As someone who never read the book or really was all that familiar with it, I was pleasantly surprised by the film. The trailers and promotion for the film didn’t entice my interest all that much as an outsider to the story. So I came into the film not quite sure what I would get, but I wasn’t expecting all that much. While it has some problems and seems rushed, Ender’s Game is for the most part quite an enjoyable ride.
In the year 2086, earth is attacked by an alien race known as the Formics. Humans won the war, but not without feeling the effects of the attack. So a program known as the International Fleet began prepping for any potential future invasions by recruiting and training the brightest young minds that earth has to offer. Their modeled to be like former war hero Mazer Rackham (Ben Kingsley) who sacrificed him in the final battle in order to bring an end to the war.
Ender (Asa Butterfield) is recruited by International Fleet chosen to attend the Battle School in order to see if he possesses the skills necessary to possible lead a fleet in battle if the time came. He’s recruited by Colonel Graff (Harrison Ford) as well as Major Gwen Anderson (Viola Davis). Graff is tough, military-first type of leader that sees infinite potential in Ender. We see Ender quickly rise up the ranks of his class, befriending other students such as Bean (Aramis Knight) and Petra Arkanian (Hailee Steinfeld). We learn that he has a close relationship with his sister Valentine (Abigail Breslin), but had a frictioned relationship with his violent brother Peter (Jimmy Pinchak).
Director and screenwriter Gavin Hood is given a tough task in trying to turn a 384-page book into a 114 minute film. From what I can tell, he did his best to try and incorporate all he could into the film’s brief run-time, but the film ultimately felt rushed and failed to deliver the character development and familiarity that these characters seemed to deserve. We don’t really get much time with Ender’s parents, and the relationship with Valentine and Peter seem to have great importance to Ender and the story, but don’t get as much attention as they should have. We are introduced to many characters such as fellow students or commanders/leaders, but the interactions are a bit too brief to really bite down and chew on. Some denser relationships with a few characters may have been more beneficial.
The good news is the cast delivers the goods. Asa Butterfield is a revelation as Ender, playing to both the characters impeccable with and emotional vulnerability of a child thrown into an adults game. Harrison Ford is a perfect fit for the tough Colonel Graff, and is thunderous at times. Hailee Steinfeld once again acts well above her age, doing the most with every scene that she is in. There is also good work from Viola Davis, Moises Arias and Ben Kingsley in their limited minutes.
Visually, the film is out of this world. The scenes where Ender is in class leading battle simulations are incredibly detailed and vivid, putting you entirely into this world. There’s also an appropriate sci-fi influenced score (that reminded me a bit of Oblivion, another sci-fi film from this year). I just wish the character development and emotional connection was as strong. Usually a long run-time is a complaint, but Ender’s Game could have benefited from some more minutes of screen-time. Just shy of two hours, the film feels too brief. An extra twenty to thirty minutes could have added some more depth and aided the flow of the film.
When it’s all said and done, Ender’s Game gets it right for the most part. Even with its faults, I did enjoy the film and walked away pleased. Being one of the people who didn’t read the novel, I’d say that Gavin Hood got something right, as I am probably not in the minority. It was an enjoyable ride that plays out well, and is visually stunning. It was a great effort that leaves room for the possible sequels that are more than likely.
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