Great, but what about the "Game", the Commanders and Laser Tag?

Rating: 8/10 (6 November 2013)

Wondering whether to see the movie? Yes definitely, but ideally at least read the short story first, it is posted on hatrack.com (the author's website) hidden a few menus deep.
Fans of the book may share my puzzlement on some of the director's choices...
I had anticipated much more attention on the "game" and it's wonderful premise of laser-tag in null-G. I had expected at least a half hour of battle scenes with colorful dramatizations of each of the commanders and an opportunity to see military tactics visualized in exciting action. I figured it would make kids want to run out and apply for Officer's Candidate School.
I had expected to be so energized by battle that I would rush out and buy little action figure "armies" for Dragon, Rat, Griffon, etc and stage mock battles; maybe even in a "battle room" then sit there and practice all the tactics I had learned.
I also thought that the "simulator" battle games would be so engaging as to make me salivate for the Xbox 360 version.
I figured that the movie would revitalize laser tag centers around the world, inspiring them to redecorate to look like the Battleroom and host tons of kids wanting to relive the movie.
Alas... almost none of the military and "game" aspects of the story. Instead we got a fairly "standard" sci-fi movie focusing on special effects and interpersonal drama. It's pretty good at doing that, and quite enjoyable; I just had hoped that the director would focus on the things that make Ender's Game unique.
Note to fans! Ender's Game was also released this month as a 7-hour "audio play" (like old-time radio dramas.) See hatrack.com to link to getting it from Amazon or Audible. It is awesome!