemy.  Ender Wiggin is one such candidate and the story follows his progression through the academy and eventual role in the attack.

'Ender's Game' is just a good fun movie.  Wiggin, played by Asa Butterfield,  is a very likable character and by the end of the film I was sold on him being a born leader and strategist.  Harrison Ford was pretty decent as Colonel Graff, man he's looking old though. Poor Indy.  Ben Kingsley's character Mazar Rackham was completely destroyed by Kingsey's terrible attempt of a New Zealand accent, it was actually quite hilarious.  It probably doesn't sound too bad for those not familiar with the accent, like Leo's South African accent in Blood Diamond which was apparently terrible but sounded good to me.  Anyway, at the very least he is good for a couple of laughs.

Like all modern day big budget movies the cinematography is top notch and special effects seamlessly crisp.  The action scene's were incredibly well shot, and contrary to current trends were not rushed or over edited.  Just overall a damn enjoyable watch!   A reminder again this is a kids movie so if you take your Sci-Fi a bit too seriously then maybe give it a miss.  Personally I love having a few reds and letting myself be young again!

8/10

IMDB Info