Hatchet reporter Ben Marks shares his latest cinematic experience. 

“Ender’s Game” 2013

★★★1/2✰✰

Before there were Hunger Games, there was Ender’s Game.

Based on the novel by Orson Scott Card, Ender’s Game stands as one of the best sci-fi films in quite some time. Directed by Gavin Hood, the film follows the adventures of Andrew “Ender” Wiggin, a boy who grows up in a world threatened by an alien race known as the Formics. He enters a government program designed to turn kids into military leaders – and then there’s the matter of fulfilling his vaguely prophetic destiny of saving the entire human race.

The film is both entertaining and thought provoking. One moment Ender is flying through space shooting light guns at Battle School students, and the next he is contemplating the ethics of intergalactic military intervention. Now that’s what I call good writing.

The acting in this movie is equally impressive. Ender is both vulnerable and deadly, and Asa Butterfield portrays both aspects of the character flawlessly. Additionally, veteran actors Harrison Ford and Viola Davis have great chemistry on screen as Colonel Graff and Major Anderson.

 My only complaint is that at times it felt rushed. Ender advances in his program extremely quickly, taking time away from the gravity of his promotions. We also never see his relationships with other students in the program fully develop, making some of the final scenes less impactful than they could have been.

All in all, Ender’s Game was a great movie experience. The story was exciting. The acting was convincing. Steve Jablonsky’s soundtrack will have you sitting at the edge of your seat. Most importantly, this movie will make you think.

Genre: Sci-fi

Director: Gavin Hood

Cast: Asa Butterfield, Viola Davis, Harrison Ford

Release date: November 1st 2013