Nearly 25 Years in the Making: A Remarkably Different Sci-Fi Film

Rating: 8/10 (30 October 2013)

Saw this at a preview screening last night and enjoyed it tremendously. Unlike viewers who had already read the novel by the same name after its release almost 25 years ago, I saw the film without any preconceived notions. Taken on its own terms, this is a well crafted movie that superficially appears to be a remake of The Last Starfighter, but is MUCH more complex. The U.S. Army recommends its officers read the novel as a treatise on leadership and morality in war.
I encourage viewers to be patient while we are walked through the obligatory training sequences of fresh-faced recruits. There are encounters with nasty young officers, tough NCOs, and progressively more difficult tactical challenges. Of course Ender Wiggins rises to the top through mentorship by his commander, played by Harrison Ford. The twist here is that these recruits are so young. There is a pivotal exchange between Ender and his commander about the ends justifying the means and how our conduct while waging war is a reflection of society itself. We are clearly being asked to look beyond the rhetoric about the frighteningly powerful, "evil," inhuman enemy and think about the millions of children pressed into service in present day earthly conflicts.
The director has done a fine job of breathing life into this multilayered story. It moves quickly and all its actors give fine performances - although I was shocked to see that Oscar winner Ben Kingsley was given so little to do. Even so, his subtle performance and perfect New Zealand accent were a standout. This isn't an effects driven movie, but there are lots of explosions, cool technology and brilliant visuals for those seeking such things. I saw the film in IMAX format and thought it was a distraction rather than being immersive. Seeing it in a regular theater is likely to be a more rewarding experience. The movie's climactic battle scene is breathtaking - not only for its ferocity but as the foundation for a surprise ending that literally changes the entire context of the film up to that point.
The author of Ender's Game stubbornly resisted previous attempts to translate his book to film. He co-authored the screenplay and produced this fine project. There were several other novels in this series and I hope we can look forward to equally excellent sequels. Highly recommended as a thinking man's alternative to big budget blow-em up Hollywood blockbusters.