The film adaptation of Orson Scott Card’s 1985 novel Ender’s Game is fantastic on its own, but fans of the book should be wary.  For those that have yet to read the story, Ender’s Game focuses on a young boy sent to a militaristic training camp in a futuristic society in order to defeat earth’s biggest foe: an alien, bug-like species known as the ‘Formics’. The book is action-packed and jumps quickly from scene to scene, yet several overarching themes, including the concepts of family and obedience, tie the book together.

        The film is incredible in terms of special effects and setting. Though some critics say these elements are contrived, the effects really help make the movie as vivid as the book was. The casting and acting was spot-on as well. Asa Butterfield, as Ender, was perfect for the role as the film’s conflicted young hero. Though the movie focuses almost exclusively on Ender, the actors and actresses who played the other young cadets were believable and intense.

        Ultimately, however, the film is difficult to appreciate if the viewer has not read the book. The film cut out the majority of Ender’s backstory, and ultimately eliminated the books familial theme. Additionally, some major plot elements, like the relationships between the cadets, were skimmed over and only touched on lightly. Another major difference is the portrayal of Ender himself. The film’s Ender is significantly more empathetic and considerate than the book’s version.

        Though the film does not exclusively follow the story line, as a stand-alone-feature, the action sequences are more than enough to make a great movie. Add to that the stellar casting and intriguing plot, and Ender’s Game is definitely a must see.

Gina’s Rating: ⅘