Vids: Ender’s Game Review (Spoiler Free)

Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card has taken a long time to ma*Master bill typeke it to the big screen. It initially originated as a short story that was published in 1977 in Analog Science Fiction and Fact and eventually became a novel in 1985. Legions of fans have waited for the story to make it from the written word to film.

 

Ender’s Game is written for the screen and directed by Gavin Hood (Tsotsi, X‐Men Origins: Wolverine), based on the book titled Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card. It stars Academy Award® nominee Harrison Ford (Witness, Actor in a Leading Role, 1985; Star Wars), Asa Butterfield (Hugo, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas), Academy Award® nominee Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit, Actress in a Supporting Role, 2010), Academy Award®nominee Viola Davis (The Help, Actress in a Leading Role, 2011; Doubt) and Academy Award® nominee Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine, Actress in a Supporting Role, 2006; Zombieland) and Academy Award® winner Sir Ben Kingsley (Gandhi, Actor in a Leading Role, 1982; Iron Man 3).

 

I first read Enders Game back in the early 90s.  I found the book riveting.  The Enders Shadow series came out and I fell in love with the characters all over again.  This movie has been trying to get made for more than a decade.  I was elated when I heard it was finally coming to the big screen with Orson Scott Card’s endorsement.  I knew from interviews with him that the movie was to be a blend of Enders Game and Enders shadow due largely to the fact the most of Enders Game takes place in Ender’s head.  I the cast names were released I was happy with all the choices.  The movie was poised to be either a great film or a major disappointment.   So with elation and a bit of fear I settled into my seat to see what had become of one of my favorite books.

I watched the film seeing the things changed and left out with a critical eye; made a few soft objections about small details missed or changed that I personally thought were important but in reality weren’t integral to the story.  When the film ended I found I enjoyed it and recommend it to both non Ender readers and Ender readers alike.  I understand the changes they made.  I was disappointed that things I thought were important or thought were cool were left out.  I think the film stands by itself as a good adaptation of the novel.  Go see it and enjoy.

-Michael Allport

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